Security for vacation rentals – it helps you protect your investment and it makes guests happier. Happy guests means positive reviews. Positive reviews means more bookings. And more bookings means more money. We think those are pretty good reasons to invest in safety measures for your rental property. Here are 12 upgrades you can make outside your vacation rental to make it more secure.

Start planting

Everyone loves landscaping that is gorgeous and green. But did you know plants also play a key role in security?
 

• Trim your trees and bushes to prevent falling limbs from damaging the house during a storm and limit hiding places for potential intruders.
  
  
• Steer clear of plants that could be toxic or prickly, especially if you offer a family- or pet-friendly accommodations.
  
  
• Incorporate outdoor lighting along walkways. It highlights the most beautiful parts of the yard as well as helps people safely find their way in the evenings.

Curb appeal still counts

Paying attention to the front entryway of your vacation rental is vital. It needs to look good – think about the attractive photos on Airbnb and VRBO – and be secure.
 

• Install a Schlage smart lock. Your guests get keyless convenience. Think about the easy check-in and no hassle of carrying or losing keys. You also enjoy major convenience by being able to create and manage multiple user codes for visitors, monitor access history and check that the deadbolt is locked from anywhere, even if your guests have left. Use our Get Help Deciding Tool to determine which Schlage smart lock is right for you.
  
  
• Replace your door with a solid wood or steel option that is more resistant to break-in attempts than some other, weaker materials. Also make sure the door frame is still strong and not warped or cracked, which can keep even the strongest deadbolt from being effective.
  
  
• Pair your strong door and smart lock with exterior cameras or video doorbells to easily monitor activity around your entryway. The Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt is compatible with the Ring Video Doorbell, allowing you to see who is at the door before granting guest access, all from your smartphone.
  
  
• Sliding patio doors, because they don’t have traditional deadbolts and usually aren’t visible from the street, tend to be easy targets for potential thieves. But you can secure them more effectively simply by installing a security bar or even just a wooden rod in the tracks. These small details go a long way toward putting guests at ease, says Evolve Vacation Rental. “If the back door doesn’t lock securely, they’re going to spend their vacation worrying about it – and that’s not the experience you want to provide them."
  
  
• Make sure all windows, even those not on the first floor have working locks.

Practical upkeep is key

There’s a lot to maintain outdoors, especially if you have the kind of rental property that encourages gathering on the patio or around a pool. There are lots of low-maintenance curb appeal hacks , but you still want to be diligent in your upkeep.
 

• Decks need to be ready for bare feet. Repair loose boards or nails. Bonus tip: If you’re installing or replacing a deck, check out these suggestions from Family Handyman for low-maintenance decking materials that don’t need regular staining and won’t splinter.
  
  
• Make sure any railings around the patio and stairs are secure, not just for helping people up and down the steps, but also to keep kids from taking a tumble over a ledge. You might also consider the spacing of railing posts so that kids don’t get their heads stuck while peeking through.
  
  
• Maintain walkways to avoid cracks and uneven footing that could cause a guest to stumble. A well-maintained walkway, driveway and pavers look beautiful and function even better.
  
  
• Don’t forget the fencing and cover for your pool and hot tub. Be sure to check your local regulations about pool fencing.

It might be tempting to skimp on security for a rental property if you aren’t living there. But not giving it its due can have negative consequences on your house-sharing business and your peace of mind. By investing in high-quality locks and making sure all exterior areas of the house are well-maintained, you’re taking an important step toward happy guests and healthy profits. Share your rental security tips with us on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Choosing a paint color for your front door is often easier said than done. With so many options available, the process of narrowing down your choices can be overwhelming. One thing's for sure, at the end of the day, the color you choose should be a reflection of your personal style.

 

The good news is that there are a number of tips for choosing an exterior paint color. Many of the same tricks can be used for choosing your front door color, but here are some additional things to consider.

Should you choose a neutral or colorful paint for your front door?

How adventurous you want to be with your front door paint color is entirely up to you. There are pros and cons of each. Neutral colors are more classic, and classic colors have more longevity. In other words, you might love that lime door now, but what about in a year? A more neutral shade like Hunter green or sage might be the safer choice.

 

Neutral colors, because they are … well, neutral … complement a wider range of exterior paint colors. If you’re worried about your door matching the rest of the outside of your house, go neutral.  Don’t be fooled into thinking this means only black, white, brown and grey, though. Include slate blue, earthy greens and even some reds such as terra cotta.

 

The upsides of a bold color like coral or canary yellow is that they are often cheerier and make a stronger welcoming statement to guests. Relatively speaking, your front door is also small real estate. Painting it a striking color won’t feel as overwhelming as if you painted your entire exterior in that hue. A grape front door? Beautiful and unique, yet restrained. Grape siding everywhere? That’s probably a bit much.

 

There are two schools of thought for what you should paint your front door when you’re selling your house. On one hand, a neutral color will appeal to a wider range of prospective buyers. A study by Zillow found that, compared to other colors, black doors can get about $6,000 for your home at resale. On the other hand, a bold color will help your home stick out in buyers’ minds when they’ve been viewing multiple properties. Just make sure it sticks out for the right reasons.
 

