Congratulations on your new home! You’ve got boxes to unpack and a never-ending to-do list. But here’s something that should be near the top of that list.
You have no idea who has a key to your house right now. The previous owners, their family, contractors, the realtor. Any of them could still have copies.
Should you rekey or replace locks? Both options give you peace of mind, but they work differently and cost different amounts. Let’s break down what each one does.
The Difference Between Rekeying and Replacing
What a Locksmith Does When Rekeying
Rekeying is like changing your email password. You keep the same account but the old password stops working. A locksmith opens the cylinder and rearranges the pins inside to match a new key. All the old keys become useless.
What to Expect With New Lock Installation
Replacing a lock means taking the entire thing off your door and installing new hardware. You get new keys, new mechanisms, and sometimes better security features.
Rekeying vs. Replacing Locks: Which One Saves You Money?
| What You Get | Rekeying | Replacing |
| What Changes | Internal pins; old keys won’t work | Entire lock hardware |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Time | Faster | Takes longer |
| Your Current Hardware | Stays on your door | Gets swapped out |
| Security Level | Good (if locks are decent quality) | Good (can upgrade) |
| Look of Your Door | Stays the same | Can update the style |
Why Rekeying Works for Most New Homeowners
Your locks look fine and work well
If the hardware matches your house and works without issues, rekeying makes sense. You keep what you have and just change who can access it.
All your locks are the same brand
A locksmith can rekey them all to work with a single key. No more juggling multiple keys every time you come home. For new homeowners, this is usually the simplest route.
Your locks are good quality
Grade 1 or Grade 2 locks don’t need replacing just because someone else had keys. If the hardware is solid, rekeying services cost much less than buying new ones.
When Replacing Locks Is Worth the Cost
The hardware is old or broken
If locks stick, don’t fully lock, or show rust, rekeying won’t fix that. You need new hardware.
You want better security
Older locks don’t have anti-pick features or reinforced strike plates. If you want a real security upgrade, you’ll need new locks. There are different types of lock replacements depending on your security grade needs.
You don’t like how they look
Maybe you hate the brass finish or the style doesn’t fit your house anymore. Replacing gives you a chance to update your curb appeal.
Your doors have different lock brands
If your front door has one brand and the back door has another, getting everything to work with one key gets complicated. Sometimes it’s easier to just replace them all.
Combining Rekeying and Replacement
Here’s something most people don’t think about. You can do both.
Replace your front door lock with something nicer and more secure. Then rekey your side and back doors to match that new front door key. You get upgraded hardware where people see it, better security on your main entrance, and you save money on the other doors. Plus, you end up with a single key that works for everything.
What New Homeowners Pay for Lock Services
Rekeying Costs in Florida
Most locksmiths charge $20 to $40 per lock for rekeying, plus a service call fee. If you have five doors, you’re looking at roughly $100 to $200 total. The cost to rekey a new home in Florida depends on how many locks you have and what type they are. Deadbolts usually cost more than regular doorknobs.
Replacement Costs by Lock Type
New locks start around $40 for basic models. High-security or smart locks can run $150 or more, and that’s before installation. For a whole house, you could spend $500 to $1,000 or more.
| Cost Factor | What Affects the Price |
| Hardware Quality | Basic vs. high-security grade |
| Lock Type | Mechanical vs. smart locks |
| Installation | Labor time and complexity |
| Number of Doors | More locks means higher total cost |
So which option costs less? For most people, rekeying is cheaper. But if your locks are old or broken, replacement might be worth it long-term.
How Rekeying and Replacing Affect Security
Rekeying Keeps You Safe If:
Your current locks are decent quality. Rekeying changes the pins inside the cylinder so old keys don’t work anymore. The lock itself stays the same, which is fine if it was good to begin with.
Replacing Makes Sense If:
Your locks are more than 15 years old. Older models don’t have anti-pick pins or hardened inserts that resist common break-in methods. Newer locks handle bumping and picking better.
Smart locks add features like access logs and temporary codes for guests. You can see who came in and when, or lock your door from your phone if you forgot.
Can New Locks Lower Your Insurance?
Some insurance companies give discounts for high-security locks. Worth asking your provider if upgrading could lower your premiums.
Which Option Fits Your Situation?
You Just Bought Your First Home
Your budget is tight after the down payment. The locks work fine, but you know other people had keys.
Rekey everything to a single key. It’s affordable and solves the problem.
Your House Needs Updates
The locks work but look dated. You’re planning other updates anyway.
Replace the front door lock for looks, rekey the rest. This balances style with budget.
The Inspector Found Problems
Some locks don’t fully lock. Others take multiple tries to work.
Replace them. Broken locks can’t keep you safe, and fixing them often costs almost as much as new ones.
You Want Smart Home Features
You’re adding smart home tech and want keyless entry.
Install smart locks. Rekeying can’t give you those features.
DIY vs Hiring a Locksmith for New House Keys
Common DIY Lock Mistakes
You can buy rekeying kits, but mistakes happen easily. You could damage the lock or leave it not working right. If you’re getting new house keys, a locksmith has the right tools and knows how to handle different brands.
What Happens During the Visit
They’ll look at your current locks and talk about what you need. They can rekey multiple locks to one key, install new hardware, and test everything before they leave.
Questions Worth Asking
Can all my locks work with one key? What security grade are my current locks? What brands do you recommend? What’s included in the service fee? Do you warranty the work?
Lock Maintenance Tips for Homeowners
Clean the cylinders with compressed air now and then. Use graphite powder or silicone spray once a year. Skip oil-based products because they collect dirt.
Check that the lock lines up with the strike plate. If your door shifts with the seasons, it can wear out the lock.
Making the Right Choice for Your New Home
For most new homeowners with decent locks that work fine, rekeying is the fastest and cheapest way to get peace of mind. You’ll know that every old key is useless and you control who has access.
If your locks are old, broken, or you just want something better, replacement makes more sense. You get newer features, better security, and locks that will last.
Still not sure? A locksmith can look at what you have and tell you what makes sense. For homeowners in Florida looking for help, residential locksmith services can walk you through your options.