You’ve just closed on a house in Denver and have no idea who still has a copy of the keys. The previous owners, their contractors, their realtor, their neighbors anyone could have made a spare over the years.
Yes, you should rekey your house after moving. Here’s what you need to know about costs, timing, and when replacement makes more sense.
How Much Does Rekeying Cost in Denver?
| Service | Average Cost | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Single Lock Rekey | $20–$35 | 15 minutes |
| Full House (5–7 locks) | $100–$200 | 1–2 hours |
| Deadbolt + Knob Rekey | $35–$60 per door | 20–30 minutes |
| High-Security Locks | $50–$75 per lock | 30 minutes |
Most Denver homes fall in the $125–$175 range for a standard rekey. If you want all locks keyed to match so one key opens everything that’s included in the price.
When Rekeying Isn’t Enough
Not every lock can be rekeyed. If your new house has mismatched lock brands on every door, or if the locks are old and sticking, replacement is often the smarter move.
Here’s when we tell homeowners to skip rekeying and replace the locks entirely:
- Locks are from different manufacturers rekeying won’t make them match
- Hardware is rusted, loose, or more than 15 years old
- You want to upgrade to high-security or smart lock systems
- The lock cylinder is damaged or the key doesn’t turn smoothly
If three out of five locks need replacing anyway, you might as well do them all and start fresh.
What Actually Happens During a Rekey
We change the pins inside the lock cylinder so your old key no longer works. The lock stays in the door we’re not replacing anything visible.
You hand us a key (or we pick the lock if the previous owner never gave you one), we remove the cylinder, swap out the pin configuration, and cut you a new set of keys. The whole process takes about 15–20 minutes per lock.
If you want every lock in the house keyed alike, we configure them all to match. That means one key for your front door, back door, garage entry, and side gate.
The Denver Move-In Security Checklist
Rekeying is step one. Here’s what else we recommend for new homeowners in the Denver metro area:
Immediate (First Week)
- Rekey all exterior doors
- Check that deadbolts actually lock we’ve seen dozens that don’t engage properly
- Test garage door opener and reprogram if needed
- Change alarm system codes if the home has one
- Verify that all windows lock securely from the inside
First Month
- Upgrade to Grade 1 deadbolts on front and back doors
- Add locks to sliding glass doors most builder-installed locks are terrible
- Install or replace strike plates with 3-inch screws that anchor into the door frame
- Check basement and side entrance security
When You’re Ready
- Consider smart locks if you want remote access or temporary codes for guests
- Add motion-sensor lighting at entry points
- Replace any mailbox locks if yours is curbside (mail theft is common in Denver)
- Install a video doorbell for added security and package monitoring
How Fast Can You Get This Done?
We can rekey most Denver homes same-day or next-day. If you’re closing on a Friday and want the locks changed before you move furniture in over the weekend, call us Thursday to schedule.
The actual work is fast. The wait time depends on our schedule, not the difficulty of the job. Peak season (late spring through summer when everyone’s moving) books up faster, so plan ahead if you’re moving during high-traffic months.
Common Questions About Rekeying After Moving
Do I need to rekey if I bought a new construction home?
Yes. Construction crews, inspectors, realtors, and subcontractors all had keys during the build. Builders rarely change locks before handing over the keys at closing.
Can I rekey locks if I don’t have the original key?
We can pick the lock and rekey it without the original. Adds about five minutes per lock but doesn’t change the price much — usually $10–$15 extra per lock.
Should I rekey or replace if I’m in a rental?
Ask your landlord first. Most Colorado leases don’t allow tenants to change locks without permission. If they agree, rekeying is usually acceptable as long as you give them a copy of the new key.
How long does a rekeyed lock last?
As long as the lock itself lasts 10 to 20 years depending on the quality of the hardware. Rekeying doesn’t weaken or wear out the lock.
Will rekeying void my lock warranty?
Not if a licensed locksmith does it. DIY rekeying might void certain manufacturer warranties, but professional service never does.
Ready to Rekey Your House in Denver?
We’ll rekey your new home the day you close or schedule it for whenever you’re ready to move in. Fast service, transparent pricing, and every lock keyed to match so you’re not juggling five different keys.
Call (720) 743-9240 or visit Doctor Lock to book your Denver appointment.
