Should I Change My Door Locks After Buying a House?

Should You Change Your Door Locks After Buying a House? Absolutely—Here’s Why

In this blog entry, the experts in Cincinnati residential lock change and Cincinnati residential locksmith services here at Eagle’s Locksmith Cincinnati will share the perfect guide for changing your locks.

Buying a new home is an exciting milestone. Whether it’s your first house or your fifth, there’s always a long list of things to do—unpacking, setting up utilities, decorating, and getting familiar with your new neighborhood. But amid all the excitement, there’s one crucial task that often gets overlooked: changing the locks on your doors.

You’ve probably asked yourself, “Should I change my door locks after buying a house?”
In short—yes, absolutely. Here’s why, and what you need to know to do it right.

You Never Know Who Has a Key — What Should You Do Next?

The biggest reason to change your locks is simple: you can’t be sure who has copies of the old keys. The previous owners may have handed over all the keys they had—but what about the ones given to friends, family, neighbors, babysitters, or contractors?

Over the years, spare keys can circulate widely, and there’s no way to track them all down.

So, ask yourself again: “Should I change my door locks after buying a house?”
The answer is still yes—and for good reason.

Even if the sellers seemed completely trustworthy, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Changing the locks ensures that only you and the people you trust have access to your new home, giving you peace of mind from day one.

Boosting Security Right Away

Security is an essential part of feeling at home. By changing your locks immediately, you take control of your home’s safety. This is especially important if your new house has older locks that might be worn or outdated. Many older locks are easier to pick or break, and they may not meet modern security standards.

Upgrading to newer, more secure locks—or even a smart lock system—adds a layer of protection that can help prevent break-ins. This also gives you the opportunity to customize your system: choose locks that fit your lifestyle, whether it’s a traditional deadbolt or a high-tech keyless entry.

When to Rekey Instead of Replace the Locks?

Sometimes, you don’t need to replace the entire lock. Rekeying is a cost-effective alternative where a locksmith changes the internal mechanism of the lock so that it works with a new key. The old keys will no longer work, but you won’t have to install a brand-new lock.

Rekeying is a great option if the locks are in good shape and you want to save money. It also allows you to match multiple locks to a single key, simplifying access without compromising security.

Don’t Forget All Entry Points

When changing or rekeying locks, be thorough. This means every exterior door—including garage doors, back doors, and any side entrances. Don’t forget about basement doors, sliding patio doors (which may need a bar or upgraded lock), and even gates if they lead directly to your home.

Final Solutions

Changing your locks after buying a house isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a smart security move. It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your new investment and your family. Whether you choose to rekey or replace, taking this step will help you start your new chapter with confidence, knowing your home is secure.

Your house is yours now—make sure the keys are, too.

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