I’ve always been a bit of a tinkerer, so when I faced a recurring issue with family members leaving the main entrance door bolt in the open position, I knew I had to find a creative solution. While I don’t have the luxury of installing a smart deadbolt in my old rented apartment, I came up with a makeshift but effective solution using everyday items.
Here’s what I did: I used a cable clip, a multi-sensor, and some Scotch double-sided tape to create a simple yet reliable monitoring system. The sensor detects the bolt’s position, and with some automation in SmartThings or HomeAssistant, I can trigger alerts if the bolt is left open for more than a set amount of time. I even added presence detection to make it more efficient!
While it’s not the most durable or fancy setup, it’s been working perfectly for me. I’d love to hear if anyone else has tried something similar or has suggestions for improvement. Feel free to reach out with feedback or questions!