The moving truck is gone, but one security question remains: who else may still have a key to your front door? Learning how to secure new house locks starts with taking control of every exterior entry, not just checking whether the existing lock turns. Previous owners, tenants, contractors, real estate agents, neighbors, cleaners, and pet sitters may all have had access at some point.
For Denver homeowners, securing a new house should be one of the first jobs on the move-in list. A few targeted lock and door upgrades can reduce avoidable risk without replacing hardware that is still in good working order.
Rekey Exterior Locks First
Rekeying is usually the most practical first step after buying a home. A locksmith changes the internal pin configuration of an existing lock so the old keys no longer work. You receive a new set of keys, while the lock hardware stays in place.
This is often less expensive and faster than replacing every lock. It is a good option when the deadbolt, knob, lever, and latch are in solid condition and meet your security needs. Rekey all exterior doors, including the front door, back door, garage entry door, side door, and any basement door that opens outside.
Do not overlook detached garages, storage sheds, mailbox locks, and gates if they use keyed access. These areas may not provide direct entry to the home, but they can contain tools, bikes, garage remotes, or information that makes a break-in easier.
Rekeying has limits. It does not make a weak lock stronger, repair a damaged strike plate, or correct a door that does not close properly. If the existing hardware is worn, loose, low-grade, or difficult to operate, replacement may be the better investment.
How to Secure New House Locks With Better Hardware
A new key does not automatically mean a secure door. Look at the lock, the door frame, and the way the door closes as one system. A strong deadbolt mounted on a weak frame can still fail under force.
Choose a quality deadbolt
For exterior hinged doors, a properly installed single-cylinder deadbolt is a standard choice. Select a durable deadbolt from a reputable manufacturer, and make sure the bolt extends fully into the strike plate when the door is closed. A deadbolt that barely reaches the frame provides less resistance than it should.
A double-cylinder deadbolt requires a key from both sides. It can prevent someone from reaching through a nearby broken glass panel to turn the thumbturn, but it also creates an exit concern during a fire or other emergency. Local code requirements and the door layout matter here. In many homes, a single-cylinder deadbolt combined with better glass protection or a different door setup is the safer choice.
Avoid relying on a keyed entry knob or lever as the only lock on an exterior door. These locks are useful for daily latching, but a separate deadbolt generally provides stronger protection.
Reinforce the strike plate and frame
The strike plate is the metal plate on the door frame where the deadbolt enters. It is a common weak point, especially in older homes where short screws only bite into trim instead of the wall framing.
Use a heavy-duty strike plate secured with long screws that reach the wall stud behind the frame. This helps the frame resist kick-in attempts. If the wood around the latch or deadbolt opening is cracked, split, or soft from moisture, repair it before installing upgraded hardware.
A latch protector can also help on certain outward-swinging doors by covering the gap between the door and frame. The right product depends on the door’s swing, hinges, and existing hardware, so an on-site inspection is worthwhile before adding one.
Check the hinges and door condition
Outward-swinging exterior doors need non-removable hinge pins or security hinges. Otherwise, exposed hinge pins can create a vulnerability. For any exterior door, inspect for loose hinges, warped panels, large gaps, and a loose fit in the frame.
If a door drags, sticks, or will not latch without being forced, do not ignore it. Weather changes, settling, and moisture can affect alignment. A lock may appear to work while the bolt is not fully engaging the strike, leaving the door less secure and causing unnecessary wear on the hardware.
Decide Whether Smart Locks Fit Your Household
Keyless entry can make access easier to manage after a move. A keypad deadbolt lets you create unique codes for household members and remove a code when it is no longer needed. This can be useful for dog walkers, cleaners, visiting family, or short-term contractors because you do not have to recover a physical key afterward.
Smart locks add app-based features such as remote status checks, temporary access codes, and activity alerts. Those features are convenient, but they also require basic digital security. Use a strong, unique account password, enable two-factor authentication when available, keep the lock firmware updated, and remove access for former residents immediately.
A smart lock is not automatically better than a quality mechanical deadbolt. Some homeowners prefer the simplicity and reliability of a traditional keyed lock, especially on a side or garage entry. Others want keypad access at the main door and a keyed deadbolt as a backup. The best choice depends on how many people need access, whether the property is owner-occupied or rented, and how comfortable you are maintaining connected devices.
Secure More Than the Front Door
Most homes have several possible entry points. Once the main locks are rekeyed or replaced, work through the rest of the property with the same attention.
- Lock windows that are accessible from the ground, deck, or garage roof. Repair broken latches rather than assuming a closed window is secure.
- Confirm sliding glass doors have a working lock and add a properly fitted secondary bar or pin for added resistance.
- Change or reprogram the code for the garage door opener keypad. Erase old remotes from the opener memory if you do not know who has them.
- Keep garage remotes out of vehicles parked outside. A burglar who gets a remote and an address from registration paperwork may have an easy way in.
- Secure doors between an attached garage and the house with the same care as the front door. This is an exterior-level entry point even though it is inside the garage.
Also check for keys hidden around the property. Under a mat, inside a fake rock, or above a door frame are predictable places. If you need to leave emergency access for a trusted person, use a secure lockbox in a discreet location and change the combination when circumstances change.
Create a Key and Access Plan
Once the locks are secure, avoid losing control of them over time. Decide who needs a physical key, who should have a keypad code, and who should not have ongoing access. Keep the number of copies limited, especially if you have recently moved from a rental or are completing renovations with multiple tradespeople coming through the home.
If several exterior locks use different keys, a locksmith may be able to key them alike so one key operates compatible locks. This is convenient, but it is not always possible or advisable. Different lock brands and keyways may not be compatible, and some homeowners prefer separate keys for a detached garage, gate, or rental area to limit access.
For a home with a basement apartment, an in-law suite, or a separate office entrance, consider where access should be shared and where it should stay separate. A simple key plan now can prevent confusion later.
When to Call a Locksmith Instead of Waiting
Call for professional help if you are unsure whether all locks can be rekeyed, have inherited damaged or mismatched hardware, or notice a key that sticks or turns inconsistently. Those issues can signal worn pins, a failing cylinder, poor alignment, or an incorrect previous installation.
A mobile locksmith can rekey locks at the house, replace deadbolts, repair door hardware, reinforce strike areas, and set up keyless entry without requiring you to remove doors or make multiple trips to a hardware store. Broadway Lock & Key can assess the condition of your existing hardware on site and recommend upgrades based on the actual doors and access points at your property.
Your new home does not need every available security product. It needs locks that work, doors that close correctly, and an access plan you control. Handle those basics early, and you can settle in knowing the keys in circulation are yours.
