Build an itemized smart lock estimate
Formula Used
The estimate is built from five parts: hardware, site work, labor, commercial terms, and taxes. Each door’s hardware cost is calculated as: Base(lock type) × Tier multiplier + Access adders + Connectivity adders + Material prep allowance + Integration allowance + Shipping + Warranty.
Labor is calculated per door as: Labor rate × (Base hours × Material labor multiplier + Removal hours + QA hours + wiring allowances), then multiplied by the number of doors.
Project totals then apply: bulk discount (hardware only), markup %, contingency %, and tax %. This sequence mirrors common procurement and contractor pricing workflows.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the number of doors and choose the lock type and tier.
- Select access methods and connectivity that match your security needs.
- Set labor rate and hours per door based on site conditions.
- Enable removal, door prep, wiring, or conduit if the retrofit needs it.
- Add subscriptions, permits, discounts, markup, contingency, and taxes.
- Press Calculate Cost, then download CSV/PDF for sharing.
Example Data Table
| Project | Doors | Lock Type | Tier | Connectivity | Labor Rate | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office Suite Retrofit | 8 | Smart Deadbolt | Standard | Wi‑Fi | $ 38/hr | $ 3,480 |
| Co‑Working Expansion | 22 | Smart Lever Handle | Premium | Z‑Wave | $ 42/hr | $ 12,950 |
| Warehouse Access Upgrade | 6 | Smart Mortise Lockset | Standard | Bluetooth | $ 40/hr | $ 4,180 |
| Clinic Compliance Project | 14 | Smart Lever Handle | Standard | Zigbee | $ 45/hr | $ 7,860 |
| Lobby + Storage Security | 4 | Smart Deadbolt | Economy | Wi‑Fi | $ 35/hr | $ 1,420 |
Example values are illustrative only. Real costs vary by brand, availability, door condition, and local labor markets.
Scope and Assumptions
This calculator estimates smart lock upgrade costs for construction scopes. It assumes one lockset per opening and a consistent labor rate across the project. Default unit prices represent typical mid-market components and can be edited in the cost tables inside the file to match supplier quotes.
Hardware Feature Drivers
Lock type and tier set the baseline material cost, then access methods add incremental hardware value. Keypad and mobile access usually increase adoption with minimal complexity, while fingerprint and card access raise unit costs due to sensors, readers, and commissioning. Connectivity adders reflect radio modules and gateways that may be required for remote control, audit logs, or multi-site management. Plan for spare batteries, user credentials, and any required mechanical override keys.
Labor and Site Conditions
Labor is calculated from hours per door, adjusted by door material and selected site work. Metal and glass openings often require slower prep, specialized bits, and careful alignment. Removal, wiring, conduit, and door prep options add both time and direct cost allowances, helping you capture retrofit realities and reduce change orders. If doors are fire-rated or have access-control wiring nearby, include extra verification time and coordination with other trades.
Commercial Terms and Risk Buffers
Bulk discounts are applied to hardware only, mirroring common procurement practices. Markup covers contractor overhead and coordination, while contingency protects against unknowns such as uneven frames, missing strikes, or restricted work windows. Taxes apply after contingency so the estimate aligns with many invoice structures. For phased rollouts, consider different pricing per area, night work premiums, and scheduling impacts that affect productivity.
Reporting and Stakeholder Review
After submission, the estimate shows a line-by-line breakdown for quick validation with clients, security teams, and facility managers. Export the CSV for bid comparisons and the PDF for approvals and recordkeeping. For final budgeting, validate door counts, confirm integration requirements, and document any compliance constraints. Record assumptions for warranty response times, training sessions, and who owns the subscription so operating costs are not missed.
FAQs
1) How is hardware cost per door calculated?
Hardware per door combines lock type price, tier multiplier, selected access features, connectivity, door material prep allowance, integration allowance, shipping, and warranty. Edit the unit tables in the file to match your brand and supplier pricing.
2) Why does door material change the labor total?
Material affects installation speed and risk. Metal and glass doors often need slower drilling, careful alignment, and specialized tooling, so the calculator applies a labor multiplier and optional prep allowances to better reflect site conditions.
3) When should I enable wiring or conduit options?
Enable them when locks need power, network runs, door position sensors, or surface raceway for retrofits. The tool adds both a per-door cost allowance and extra labor time so your estimate covers coordination and installation effort.
4) How should I use the software subscription fields?
Use monthly cost and months to capture cloud management fees, audit logging, or user provisioning services. If the client will pay the subscription directly, set the cost to zero and note it separately in your proposal.
5) What do markup and contingency represent?
Markup covers contractor overhead, supervision, and profit. Contingency is a risk buffer for unknown conditions such as warped frames, missing strikes, limited access, or after-hours work. Adjust both based on project complexity and tolerance for change orders.
6) Do the CSV and PDF include my selections?
Yes. After you calculate, the downloads pull from the saved breakdown in the session and include key line items plus total and per-door cost. Recalculate after changing inputs to refresh the exported report.