New Home in Burns? Why Rekeying Is Safer Than Replacing Locks

Just moved into a new home in Burns? You're likely juggling a thousand things—unpacking boxes, setting up your utilities, and finding your favorite grocery store. But one critical step that often gets overlooked is changing who has access to your home. When it comes to home security upgrades, rekeying your locks is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do to protect your investment and your peace of mind.

At Locksmith Burns, we offer professional, affordable, and fast rekeying services specifically for new homeowners. Rekeying is an essential service that ensures you're the only person with working keys to your home—and we’ll explain exactly why it’s safer, smarter, and more cost-effective than replacing locks entirely.

Why You Should Always Rekey After Moving Into a New Home

When you receive the keys to your new home, you may assume that the property is secure. But unless your locks have been rekeyed, there’s no way to know how many other people might still have access. The previous owner may have shared keys with a wide circle of people for convenience.

• Previous owners may have distributed spare keys to friends or family members, including adult children, trusted neighbors, or extended relatives. There’s no guarantee they were all collected before closing. Even if they intended to retrieve them, it’s easy for one to slip through the cracks.
• Contractors, real estate agents, and cleaning companies often receive access during home staging, inspections, and repairs. While most are trustworthy, keys can easily be copied and misplaced. You wouldn’t want someone who worked on the home months ago to still have entry.
• Tenants or roommates in rental or multi-family properties frequently hold onto copies of keys, sometimes unintentionally. In older homes, there may be decades of untracked duplicates floating around in the hands of people you’ll never meet.
• Rekeying after moving provides peace of mind, ensuring that your home is truly yours. You’ll know exactly how many keys exist, who has them, and you’ll have full control over access from day one.

The Hidden Dangers of Keeping Original Locks

Keeping the original locks in place might seem like a time-saving decision, but it introduces risks that could easily be avoided.

• Old keys could still be in circulation, potentially allowing access to someone who shouldn’t have it. These can include former homeowners, their family members, or even people who were briefly connected to the property through work or short-term rentals.
• Contractor key copies are a hidden security issue. During renovation or repairs, it’s common for contractors to make duplicate keys for convenience. Even if they return the key, there's no way to verify whether they made extras—and unfortunately, not everyone is honest.
• Outdated locks may lack modern security features, making them easier to pick or bypass entirely. Even if they’re functioning properly, older locks can sometimes be compromised in seconds by someone with basic tools and knowledge.
• Previous roommates or tenants may retain key access in homes that were previously rented or shared. If they left on bad terms—or even just forgot to return a key—you could be left vulnerable to unauthorized visits.

Rekeying removes these hidden threats without the cost of entirely new hardware, offering a faster and more affordable path to feeling secure in your space.

Rekeying vs. Lock Replacement: Which Is Right for Your New Home?

Many new homeowners wonder whether they should rekey their locks or replace them altogether. Both options improve your home’s security, but the choice depends on a few practical considerations.

Rekeying is usually sufficient if your locks are in good physical shape and you simply want to change who has access. It's faster and more affordable than buying new hardware, especially if you have multiple doors.

Replacing the locks may be necessary if your current locks are worn, damaged, outdated, or visually unappealing. It’s also a good option if you’re planning to upgrade to smart locks or want to match all your hardware to a specific design.

How Rekeying Works: Step-by-Step Process for New Burns Residents

If you’ve never had your home rekeyed, the process might sound mysterious—but it’s surprisingly straightforward and efficient when handled by a professional.

1. Evaluation of Your Existing Locks – We begin by inspecting each lock to ensure it’s in good condition. If we find any damage or signs of wear that could compromise your safety, we’ll let you know and offer solutions.
2. Removal of the Lock Cylinders – The lock hardware stays on your door while the cylinder—the internal part of the lock that responds to the key—is removed for adjustment.
3. Changing the Internal Pins – Our technician resets the lock’s pin configuration to match a new key. This ensures that all previously issued keys will no longer function.
4. Key Cutting and Testing – We cut your new keys on the spot and test each one to ensure smooth operation. Any issues are addressed immediately for perfect performance.
5. Final Check and Optional Upgrades – Before we leave, we make sure every rekeyed lock is functioning smoothly and offer additional security upgrades if desired, such as stronger strike plates or deadbolt installations.

This seamless lock rekey service ensures security and confidence without the cost of full replacement.

