Ever misplaced your house keys, or worse, had them stolen? The unsettling feeling of knowing someone else might have access to your home is something nobody wants to experience. Re-keying your locks offers a fast and affordable solution, providing peace of mind without the expense of replacing all your door hardware. It's a vital security measure to take whenever keys are compromised, after moving into a new place, or even after a roommate moves out.
Understanding the costs involved in re-keying is essential for budgeting and making informed decisions about your home security. The price can vary depending on several factors, including the number of locks, the type of locks, and whether you opt for a professional locksmith or a DIY approach. Knowing what to expect can prevent unpleasant surprises and ensure you're getting a fair price for the service.
How Much Does Re-keying Really Cost?
What's the average cost to rekey a house, including labor?
The average cost to rekey a house typically ranges from $75 to $200, including labor. This price can fluctuate based on the number of locks you need rekeyed, the type of locks (standard pin tumbler vs. high-security), and your geographic location. Rekeying is generally a more cost-effective option than replacing all the locks if your existing hardware is in good condition.
Rekeying involves changing the internal pins of a lock cylinder to match a new key. A locksmith will remove the lock, disassemble the cylinder, replace the existing pins with new ones, and then reassemble the lock. This process renders the old keys useless, ensuring that only the new keys can operate the lock. The labor cost generally comprises a significant portion of the overall expense, as it involves the locksmith's time and expertise. Expect to pay a service call fee, which can range from $50-$100, on top of the per-lock rekeying fee. The cost per lock is usually between $10 and $30, depending on the lock's complexity. High-security locks, like those found on exterior doors, may cost more to rekey due to their intricate designs and specialized pinning systems. If you have multiple locks that need rekeying, many locksmiths offer discounted rates for larger jobs. To obtain the most accurate estimate, it’s always best to contact several local locksmiths and request a quote based on your specific needs. Consider also the convenience of having all your locks keyed alike. This means one key will open all doors, simplifying your key management. While keying alike may add slightly to the cost, the added convenience often outweighs the small price difference.Does the number of locks affect the total price to rekey?
Yes, the number of locks you need rekeyed is a primary factor in determining the total cost. Rekeying is typically priced per lock, so the more locks you have, the higher the overall price will be.
Locksmiths usually charge a base service fee or trip charge to come to your location, and then add a per-lock fee for the rekeying service itself. This per-lock fee covers the labor and materials required to disassemble the lock, change the pin configuration to match a new key, and reassemble it. Therefore, a house with three exterior doors and a garage entry will cost significantly more to rekey than a house with only one or two.
Furthermore, some locksmiths offer discounts for rekeying multiple locks at once. It's always a good idea to get quotes from several locksmiths and inquire about any potential volume discounts if you have a large number of locks to rekey. Remember to factor in the cost of new keys as well, as you'll need a fresh set for all the rekeyed locks. The price of the new keys is usually a small added cost per key.
How much cheaper is it to rekey myself compared to hiring a locksmith?
Rekeying a house yourself can be significantly cheaper than hiring a locksmith, potentially saving you anywhere from $50 to $200 or more, depending on the number of locks and the locksmith's rates. The primary cost difference lies in labor; locksmiths charge for their time and expertise, whereas DIY rekeying mainly involves the cost of rekeying kits or individual pins.
DIY rekeying kits generally range from $10 to $30 per lock, containing the necessary pins, tools, and instructions. Compare this to the cost of hiring a locksmith, who typically charges a service call fee (often $50-$100) plus a per-lock rekeying fee (typically $20-$40). If you have multiple locks to rekey, the savings from doing it yourself quickly add up. However, keep in mind that DIY rekeying requires some technical aptitude and patience. If you're comfortable with basic mechanical tasks, rekeying yourself is a cost-effective option. However, if you're unsure about the process or prefer the assurance of professional workmanship, a locksmith is the better choice. Furthermore, if you have high-security locks or complex security systems, it's almost always advisable to use a professional locksmith to ensure proper functionality and security.Are there extra fees for rekeying on weekends or evenings?
Yes, expect to pay extra for rekeying services performed on weekends, evenings, or holidays. This is standard practice for locksmiths and other service professionals who charge higher rates for after-hours or non-standard business hours work due to increased demand and staffing costs.
