Smart Lock Installation Questions

Not always. Many smart locks fit the existing deadbolt bore and use the current holes. Drilling is only needed when the lock model or door setup does not match the existing openings, something the fit check identifies before any work begins.

Some smart locks require an extension kit for doors thicker than 1-3/4 inches. The installer measures door thickness at the start of the job so the correct kit is sourced before the existing deadbolt is removed.

The most common causes are a misaligned strike plate, low batteries, or app pairing steps left incomplete. A proper fit includes testing the deadbolt throw, strike plate engagement, keypad codes, and app access before the installer leaves.

A worn or binding deadbolt can prevent the smart lock from throwing fully, which means the door may appear locked but is not fully secured. Fitting a new electronic deadbolt to a damaged bore or misaligned frame compounds the problem and may require door repair.

For a straightforward swap on a well-fitted door, possibly. If the job involves backset verification, strike plate repositioning, or app pairing troubleshooting, you want someone who tests the full setup, hardware and electronics, before calling the job done.

The main factors are door condition, whether the lock fits the existing bore, and whether extra alignment or an extension kit is needed. The written estimate covers all of this before any work is scheduled, so there are no surprise charges.