Consider complementary colors.

We hinted at this already. When choosing a front door color, make sure it goes with the other hues on your home. That doesn’t mean you have to match them exactly, though. Deep contrast, such as with a bright blue door on a white home, can be especially attractive. Consider how a new door color will go with trim, window shutters and a screen door as well as the home’s overall exterior.

 

Many paint companies create complementary color palettes on their websites. Try picking a color that matches your home’s exterior and see which hues they suggest to match.

 

Play up your curb appeal.

A refreshed front door can do wonders for your curb appeal, but only if your new color works well with the landscaping and hardscaping you already have. Some color experts shy away from green front doors because of the amount of green we typically have in our gardens. Similarly, you might not want a red door if it clashes with the brick pavers. Navy blue might be the better choice in that case.

 

Consider door hardware finishes at this stage, too. If you have existing hardware you plan to keep, choose a paint color that complements that finish. For example, Matte Black often looks great with bold yellows, while Satin Nickel is ideal for darker blues. 
 

Test it outside.

Once you think you’ve found a good match, go look at it outside. If you can get a large swatch to take home, tape it to your front door and see how it looks at different times of day. What looks beautiful in the bright morning sun might look dull at dusk. What was gorgeous in the store could look less enticing in the sunlight. And on the flip side, what you were unsure of in the store might turn out to be perfect once you get out from under the florescent lighting.

 

This is a good time to consider how bright your porch is, too. If you have a covered patio, that will affect how bright the front door color seems. A darker color could feel overbearing in the shade of a porch.
 

Send the right message.

Your front door makes a first impression on every guest who enters, whether it’s a longtime friend or a prospective homebuyer. You can use this as an opportunity to set the tone for what they’ll find inside. If your interior décor is filled with bright colors, pick a front door paint color that’s also uplifting and happy. If you lean toward monochromatic minimalism, your front door should reflect that as well. More of a Mid-Century Modern fan? That style has some characteristic colors – mustard, turquoise, chocolatey brown – so you can start to tease the aesthetic from the first step.
 

Choose the right kind of paint.

Because your door is obviously outdoors and exposed to the elements, direct sun and possibly kicking, scratching and daily life, you need to choose a durable paint. First, make sure it’s labeled for exterior use. Next, research which type of paint – water- or oil-based – is right for your door. This depends on your door material. Metal doors need an oil-based paint, while fiberglass doors need a water-based, or latex, paint. Wood doors are a little tricker since the type of wood will dictate the type of paint.

 

The next thing you need to think about when buying paint is the finish. For a front door, choose semi-gloss. This finish is more wear- and stain-resistant than some of the others and is also easier to clean.

 

The opportunities are endless when it comes to painting your front door, but don’t let that scare you off. Have fun with it, whether with color, wreaths and other décor, hardware or all of the above. Once you’ve selected the best color for you, use these easy tips for how to paint a door.

 

Taking your curb appeal from blah to beautiful can feel overwhelming. From landscaping and porch pots to front door design, hardware, and paint colors, there are so many ways to make the front of your home more welcoming and unique. One option you may not have considered to boost the character of your home is to add architectural details that give your home a custom feel. Browse our favorite options below to see what decorative details you can DIY to add character to your front porch. 

Columns

Many homes come with standard 4x4 or 6x6 front porch columns that can easily be upgraded according to your style preferences. Wrapping your existing front porch posts with larger boards or PVC column wraps (available for purchase at most building supply retailers) can give your whole porch a more solid and custom look. We love @ispydiy’s natural wood-stained front porch columns for a modern rustic aesthetic – so homey!
 

Corbels

One easy DIY idea for increasing the architectural interest of your front porch is to add corbels. These decorative supports come in a variety of unique styles and shapes and serve as a point of interest to draw the eye. When adding corbels to an existing structure like the interior corner between a porch post and roof beam, make sure to choose a size that looks functional, even if it is purely decorative. For example, the corbels on @jennasuedesign’s porch add the perfect touch of adornment to complement the overall porch style.
 

Bracket

Brackets are very similar to corbels, though they tend to be less ornate and more functional. These brackets on the @hgtv 2019 Dream Home serve an important structural purpose while also adding visual impact. You can purchase and install decorative brackets to give a more solid and stylish look to porch ceilings, gables, doorways, columns, and porches.
 

Crow’s Feet

Crows’ feet are decorative supports used at the peak of a gable end. This architectural detail tends to lend a sense of rustic elegance to a home’s exterior. If you have gable ends at the front of your home, consider adding crow’s feet for a special touch of visual appeal.

Trellis or Plant Wall

This project is perfect for the plant enthusiast or anyone looking to add a sense of organic charm to the front of their house. A trellis is a flat frame typically made of metal or wood that provides a vertical support for climbing plants. While certainly a functional gardening feature, a trellis can also make an architectural statement to the front of your home – pick a larger trellis in a contrasting color to layer over a front wall or add privacy by using a trellis to frame out the end of a porch or to create a seating area. Similarly, a plant wall is a creative way to add planting space and beauty to an exterior wall. This simple plant wall from @ispydiy is a fun focal point that coordinates effortlessly with the home’s aesthetic.
 