The premium you pay for weekend or evening rekeying can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the locksmith's company policy, your location, and the specific time you require the service. Some locksmiths may have a flat fee added to their standard rekeying price for any work done outside of regular business hours (e.g., an additional $50-$100). Others might charge an hourly rate that is significantly higher than their weekday rate. Emergency rekeying services, which often occur outside typical business hours, also command higher prices because they require immediate availability and response. To avoid unexpected costs, always ask about potential extra fees for weekend or evening service when you initially contact the locksmith. Get a clear, itemized estimate that includes the base rekeying price, any applicable trip fees, and the additional charge for the specific time you need the service. This allows you to make an informed decision and compare prices from different locksmiths before committing to the service. Planning ahead and scheduling rekeying during regular business hours, if possible, is the best way to save money.What impacts the price: Rekeying vs replacing the entire lock?
Rekeying a house is generally cheaper than replacing all the locks. The cost to rekey typically ranges from $50 to $150 per lock, while replacing a lock can cost between $75 and $300 or more per lock, depending on the lock's quality, style, and required labor. Rekeying involves changing the internal pins of the lock cylinder to work with a new key, while replacement involves removing the entire lock mechanism and installing a new one.
Several factors influence the final cost of either option. For rekeying, the number of locks you need rekeyed is the most direct factor – more locks, higher cost. The complexity of the lock mechanism itself can also play a role; high-security locks may require specialized tools or expertise, increasing labor costs. Travel fees charged by the locksmith can also increase the overall price, especially if you're located outside their usual service area or require after-hours service. Finally, the locksmith’s experience and reputation can affect pricing, with more established locksmiths often charging slightly higher rates. When choosing between rekeying and replacement, consider the age and condition of your existing locks. If the locks are old, damaged, or unreliable, replacement is often the better long-term solution, even if it's more expensive upfront. Also consider your security needs. If you're simply concerned about a lost or stolen key, rekeying is usually sufficient. However, if you suspect that someone may have unauthorized access to your property or if you want to upgrade to a higher-security lock, replacement is the preferred option.Do locksmiths offer discounts for rekeying multiple properties?
Yes, locksmiths often offer discounts for rekeying multiple properties, especially for landlords, property managers, or real estate investors. Rekeying multiple properties at once represents a larger job, allowing the locksmith to optimize their time and resources, justifying a lower per-unit cost.
The discount structure can vary depending on the locksmith, the number of properties involved, the number of locks per property, and the overall complexity of the job. Factors influencing the discount include the geographic proximity of the properties, the type of locks being rekeyed (standard pin tumbler vs. high-security), and whether new keys need to be created for all locations. It's always best to obtain quotes from several locksmiths, outlining the specific scope of work for each property, to compare pricing and potential bulk discounts. To maximize potential savings, consolidate all rekeying requests into a single project. Be upfront with the locksmith about the total number of properties and locks involved. This allows them to assess the overall job size and offer the most competitive pricing. Maintaining a long-term relationship with a reliable locksmith can also lead to preferential pricing and improved service over time. Remember to factor in travel fees that might be charged for visiting each property, and confirm whether these fees are also discounted for multiple locations.| Number of Properties | Potential Discount |
|---|---|
| 2-5 | 5-10% |
| 6-10 | 10-15% |
| 11+ | 15-25% or Negotiable |
Does hardware finish affect rekeying costs?
No, the finish of your door hardware (e.g., brass, nickel, bronze) generally does not directly affect the cost of rekeying. Rekeying involves changing the internal pins of the lock cylinder to match a new key. The labor and parts (new pins, possibly new keys) are the primary cost drivers, not the aesthetic finish of the lockset itself.
The cost to rekey a house depends primarily on the number of locks that need to be rekeyed and the locksmith's hourly rate or per-lock fee. Some locksmiths might charge a flat rate for coming to your home, and others might include the service call fee in the per-lock price. More complex or high-security locks might incur a slightly higher rekeying fee due to the added difficulty and time involved. The finish on the hardware has no bearing on this. While the finish itself doesn't impact rekeying, it's worth noting that older or heavily corroded hardware might be difficult to disassemble for rekeying. In very rare cases, a locksmith might need to spend extra time or encounter issues that could indirectly affect the total cost, but this is due to the condition of the lock and not the finish alone. If the hardware is so damaged that it's impractical to rekey, the locksmith may recommend replacing the lockset entirely.So, there you have it! Hopefully, this gives you a better idea of what to expect when rekeying your home. Prices can vary a bit, but knowing the factors involved should help you get the best deal. Thanks for stopping by, and feel free to come back anytime you have more home security questions!