Moving Into a Home Calls for an Access Review
A move is a good time to decide who should have access to your home. Previous occupants may have shared keys with relatives, neighbors, contractors, or other visitors.
Replacing every lock is not always necessary. If existing hardware is suitable and works correctly, rekeying may change which keys operate it without replacing the entire lock. New installation makes more sense when hardware is worn, incompatible, or missing the features you want.
Walk Through the Property and Check
- The front entrance and any secondary entry.
- Back doors leading to a patio or yard.
- Side doors that receive less daily attention.
- The door between an attached garage and the home.
- Any separate entrance used by household members.
For keypad locks, review old access codes too. A fresh key plan should include electronic access, not just the keys on your ring.
Deadbolts Need a Sound Door and a Proper Strike
A deadbolt works best when its bolt extends fully into a correctly fitted strike opening. The lock body matters, but the condition of the door edge and frame matters too.
We check the existing holes, door thickness, and distance from the door edge to the lock center. That last measurement is called the backset. Replacement hardware needs to match these measurements or require suitable changes to the door.
The strike plate receives the bolt when the door closes. Loose screws, damaged wood, or a shallow opening can prevent proper operation even with new hardware.
For larger frame damage, carpentry work may be needed before installation. We can explain when the lock is only part of the issue. New hardware should not hide a split frame and call the job finished.