Moving to a home in Austin is exciting. You open your boxes put your furniture in place and start to make the place feel like yours.. There is one important job that many people miss: changing the locks.
You may not know who still has copies of the keys. The previous owners, the people who lived there before the workers who came to fix things the people who cleaned or even the neighbors might still have access. That is why rekeying your home locks can be a way to feel more secure.
What Does Rekeying a Lock Mean?
Rekeying changes the parts inside a lock. This means the old key will not work anymore. A locksmith makes a key that works with the new setup.
Rekeying does not mean you have to replace the lock. It usually means you can keep the lock hardware. So it can be a choice if your locks are still in good shape.
A residential locksmith in Austin can check your locks. Decide if rekeying is the right choice for your home.
Why Rekey Your Locks After Moving?
1. You Do Not Know Who Has the Keys
Even if the previous owner gives you all the keys they have you can’t be sure how many copies are out there.
For example the old owner might have given keys to family, friends or people who helped them. Over time more copies could have been made.
By rekeying the locks you can make all those old keys stop working.
2. Keep Your New Home Safe
Your home should feel safe the day you move in. So making sure your doors are secure should be part of your moving plan.
Rekeying the doors gives you more control over who can come in. Also you can make a set of keys for your family instead of using keys, from the people who lived there before.
3. It Can Be More Convenient Than Replacing Locks
If your existing locks are still good you might not need to replace them all. Rekeying gives you the chance to change the locks key while keeping the lock itself.
That way you can improve access control. Still keep your current locks.
4. Create One Key for Multiple Doors
Do you carry keys for your front door back door and garage entry?
A locksmith can rekey locks so that one key works, on multiple doors. That makes daily life a lot easier.
Of carrying several keys you may only need one key.
When Should You Replace of Rekey?
Rekeying is not always the choice. If your locks are broken, old, loose or hard to use replacing them might offer safety.
Also homeowners who want protection might want to switch to high-security locks or smart locks.
A professional residential locksmith in Austin can look at the state of your locks. Suggest the best choice.
What About Smart Locks?
Smart locks are another choice for homeowners who want to open doors without keys. Depending on the type you might be able to open your door with a code, a phone or another approved way.
Smart locks are not needed for every house. If your current locks are working well rekeying could be enough.
So think about your security needs, your money and your everyday life before deciding to upgrade.
Make Lock Rekeying Part of Your Moving Checklist
Moving into a house has lots of things to do. Still home security should not be ignored.
Rekeying your locks lets you control who has working keys. It can also give you comfort without needing to replace all the locks.
If you just moved into a house, in Austin think about calling a residential locksmith to check your locks. With the help you can start this new life knowing your homes entry points are protected with keys you own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I rekey my locks after moving to Austin?
You may not know who has copies of the previous keys. Rekeying makes the old keys useless and gives you control over who can access your home.
Is rekeying better than replacing my locks?
It depends on your locks. If they are in good condition, rekeying can be a practical option. However, damaged or outdated locks may need replacement.
How much does it cost to rekey home locks?
The cost depends on the number and type of locks, as well as the locksmith’s service fees. A local locksmith can provide an accurate estimate.
How long does it take to rekey a lock?
Most standard locks can be rekeyed fairly quickly. However, the exact time depends on the lock type and the number of locks being serviced.