Pergola

If you are looking for a cost-effective and relatively easy way to add a front porch to your home, a front porch pergola is the perfect solution. While typically thought of as a structure for a garden or back deck, a front pergola can transform your curb appeal and provide partial shade for a relaxing outdoor seating area.

Railing

Upgrading your existing front porch with a railing is a lovely idea for intentionally framing your space. These clean railings from @courtney.tracy are a quaint farmhouse touch that help make her front porch more cozy and pleasant. For a completely different railing style, check out the traditional iron railing from @babybently18 – we love how it provides stability, ease and elegance to a simple front porch.
 

Shutters

For a classic home front that never goes out of style, shutters are an obvious choice. They can add character and color to enhance your home with subtle appeal. If you already have shutters, but they are looking a tad drab, it’s time for an easy refresh. A quick scrub down or pressure wash will likely do the trick – or go for a more impactful update by painting your shutters in a fresh hue. To take the upgrade a step further, consider painting your front door trim to coordinate with your shutters like @cuckoo4design – what a charming look!
 

Front Door Casing

Adding more intricate and robust casing trim around your front door is an often-overlooked way to layer some personality into the front of your home. This front door from @bleaktochicohio is a perfect example of how decorative casing can elevate your front porch style. For even more drama, paint your front door casing in a contrasting color from your front door. @porchdaydreamer nails this look with bright trim framing an elegant dark door.
 

We hope these ideas spark some fun DIY projects you can tackle to easily add detail and character to your front porch. For more DIY home tips and design ideas, browse our blog, Pinterest, and Instagram!

 

Did you know that more pets run away on the Fourth of July than on any other day? They’re probably not seeking freedom and independence, though. With all the activity – fireworks, parties, pool fun – it can get a little overwhelming and scary for your furry friends. Here are nine ways to keep your pet safe on the Fourth of July.

Secure “Hairy” Houdini

With guests arriving in the front door or coming and going out the back during the cookout, it’s important to make sure your little furballs don’t do a disappearing act and slip out. Use a dog tie out or keep them in a closed or gated room. Missing out on some of the fun will be worth keeping them safe and secure.

Tag ‘em

Make sure your pet’s tags are up to date and secured to their collar. If they’re microchipped, double-check that your contact info in the database is current. This is especially true if you’ve moved recently. These steps will make it much easier to track down your pet later if they do make a run for it.

Keep calm and enjoy the show

Fireworks, with all their loudness, are one of the most obvious risks to pets, and if you’re lighting firecrackers in your own backyard, the danger gets even higher. To keep them calm with everything bursting in air, try crating them or keeping them indoors, either in an interior room or one where you can close the windows, curtains and blinds. You can also play music or turn on the TV to help drown out some of the noise. A Thundershirt might also be helpful.

If you’re lighting firecrackers or sparklers at home, you definitely want to remove your pet from the action. The last thing you want is for Fido to grab a lit sparkler and have it pop in his mouth or burn him. Take the pup inside.

Only you can stop furry fires

Take a cue from Smokey the Bear: beware the dangers of fire of any kind, not just firecrackers. Keep your pet away from grills, outdoor kitchen ovens and firepits so that they don’t singe their tail or worse. Practice fire safety by having a water bucket and flame-retardant blankets nearby, just in case. People and pets alike will thank you.

Mind their diet

Even if you’re diligent about not feeding your pet table scraps and all your guests know not to toss an unsanctioned treat, avoid the temptation of a buffet. Keep party food out of your pet’s reach, whether it’s on a high counter or in a room they can’t access. You’d be surprised how many human foods can make man’s best friend sick.

 

You might even go an extra step and prepare spreads that are healthy for everyone, including those with four legs. Rover.com recommends fruit trays with cranberries, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries, all of which are safe for dogs. Or your veggie tray could include carrots, cauliflower, broccoli and cucumber, perfect for both Great-Aunt Polly and Princess.

Treat them well

Instead of feeding your pet potentially dangerous people food, have plenty of animal treats on hand. Give guests who want to shower your pet with love a healthier option and everyone will feel special. One of our doggo friends (good boy, Brutus) loves these pumpkin peanut butter biscuits from Recipe Boy. We doubt your dog will mind that it’s not PSL season yet.

Keep your hot dogs cool

There aren’t too many places in America that aren’t just plain hot on Independence Day. If you let your pet outdoors, make sure they have access to plenty of water and shade to help keep them cool. Try this DIY self-watering dog dish from Instructables to keep them hydrated. We also love DIY Show Off’s upcycled dog bed with umbrella.

Work it out

Getting your pet a lot of healthy exercise prior to the festivities can help calm them down later in the day, especially if they’re prone to overexcitement. Plan on a long, long walk or an extra game of tug in the morning to help wear them out.

Tails for traveling

If you’re hitting the road for the holiday weekend, you’ll need to make sure your best pup or kitty is taken care of. Arrange for a trusted friend to check up on them. This could include providing special feeding instructions, sharing contact info for the vet in case of an emergency or even giving them a code to your smart lock for easy yet secure home access while you’re away.

