Why It's Essential
You have no idea how many copies of the keys exist. Previous owners may have given keys to family members, friends, pet sitters, house cleaners, contractors, real estate agents, and neighbors. Even in a brand-new home, construction workers and inspectors may have had access.
Rekey vs. Replace: What's the Difference?
Rekeying changes the internal pin configuration of your existing locks so old keys no longer work. It's cheaper and faster than replacement, and you keep your existing hardware. Replacement means installing entirely new lock hardware — a better choice if your locks are old, damaged, or you want to upgrade to a higher security grade.
What About Smart Locks?
Moving into a new home is an excellent opportunity to upgrade to smart locks. They eliminate physical keys entirely, let you create temporary codes for contractors or guests, and provide access logs showing who entered and when.
How Long Does It Take?
A professional locksmith can rekey an average home (4-6 locks) in about an hour. Full lock replacement takes slightly longer depending on the number of doors and the type of locks being installed.
Let's Go Locksmith offers lock change and rekey services for new homeowners in the Tampa Bay area. Call (813) 540-2787 to schedule.