How Soon After Moving Should You Rekey Your Locks?

You should aim to rekey your locks as soon as you take possession of the home, ideally before moving day or within 48 hours. Delaying this crucial step leaves your new home exposed to potential unauthorized access from previous keyholders.

• Scheduling rekeying before moving day allows your family to move in with total peace of mind. You can unpack and get settled without worrying about who's coming and going.
• If you’ve already moved in, rekey as soon as possible—especially before installing valuables or electronics. The sooner you take control of your locks, the safer your family and belongings will be.

Enhancing Rekeying with Deadbolt and Strike Plate Upgrades

Rekeying your locks provides key control, but true home security also depends on structural reinforcements. Deadbolts are your first line of defense against forced entry.

• High-grade deadbolts resist prying and bumping techniques often used by intruders. If your home’s existing deadbolts are outdated or basic, upgrading during rekeying is both smart and efficient.
• Reinforced strike plates with longer screws anchor the lock deeper into the doorframe, making it exponentially harder to kick in the door. This minor upgrade can have a major impact on your home’s defense.

Smart Lock Integration During a Rekey Service

More homeowners are choosing to upgrade to smart locks during the rekeying process. This is an excellent opportunity to introduce keyless entry, remote lock control, and integration with home automation systems.

• Smart locks eliminate the need for spare keys, instead using keypads, apps, or biometrics. This is perfect for households with kids, guests, or short-term renters.
• Installation during a rekey appointment is convenient and cost-effective. We can remove your old mechanical locks and install your chosen smart lock without requiring a separate visit.

Real Stories: How Rekeying Helped Burns Families Sleep Better

We’ve worked with countless homeowners in the Burns area, and many have had close calls that reinforced the value of rekeying.

One couple moved into their dream home only to discover that the previous owners’ teenage son still had a key—and returned to retrieve forgotten items unannounced. A quick rekey the same afternoon prevented further awkward and potentially unsafe visits.

Another family bought a home previously used as a rental. Despite being told the locks were changed, they discovered a former tenant had made duplicates. They called us for an emergency rekey after hearing suspicious noises late at night.

These real-world experiences are a testament to the protection rekeying provides.

Can You Rekey DIY? What to Know Before Trying It Yourself

There are DIY rekey kits available at hardware stores, but doing it yourself isn’t always the safest route.

• Rekeying requires specialized tools and precision. If the pins are not aligned correctly, your key may not work—or worse, it may break off inside the lock.
• Many homeowners damage their locks while attempting DIY fixes, leading to more costly repairs or full replacements.
• Hiring a professional ensures your locks are handled properly, securely, and without the guesswork. You’re also covered by service warranties if anything goes wrong later.

How to Find a Trusted Locksmith in Burns, TN

Choosing a Burns TN locksmith is about more than availability. It’s about trust, transparency, and professionalism.

• Look for locally operated locksmiths with a physical address, not call centers or out-of-state services claiming to be “local.”
• Read online reviews and testimonials to see how they’ve handled previous jobs. Reliable locksmiths will have plenty of positive feedback and detailed service records.
• Ask for an upfront estimate before work begins. Trustworthy companies won’t hesitate to give clear, honest pricing.
• Check for licensing and insurance to protect your home and your investment. This ensures you’re hiring a true professional.

Keep Extra Keys Secure: Best Practices After Rekeying

Once your locks are rekeyed, how you manage spare keys matters just as much.

• Avoid hiding spare keys outdoors, even in “clever” spots like fake rocks or inside planters. These hiding places are well-known to burglars.
• Distribute extra keys only to people you trust completely, such as a sibling or nearby parent—not to casual friends or neighbors.
• Consider using a locking key storage box or safe, especially for backup keys you don’t need frequently. This adds another layer of protection in case of emergency.

If you’ve just moved into a new home in Burns, rekeying your locks is one of the smartest and most affordable ways to ensure security. Compared to full replacement, it offers faster results, less expense, and the comfort of knowing that only you hold the keys.

At Discount Locks & Keys, we pride ourselves on offering fast, reliable, and affordable services for all your Burns home locks needs. Whether it’s residential rekeying, a smart lock installation, or just a quick moving day locksmith visit, we’re here to help you feel safe and secure in your new space.

Ready to rekey your home? Schedule your lock rekey service in Burns today.