 

If you’re traveling with your pet, practice good car safety by securing them in a crate or with a seatbelt-like harness. Have snacks and water on hand to keep them healthy and happy during pitstops. Give them a toy or a frozen treat to keep them occupied so they don’t distract the driver.

Find more ways to celebrate the Fourth of July, from backyard party ideas to patriotic porch décor to at-home holiday fun for the whole family, all at the Schlage blog.

 

Guests who feel welcome tend to become repeat rental customers, something that you, as a property manager, need to succeed on Airbnb and VRBO. And how do you provide an experience that converts customers and earns positive reviews? Show that you go the extra mile for your guests’ comfort: Pay attention to the details and make their stay simple and convenient.

Your “hello” matters

Welcoming your guests properly starts before they even set foot on your property. When you’re in communication with them before their visit, don’t rely on automated emails. A personalized touch, not to mention replying to questions quickly, makes a statement about how much you respect their business and how you’ll handle problems that may come up.

 

Hostfully also recommends getting to know your guests before their arrival. Find out why they’re staying with you – a girls’ wine tour, a family reunion, an anniversary getaway – and what they’re interested in. Then give a local gift or a welcome basket based on that insight. Maybe treat them to a local bottle of vino or a bouquet of roses to set the romantic mood. Even if you don’t provide a customized gift, still consider fresh flowers or a thoughtful gift from the region to make them feel like family.

 

At Schlage, we love a beautiful entryway you can’t take your eyes off, but Hostfully makes a good point about not having conversations in the doorway. If you’re on site when your guests arrive, let them into the house and give them a chance to set down their bags. Offer them some water and let them catch their breath. Only then do you want to begin your welcome speech with all the essential information about staying with you.

 

As part of the full welcome package, include an information book, either emailed ahead of time or provided on the property. Anticipate their needs with instructions on how to adjust the thermostat and connect to the WiFi, and offer expert suggestions on the best dining and local tourist highlights. If you’ve installed a Schlage smart lock, include our tip sheets in case they have questions about how to use it.

 

You should also include policies about how to treat the property (it helps protect your investment) and a list of emergency contact information. Include your own phone number and email as well as details for local police, fire departments and hospitals.

A welcoming – and secure – statement

If you can’t be there when your guests arrive, either because you have other commitments or the vacation home is in another state, you can still welcome customers so they don’t feel like an afterthought. One way is by installing a smart lock. With all the advantages of keyless convenience, these locks remove many of the hassles of checking in and allow visitors to come and go as they please. That simplicity is the welcoming statement that separates you from the competition.

 

Access codes are the … *ahem* key … to providing ease and convenience to your guests. When you send visitors their unique code before they arrive, they’ll have access to the home without your needing to arrange a key exchange. Providing the code in advance doesn’t mean they’ll have immediate access – unless you want them to. If check-in time isn’t until noon because of cleaning, for instance, you can schedule those codes to be activated only when you know the house will be ready.

 

Not being tied to the property to provide a key at a specific time can actually boost your business, particularly with certain kinds of guests. VRBO names flexible check-in times as one way to attract weekenders. They’re only staying for a short time, so don’t delay their fun by making them wait on the porch.

 

Because you can create multiple access codes, you can save some specifically for guests, have a different code for your house cleaner and another one entirely for trusted maintenance teams. You can also view a history log through the Schlage Home app to see when codes have been used, so you can be confident that your handyman arrived to fix the toilet or that guests checked out as expected.

 

When guests are done staying with you, you don’t want them to have access to the rental property anymore. You can schedule access codes to expire at the end of their visit so they can’t return unannounced. And because you never provided a key, you know they didn’t make a copy before they left.

 

Try our Get Help Deciding Tool to find out which Schlage smart lock is right for your vacation home. Check out the features of the Schlage Home app as well – compatible with the Schlage Encode™ family of WiFi smart locks and see how creating and managing access codes, checking your locks’ status and more from your smartphone can make your job easier and your property more secure.

 

Looking for more ways to boost your vacation rental business with a welcoming statement? Check out this Schlage blog for simple ways to improve your property’s curb appeal.

 

You’ve just bought a new lock and for some reason it’s not fitting on your door and locking like it should. One possible reason for this is that your door isn’t properly aligned. Poor alignment can occur because your house has settled or shifted over time, the door frame is old or warped, or the door is sagging on its hinges.

 

Luckily, fixing the alignment of your door doesn’t have to be a chore. Use this checklist and our suggestions to get your new lock and door working in perfect harmony.

Identify why your door doesn't shut properly

1. Does your door easily latch during certain times of the year but not others?

If your door closes and latches easily during some seasons but not others, this may be a sign that changes in temperature or moisture are causing your door to warp, even just temporarily. We recommend waiting until it is not fitting properly to make adjustments at that time.

2. Is weather stripping causing your door to fit too snugly in its frame?

Weather stripping is great for minimizing drafts and noise. Just make sure that it is not so thick that it obstructs the bolt or prohibits it from entering the door frame’s bolt pocket. If weather stripping is the culprit behind your lock struggles, try changing to a thinner weather strip or adjusting the strike plate.

