Essential Guide to House Rekey Services

You have the keys to your new home—a proud moment! But as you stand at your front door, a nagging question pops into your head: Who else has a copy? The previous owners, their real estate agent, or even a past contractor? This uncertainty is the first challenge to feeling truly secure after moving in.

Your immediate thought might be to replace every lock on the house. While effective, this approach means buying all new hardware, which can be surprisingly expensive and may not even match your home’s style. It’s the common solution, but it’s not always the smartest one.

Fortunately, there’s a much faster and more affordable alternative: a house rekey service. A locksmith can simply adjust the internal pins of your existing locks, making all old keys obsolete. This process, known as rekeying, gives you brand-new keys and complete peace of mind without the cost of total replacement.

Rekey locks

Rekeying vs. Replacing: The Simple Difference That Saves You Money

When you need to “change the locks,” most of us picture a trip to the hardware store. This is called replacing a lock—physically removing the entire doorknob or deadbolt and installing a new one from the box. It works, but it can be costly and leave you with hardware that doesn’t match your other doors.

Instead, consider rekeying. Think of it as simply resetting the password for your door. A locksmith doesn’t change the lock itself; they expertly rearrange the tiny pins inside the lock cylinder. This quick adjustment makes the lock work with a brand-new key while making the old one obsolete.

The moment the process is finished, any old keys are instantly rendered useless, immediately securing your home from anyone who might have a copy. You get the security of a new set of keys while keeping the locks you already have and like.

Rekey locks

The Top 4 Reasons to Rekey Your Home Locks

Beyond basic security, rekeying your locks offers powerful advantages for your wallet and your schedule compared to buying brand-new hardware. Here’s why so many homeowners choose to rekey:

• It’s Cost-Effective. You’re paying for a locksmith’s expert service, not for multiple new deadbolts and knobs. This almost always makes rekeying the more affordable option.
• It’s Fast. A professional can typically rekey all the locks in a home in under an hour. There’s no construction, no mess, and no need to patch up your door afterward.
• One Key for Everything. Are you tired of fumbling with different keys for the front door and the back door? A residential locksmith can change keys so that all compatible locks work with a single new key.
• Instant Security Control. Once rekeyed, you have the only working keys. This immediately invalidates all previous copies and grants you full control over who can enter your home.

When to Rekey vs. Replace: Your 2-Minute Decision Guide

While rekeying is a fantastic, budget-friendly option, it isn’t the right solution for every situation. The choice between rekeying vs changing locks comes down to the condition of your current hardware. This simple checklist will give you a clear answer.

Choose Rekeying If…

• Your locks are in good working condition.
• You like your current hardware style and finish.
• You simply need to invalidate all old keys quickly.

Choose Replacement If…

• Your lock is broken, rusted, or sticks when you use it.
• You want to update your hardware to a different style or color.
• You’re upgrading to a keypad or smart lock.

The Real Cost and Time to Rekey Your House

So, what should you budget for a rekey service? Understanding how much it costs to rekey a house is simple once you know the model. Most locksmiths charge a flat service call fee to come to your home, plus a smaller fee for each lock cylinder they work on. This two-part pricing is standard and helps you easily compare quotes.

For a typical home with a few doors, you can generally expect the total cost to land between $150 and $250. When you find a locksmith to rekey your doors, this is a far more budget-friendly route than buying three or four brand-new locksets, which could easily cost double that amount.

Beyond the savings, the convenience is a huge plus. Wondering how long it takes to rekey locks? A skilled locksmith is remarkably efficient, often completing a single lock in about 15 minutes. For an average house, they can be in and out in under an hour, leaving you with a fresh set of keys.

Can You Rekey Locks Yourself? The DIY vs. Professional Breakdown

With the cost savings in mind, you might be tempted to try rekeying yourself. A quick search reveals plenty of DIY lock rekey kit options, but be cautious. For most standard locks, this isn’t a simple screwdriver job; it requires precision and a steady hand to manipulate the small parts inside your lock.

However, some brands have made this process incredibly simple. The major exception is locks featuring Kwikset SmartKey rekey technology, which are specifically designed for you to rekey in seconds with a simple tool—no lock disassembly required. If you have these, a DIY rekey is a breeze.

For all other traditional locks, the risk of a DIY attempt is high. The process involves changing lock pins and tumblers, and one small mistake can leave you with a broken, inoperable lock. This often results in a more urgent and expensive call to a locksmith than you were trying to avoid in the first place.

Your Next Step to a More Secure Home

Just a few minutes ago, the thought of securing your home likely meant a costly trip to the hardware store and an afternoon spent replacing every doorknob. Now, you’re equipped with a much savvier solution, understanding the precise difference between replacing hardware and simply changing the keys that operate it.

The path forward is clear. If your locks work well but your keys are compromised, a professional house rekey service is your fast, affordable answer. If your hardware is broken or outdated, that’s when you should choose to replace it. This simple distinction is the key to saving both time and money.

You’re no longer just “changing the locks”; you’re making an informed security decision. To get started, find a residential locksmith to change keys and confidently tell them, “I’d like a quote to rekey my doors.” You now have the knowledge to take control of your home’s security with confidence.

Cost Comparison: Rekeying vs. Replacing Locks