How Much Does It Cost to Rekey a House—and When Should You Do It?

So, you just bought a new house—congrats! Or maybe you lost a key, went through a breakup (it’s okay, we’ve all been there), or maybe you’re renting and your last tenants weren’t exactly model citizens. Either way, you’re standing there wondering: how secure is this place, really? That’s where rekeying your home steps in. It’s one of those often overlooked but totally essential parts of maintaining peace of mind. Rekeying isn’t just about locks—it’s about control, safety, and yeah, the ability to sleep soundly at night knowing no one else has a copy of your house key (well, except maybe your neighbor with the backup—good people, those).

What Is Rekeying and How Does It Work?

Alright, so here’s the lowdown: rekeying a lock means changing the internal components—specifically, the pins inside the lock—so that a new key can operate it while the old keys stop working. No need to toss the whole lock hardware out the window. The exterior stays in place, saving time and money, and let’s be real, less heavy lifting is always a win. A locksmith just removes the lock cylinder, swaps out the pins inside, and programs it to accept a new key configuration. Bam, only your new set of keys work, and the old ones? Useless.

Advantages of Rekeying Over Replacing Locks

Let’s talk benefits for a sec. First, rekeying is generally less expensive than replacing locks entirely. You’re not buying all-new hardware, so financially, it’s a no-brainer for most homeowners. Second, it’s quick—like, can-be-done-in-an-hour quick. You can also standardize your locks with a single key, which honestly makes life easier (just try fumbling with a ring of mismatched keys at 10 PM in the rain, and tell me you don’t dream of one-key simplicity). And here’s the kicker—it enhances your security instantly, especially if you’re moving into a new place or had a recent contractor come through.

What’s the Real Cost of Rekeying a House?

Here’s the question behind the question: how much is this gonna cost me? Generally, you’re looking at around $80 to $160 for a standard rekeying job on three to six locks. If you go through a locksmith, you might see service call fees ($50 to $100), plus labor/time per lock ($10 to $30 each). Multiply all that depending on how many entrances you’ve got or if you’re requesting same-day service. There are rekeying kits if you’re a DIY kind of person, ranging from $15 to $30, but…unless you love lock mechanics and stress, it’s usually better (and safer) to let a pro handle it. Peace of mind has a price—but it’s pretty reasonable considering what’s at stake.

When Should You Rekey—and When Should You Replace?

Okay, not everything can (or should) be rekeyed. If your hardware is heavily worn or damaged, a full replacement might be necessary. Same goes if you’re upgrading to high-security locks or going keyless. But if you’re dealing with standard cylinder locks and just need better control over who’s got access, rekeying is the perfect solution. A fresh move-in, a lost set of keys, a fresh start after a rental turnover—these are all solid times to consider it. And hey, if things feel “off” with home security—like tugging on that paranoia thread at 3 a.m.?—listen to your gut. Rekeying could be the fastest way to settle your nerves.

Common Drawbacks and Considerations

Alright, here’s where we get real for a second. Rekeying is awesome, but there are a few small hiccups to know about. It only works if your hardware is still in decent shape. Super old or damaged locks? Not rekeyable. Also, if you’ve got different lock brands or types throughout your house, rekeying to a single key might not be possible without changing some hardware. And sometimes, the cost can stack up—especially if you’ve got a ton of entry points or custom locks. But overall? Still far more affordable than full replacement and faster, too.

How Home Warranties and Rekeying Go Hand-in-Hand

This is the fun part most people don’t even realize. Some home warranty plans—yep, like the ones from Armadillo—actually include rekeying services as part of your coverage. That’s right. While you’re covered for appliance breakdowns or HVAC malfunctions, your locks can also get some love under the same plan. It’s worth checking the fine print, but investing in a warranty package that includes this kind of coverage can save you money and headaches right off the bat. Especially right after closing on a home, when you’ve got, like, 142 other things to worry about. Tip: if you’re moving soon or recently did, check whether your home warranty provider includes a one-time rekeying service. Boom—safety upgrade, taken care of.

Why Choose Armadillo for Home Warranty Coverage That Works for You

If security, savings, and simplicity are on your list (and hey, they definitely should be), having a reliable home warranty partner can make rekeying—and so many other things—way less stressful. Armadillo includes options that tackle not just appliances and systems, but also smart home perks like rekeying services. It’s legit game-changing when you’re moving into a new place or just want a fresh key set without the expense. Combine that with customizable plans, transparent pricing, and actually friendly customer support (like real humans, not robot voice prompts), and it’s a no-brainer. You can check out all the details and browse their coverage options at Armadillo’s homepage. Ready to build a plan that fits your needs—with or without rekeying? Start your personalized quote here: Get started with a home warranty now. Because let’s be honest: it feels good knowing your home—and your peace of mind—are in dependable hands.