3. How to tell if your door won’t latch because of a strike plate issue.

When you adjust the strikes - the metal plates that surround the bolt or latch pocket in the door frame – it is important to first determine where the bolt is catching. If your door won’t latch in the strike plate, slowly lock and unlock the deadbolt several times. The deadbolt is probably hitting or rubbing on just one or two sides of the bolt strike. You will want to know where those points of interference are. This Old House has a great tip: Put some chalk – lipstick also works – on the bolt before locking and unlocking it. You’ll then be able to see a chalk smear on the strike where it is rubbing.

 

At that point, you’ll know where to remove obstructing material in the bolt hole using a chisel. You can also use these steps from Family Handyman to learn how to raise or lower the strike plates if your alignment is off by a larger margin.

4. Do you have to push, pull or lift your door to lock it? How to fix a sagging door.

This can be caused by different things, and so there are a few possible corrections you can make. First, check to see if moving the bolt strike helps. If your knob or lever also locks, it may help to move the latch strike as well. For example, if you have to lift your door to lock it, that could be a sign that your bolt or latch is hitting the bottom of the strike rather than extending fully into it. Use the steps above to adjust the strike.

 

Trouble locking your door can also occur when worn or loose hinges cause your door to sag. Here are two options for how to fix a sagging door. You can replace the hinges so that they fit more securely on the door frame. Or you can add shims under the hinges.

5. Is the bolt pocket 1” deep?

If the bolt pocket is not deep enough or placed correctly, the bolt cannot extend fully, making it so your door won’t latch. This can be corrected by enlarging the bolt pocket or changing the strike plate. To make the bolt pocket deeper, taller or wider, depending on where your bolt is dragging, use a chisel on the bolt hole until it is 1” deep and allows the bolt to fully extend without dragging.

 

If enlarging the bolt hole doesn’t fix your door that doesn’t shut properly, check the existing metal strike plate, which could be affecting the bolt pocket’s depth. Remove the strike plate from your door frame and use the deadbolt strike supplied with your Schlage lock instead. The supplied strike is the correct size and shape to allow the bolt to extend and retract as intended without dragging.

 

If you continue to experience minor rubbing of the bolt on the top or side of the strike plate, you will need an alternate strike and security plate with additional clearance. This replacement part is available by contacting  Schlage customer support.

We're here to help

For more help checking your door alignment and prep, be sure to watch our step-by-step installation videos here. You can also find more tutorials and interactive instructions in our How-to-Center and FAQs.

 

Do you manage a vacation rental? Then you really ought to have a smart lock. If you’re preparing for summer business, let Schlage answer your questions about how this simple upgrade can improve the security of your rental property and help boost business.

Smart locks for vacation rental questions and answers

It’s always a hassle exchanging keys. How can a smart lock make that easier?

Because no key is required to lock and unlock a smart lock, there’s nothing physical to exchange. You provide a unique access code to your guest, which can be done via text, email or, in some cases, directly through the booking website. This means that you never have to wait around for your guests to arrive, freeing you up to do what matters most to you.

Can I control when guests have access to my rental property?

Absolutely. With the Schlage Encode™ family of wifi smart locks, you can schedule access codes to be active only at certain times. For example, if you know your guests are staying Friday through Tuesday, simply use the Schlage Home app on your smartphone to schedule the access code for Friday after noon – when your house cleaner is finished making the place shine – through Tuesday night. Your guests have access when they need it and there’s no worrying if someone is entering the house when they shouldn’t be.

 

Because you don’t need to provide a physical key, it’s impossible for guests to make a copy and come back later when they haven’t book a stay. That means you can avoid “repeat guests” of the worst kind, those who want to make off with your TV, or worse.

What if a guest forgets their access code?

The solution is a lot easier than if they lose the key. It’s as simple as texting them the access code you originally assigned to them. And because you create any code you like, you can make it something they’ll never forget, like the last four digits of their phone number.

 

If they’re in a real pinch, you can also use your smartphone to lock and unlock the door from anywhere for them with any of the Schlage smart locks.

How can I tell if the house is secure? If I don’t have to get the key returned, there’s no way to know if the guest locked up when they left.

When you have any of our three Schlage Encode wifi locks paired with the Schlage Home app, you can check your lock’s status at any time, from anywhere. If you know your guests have departed but your app says the door is unlocked, a simple tap on your smartphone screen can secure the deadbolt.

Can I give access codes to others, like house cleaners or maintenance workers?

You can give access codes to as many trusted individuals as you like, including those working for you to keep your rental property working perfectly. Schlage Encode WiFi smart locks have memory for up to 100 unique access codes, while Schlage Connect™ Smart Deadbolt (not compatible with the Schlage Home app) holds up to 30. Give service providers their own unique code on a permanent basis or only at certain times when they should be completing jobs for you. Again, there are no spare keys to worry about, and you can see when the cleaners came and went using the Schlage Home app’s activity tracker.

How can a smart lock help my rental property make more money?

