Schlage Encode, Yale Assure 2, August Smart Lock, Kwikset Halo. We install, pair to Wi-Fi, set up the app, and test the unlock-from-outside scenario before leaving — because PSL concrete-block construction kills 2.4 GHz signal at the front door.
Smart lock install in PSL — Schlage Encode (Wi-Fi), Schlage Sense (Bluetooth/HomeKit), Yale Assure 2 (Wi-Fi or Z-Wave), August Smart Lock 4th Gen (retrofit), Kwikset Halo / Halo Touch.
Cost: $140-260 install per lock plus hardware ($180-280). Same-day in most cases.
Critical for PSL: we test Wi-Fi reliability from OUTSIDE the door before signing off. Concrete-block construction kills 2.4 GHz signal — half of smart-lock complaints we hear trace to weak signal at the door.
Most of PSL's housing stock is concrete-block construction (CMU + stucco) — Florida hurricane code. This kills 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal at the front door by 60-80% compared to a wood-frame house. Three implications:
1. Wi-Fi-direct smart locks (Schlage Encode, Yale Assure 2 Wi-Fi) need the router within 25 ft. For garage-side or back-door installs in larger homes, signal often dies. We measure signal at the door BEFORE recommending hardware.
2. Bluetooth-bridge designs (August Smart Lock, Schlage Sense) work better in concrete homes. The lock talks to a bridge (August Connect) plugged in nearby; the bridge has Wi-Fi. Lower signal demand at the door.
3. Z-Wave / hub-based (Yale Assure 2 with SmartThings, etc.) is the most reliable through walls. Z-Wave operates at 908 MHz which penetrates concrete much better than 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. The trade-off is needing a hub plugged in somewhere in the house.
If the front door is more than 25 ft from your router AND you have concrete-block construction (most PSL homes), we recommend the August Smart Lock or Yale Assure 2 with Z-Wave hub instead of Schlage Encode.
Schlage Encode — best if your router is close to the front door and you want a fully-featured smart lock with Wi-Fi out of the box. Apple Home / Google Home / Amazon compatible. Hardware $180-280.
Schlage Sense — Bluetooth + HomeKit. Works without Wi-Fi (Bluetooth pair with phone), then a hub for remote access. Best for HomeKit-heavy households. $200-280.
Yale Assure 2 — newer (2023) replacement for the older Assure. Two versions: Wi-Fi built-in or Z-Wave (hub-based). Z-Wave version is the best choice for concrete-block PSL homes. $200-300.
August Smart Lock 4th Gen — retrofit over existing deadbolt. Doesn't change the outside appearance of the door. Best for renters and homeowners who don't want to change the lock cylinder. $180-220.
Kwikset Halo / Halo Touch — Wi-Fi + fingerprint (Halo Touch). Reliable for the price; bottom-of-Wi-Fi-tier compared to Schlage/Yale. $180-260.
We carry all of these on the van. We don't install the cheap no-name Amazon smart locks — the cylinder hardware on those is unreliable and we've replaced too many under warranty for customers.
| Service | Typical Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Smart lock install (existing bore) | $140 - $220 | Plus hardware. |
| Smart lock install (new bore drilled) | $180 - $300 | Plus hardware. |
| August Smart Lock retrofit (over existing deadbolt) | $95 - $145 | Plus August hardware ($180-220). |
| Schlage Encode hardware | $200 - $280 | MSRP, no markup. |
| Yale Assure 2 hardware | $220 - $300 | MSRP, no markup. |
| Wi-Fi extender / bridge install | $80 - $160 | When signal is weak at the door. |
| Smart lock troubleshoot + reset | $80 - $140 | Battery, pairing, factory reset. |
| Decision | Doctor Lockout install | Big-box delivery + DIY | Generic handyman install |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi signal tested at door | Yes | No | Sometimes |
| Hardware recommendation matches construction | Yes (concrete-aware) | N/A - guess | Limited |
| App + Wi-Fi pair walkthrough | Yes - on your phone | Self-service | Sometimes |
| Outside-door unlock test | Yes - always | If you remember to | Sometimes |
| 1-year workmanship warranty | Yes | N/A | Varies |
Real person on the phone in under 2 rings. Locksmith on-site in 15-30 minutes. Honest price before any tools come out.
Call (772) 284-5142For most homeowners yes — especially if you're tired of hiding spare keys for the dog walker / cleaner / Airbnb guest. The technology has matured (2024+ models are reliable) — battery life is 6-12 months on AA, Wi-Fi pair is stable, app control is responsive. The PSL caveat: concrete-block construction kills 2.4 GHz signal at the front door if the router isn't close. We test before recommending hardware.
August Smart Lock 4th Gen with bridge, or Yale Assure 2 with Z-Wave hub, work most reliably through concrete walls. Schlage Encode and Yale Assure 2 Wi-Fi work if the router is within 25 ft of the front door. We measure signal at YOUR door before recommending.
Yes — we install customer-supplied smart locks at the same labor rate. Bring the box, all the screws, and the keys / backup. If the hardware turns out to be wrong-size for your door (most common: backset mismatch), we tell you on-site.
Yes — every smart lock we install has manual override. Schlage / Yale have physical keys as backup. August fits over your existing deadbolt and the deadbolt still works manually. Keypad codes work via local Bluetooth even with no Wi-Fi.
6-12 months on AA / AAA for most modern smart locks (Schlage Encode, Yale Assure, August 4th Gen, Kwikset Halo). High-usage doors (Airbnb, rental, daily multi-user) closer to 4-6 months. The lock warns you 30+ days before full depletion in the app.
No — having a smart lock doesn't void any homeowners policy we've ever seen. Some carriers actually offer small discounts for monitored smart-home security. The deadbolt is still a deadbolt to the insurance company; the 'smart' part is just convenience features.
Smart lock installs are most common in newer construction (Tradition, Telaro, Veranda Bay, PGA Verano) where homeowners are upgrading from builder-grade hardware, plus the snowbird condo population that wants remote unlock for cleaners / family between snowbird seasons.
Last updated: 2026-05-17