New home keys do not guarantee new key control
When you move in, you inherit the lock history from the previous owner or tenant. Rekeying, code updates, and deadbolt checks help make sure only approved people can get in.
Unknown key copies are the real risk
Your new home may have had keys shared with:
- Previous owners and their family
- Real estate agents (multiple, from both sides)
- Home inspectors
- Appraisers
- Contractors who did repairs
- Cleaning crews
- Neighbors who had spare keys
- Anyone the previous owners gave keys to
The right fix is to reset access early instead of guessing who still has a working key.
First-week lock security checklist
Move-in day checks
- Tour all entry points: Identify every door that leads outside
- Test all locks: Confirm each lock turns, latches, and unlocks cleanly
- Check deadbolts: Every exterior door should have one
- Look for damage: Note forced-entry signs or worn hardware
- Note lock brands: Helpful when scheduling service
First 1-3 days
- Schedule rekeying: Cover all exterior door locks
- Include garage entry: Interior garage doors are easy to forget
- Check gate locks: Important for fenced yards
- Check outbuilding locks: Include sheds and detached garages
Compatible locks can often be rekeyed to one key, which makes daily access easier to manage.
First-week hardware review
- Evaluate lock grade and condition: Grade 1 or 2 is better for exterior doors
- Check door condition: Weak doors reduce the value of good locks
- Inspect strike plates: Long screws improve frame reinforcement
- Assess sliding doors: Add security bars or pins where needed
- Test garage door: Confirm opener remotes and keypad codes are reset
Planned upgrades
- Smart lock installation: Good for code access and app control
- Deadbolt upgrades: Consider Grade 1 on vulnerable exterior doors
- Security cameras: Prioritize entry points
- Motion lights: Improve visibility around doors
What Delaware and PA housing stock means for your locks
The locks you inherit depend heavily on what kind of home you bought. Here’s what we see in this market:
Wilmington row homes
Row homes in Wilmington — especially in Trolley Square, the Highlands, and West Center City — often have old mortise locks from the 1920s-1940s. These are heavy, well-built locks, but they’ve had decades of tenants and owners. We regularly find row homes where 5-10 people still have working keys from previous landlords who never rekeyed between tenants. Some buildings had shared key systems installed by property managers, meaning your neighbor’s old key might open your door. Rekey immediately, and check whether your locks are on a master key system.
1950s-1960s Delco twins (Springfield, Drexel Hill, Lansdowne)
These homes were built fast during the postwar boom. Many still have the original knob locks with no deadbolts on exterior doors. A knob lock alone is not real security — it can be defeated with a credit card or a quick kick. If your “new” home is a Delco twin and the doors only have knob locks, add deadbolts to every exterior door. This is the single biggest security upgrade for these homes.
Newer Chester County developments (West Chester, Exton, Downingtown)
Builder-grade Kwikset locks on every door. They work fine mechanically, but they’re Grade 3 — the lowest security rating. The builder installed the cheapest option that meets code. We recommend upgrading to at least Grade 2 (Schlage B60 is our go-to) on the front door and any door not visible from the street.
Realistic timing for a move-in rekey
A typical 3-door home (front, back, garage entry) takes about 30-45 minutes to rekey. A larger home with 5-6 exterior doors runs about an hour. If you want everything keyed alike — one key for all doors — that’s standard and doesn’t add time. We bring the pins and key blanks; you don’t need to buy anything ahead of time.
What to Look For in Existing Locks
Replace instead of rekey when:
- Visible rust or corrosion
- Difficulty turning the key
- Lock mechanism feels loose
- Door doesn’t align properly
- Single-cylinder on doors with glass
- Builder-grade (Grade 3) locks on exterior
Rekeying is usually enough when:
- Locks function smoothly
- Hardware is in good condition
- Grade 1 or 2 locks already installed
- No visible damage
Update every access method, not just keys
Update Access Codes
- Garage door opener codes
- Any keypad locks
- Alarm system codes
- Smart home access
Establish a Spare Key Plan
- Give spares only to people you choose
- Consider a lockbox for emergencies
- Keep a record of who has keys
Document the lock setup
- Photograph all locks and entry points
- Note which key goes to which lock
- Keep locksmith contact info handy
Common move-in security mistakes
Waiting too long
Every day you wait is a day someone unknown could access your home.
Rekeying only the front door
Burglars often prefer side and back doors with less visibility.
Keeping old keys after rekeying
Once rekeyed, old keys should be destroyed to prevent confusion.
Ignoring windows and sliding doors
While not locks per se, window locks are part of your security perimeter.
New home rekeying in Delaware and nearby Pennsylvania service areas
Kwikey Locksmith offers new homeowner packages including:
- Full-home rekeying (all doors to one key)
- Lock condition assessment
- Upgrade recommendations
- Local service availability
Call (302) 551-2550 or use the booking form to review door count, lock condition, rekeying, and upgrade options for your new home.