True, smart locks tend to be pricier than traditional mechanical deadbolts, but adding quality door hardware is worth the investment. Smart locks give greater peace of mind to both you and your guests, making it more likely that they’ll be willing to pay a little extra to stay with you. When potential visitors view pictures of your vacation rental, a front door with a smart lock that says, “We take your safety seriously,” can be a deciding factor in whether they choose you over a competitor. And from a simple dollars and cents perspective, you’ll save money when you no longer have to replace keys, rekey a home after losing a spare or waste time on simple tasks when you could be using your time more wisely.

 

Don’t underestimate the draw of a smart home, either. Consider a home automation system that allows you to link multiple smart devices and create convenient scenes. For example, with a smart thermostat, smart lights and a smart deadbolt, you can create a “Welcome” scene. When you receive a new booking, activate your scene from anywhere so the house is the perfect temperature and lights are on to greet late-night arrivals. It’s attention to these details that make guests want to come back for more.

Do guests really care if the property has a smart lock or a traditional deadbolt?

Yes! More travelers are recognizing the superior security smart locks provide. That means they feel more comfortable staying at your property and leaving their belongings in your rental home. Quite simply, if they don’t feel safe, they won’t come.

 

Many also appreciate the same convenience you do – not needing to wait for you to show up with the key or to return it at the end of their visit and not worrying about carrying or losing a key while they’re sightseeing. It’s small upgrades like this one that send a strong message to guests.

 

Use our Get Help Deciding tool to choose the right smart lock for your vacation rental. When you upgrade to the safety, style and simplicity of Schlage, you’re giving your business – and your house guests – the peace of mind and convenience that pays off for everyone.

 

He doesn’t need another tie and he certainly has plenty of socks. With Father’s Day just around the corner, give Dad something he actually wants: high-tech toys. The good news is that if he’s like most dads, he’s totally into electronics. With that in mind, and with the popularity of smart homes on the rise, how about a gift that he’ll not only love but that will make his life easier?

 

Many smart home devices – lights, locks, thermostats – require some kind of home automation hub or other device to connect it to your internet. We’ll get to those lights and such in a minute, but first, the hubs that help make the magic happen.

Smart home hubs for your smart guy

 

Apple TV^®

 

Apple TV is a great, all-in-one gadget for any tech dad’s home. It’s TV customized to him and the family. The Apple TV app lets Dad watch whatever he wants – HBO Max, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple Originals – whenever he wants. He can listen to music, work out at home, use Siri and play games, too. And when top-notch quality with the latest bells and whistles is important to him, be sure to check out the Apple TV 4K.

 

Apple TV also connects with HomeKit^®, giving remote access to compatible devices, including the Schlage Encode Plus™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt. You – or Dad – can create custom scenes to control your home’s settings, like locking the door at a certain time every night. And if you have other compatible smart home devices, those custom scenes can include things like turning your thermostat down when you leave for work in the morning and back up before you get home.

 

Shop Schlage Encode Plus™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt

Samsung SmartThings^®

 

If you think Dad is going to love customizing everything, SmartThings might be exactly what he’s hoping for. Not only can you set routines (similar to Apple TV’s scenes), you can use the SmartThings app to create even more customizable scenarios, like Smart Away that uses Caséta by Lutron to randomly turn lights on and off when you’re not home. Of course, there’s remote access through the app and compatibility with so many other devices, ranging from Samsung appliances and the Schlage Connect^® Smart Deadbolt to garage doors and home entertainment systems.

Ring Alarm

 

The Ring Alarm Base Station works on a Z-Wave mesh network, meaning it can serve as a hub for the Z-Wave-certified Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt. Syncing your compatible Schlage Connect lock and the Ring Alarm improves your home’s security and lets Dad control the lock from the Ring App. Plus, Ring Alarm is also compatible with other in-home devices – smoke detectors, flood sensors, motion detectors – so he can customize and play tech wizard to his heart’s content.

 

Shop Schlage Connect Z-Wave locks

 

Another option could be the Ring Video Doorbell paired with the Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt. The Schlage Encode lock features built-in WiFi, so technically the video doorbell doesn’t serve as a hub. But the two make a perfect combination, letting you see who’s at the door and unlocking it remotely for trusted visitors.

 

Schlage is constantly adding partners that work with our smart locks. For an up-to-date list of compatible smart home hubs, security systems and access management systems, visit our Works With page.

Smart devices for dad

 

Smart locks

 

Schlage has locks that work with all three of the smart home hubs we mentioned earlier. But if Dad wants a smart lock without the extra step of a hub, choose the Schlage Encode deadbolt with built-in WiFi. No additional hubs or accessories are required for remote access, and you still get to enjoy compatibility with other smart devices, not to mention voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant.

 

Give your dad the gift of going keyless for Father’s Day. Now he will never have to worry about losing his keys or wonder if he locked the door before going to bed. If he goes for a run or tackles an outdoor DIY project, he can still lock up the house without being weighed down by keys. He’ll be able to control the lock through his phone from anywhere and, maybe most importantly for that high-tech guy, look really cool doing it.

