Moving into a new home is exciting. However, one question every new homeowner should ask immediately is: who else has a key to this place? Former owners, real estate agents, contractors, and neighbours may all have copies. Consequently, your home isn’t truly secure until you address that uncertainty. The two main options are rekeying and replacing — and choosing the right one depends on your situation.
Rekeying is the process of changing the internal pins of a lock so that old keys no longer work. Only the new key operates it. This is fast, affordable, and works well when the locks themselves are in good condition. A lock rekeying service typically costs less than replacement and takes very little time per lock. For most new homeowners on a budget, rekeying is the smartest first step.
When Rekeying Makes Sense
Rekeying works best when the existing locks are modern, functional, and high-quality. If the previous owner installed solid deadbolts from a reputable brand, there’s no real reason to rip them out. Furthermore, rekeying invalidates all previous keys immediately, which is the core security goal. Therefore, you get full access control without the cost of hardware replacement.
In addition, rekeying is ideal when you’re moving into a rental that you’ll eventually leave. You restore security without investing in hardware you won’t own long-term. Locksmith On Time completes rekeys quickly, usually in under an hour for a standard home. Specifically, the technician changes the pin configuration inside the cylinder so that only your new key opens the lock.
When Full Lock Replacement Is Worth It
Sometimes, replacement makes more sense. If the existing locks are old, worn, or low-grade, rekeying them just gives you the same weak security with a different key. Upgrading through lock installation means you choose the hardware grade — and higher-grade locks are significantly harder to defeat. Grade 1 commercial-style deadbolts offer much stronger resistance than the builder-grade locks many homes ship with.
Replacement also makes sense if you want to standardize all your locks to one key. This is called keying alike, and it makes your daily routine simpler. However, it requires replacing cylinders or the full hardware set to match. A locksmith can do both at once — replace hardware and key it all to a single key.
Considering the Whole Property
Think beyond just the front door. Back doors, side doors, garage entries, and basement access points all need attention. Moreover, if the home has a gate or shed with a padlock, those deserve the same scrutiny. Locksmith On Time recommends doing a full property walkthrough to count every entry point before deciding whether to rekey or replace.
The same principle applies to businesses. Commercial locksmith services handle access control for offices and multi-unit properties where many keys circulate over time. For a business takeover or office move, this decision becomes even more critical because the stakes involve employee and asset safety.
Cost Comparison: What Should You Expect to Pay?
Rekeying typically costs $15 to $25 per lock cylinder for the labour, plus a service call fee. Therefore, a home with four entry points might run $100 to $150 total. Full lock replacement depends heavily on hardware quality. Basic locks start around $30 each, while high-security options run $80 to $200 per unit, plus installation labour.
Consequently, for most new homeowners, rekeying the existing locks and replacing any that are visibly worn is the best financial strategy. Locksmith On Time provides upfront quotes so you know the cost before committing. There are no hidden charges — just a clear breakdown of what each option involves.
Making the Final Decision
Ask yourself three questions. First, are the current locks high quality? Second, do you know exactly who holds a key? Third, do you want to upgrade your overall security level? If the answers point toward investment, replace. If you simply need to cut off previous key access, rekey. Either way, do it before you unpack — not after.
Locksmith On Time handles both services across Ottawa. Furthermore, the team can walk you through every option in plain language so you make the choice that fits your home and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rekey locks myself without a locksmith? Rekeying kits exist for some brands, but they require specific tools and practice. Mistakes can leave you locked out or with a lock that doesn’t function properly. Furthermore, professional rekeying takes minutes and guarantees the result. It’s almost always worth calling Locksmith On Time for reliable work.
How many times can a lock be rekeyed? Most quality lock cylinders can be rekeyed multiple times without issue. The limiting factor is wear on the internal components, not the rekeying process itself. Therefore, as long as the lock body is in good condition, rekeying remains a valid option repeatedly over the lock’s lifespan.
Does rekeying affect the lock warranty? Most reputable lock manufacturers allow professional rekeying without voiding the warranty. However, DIY rekeying errors might cause issues. Specifically, always use a licensed locksmith to ensure the work follows manufacturer guidelines and doesn’t compromise the hardware warranty or your insurance coverage.
Should I also change the garage door code when I move in? Absolutely yes. The garage is a major entry point, and old codes may still be programmed into previous residents’ remotes. Reset the opener code immediately. While you’re reviewing vehicle access, also consider key fob programming if your vehicle uses garage access through a homelink system.
What if I’m locked out during the move-in process? It happens more often than people expect. Moving days are chaotic, and keys get misplaced easily. Call Locksmith On Time immediately. A car lockout situation during a stressful moving day is solved the same way — fast professional response gets you back on track without damage or delay.