FAQ: Create an all-around z-wave presence in a 4,000 sq ft home?

None that I know, Zwave is an RF protocol, not wired.

You might take a look at some of the outbuilding connection topics for some of the possible options when you have a metal door. Even if the topic discusses Zigbee, the same approaches will apply to

The main idea is that with the exception of some storage sheds, most residential buildings are not airtight. That leaves a lot of places for signal to get through. And the signal is 360°.

so the signal doesn’t have to go through the door itself if it can go through the wall next to the door or a rubber seal around the door or a window near the door.

But the door lock, as a battery-operated device, is not going to repeat the messages for any other devices. So it may be as simple as putting a mains-powered device on that wall, typically a light switch or even a plug in pocket socket. Then seeing if enough signal can get through the wall to the other side, and pick it up with another pocket socket or light switch or even a repeating light bulb there. (Just make sure everything is the same protocol. Zwave can only repeat for zwave, Zigbee can only repeat for Zigbee.)

However, if the walls are concrete or brick or Adobe, then it gets much more difficult.

Personally, I usually begin these kind of troubleshooting efforts with two pocket sockets, because they are easy to move around. Just see if you can get one on one side of the wall to talk to one on the other side of the wall. Once you know you can get signal through the wall, you have a lot more options.

If you do have concrete walls or otherwise can’t get the two pocket sockets to communicate, then you have to start looking at either minor remodels or putting a relay inside the wall.

edited to add there is now a how to article in the community – created wiki on how to automate an outbuilding which has more information on dealing with architectural blocks:

http://thingsthataresmart.wiki/index.php?title=How_to_Automate_an_Outbuilding