Just Bought a Home? Here’s Why Rekeying Your Locks Should Be Your First Call

One of the first questions we get from new homeowners is:

“Do I really need to rekey the locks?”

My answer? Absolutely.

When you buy a property, you have no real way of knowing how many keys are out there. During the selling process, keys are typically kept in a lockbox, which is outside the seller’s direct control. Realtors, handymen, contractors, inspectors, and even other potential buyers may have had access.

And something most people don’t realize is that a standard house key can be copied from a cell phone photo. It doesn’t take much.

On top of that, over the years, previous owners may have given spare keys to neighbors, family members, dog sitters, cleaning services — you name it. There’s simply no way to know how many copies exist.

Starting fresh with rekeyed locks gives you peace of mind from day one.

Real Situations We’ve Seen

We’ve had multiple calls where former owners’ family members or neighbors still had working keys months after a sale. Sometimes it’s innocent — sometimes it’s not.

The bottom line is this: with most residential locks, there’s no tracking system. There’s no “master list” of copies. If a key was handed out, it’s out there.

Rekeying eliminates that uncertainty.

Rekeying vs. Replacing: What’s the Difference?

A lot of homeowners assume they need to replace all their hardware. In most cases, that’s not necessary.

Here’s how it typically breaks down:

  • Service Call: $80–$160 (depends on distance and drive time)

  • Rekey (per cylinder):

    • $25 if you have a working key

    • $45 if you do not have a working key

Rekeying changes the internal pins of the lock so the old keys no longer work. You keep your existing hardware — just with brand new keys.

If you want to replace hardware entirely, that’s an option too. Basic hardware can start around $45 and go up depending on what you choose. Installation usually takes anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour if we’re installing into existing holes.

For most homeowners, rekeying is the fastest and most cost-effective solution. We can typically complete the entire job at the property in 1–3 hours, instead of you having to remove and replace everything yourself.

What Homeowners Often Don’t Realize

A properly functioning door should require little to no effort to lock or unlock. If you’re having to push, lift, or slam the door just to throw the deadbolt, something’s off.

Common misunderstandings:

  • A deadbolt should not require excessive force.

  • The door should not need to be “held just right” to lock.

  • The lock should turn smoothly — not grind or catch.

Often, the issue isn’t the lock itself — it’s alignment. A locksmith can adjust the strike plate or hinges so everything works the way it should. That small adjustment can extend the life of your hardware and improve your security.

Red Flags in Existing Hardware

When we’re evaluating locks on a new property, here are a few things we look for:

  • Lever handle is sagging

  • Thumb turn or key drags when turning

  • Knob doesn’t spring back properly

  • Key “snaps over” or feels like it jumps while turning

These signs can indicate wear, misalignment, or internal damage. Catching those issues early can prevent a lockout or failure later.


Rekeying your home after purchase isn’t just about security — it’s about starting fresh.

It’s a relatively small investment that gives you full control over who has access to your home. And while we’re there, we can give you a professional opinion on the condition of your hardware, point out anything you may not be aware of, and make sure everything is operating the way it should.

If you’ve recently purchased a home — or if you’re not sure who might still have a key — it’s always a good idea to make that call.

Better to know for sure than to wonder.

Next
Next

Locked Out? Here’s How to Handle It Like a Pro: Tips and Tricks from a Professional Locksmith