Hiring a Locksmith vs. DIY Smart Lock Installation: We Compared the Costs

It’s late and you’re home from work. Maybe you just picked up the kids from school or opened the door to grab a package. It’s the last thing you want, but that’s when your front door lock gives out. Your key gets stuck. The lock is too rusty to close. You might even find that a burglar has tried to kick it in and it will never be the same again. Rekeying it isn’t enough: you get a new lock this time.

Now you have a choice: call a locksmith who can fix the whole problem for you by installing a new lock, or upgrade to a shiny, app-controlled smart lock with a DIY installation that you do yourself.

Smart locks have a reputation for being pricey, so you might be wondering if they’re worth it, especially if you’re on a tight budget. That’s why I made some calls, did some research, and found out how much a trip to the locksmith versus a new smart lock upgrade is going to cost you. Here’s everything you need to know about which will save you more.

Overview of the costs of a locksmith to replace a lock

The world of locksmith pricing can be daunting, as prices can vary greatly by region and locksmiths aren’t always clear on what a full service would cost, especially with standardized websites that don’t accurately reflect the cost in your area. Most experienced locksmiths will be happy to provide a specific quote for a full lock replacement. But you can learn a lot if the cost is broken down into specific costs:

• A new lock: A traditional front door latch and handle (usually installed together to match) costs around $50 to $150. Front door latches tend to be significantly more expensive than locks for other types of doors, as durability and material quality are a priority. Features like a keypad or even smart features increase prices even further. Less reputable locksmiths may also inflate the price of a new lock to inflate their estimates, so be vigilant.
• The installation of the lock: Some locksmiths charge for specific types of services, such as between $50 and $100 for a lock replacement. Some charge by the hour, which was about $100 for the national average in 2023. If you have a metal front door (not common) or a metal plate that you need to work around, this will add extra costs.
• Visit to your home: Locksmiths charge an additional fee for driving to your home. This is usually around $30 within 20 miles or city limits, but can be higher for longer distances.
• Rate outside office hours:If no one is available to greet the locksmith during business hours, they will likely charge extra for evening, early morning, or weekend visits. These charges range from $20 to $50.
• Place: These prices can also vary based on your location. In areas with a higher cost of living, you can expect to pay significantly more for house call services (about $50 more) than the national average.

In short: A new lock installation by a professional should cost around $200 on the low end and $350 on the high end. Some popular service pricing sites like Homewyse put it much higher with an average of $475but my research indicated a more conservative range, especially if you stay within a locksmith’s local service area and hours of operation.

Cost overview for a new DIY smart lock

Smart locks are designed to be self-installed, meaning you can install them yourself with tools you have at home. They typically come with video tutorials, guides, and diagrams to walk newbies through the installation process. The high-tech components of a smart lock are ready to go and don’t require much installation other than popping in some batteries and connecting via the app. A screwdriver, a level, and preferably a drill are about all you’ll need.

In other words, you don’t need a locksmith for a smart lock project. That means the only cost you need to consider is the price of the lock itself. They are more expensive, but are they more expensive than calling a locksmith for a traditional lock replacement? Here are common examples by brand:

In short: Buying and installing a smart lock yourself typically saves you $50 to $100 compared to hiring a locksmith to do all the work. On the high end of the service cost and with an affordable smart lock, you can save up to $200. And don’t forget that many of these smart locks go on sale regularly, so you can often find them at a discount to save even more.

How about a smart lock retrofit?

A retrofit is a smart lock that goes over your existing deadbolt to provide smart features. It’s a simpler installation that some people prefer if they already like their deadbolt (although it’s a bit bulky). One of the most popular examples is the August Wi-Fi Lock, which retails for $200.

Because it doesn’t replace the entire deadbolt, a retrofit is usually less expensive. Expect to pay about $30 to $50 less for a retrofit compared to a brand new smart lock. It’s a way to avoid the added expense of purchasing smart features.

How about DIY with a traditional lock?

There’s nothing stopping you from purchasing a traditional, “dumb” front door lock and installing it yourself — many homeowners prefer to let a locksmith do all the hard work. The instructions for a traditional lock aren’t nearly as user-friendly, and you don’t get any extra features, but it’s easy enough with the right tools and the least expensive of all the options, around $30 to $50 for a budget front door latch.

Of course, we’re fans of the remote control, automatic locking, and other important features that a smart lock offers, but if you’re looking for the lowest price possible, this is the way to go.

For a complete overview of home security options, see if DIY security systems have lock options that work for your home, check out wireless home cameras, and find out how to stop porch pirates.