Our kitchen entry door is a gateway to convenience, or at least, it should be. Strategically placed for easy grocery unloading, this door has long been plagued by a stubborn, uncooperative lock. Fumbling with a key while juggling armfuls of groceries or struggling to turn a mechanism that always seems to stick is not just an inconvenience; it’s a daily frustration. The old lock often refused to turn, sometimes even swallowing the key and refusing to release it, turning a simple task into a vexing ordeal. This everyday battle underscored the urgent need for a modern solution, setting the stage for a significant upgrade.
This post is proudly sponsored by Kwikset, a brand synonymous with innovative home security. Their dedication to blending cutting-edge technology with user-friendly design perfectly aligned with our vision for a smarter, more secure, and infinitely more convenient kitchen entry.
Naturally, a pivotal part of our ambitious kitchen entry makeover project involved installing a brand-new Kwikset Smart Lock. This wasn’t just about replacing a faulty piece of hardware; it was about transforming a point of daily friction into an experience of effortless security and seamless access.
Our home features six entry doors, each serving a unique purpose. While the other five locks function perfectly, the kitchen entry door’s lock had inexplicably become a formidable adversary. The primary challenge was simply getting the key into the keyhole – a task that increasingly demanded a frustrating combination of wiggling, jiggling, and, I admit, a fair bit of cursing. This wasn’t just a minor annoyance; it was a constant reminder of outdated technology hindering our daily flow, especially when our hands were full. We frequently use this particular door for bringing in groceries, shopping bags, or luggage, making the act of digging out keys and wrestling with a janky lock even more irritating.
When the opportunity arose to collaborate with Kwikset and install the Kevo 2nd Gen Touch-to-Open Smart Lock, I was immediately enthusiastic. This smart lock promised to address all our existing frustrations and introduce a level of convenience we hadn’t thought possible. The prospect of a keyless entry was a game-changer, offering not just a solution to the old lock’s temperament but also solving a personal dilemma I faced regularly.
The Kevo 2nd Gen’s keyless operation is a “double whammy, super bonus!” for me. Beyond the struggles with the physical key, I had developed a habit of leaving the kitchen door unlocked every time I took our dogs for a walk. While we reside in a wonderfully remote area with an exceptionally low incidence of home invasions – perhaps a statistical anomaly of 0.01 over the last five centuries – we are devout believers in always locking our doors. It’s a habit ingrained in us, perhaps a lingering echo from our previous life closer to the city, but it’s a non-negotiable aspect of our daily routine. Leaving the door unsecured, even for a short walk, created an unsettling feeling, a subtle “tickle” at the back of my mind, as I liked to call it. It wasn’t a paralyzing fear, otherwise, I would have carried my keys. The real issue was my behemoth of a keychain: five keys, two bulky key fobs, and an assortment of small cards and decorative dangly bits. This clunky collection was poky, cumbersome, and certainly didn’t fit comfortably in my pocket – and I rarely carry a purse when walking the dogs. The simple solution, I thought, was to leave the keys behind, which unfortunately meant leaving the door unlocked. The Kevo smart lock promised to eliminate this compromise, offering both security and convenience.
Unlocking the Future: Installing Our Kwikset Kevo Smart Lock
I confess, reading instruction manuals is not my strong suit. So, when I opened the Kevo box and realized that a thorough reading would be essential, a small pang of angst hit me. Fortunately, my husband, Wes, possesses the methodical patience required for such tasks. He’s the kind of guy who meticulously reads every single instruction, often multiple times, before embarking on a project. Seeing that he wasn’t particularly busy, I seized the opportunity and asked him to take on the installation. To my delight, he agreed! Wes rarely gets involved in these types of home projects, so when he does, it’s truly a moment worth celebrating. Woohoo! It was a pleasant surprise and a great start to our smart home journey.
The first practical step in our smart lock installation journey was to carefully remove the old, stubbornly inefficient lock. This initial phase involved unscrewing various components and ensuring a clean opening for the new hardware. Once the old lock was successfully detached, the real fun began: figuring out how to seamlessly integrate the sleek new Kwikset Kevo lock and its matching handle into the existing door frame. This process, while seemingly straightforward, often presents minor challenges in alignment and fitting, but we were well-prepared.
Despite my initial trepidation about diving into a sea of instructions, Kwikset completely revolutionized the installation experience. To my astonishment and delight, the Kevo app featured an incredibly intuitive and interactive installation guide. This wasn’t just a digital PDF; it was a step-by-step, visually rich, dynamic walkthrough that made the entire setup process remarkably straightforward. It seamlessly guided us through each stage, providing clear visuals and concise directions that were impossible to misunderstand. I can confidently say it was one of the most user-friendly and efficient product setup experiences I’ve ever encountered. This innovative approach to instructions is something every other power tool and hardware company should emulate immediately. Companies, take note – this is how you empower your customers!
The Kevo app isn’t just for installation; it’s the command center for your smart lock. Since I invariably take my smartphone on my dog walks, this means an end to unlocked doors and the lingering worry. Boom! The convenience is unparalleled. The Kevo lock intelligently senses my phone’s proximity as I approach the door. All I need to do is simply touch the lock, and it unlocks with remarkable ease. What’s even more impressive is the advanced technology that allows the lock to differentiate whether my phone is *inside* or *outside* the house. This means it will not unlock when touched if my phone is detected on the interior side, providing an extra layer of security and peace of mind. That level of contextual awareness is absolutely brilliant, wouldn’t you agree?
Indeed, there’s an impressive amount of sophisticated “smartness” packed into this sleek, compact device. From its intuitive touch-to-open functionality to its advanced proximity sensing, the Kevo lock represents a leap forward in residential security and convenience. It’s more than just a lock; it’s an intelligent guardian for your home.
