When I’m doing a renovation, I’m always thinking about how to make a home safer, smarter, and more functional for the people living in it. And one upgrade I keep...
Why I Install Keyless Entry in My Renovations — 7 Reasons That Just Make Sense
By Mike Holmes
Mike’s Advice / Home Renovation
Wednesday, July 30th, 2025 @ 1:37pm
When I’m doing a renovation, I’m always thinking about how to make a home safer, smarter, and more functional for the people living in it. And one upgrade I keep coming back to is keyless entry. It’s simple, affordable, and makes a big difference in how you use and protect your home.
Here’s why I like to install keyless locks—and why I think every homeowner should consider it.
1. It’s All About Security
You know me—I don’t mess around when it comes to safety. Traditional keys can get lost, stolen, or copied, and that’s a problem. With a trusted name like Schlage, you’re getting strong, tamper-resistant hardware that lets you control who’s coming in and out—whether it’s with a code, a smartphone app, or even a fingerprint, depending on the model.
Some of their smart locks even send real-time alerts. That’s the kind of peace of mind I want for every homeowner.
RELATED
ARE SMART LOCKS SAFE? Everything You Need To Know Plus Tips For A Smart Home
2. It Makes Life Easier
Let’s be honest—keys are a pain. How many times have you juggled groceries, a coffee, your kid’s backpack, and tried to dig out your keys? With keyless entry, you walk up, punch in a code or tap your phone or watch and you’re in! So smart.
I’ve had homeowners tell me it’s one of their favourite upgrades because it just makes life simpler.
3. You Can Control Access From Anywhere
Whether you’ve got a dog walker, cleaner, contractor, or a friend popping by, you don’t need to leave a key under the mat or a planter (don’t ever do that, by the way). Schlage’s Wi-Fi-enabled smart locks let you unlock the door remotely or give out temporary codes that expire when you say so.
It’s perfect for rentals, cottages, or even when you’re stuck at work and someone needs to get in.
RELATED
4. Better for Aging in Place
A lot of the homes we work on are for families who want to stay in their homes and age in place. Fiddling with a tiny key or twisting a handle just doesn’t cut it when you’ve got arthritis or limited mobility.
With Schlage’s easy-to-use keypads and app-based controls, getting in and out of your home doesn’t have to be a struggle. That’s exactly the kind of simple, helpful upgrade that can make a big difference in someone’s day-to-day life.
Watch Holmes on Homes Podcast: Growing Older At Home? Mike Holmes’ Tips on Aging In Place
5. Built to Last
You know my rule: do it right the first time. Schlage locks are tough—they’re built with heavy-duty materials and weather-resistant finishes. They’re designed to stand up to harsh Canadian winters and everyday wear and tear. It just makes sense to use a quality brand, like Schlage.
6. Smart Home Ready
These days, more homeowners want tech that makes life easier. Schlage’s smart locks work with platforms like Google Assistant, Alexa, and Apple HomeKit. That means you can automate more of your day—unlock the door, turn on the lights, adjust the thermostat—all from your phone or with your voice.
I’m always thinking ahead when I build. Adding a smart lock today makes sure your home keeps up with tomorrow’s tech, plus they are easy to install.
7. Good for Resale and Insurance
Keyless entry doesn’t just make life easier—it can save you money. Some insurance companies offer discounts for smart home security upgrades. And if you’re selling your home, a smart lock is a small detail that makes a big impression.
It shows you’ve taken care of the house and upgraded it with the future in mind. That’s what buyers want to see.
I tell homeowners this all the time—keyless entry is one of the easiest, most practical upgrades you can make. It boosts your home’s security, adds serious convenience, and makes your home smarter without a huge price tag.
Top Reasons to Choose Schlage Encode:
- No hub required – WiFi is built in
- Lock/unlock remotely from anywhere
- Create and manage 100 unique codes
- Grade 1 security and tough Schlage build
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Ring
- Easy install with just a screwdriver
- Sleek, fingerprint-resistant touchscreen
- Classic and modern design and colour options available to complement any decor
Whether you’re renovating, aging in place, or just tired of losing your keys—this is one upgrade I’ll keep putting in again and again.
Check out more about Schlage Encode here.