Locksmith service in Wake County
Smart lock and keypad deadbolt installation in Raleigh
A keypad or smart deadbolt replaces the deadbolt you have. Fixr puts the hardware at $50 to $350 with about $50 of labor; This Old House lists $144 to $226 for hardware and $106 to $291 for labor. The install is quick on a standard door and harder on a misaligned one.
What it costs
| Job | Published range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Smart lock | $50 to $350 hardware, about $50 labor | Fixr, Jan 2025 |
| Smart lock | $144 to $226 hardware, $106 to $291 labor | This Old House, Mar 2026 |
Before you buy
- Measure the door. Backset, bore size and door thickness decide what fits without new holes.
- Check that the deadbolt throws freely. A motorized lock struggles with a bolt that rubs the strike, and humid summers make that worse. Fixing the alignment first saves batteries.
- Keep a key or a backup. Pick a model with a key cylinder or an outside terminal for a 9 volt battery.
- Look at the grade. Smart locks are graded on the same ANSI/BHMA scale as regular locks.
Why new-house owners add them
In the newest parts of Wake County, like Rolesville, Apex and west Cary, the median home was built in 2004 or later (Census ACS), and builder-grade deadbolts are standard. A keypad means no more hidden spare under the mat, and you can change the code when a contractor or dog walker no longer needs it. Rekey or replace the original locks at the same visit, because the builder's keys still work in any lock you keep.
When the keypad dies
A Durham poster described a keypad deadbolt that simply would not open and suspected the door had swollen. That and a dead battery are the usual causes. Change batteries on a schedule, keep the backup key somewhere you can reach from outside, and if the bolt drags, have the strike adjusted.
Questions people in Raleigh ask
Can I install a smart lock myself?
Many are designed for it if the door is already drilled to standard size. A locksmith helps when the door needs new holes, the bolt is misaligned or the door is metal or glass.
What happens if the battery dies?
Most models warn you first. Many have a key cylinder or a terminal for a 9 volt battery on the outside. That is why a backup matters.
Does a smart lock need Wi-Fi?
Not to lock and open with the keypad. Remote access and activity logs usually need Wi-Fi or a hub. A plain keypad deadbolt with no app is cheaper and has fewer things to break.