You've got the keys to your new place in Seattle. So, probably, do the previous owner's cleaner, dog walker, contractor and at least one ex. The fix is quick and cheap — but it helps to know which fix you're paying for.
Rekeying
The locksmith opens each lock cylinder, swaps the small pins inside, and cuts a new key. The old keys stop working, the new key works on every door, and the hardware on the door doesn't change. It takes a few minutes per lock. If your locks are a decent brand in good condition, this is the answer.
Replacing
Pull the lock, fit a new one. Costs more because you're buying hardware. Worth it when the existing lock is worn, loose, a cheap builder-grade unit, or when you want something the old lock can't do — a smart lock, a high-security cylinder, a proper deadbolt where there was only a knob.
What we usually recommend
- Rekey everything to one key the day you move in.
- Replace any lock that's loose, sticky or visibly cheap.
- Add a deadbolt to any exterior door that doesn't have one.
- Don't forget the garage entry door and the sliding patio door.
The free security check
On every residential visit we walk the exterior doors and tell you plainly which locks are solid and which aren't. No upsell — just a list, so you can decide.