Planning a Smart Lock Installation

Architect the best smart access installation for your properties and needs, including type of lock and where locks should be placed.


Before ordering a smart lock, it’s important to understand your smart access options. Plan your Caretaker smart lock installation with the following two steps:

  1. Choose the high-level design based on your needs and type of property
  2. Pick the type of lock that works best for your properties and the people living in them.

Installation designs

We offer personalized options for larger or unit homes or portfolios. Get in touch to request a custom installation.

Properties with multiple units require different planning steps than single-family homes. How many locked doors need to be opened? How many potential target doors are there? Are there any special security concerns? These questions will dictate the appropriate installation design.

For common scenarios, Caretaker provides out-of-the box installation designs for easier setup.

  • An apartment building with a locked common-entry door. The unit door(s) and common entry door can be upgraded to smart deadbolts. The more temporary solution for multifamily properties is to hang or mount multiple smart keyboxes outside of the building. Each keybox contains a key for each door.
  • Standalone home. Single-family homes can easily be upgraded to smart access by replacing the front door lock.
  • An apartment building where each unit can be accessed directly from the street. This can be treated like a single-family home.

Apartment buildings with a door attendant instead of a locked common entry door can choose to replace individual unit locks or hang keyboxes on door handles.

Types of smart locks

Certain smart locks are better suited for some property types or scenarios than others. You can choose from two categories of lock: a keybox or a deadbolt.

A smart keybox is a padlock with a digital screen that can hang on or near the main entrance or unit door. Keys are stored inside of it and the box is opened using a secure pin-code or Bluetooth. Keyboxes are easier to setup and portable, but there's no way to know if the code was used, the keys were returned or the door is locked.

Keybox consKeybox pros
Prone to lost keysLong battery life
Door may be left openNo upfront costs
Can't see who came/wentPortable and easy

A smart deadbolt becomes part of the door's internal locking mechanism, replacing the old lock and allowing for completely keyless entry. Deadbolts require more upfront commitment but are more secure and less prone to user error.

Deadbolt consDeadbolt pros
Shorter battery lifeEliminate key management
Installation costsAutomatic relocking
Harder to removeSee access logs

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