Smart Locks & Cameras
Lock the door, watch the porch, own the footage.
Smart deadbolts, video doorbells, PoE cameras and local NVRs. Schlage, Yale, August, Ring, Google Nest, UniFi Protect, Reolink. Cabling and transformer work by the same C-10 crew that installs the gear — no two-vendor finger-pointing.
What This Is
Security that survives a Wi-Fi outage.
A cloud-only camera system that loses its footage when your internet drops is not security — it is a subscription. We design for local-first: PoE cameras to a local NVR (UniFi Protect, Reolink, Frigate) recording on-premises, with cloud as optional backup. Smart locks stay programmed in the lock itself, not on a server you cannot reach.
Doorbells are the exception — Ring Pro 2 and Google Nest Doorbell are good products, and they live in the cloud by design. We install them honestly: with the transformer upgraded to 16VAC / 10VA, the chime box wired correctly, and an upfront written summary of subscription costs over five years so there are no surprises.
Ring Pro 2 — real YKCA install with upgraded transformer.
Scope
What is included in a locks & cameras install.
Hardware, cabling, NVR, integrations and access management — single bid, single accountable contractor.
Smart Lock Install
Full deadbolt replacement (Schlage Encode, Yale Assure 2, August Pro 4th Gen, Kwikset Halo) or interior retrofit (August Smart Lock, Level Bolt). Door alignment and strike adjustment included.
PoE Camera Cabling
Cat6 / Cat6A drops from each camera location back to a central PoE switch. Outdoor runs in UV-rated conduit. Camera positioning per coverage map agreed with homeowner.
NVR & Local Storage
UniFi Protect Cloud Key + NVR, Reolink NVR, Synology Surveillance Station, or Home Assistant Frigate. Storage sized to retention (7 / 30 / 90 day options).
Doorbell + Transformer Upgrade
Ring or Google Nest doorbell, with chime-box transformer upgrade to 16VAC / 10VA when existing supply is undervoltage.
Access Sharing & Codes
Per-user codes for cleaners, dog walkers, family. Auto-lock schedules, geofence unlock, vacation mode. Audit log accessible from owner phone.
Integration with Automation
"Goodbye" routine arms cameras + locks the door + sets thermostat back. "Welcome" disarms, unlocks via geofence, kicks the lights on.
Equipment We Install
Real brands, honestly compared.
Subscription camera systems and local-NVR camera systems both have their place. We will install the brand you ask for; we will also tell you when a different choice fits your priorities (privacy, cost, reliability, AI features) better.
Schlage Encode
Smart deadbolt, Wi-Fi, keypad
Yale Assure Lock 2
Smart deadbolt, Matter / Wi-Fi options
August Smart Lock 4th Gen
Interior retrofit, Wi-Fi via bridge
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
Hardwired, head-to-toe HDR, radar motion
Google Nest Doorbell (wired)
Hardwired; 24/7 video history requires a supported model and an eligible Google Home Premium plan
UniFi Protect G5 cameras + NVR
PoE, local NVR, no subscription
Reolink RLC-820A / RLC-1212A
PoE 4K + person detection, local NVR
Home Assistant Frigate
Self-hosted, local AI object detection
FAQ
Locks & cameras questions, straight answers.
Ready to walk the perimeter?
Plan the coverage map together.
On-site walk-through. Camera positions, cable routing, NVR sizing, lock list, fixed quote within 3 business days.
Frequently asked project questions
Work through the difficult decisions.
Explore the causes, choices and practical next steps behind common project questions.
Why does my smart lock jam even though the app connects?
The bolt may be binding against the strike or the door may be misaligned. Compare normal operation with the door open and closed, then have the hardware and calibration assessed before replacing network equipment.
Read the full guide: A Smart Lock Jams: Check the Door Before Replacing the Electronics ↗Why do my smart-lock batteries run down so quickly?
Frequent motor cycles, mechanical resistance, unsuitable batteries and model-specific radio behavior can contribute. For Schlage Encode, check its alkaline-battery and Wi-Fi guidance; the dual Schlage Home/HomeKit issue is specific to Encode Plus. Compare actual intervals after controlled changes and keep backup entry available.
Read the full guide: Smart-Lock Batteries Drain Quickly: Diagnose Usage, Resistance, and Connectivity ↗Why does my camera show live video but not record an event?
Live view does not establish recording entitlement. Ring requires an eligible active subscription for saved video history, even though live video and real-time alerts work without one. Confirm device coverage and trial status first; if covered, test detection and saved playback independently.
Read the full guide: Live Camera Video but No Saved Events: Check Recording Entitlement First ↗Are cameras and smart locks secure after I reset devices left by the previous owner?
A reset alone may not complete account transfer or revoke every credential. Verify vendor ownership transfer, administrator recovery, shared users, linked services, lock codes, and approved physical keys.
Read the full guide: Inherited Cameras and Smart Locks: Transfer Ownership Before Trusting the System ↗- A Smart Lock Jams: Check the Door Before Replacing the Electronics
- Smart-Lock Batteries Drain Quickly: Diagnose Usage, Resistance, and Connectivity
- A Video Doorbell Freezes When Pressed: Check the Complete Power and Chime Circuit
- Live Camera Video but No Saved Events: Check Recording Entitlement First
- Inherited Cameras and Smart Locks: Transfer Ownership Before Trusting the System
Contact Us
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