Rekeying makes the keys the previous owner handed out stop working, usually without replacing any hardware.
You have the moving boxes, the internet appointment, and a firm belief that the kettle is in the kitchen box.
Somewhere.
Before unpacking takes over, put the locks on your move-in list. Receiving the keys tells you who has access now. It does not tell you how many copies were made before you arrived.
Rekeying can give compatible, working locks a fresh start without replacing all the hardware.
Rekeying changes which key operates a lock. With a correctly completed rekey, the old operating key no longer works in that cylinder.
The handle, deadbolt, and visible hardware can often stay.
Our lock change and rekey service starts with assessing the existing hardware and what you want to achieve.
Rekeying does not straighten a sagging door, repair a damaged frame, or turn worn hardware into new hardware.
It also does not reset unrelated access systems. Garage remotes, alarm codes, and building fobs need their own review.
Think of it as one part of taking control of access.
Arrange the work once you can provide lawful access and authorization, and coordinate it with your possession arrangements.
Avoid scheduling so tightly that a delayed handover leaves the technician waiting outside. Moving day already has enough people asking where to stand.
For a condo or rental, confirm the relevant permissions and building arrangements before changing anything.
Walk around the property and note every keyed entrance:
Count cylinders rather than assuming one door equals one lock. A door may have both a keyed handle and a deadbolt.
Our residential locksmith service can help assess what should be included.
Working, compatible locks may be good candidates for rekeying. Damaged, unreliable, or unsuitable hardware may need replacement.
Our existing rekey versus replacement guide explores that decision in more detail.
Mention it before the visit.
If you have to lift the handle, lean against the door, or perform a small shoulder manoeuvre to lock up, the door may need adjustment. A new key will not fix that.
Sometimes, depending on the locks and their compatibility.
Ask during the assessment. It may be possible to simplify your key ring, but separate suites or shared spaces may need separate access.
Decide how many finished copies you need as well. Our key cutting service can assess compatible spare-key requests.
Test every new key in every intended lock, with the door open and then closed. Confirm that each door closes and locks normally.
Label the keys before identical copies become a guessing game.
To arrange your move-in visit, call 604-227-9083 or book online. Give us the possession date, number of locks, and any hardware concerns.
Then you can get back to finding the kettle.
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