I found myself momentarily distracted from my usual tasks, drawn into Wes’s project. My contribution primarily involved assisting him in recovering a dropped screw – a small but crucial task – and then lending a hand to finish the installation. It was surprisingly enjoyable to collaborate on something together, a rare and cherished occurrence in our household. Our working styles are quite different; Wes is the meticulous “read-the-instructions-and-contemplate-every-step-for-six-hours” type, while I lean more towards the “let’s-just-start-doing-stuff-and-figure-it-out-as-we-go” approach. Despite our contrasting methods, finding common ground and working pleasantly together on a project is always a minor victory worth celebrating.
In today’s connected world, where smartphones are practically an extension of ourselves, the Bluetooth technology integrated into this smart lock is incredibly practical and intuitive. Every member of our household now has the Kevo app installed on their phones, allowing seamless access. The lock even maintains a detailed activity log, tracking who uses it and when, adding an extra layer of security and accountability. This feature is particularly reassuring for busy families or those who frequently have guests or service providers.
The Kevo system offers remarkable flexibility and control. If your phone is inside the house, you can configure the lock to remain securely locked, preventing unexpected entry. Conversely, when you and your phone are outside, the lock intelligently detects your approach, ready to unlock with a simple touch. Moreover, the ability to issue eKeys virtually is a standout feature. This allows you to grant temporary or permanent access to friends, family, or trusted service providers whenever needed, all without the hassle or risk associated with physical keys. This digital key management is a boon for modern living.
Security concerns are naturally paramount with any smart device. Should your smartphone ever be lost or stolen, Kwikset has you covered. You can swiftly log into your online account from any web browser and immediately revoke access privileges from the compromised device, ensuring your home remains secure. This proactive security measure offers invaluable peace of mind.
The versatility of the Kevo 2nd Gen Smart Lock is truly impressive. I retain the option to use a traditional key if I ever wish to, offering a familiar backup. For ultimate convenience, I can lock or unlock the door remotely using my phone, a feature particularly useful if I’m not near the door and need to grant access. When I have my phone on me, a simple touch is all it takes to operate the lock. And for those times when I need to provide temporary access to visitors or contractors, the e-key functionality simplifies the process immensely, making it a secure and efficient solution for managing home access.
Yet, despite the undeniable convenience and advanced security features of this incredible new Touch-to-Open Smart Lock, there’s a frustrating irony: I currently can’t fully utilize it as intended because of a rather significant step down! This isn’t a metaphorical step; it’s a literal, physical drop that currently renders our kitchen entry less than ideal.
Mmm-hmmm! You might recall the composite deck we installed when we first put in this kitchen entry door. At the time, we desperately wanted a protective roof over it but chose to defer that expense amidst a full-blown kitchen remodel. So, we settled for the composite deck, added a functional light, and moved on, promising ourselves we’d tackle the roof later. Little did we know how much we’d regret that decision.
The problem, as you may have guessed, is the incessant rain we experience here. Every single time we have a carload of groceries to haul inside during a downpour, we are reminded, with dripping frustration, of our decision to forgo that roof. The regret intensifies when we have to take out the trash in the pouring rain. And as for recycling, it often accumulates indoors, often piling up on the entry bench, simply because no one wants to brave the elements to take it out. This constant battle with the weather ultimately catalyzed our decision for a comprehensive kitchen entry makeover.
Our vision for this makeover includes extending the roofline, culminating in elegant arches and columns that will harmoniously match our front porch. A key component of this transformation is the addition of a new, durable concrete porch and accompanying sidewalk. To kickstart the concrete work, I hired a friend’s son to meticulously tear out the old deck and dig up the existing gutter, clearing the canvas for our ambitious plans. This initial demolition went smoothly, and for a while, progress felt tangible.
However, this is precisely where the project has stalled, languishing for over a month in a state of frustrating limbo. The saga of finding a reliable “concrete guy” has become almost comically absurd. I’ve encountered a series of bizarre circumstances: contractors “having babies,” experiencing unexpected “accidents,” simply not returning calls, or, most infuriatingly, failing to show up for scheduled consultations after I finally manage to get someone on the phone! Seriously, I’m starting to believe I carry a concrete jinx! The thought has honestly crossed my mind that, despite my complete lack of experience in pouring concrete decks and sidewalks, doing it myself might be the only way to actually get it done. This DIY spirit, born out of necessity and the prohibitive cost of professional labor, is precisely how I embarked on my journey into home improvement in the first place. Perhaps my next transformation won’t be just the entry, but my identity – from Sawdust Girl to Concrete Girl, who knows!
But that particular adventure will have to wait. For now, my focus remains on completing the interior aspects of my kitchen entry makeover. There are still a couple more things to tackle inside before I can fully dedicate myself to the exterior challenges. I plan to figure out the concrete situation once I’m not feeling quite so stretched thin, or perhaps a magic fairy will conveniently drop a solution into my lap. One way or another, it will all get sorted out – eventually.
For the moment, I am thoroughly enjoying the finished indoor components of the entry. I’ll concentrate on finalizing the remaining interior tasks, and then, with renewed energy, I’ll strategize for the outdoor work. Patience, they say, is a virtue, and I’m certainly practicing it with this project!
Oh, and here’s a little sneak peek at that gorgeous crown molding! Doesn’t it just look absolutely amazing? It’s these small victories that keep the motivation high.
This post was sponsored by Kwikset Kevo 2nd Gen Touch-to-Open Smart Lock. All opinions and experiences shared are 100% my own.