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Decision: Door Locks

Date: 2026-05-11
Status: Deferred
Decision: No smart locks initially; rely on physical keys + camera detection

Context

Evaluating whether to include smart locks in the initial IoT deployment.

Decision

Defer smart locks. Focus on detection, not prevention.

Rationale

  1. Security philosophy: If someone is determined to get in, they will. Detection and evidence (cameras) are more valuable than a smart lock.

  2. Existing coverage: Unifi Protect cameras + door sensors provide detection and alerting.

  3. Complexity trade-off: Smart locks add battery management, failure modes, and integration points without a clear use case.

  4. Physical keys work: No current pain point that a smart lock solves.

Future Considerations

Revisit when one of these use cases becomes valuable:

  • Keyless entry for family
  • Temporary access codes for guests/contractors
  • Auto-lock after X minutes
  • Remote verification
  • Presence-based auto-unlock

Options to Evaluate Later

Consumer (HA compatible):

  • Yale Assure Lock 2 (Zigbee, Z-Wave, Matter)
  • Schlage Encode Plus (WiFi, HomeKit)
  • August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (retrofit)
  • Level Lock+ (invisible, HomeKit/Matter)

Enterprise:

  • Unifi Access — NFC/card based, integrates with Protect
  • Higher cost (~$300+/lock + hub), more commercial-grade
  • Interesting for “set and forget” but overkill for residential

When Adding Locks

  1. Prefer Zigbee or Matter (aligns with existing protocol)
  2. Integrate via Home Assistant
  3. Automate: auto-lock, lock-on-leave, alert if unlocked while away
  4. Tie to camera snapshots on unlock events