The Real Cost of Keyless Entry Door Lock Installation for Residential Builds
Smart security is now a standard expectation in residential builds. When clients inquire about keyless entry systems, the primary concern is cost. Installation costs typically range from $285 to $615 per exterior door in California. Budget models with basic connectivity are on the lower end, while advanced Wi-Fi enabled locks with reinforced hardware are on the higher end. Custom carpentry for historic homes can add 10-20% to the cost.
Average Price Range in Today’s Market
Installation costs for keyless entry systems vary based on several factors. For most residential settings, expect costs between $285 and $615 per door. Factors such as connectivity features and hardware grade significantly impact pricing.
Five Cost Drivers You Should Never Overlook
- Hardware grade – ANSI Grade 2 locks are common, but Grade 1 models add $60-$90 per unit.
- Connectivity features – Wi-Fi or Zigbee radios increase costs by 25-35% compared to basic keypads.
- Door prep – Modifying door bores can add 30 minutes of labor.
- Power supply – Hard-wiring requires additional electrical work.
- Integration – Linking to home automation may involve extra fees.
Material Costs: What Goes Into the Quote?
As of June 2025, the median cost for a Grade 2 satin nickel Wi-Fi smart lock in San Diego is $198.40. This includes reinforcement, fasteners, batteries, and sensors.
Labor Breakdown You Can Defend
- Arrival and site protection – 0.5 hr
- Door modification and test fits – 0.6 hr
- Device installation and connectivity check – 0.7 hr
- Client orientation – 0.2 hr
Total labor averages 2.0 hours at $90/hr, totaling $180.
Hidden Costs That Can Erode Margin
- Return visits for Wi-Fi reconnection
- Re-keying for master code hierarchies
- Painting after bore enlargement
Why CountBricks Estimates Are Trusted by Residential Pros
- Voice-to-estimate workflow for quick cost sheets
- Automatic tax and fee calculations
- Instant conversion to PDF proposals
Step-by-Step: Generating a Keyless Lock Estimate in CountBricks
- Log in and start a new project
- Use “Voice Capture” to describe project details
- AI identifies tasks and regional rates
- Review and adjust the cost sheet
- Convert to a quote or invoice
Cost-Saving Tips to Impress Your Client
- Choose battery-only locks for secondary doors
- Group installations to reduce trip fees
- Use blueprint takeoffs to confirm door counts
ROI Talking Points for Homeowners
- Reduced lock-out costs
- Insurance discounts for smart devices
- Higher resale value
Ready to Quote Smarter?
Create your free contractor profile at CountBricks.com and start building AI-powered estimates.
Case Study: Cutting Estimate Time by 70 Percent on a 12-Door Retrofit
A design-build firm needed pricing for twelve Wi-Fi smart locks. Traditional methods took over two hours. Using CountBricks, the estimate was completed in 22 minutes, saving the homeowner $312 and securing the job quickly.
Five Pro Tips for High-Volume Installations
- Stage locks by floor to reduce labor time
- Pre-load firmware updates
- Offer service bundles for added value
- Use portfolio images in proposals
- Offer annual battery-swap contracts
Next Steps
If you're bidding on projects with keyless systems, visit CountBricks.com for a demo and see how AI-powered estimating can enhance your business.