Moving to Atlanta? Your New-Home Lock Checklist

Closing on a home in metro Atlanta is a big moment — and between movers, utilities, and unpacking, security usually gets pushed to “later.” But the single most important security step happens on day one, before the first box comes in: making sure only you can unlock the doors.

The locks came with a history you can’t see. Keys get copied freely over the years for relatives, cleaners, contractors, and agents. Here’s the checklist we walk every new homeowner through.

1. Rekey or Replace Every Exterior Lock

This is the non-negotiable first step. Rekeying changes the pins inside your existing locks so every old key stops working, while keeping your current hardware — fast and inexpensive. Replacing makes sense if a lock is worn, builder-grade, or you want to upgrade. Our residential locksmith team can handle every door in a single visit and key them alike.

2. Check Your Deadbolt Grade

Not all deadbolts are equal. Look for an ANSI Grade 1 deadbolt on exterior doors — it resists kick-ins and drilling far better than the Grade 3 builder locks on many homes. If yours feel thin or wobbly, day one is the moment to upgrade.

3. The Entry Points People Forget

• Garage-to-house door: Often left on a weak interior knob — treat it like an exterior door with a real deadbolt.
• Basement and side doors: Easy to overlook, easy to exploit.
• Windows and gates: Check basement windows and any yard gates.

4. Make a Smart Spare-Key Plan

Don’t hide a key under the mat. Leave a spare with a trusted neighbor, use a quality lockbox, or upgrade one door to a keypad or smart lock so you always have a backup code. We install keyless entry the same day.

5. New to the Suburbs?

We cover the whole metro — see our local pages for Marietta, Sandy Springs, and Decatur. Whatever corner of Atlanta you’re moving to, rekeying on day one turns “the previous owner’s house” into your home.

Need a locksmith in metro Atlanta now? King Locksmith is available 24/7. Call (404) 383-4426 for fast, upfront-priced service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I rekey or replace the locks when I move into an Atlanta home?

If the existing locks are good quality, rekeying is faster and cheaper — it changes the pins so old keys stop working. Replace only if the lock is damaged, low-grade, or you want an upgrade. King Locksmith can do every door in one visit.

How much does it cost to rekey a house in Atlanta?

A standard rekey typically runs a modest per-cylinder fee plus a service call, and we quote it upfront before any work. Doing all your doors at once lowers the per-lock cost. Call (404) 383-4426 for a quote.

The seller gave me all the keys. Do I still need to rekey?

Yes. There’s no way to know how many copies exist — for past owners, cleaners, contractors, agents, or neighbors. Rekeying is the only way to guarantee only your keys work.

Can you rekey every lock to one key?

Yes. We can key your front, back, and garage-entry doors alike so a single key opens them all — convenient and still secure.

Do you serve the Atlanta suburbs?

Yes — King Locksmith covers metro Atlanta including Marietta, Sandy Springs, Decatur, Roswell, and surrounding areas, day or night.