Amazon Alexa

 

It seems that most homes have at least one Alexa-enabled device, such as the Amazon Echo and Dot, these days. While you may already know that they have voice-controlled speakers that act as your own personal assistant, there are always new requests to make and automations to set up. Need a reminder to water the lawn? Just ask Alexa to add it to your schedule. Running low on dad jokes? Alexa can provide some new material. Need to reorder batteries, request an Uber or order Dominos? Alexa can do that for you, too.

 

Alexa is also compatible with many smart home devices including Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt, when paired with a compatible hub, Schlage Sense locks or the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt. When you’re ready for bed, ask Alexa to turn off the lights and lock your front door. If Dad is always hot but hates getting up to adjust the thermostat constantly, he can ask Alexa to do it for him. Think of all the things Dad can do with voice control and automation so he can focus on family fun.

 

Shop Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt

Lights

 

The Philips Hue lights are energy-efficient LED lights that offer a completely new lighting experience. These lights let you or your special dad dude customize the look and feel of your home. Change the shade and intensity of your lights, even syncing them with your TV shows and games, automate them to run whether or not you’re home, or use ambience settings to help everyone sleep better. Dad could even set them to a certain color when he is in “do not disturb” mode, especially important if he’s working from home … or watching the big game.

Thermostat

 

Smart thermostats might not sound super glamorous, but they could still be the perfect gadget for your dad this Father’s Day. After all, he’s not paying to cool the whole neighborhood! For the patriarch who watches the budget and the environment, try something like the Honeywell Home WiFi Smart Color Thermostat. Fully customizable schedules for each day of the week, remote control via a smartphone app and even smart response technology, which automatically adapts to your schedule and learns your preferences, make this an appealing gift.

We know your dad is special and he deserves a gift that’s as unique as he is. If you need more help choosing the perfect smart lock, try our Get Help Deciding tool.

 

For those of us in the door hardware industry, smart locks are a no-brainer. They’ve quickly become indispensable in offices, hospitals, hotels, and many other professional locations, but many consumers are still learning about the possibilities that smart locks can offer at home. “Are they really secure?” is a question we hear frequently. Let’s take a look at the security behind Schlage smart locks.

Choosing the safest smart lock

The first thing you should know is that a group of industry experts called the Builders Hardware Manufacturing Association (BHMA) set national standards regarding the security level, durability and finish quality of door hardware products. This helps locksmiths, building managers and other professionals ensure that they are using the right hardware in the right places, especially when they have to adhere to local building code requirements.

 

To help homeowners make the same decisions about which hardware is best for their home, the BHMA created a set of standards specific to residential door hardware. This includes three categories - Security, Durability and Finish – with rigid criteria for testing hardware to ensure it meets either a C (good), B (better) or A (best) grade in each category. Most Schlage products receive a AAA, which means they have received the best possible grades in Security, Durability and Finish. 

In addition to these high industry standards, we test our products even more rigorously in our own labs. By raising the bar even higher, we offer products that stand up to the trials of life for years to come. Regardless of whether you buy a smart lock vs. traditional lock, you know you’ll be getting a product that has been tested against the rigorous demands of daily usage. Our  Schlage Encode Plus™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt, Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt, Encode Smart WiFi Lever, Schlage Connect™ Smart Deadbolt with Alarm, and Schlage Touch™ Keyless Touchscreen Deadbolt and Lever have all received a grade A in security, the best possible grade to keep your home, and everything inside it, safe. 

Can smart locks be hacked?

We’ve all heard about the neighbor’s garage door code getting hacked. The good news is that these days that story is a bit of an urban legend. Some garage door codes were compromised back when the technology was new, but major strides have been made in electronic security since then, making these types of hacks much more difficult to pull off. Basically, if you’re comfortable ordering items from Amazon, you can trust that the connection between your Schlage smart lock and your smartphone is just as secure.

 

The rising popularity of home security systems is putting a dent in traditional break-ins as well, making smart locks that integrate with home security systems an increasingly effective solution. Together, they add a layer of electronic security to your home that allows you to keep better track of who’s coming and going, and when.

 

Locks that add extra security without requiring a smart home or security system are also on the rise. The Schlage Encode family of products are great examples. With built-in WiFi, each Schlage Encode product gives you anywhere access to control and monitor your locks through the Schlage Home app. Advanced smart lock security features include a secure, encrypted connection supporting a built-in alarm system to detect forced entry attempts. And if you want the simplicity of voice control, it is easy to pair your Encode smart lock with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. “Hey Google, is the front door locked?” gives you immediate peace of mind that your smart door lock is keeping you safe. With all these added security benefits, smart door locks are often the safest door locks for your home.

Spare keys are a safety faux pas

There’s an added security element to simply doing away with spare keys and using access codes instead. Codes are easier to control and monitor. If a code becomes compromised, you can simply delete it. Through the Schlage Home app, it is possible to view timestamped past activity, schedule temporary codes and customize notifications. This means you can get an immediate notification that your daughter used her unique code when she arrived home from practice – and set up auto lock so you don’t have to worry if she remembered to lock the door behind her. These smart lock features enhance your home security, giving you better control and peace of mind.

