Should You Change Locks After Buying a House? Top 5 FAQs

Have you moved house or are you about to move and wondering if you should change the locks or not? The short answer is yes, you should. While it might seem like an afterthought amidst all the excitement of settling into a new home, ensuring your property’s security is one of the most important first steps. Even if the previous owners seem trustworthy, you never know who might still have a key to your new house, whether it’s family members, friends, contractors, or even service providers who worked on the home.

Changing the locks is an easy way to protect your new investment and provide peace of mind knowing that only you and those you trust have access. In this blog post, we’ll answer the five most common questions homeowners have when it comes to changing locks after buying a house.

1. Should You Change Locks After Buying a House?

The short answer is: Yes, you should change the locks after purchasing a new house.

Even if the previous owners were trustworthy, you can never be 100% sure how many copies of the keys exist. It’s possible that family members, friends, contractors, or others still have copies of the keys. By changing the locks, you ensure that only you and those you trust can access your home.

Changing locks also gives you peace of mind, knowing that no one else can enter without your permission. It’s a relatively small investment compared to the safety it provides. Many homeowners also opt to upgrade to more secure locks, like smart locks, to increase home security further.

2. Should I Hire a Locksmith or Change Locks Myself?

While it may be tempting to change the locks yourself, it’s usually best to hire a professional locksmith for the job. Here’s why:

Expertise and Tools: 

Locksmiths have the training and the right tools to change locks efficiently and securely. They can also identify and fix any security issues that may not be apparent to a layperson, such as faulty hardware or poorly installed locks.

Proper Installation: 

DIY lock changes can lead to improperly installed locks, which could result in security weaknesses or difficulty locking and unlocking your doors. A locksmith ensures the locks are properly fitted and operate smoothly.

Time-Saving: 

Changing locks yourself may take longer than you expect, especially if you don’t have the right tools or experience. A professional locksmith can get the job done much faster.

Insurance Coverage: 

Hiring a professional locksmith could also ensure that your work is insured, whereas a DIY lock change might not have coverage in the event of issues.

If you’re comfortable with the task and have experience with lock changes, it’s possible to do it yourself, but for the sake of your home’s security, hiring a locksmith is often the better option.

3. Should I Rekey or Replace the Locks After Buying a House?

When it comes to securing your new home, you typically have two options: rekeying or replacing the locks. Here’s how they compare:

Rekeying: 

Rekeying involves changing the internal pins and tumblers of the existing lock so that the old keys no longer work, and a new key is created. This option is typically faster and more affordable than replacing the lock entirely.

Advantages of Rekeying:

• More cost-effective, as you keep the existing hardware.
• Faster than replacing locks.
• You can choose to rekey multiple locks to work with a single key for convenience.

Disadvantages of Rekeying:

• The lock may not be as secure if it’s old or worn out.
• It doesn’t address any potential vulnerabilities in the existing lock system.

Replacing the Locks: 

This involves removing the old locks and installing brand-new hardware, often with enhanced security features.

Advantages of Replacing the Locks:

• Newer locks offer better security features, such as smart locks, deadbolts, and higher-grade materials.
• You start fresh with brand-new locks that are in top condition.

Disadvantages of Replacing the Locks:

• More expensive than rekeying.
• Takes more time to install than rekeying.

Which Option Should You Choose?

• If the locks are old, damaged, or outdated, replacing them with modern, high-security locks is a better choice.
• If the locks are in good condition and you just want to ensure no one has copies of the keys, rekeying is a good and cost-effective option.

4. Is it Cheaper to Rekey or Replace a Lock?

Rekeying is generally the cheaper option compared to replacing the entire lock. Rekeying only involves changing the internal components of the lock while replacing the lock requires buying new hardware and possibly installing new mounting hardware.

On average cost:

Rekeying 

Can cost between $20 to $50 per lock, depending on the locksmith and the complexity of the lock.

Replacing 

The lock can cost anywhere from $60 to $200 or more, depending on the type of lock and whether it’s a basic or high-security lock.

If you’re on a budget and the existing locks are still in good condition, rekeying is a solid and affordable choice. If you’re looking to upgrade your security or the locks are old and worn, replacing the locks is the better option.

5. How Do I Choose a Locksmith for Lock Replacement for My New House?

Choosing the right locksmith is crucial to ensuring the safety of your new home. Here’s what to look for when hiring a locksmith:

Licensed and Insured: 

Make sure the locksmith is licensed, bonded, and insured. This ensures they are qualified to perform the work and that you’re protected in case of any issues.

Reputation: 

Look for reviews and testimonials from other customers. A reputable locksmith will have positive feedback from clients who have used their services in the past.

Experience: 

Choose a locksmith with experience in residential lock replacement and rekeying. They should be able to handle various types of locks and security systems.

Transparent Pricing: 

A trustworthy locksmith will provide clear pricing before starting the work. Beware of locksmiths who provide a quote over the phone and change it once they arrive.

Local Locksmith: 

Opt for a local emergency locksmith who knows your area. Local professionals are usually more reliable, and in case of an emergency, they can reach your location quickly.

Final Thoughts

Changing or rekeying your locks after buying a house is an important step in ensuring the security of your home. While it may seem like an added expense, it provides peace of mind and ensures you’re the only one with access to your property. Whether you choose to rekey or replace the locks depends on the condition of the existing hardware and your budget.

Hiring a professional locksmith to handle the job ensures it’s done correctly and securely. Take the time to choose a reliable locksmith to help protect your home and family.

If you’re looking for a trusted locksmith in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, contact Top Pick Locksmiths. We offer professional lock replacement, rekeying, and security upgrades to ensure your new home is safe and secure. With years of experience and a reputation for reliability, Top Pick Locksmiths provides efficient and high-quality service tailored to your needs. Whether you need standard locks changed or want to upgrade to smart locks, their skilled team ensures a hassle-free experience at competitive prices.

More Resources:

Common Door Lock Problems

How to get a broken key out of a lock

Remove A Snapped Key From A Door Lock