Locked out of your car or home? Need to rekey your house? Here’s how much a locksmith costs and what you need to know before calling one.
Should You Change the Locks on a New House?
Changing your new home’s locks and keys gives you peace of mind and adds an extra layer of security
Photo: Cultura Creative / Adobe Stock
Photo: Cultura Creative / Adobe Stock
Highlights
Homeowners buy new locks and keys to increase their house’s security.
For the best outcome, schedule the locksmith appointment weeks in advance.
You have a choice between buying new locks or rekeying existing locks.
Locksmith’s fees range between $50 and $100 per hour.
Let professionals replace the locks, but rekeying is a DIY project.
Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
When you move into a new house, it sometimes takes a little while to feel like home. Installing new locks and keys will help you settle in and complete the perspective switch from “their house” to “our house.” Learn how to work with a locksmith and customize a plan for new locks and keys because, ultimately, the house should be your safe and happy place.
Why It’s Important to Change Locks on a New House
On the fence about changing the locks and keys? Let’s take a look at the main reasons why you should consider making the change.
1. The Previous Owner or Renter Probably Shared Keys
It’s normal to share house keys with neighbors, pet sitters, and family members. Extra keys can certainly help out in the event of an emergency. However, even if you trust the previous occupants, it’s a little unnerving to wonder about keys to your house in the hands of people you don’t know. Start fresh with a new set of locks and keys to give yourself peace of mind.
2. Your New Build Home Has a Master Key
Buying a new construction home alleviates a lot of the stress involved with purchasing a previously owned home. But the locks on your new front door were probably installed by the builder and “master keyed,” meaning they likely used the same key for more than one house on the block and shared it with subcontractors during construction. To lessen your worries about unknown contractors having a master key to your home, change the locks and keys yourself.
3. New Locks Were Recently Installed
Even though the homeowner or tenant said that new locks were recently installed, you can’t ensure there aren’t key copies because you didn’t work with the locksmith. For example, the previous occupant may have forgotten about the time they lent the key to the house cleaning crew or handyperson for a quick move-out task.
4. Peace of Mind
Changing the locks on a new house provides a sense of security and reassurance because it eliminates any lingering uncertainty about who might still have a key or access to your property. Taking this simple step can help you feel much safer and more at ease in your new space.
Replacing vs. Rekeying Locks
The decision to either replace the locks or rekey depends on various factors, including the type of existing locks, the number of locks, your budget, additional upgrades, and your locksmith’s advice. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to changing locks and keys.
To rekey a home, locksmiths rearrange the pins in the lock's cylinder, making old keys unusable. You’ll get a new set of keys after rekeying. The average cost of rekeying a home is about $75 per hour.
On the other hand, if you want an upgrade for security or modernization reasons, new locks are the way to go. The locksmith will remove all of the locks and install new hardware for each door. You should plan to pay between $50 and $100 per hour for a locksmith to change the locks.
Lock Change Cost Factors
The total price for changing the locks varies for more reasons than the number of locks and new keys needed.
Lock Customization
Your local locksmith will provide you with different solutions to suit your home and budget. These options range from a simple one-for-one switch to a complete upgrade to a smart lock system that uses keypads, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and biometric capabilities. Keep in mind that the more advanced the lock system, the higher the final price tag.
Lock Complexity
The lock’s type (mortise, interchangeable core cylinder, or high-security lock), material quality, brand name, and installation complexity affect pricing. For example, aluminum locks cost more, while die-cast locks from non-ferrous materials like zinc are more affordable but less sturdy.
Changes to the Existing Door
The lockset you choose might require modifications to the existing exterior door or door frame, such as reinforcing your door jam with hinge shields or adding a metal slipcover over an exposed door latch.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Photo: rh2010 / Adobe Stock
While it might seem tempting to change your locks yourself, this is a task best left to a professional. Attempting a DIY lock change can result in damage to both the door and the lock mechanism, compromising your home’s security and potentially leading to costly repairs.
A professional locksmith will have the tools and expertise to ensure everything is done correctly and efficiently. Plus, pros can provide guidance on which type of lock best suits your needs, helping to give you peace of mind and a properly secured home.
Cost to Hire a Locksmith
Locksmiths typically charge $50 to $100 per hour for a scheduled visit. However, many have a flat fee based on the number and complexity of locks being installed, so the cost to change locks usually ranges from $50 to $200. Expect to pay more if they are installing electric locks. There’s a separate rate for rekeying locks, somewhere in the neighborhood of $80 to $150. The benefit of spending more money on a locksmith is ensuring that the installation or rekeying is done correctly, as well as saving the time of having to do it yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Changing door locks is a task that most homeowners can accomplish on their own. Standard door knobs are quite straightforward, and even more advanced locks, like electronic or smart locks, generally come with instructions. That said, the process can be time-consuming, especially if you plan to replace multiple locks around the house. It’s also a task that you want to complete correctly, considering that it affects the security of your house. That’s why hiring a pro is often best when changing your door locks.
Expect to pay between $50 to $200 if you hire a locksmith to change your locks. That figure includes labor and the cost of basic hardware. The cost will naturally be higher if you plan to install more expensive locks, like smart locks, and if you need a lot of them.
Homeowners can save money by replacing locks themselves. A typical rekeying kit costs about $10 to $25. The only additional cost is purchasing new house keys, and those are no more than a few dollars per key. If you want to replace the locks on your own completely, the main cost is the price of the locks themselves. A standard knob-style lock starts around $25, while electronic locks and smart locks will run in the hundreds of dollars. The only additional tools you should need are a tape measure, screwdriver, and screws if they are not already provided.
Door locks should be changed roughly every seven years. The average lifespan of a door lock is seven to 10 years, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and change them early, especially if they are showing signs of wear and tear. Examples of deterioration include visible rust and difficulty opening or closing the door. Some locks can work safely beyond 10 years, but it depends on how often they are used and whether they are exposed to damaging environmental conditions like precipitation or extreme temperatures.
Yes, keyless locks can be quite safe, but their security depends on the type and quality of the lock you choose. Many keyless locks offer added features like biometric access, PIN codes, and smartphone connectivity, making them potentially more secure than traditional locks. However, keyless locks can also be susceptible to hacking, battery failure, or technical malfunctions, so it's important to choose a reliable brand and stay on top of software updates and maintenance.
The homeowners guide to locksmith services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Installing new door locks every seven years can make a home safer and possibly earn you a home insurance discount. Here’s how much it costs to change a lock.
Copying a key can be affordable, depending on the type. Learn about the cost of copying a key and what to do when you need a replacement.
Compare a double-cylinder vs. a single-cylinder deadbolt lock to determine which is better for your home doors.
Is your key stuck, and you need to know how to lubricate your lock? Look no further. This article outlines 10 ways to unstick a lock without calling a locksmith.
Getting locked out of your house can be frustrating. Don’t panic, though; you have options if you’re stuck outside your home (even if you don’t have a spare key handy or a locksmith to call). Find out what to do—and what not to do—here.