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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.

Yes, most pros encourage you to change your locks when you move into a new home. While the previous owner may hand you their keys, you have no way of knowing whether other copies exist elsewhere. Changing your locks as soon as you move in is a great way to ensure that you can enjoy new, fully functioning locks that will work with your unique key or code.

It’s possible, but depends on the design of your lock. Some door locks that lack a keyhole do boast a small hole on the exterior handle or knob. This hole’s primary function is to allow water to drain out of the lock, in addition to giving homeowners an easy spot to insert lubrication. However, you can typically use a paperclip in this pinhole to unlock the door by manipulating the mechanism inside. 

Smart locks offer a similar level of safety to traditional or conventional locks because they often use comparable locking mechanisms, such as deadbolts. The primary difference is the access method: smart locks use a login or code instead of a physical key, which adds convenience. While not inherently safer, some smart locks have added security features that can deter intruders, like shutting down after too many incorrect code attempts or being harder to pick. For the best security, it's recommended to combine any lock with other home safety features like motion-activated lighting, security cameras, and window and door sensors.