 

A lock without a cylinder, like the completely keyless Schlage Touch lock, also eliminates the possibility of picking or bumping because there’s no keyhole for intruders to manipulate. By choosing a completely keyless lock or any smart lock where you can assign access codes rather than copies of keys, you eliminate the hassle and expense that comes with a lost key. These are just a few examples of how opting for a keyless deadbolt makes home security more convenient than ever.

As you can see, electronic locks are a smart choice for any home. They can save time, add convenience, and make it safer and easier to share access by eliminating spare keys. Paired with the easy installation, simple smart lock upkeep and exceptional customer service that Schlage is known for, adding one of our electronic deadbolts or smart locks to your home is an easy step toward a safer, simpler home.

 

If you’re not sure which Schlage smart lock is right for you, try our interactive Get Help Deciding Tool.

 

With spring officially here and summer close behind, lawn and garden projects are in full swing. Whether you’re revamping your landscaping or working on your lawn, now is the time to think through how your yard can positively impact the environment. One important element of a more sustainable yard is water conservation. Below, we provide some helpful tips you can use to reduce the ecological footprint of your yard.

What is a rainscape?

A rainscape is simply landscaping that is intentionally designed to conserve water and protect water quality. Rainscaping helps reduce stormwater runoff from your property by putting it to work in more productive ways. There are many options for implementing rainscaping into your residential property – while you might not be able to make all these changes at once, it’s never too late to get started by choosing one project to make your yard more eco-friendly.

1. Add rain gardens

Rain gardens are a fun DIY rainscaping addition to your yard that helps collect and purify rainwater rather than allowing it to pick up chemicals and pollutants as it flows on a straight path to the sewer system. The best spot for a rain garden will depend on your yard – the next time it storms, look out the window to see where rainwater runoff exists. Often, water runoff travels down hardscaping like driveways and decks or builds at the end of downspouts. By diverting this runoff with a pipe or path of river rock to a shallow depression at least 10ft from your house, you can easily create a rain garden that has an added benefit of protecting your home’s foundation from pooling water. Learn how to build a rain garden here.

2. Harvest rainwater

One of the easiest rainscaping ideas to use at your home is to collect rainwater runoff from a roof or other surface. By channeling your downspouts to stormwater runoff rain barrels, you can store rainwater to replace a large amount of your water needs. This environmentally responsible choice gives you more control over your organic water supply and can add up to significant cost savings, especially if you are paying for city water for landscaping needs.

3. Landscape without water

Landscaping for your location can be tricky, especially if you live in a dry climate where plants can require a lot of supplemental water to survive. No-water and low-water landscaping allows you to rainscape even if your location doesn’t see much rainfall because you are intentionally conserving water. The first step is to choose plants that can tolerate drought – looking up a list of plants native to your state or region is the easiest place to start. Its also important to think about the density of plants in a landscaping bed. When plants are permitted to run up to one another, the soil is shaded from heat and sun, preventing moisture from evaporating too quickly.

4. Make your lawn drought tolerant

To survive dry spells, your lawn needs a deep root system. While it is tempting to run a sprinkler on a consistent schedule or at the first sign of any wilting grass, it is better to wait to water your lawn when closer to 50 percent of the grass is wilting. Once these conditions are met, you want to give your lawn a thorough soak of 1/2-3/4 inches, but make sure to stop before creating any wasteful run-off. By giving your grass a long watering only when it absolutely needs it, you are helping establish a deep root system that will develop more and more drought tolerance and require less and less watering.

 

Another management tip to motivate your grass to develop deep roots is to never mow grass shorter than its highest recommended height. Longer blades of grass have more surface area to photosynthesize and store energy to endure drought. If these methods don’t work and you still find yourself having to frequently water your lawn, it might be time to reduce the amount of turf in your yard. Native gardens and groundcovers are a more sustainable use of your property, and there are lots of creative ways to reduce lawn space in a way that is beautiful and appealing from the curb.

5. Create a rain swale

Water that quickly runs over the surface of your yard or driveway on its way to the sewer collects pollutants rather than benefitting the ecology. Rain swales are a rainscaping tool that slows water down and spreads water out, giving it a chance to actually sink into the soil. You can create a rain swale by digging a shallow ditch where water runoff typically builds in your yard. Line the depression with material like gravel, native plants and mulch that will help filter water. Rain swales can be a fascinating focal point for your yard that creates year-round aesthetic interest.

6. Move to permeable pavement

You’ve likely noticed a rainscaping theme: reduce rainwater runoff. Impervious pavement like cement and blacktop are the most common surfaces for residential driveways, patios and sidewalks, but they act as a slide that moves valuable rainwater away from the soil and into the sewer. If you are adding or replacing any hard surfaces outside your home, look for porous, permeable options that filter rain runoff into the soil beneath. For example, a patio with a sub-base of gravel and topped with permeable pavers is a much more eco-friendly option than pouring an impervious concrete slab.

While the options above only scratch the surface of the many ways to add rainscaping features that conserve water outdoors, we hope they inspire you to make a small step towards a more environmentally friendly landscape. For all things home improvement and DIY, check out the Schlage blog, Instagram and Pinterest!