When we move into a new house, we often think about unpacking, decorating, and making it feel like home. But one thing many people overlook is security. Rekeying locks may sound like a small step, but it’s one of the most important things we can do to protect our new home and peace of mind. At Locksmith On Time, we’ve seen how a simple rekey can prevent problems later.
Understanding What Rekeying Means
Rekeying isn’t the same as replacing a lock. When we rekey, we adjust the internal pins so that old keys no longer work, and new ones are cut to match the new configuration. The lock hardware stays the same, but the key access changes completely. It’s a cost-effective way to reset who can enter the property without changing every door lock.
Many homeowners in Ottawa don’t realize how many people may still have copies of their old keys — from contractors and cleaners to previous residents. By contacting a locksmith in Ottawa, we can eliminate that risk without replacing all the locks.
Why Rekeying Is So Important After a Move
Every home has a history, and that includes its keys. Even if the sellers seem trustworthy, we can’t know who else might have had access. Rekeying makes sure only we and our family control entry from the first day.
It’s also about creating a sense of ownership. Turning that new key in the lock confirms that the space is truly ours. It’s a small but powerful moment — one that marks a clean start. We’ve worked with many new homeowners who said they didn’t feel fully settled until they changed their keys.
Rekeying vs. Replacing Locks: What’s Better
Both options improve security, but they serve different needs. Rekeying is ideal when the locks are in good condition and match the style of the home. Replacing makes sense if the hardware is old, damaged, or incompatible with modern keys or smart systems.
We usually recommend starting with rekeying because it’s faster, more affordable, and avoids unnecessary waste. However, if locks show signs of wear, replacing them with quality hardware is a smart investment. Either way, it’s essential that all doors use one key system for convenience and safety.
How Rekeying Works in Practice
The process itself is simple for a professional. We remove the lock cylinder, rearrange or replace the internal pins, and issue new keys. For multiple doors, we can match all locks to one key if the same brand and model are used. That small detail makes everyday life easier — one key for everything.
Our team often performs this service during move-in day or shortly after closing. It usually takes less than an hour for a standard house. The difference in peace of mind is immediate.
When Else to Consider Rekeying
Rekeying isn’t only for new homeowners. It’s useful in several other situations. For example, after losing a key, we should rekey to prevent strangers from finding and using it. The same applies if we’ve had renovations or cleaning services that required key access. Ending a lease, a change in roommates, or even upgrading to a smart system are also good times to rekey.
Sometimes people assume rekeying is unnecessary because nothing bad has happened yet. But that’s like not wearing a seatbelt because we’ve never had an accident. It’s about prevention, not reaction.
Cost and Practical Benefits
The cost of rekeying depends on how many locks and keys are involved, but it’s usually much less than replacing every unit. Beyond saving money, it saves time and materials. We can keep the style of our doors intact while improving security. It’s also more environmentally friendly because it reduces hardware waste.
Another overlooked benefit is convenience. Rekeying allows us to have one key for all doors, which simplifies daily routines. We can enter through the garage, back, or front door without fumbling with different keys.
Security Tips Beyond Rekeying
While rekeying is essential, it’s not the only step for securing a new home. We recommend checking door frames, strike plates, and deadbolts. Weak frames or loose screws can make even strong locks ineffective. Adding a simple reinforcement plate or longer screws can make a big difference.
It’s also worth checking windows and sliding doors, which are often easier to force open. We can add simple locks or bars for extra safety. If the property has a garage with a door connecting to the house, that lock should also be part of the rekeying plan.
We can learn more about our full range of security options by visiting lock and key services in Ottawa, which outlines common solutions for homes and businesses.
Avoiding Common Mistakes When Moving In
New homeowners often make two mistakes: trusting old keys and delaying security updates. It’s understandable — moving is stressful, and we have many priorities. But leaving the old locks untouched means anyone with a copy can still walk in unnoticed.
Another mistake is rekeying only one or two doors. Every exterior lock should be part of the same plan. Leaving one unprotected door or window creates a weak point that defeats the purpose of rekeying. It’s also smart to double-check mailbox and shed locks if they exist.
We’ve also seen people rely solely on electronic locks. While they’re convenient, they can fail during power loss or connectivity issues. A mix of mechanical and electronic locks offers balance between convenience and reliability.
Key Management and Safety Habits
After rekeying, the next step is managing our new keys properly. Avoid leaving spares under mats or in plant pots — those are the first places intruders check. Instead, use a lockbox or leave a spare with a trusted neighbor.
We can also consider using numbered or coded key tags instead of writing addresses directly on them. That way, if we lose a key, it doesn’t immediately identify our home. Creating a small system for tracking who has a copy — family, cleaners, or contractors — prevents confusion later.
If we ever change cleaning services, babysitters, or tenants, we should schedule another rekeying session. The cost and effort are small compared to the potential risk.
Peace of Mind That’s Worth It
Security isn’t only about preventing theft. It’s about feeling comfortable in our own home. Rekeying creates a barrier between our private life and the unknown past of the property. It’s a simple step, but one that builds confidence.
At Locksmith On Time, we often hear from homeowners who didn’t realize how much calmer they’d feel until the job was done. It’s a one-time action that delivers long-term peace.
If you’ve just moved or plan to soon, it’s worth setting this up before unpacking everything. You can schedule help easily through our contact locksmith service in Ottawa.
FAQ
1. Is rekeying better than changing locks?
Rekeying is usually better when the locks are in good condition. It’s faster, cheaper, and provides the same level of security by changing the key pattern inside.
2. How long does it take to rekey a house?
Most homes can be done in under an hour, depending on the number of locks. Larger properties may take a bit longer, but the process is straightforward.
3. Can I rekey locks myself?
Some hardware stores sell rekeying kits, but mistakes can compromise security. It’s best handled by a trained locksmith with the right tools.
4. Should I rekey interior doors too?
Usually, only exterior doors need rekeying. However, some people rekey interior locks for home offices, rental rooms, or areas needing privacy.
5. Does rekeying affect how the door feels to open?
Not at all. The lock will feel the same to use. Only the internal mechanism that matches the key changes.