Closing on a new home is exciting, but the keys you receive at the closing table are almost never the only keys that exist. Previous owners, their relatives, contractors, cleaners, and real estate agents may all have had copies over the years. Before you settle in, it is worth a short checklist to make sure you, and only you, control who can open your doors. None of this is expensive, and most of it can be handled in a single visit.
Rekey every exterior door first
The single most important step is to rekey or replace the locks on every door that leads outside. Rekeying changes the internal pins so all the old keys stop working, while you keep the hardware you already have. It is the fastest, most affordable way to guarantee that no leftover copy out there opens your home. If any locks are worn, mismatched, or low quality, that is also the moment to upgrade them.
Get every door on one key
Many homes end up with a different key for the front, back, and garage entry doors because hardware was replaced piecemeal over the years. When we rekey, we can usually set all of your exterior locks to a single key, so you carry one key instead of a crowded ring. It is a small convenience that you appreciate every single day.
Check the deadbolts and strike plates
A good lock is only as strong as the frame it sits in. We check that each door has a solid deadbolt and that the strike plate is secured with long screws that reach the wall framing, not just the thin door jamb. This one detail does more to resist a kicked-in door than almost anything else, and it is inexpensive to fix while we are already there.
Do not forget the secondary entries
The front door gets all the attention, but sliding glass doors, side gates, garage service doors, and even the mailbox often have weak or missing locks. In Palm Beach County, sliding doors and garage entries are common weak points. We can add secondary locks to sliders, secure the garage service door, and replace a worn mailbox lock so the whole property is covered, not just the front.
Consider smart locks where they help
If you want to give access to family or a cleaner without handing out physical keys, a keypad or smart lock on the main entry can be worth it. You set codes you can change anytime and skip the hidden spare under the mat. We can recommend reliable models and install them so they work smoothly with your door, rather than leaving you to guess.
One visit to make the home yours
We can handle this whole checklist in a single appointment anywhere in the county, from West Palm Beach and Wellington to Palm Beach Gardens and Boynton Beach. You end up with locks only your keys open, one key for the main doors, and the weak points shored up. Call (561) 839-9919 and we will get your new home secured the way it should have been on day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I change the locks when I move into a new home?
Yes. Previous owners, contractors, and others may still have copies. Rekeying every exterior door is the fastest, most affordable way to be sure only your keys work.
Can you set all my doors to one key?
In most cases, yes. When we rekey, we can usually match the front, back, and garage entry locks to a single key so you carry one key instead of several.
Is rekeying cheaper than replacing the locks?
Usually, yes. Rekeying keeps your existing hardware and just changes the pins, so it costs less than buying and installing new locks unless the hardware is worn or damaged.
What about sliding doors and the garage?
Those are common weak points here. We can add secondary locks to sliding doors and secure the garage service door so the whole property is covered, not just the front.
Can you do everything in one visit?
Yes. Rekeying, strike-plate reinforcement, secondary locks, and smart-lock installation can typically be handled in a single appointment.
