How Much Does It Cost To Change Locks? 4 Things To Consider

Have you ever wondered how much does it cost to change the locks?

I’m sure this is an issue that many people are thinking about over and over again.

Chances are, you searched through numerous search results to try to find some information that would potentially answer your question.

You may have been asked to go to a local construction store to see if anyone can give you relevant answers, for which the chances are not high.

It is a fact that no matter how hard you try to answer the question, it can be impossible.

Therefore, this guide, which results from our team’s exceptional research, will walk you through a few essential things you need to know about the cost of changing locks.

It is well known in the world that lock changes are incredibly crucial for plenty of reasons.

In fact, there is a way you can understand how well your locks work to keep you safe, and you do that by sticking to a locking schedule.

But it is essential to note that there are times when the lock may need to be replaced even after it has been installed.

This can result in a recent burglary or even because someone has lost their keys.

In case you have owned a house for more than ten years, there is a huge possibility that you have changed the locks during that time.

This is a terrible sign if you have not done so.

Many people neglect to pay attention to the door locks but expect their locks to continue functioning with the highest performance.

It is a fact that locks are not inaccessible to damage, so homeowners need to pay close attention to one of the primary focal points of their home security.

It is well known that changing the lock is sometimes considered a term for other services, so it is of crucial importance to understand what you need before considering the cost of changing the lock.

A great example is that if someone breaks into your home and breaks your lock, you will probably have the option of either changing the lock or calling a locksmith to help repair the damaged lock.

We are willing to suggest changing and upgrading your locks for the simplistic fact that someone can easily bypass them.

Furthermore, in case you accidentally lose the key, you may be able to save money by returning the locks.

Also, it is crucial that you understand what service you need while trying to measure the cost of changing locks.

In addition, numerous other factors come into play, and these factors are things that every homeowner should be aware of about the cost of changing locks.

If you are unclear and have no idea what to look for when it comes to locking in change, there is no need to worry because everything you need is in this guide.

How Can a Lock Be Changed?

When it comes to the cost of changing locks, it largely depends on how they change.

You can use the services provided by local locksmiths or decide to take care of it by yourself.

Also, it is essential to note that some people choose to take advantage of the lock return.

Although it is a unique service, it is closely related to locks’ locking, so that we are willing to talk about it briefly.

It is essential that each of these processes’ costs vary, not just in monetary terms.

Costs are also factors in the time, expertise, and security level you want to be provided.

Professional Installation

There is a general misunderstanding that DIY projects manage to be much cheaper than a professional providing an appropriate service.

It is essential to note that in some cases, this may be especially true.

Still, when it comes to the cost of changing a lock, it may be better to go with a locksmith.

Before you judge, let us tell you the reasons why this service might be more affordable.

As we have said above, when discussing costs, you should pay attention to much more than just the amount of money in advance.

Therefore, if you intend to take this as a self-help project, you will probably save a considerable amount of money.

Still, with so much work to do, you may probably spend a lot more money for the purposes of saving money.

The cost of changing locks, when professionally established, is usually defined and determined by several factors.

First, you will have to understand that the price will not be the same everywhere.

On the contrary, the price will vary depending on whether you already have the lock you want to install or whether the locksmith will have to provide you with one.

The price will probably be affected by the number of changes that need to be done to the door frame and to the door to accommodate the new lock you are installing.

On the other hand, if you look at all this from a monetary point of view, hiring a professional can increase the cost of changing locks a bit, but it will help you save on many other things.

Chief among them is time. An experienced locksmith will be able to change your locks much faster than you would do yourself.

This is because, as professionals, they have a lot more experience in this area than you do.

Therefore, it is likely that they will not just spend their already precious time trying to find the right tools, read the instructions, or try to start the process of changing the lock.

When it comes to prices and numbers, it is essential to note that, on average, when using a professional locksmith, the cost of changing locks starts at $ 35 and goes up there.

The final price will probably depend on the number of locks to be changed, the new locks’ complexity to be installed, and whether the locksmith needs to provide you with new locks.

The $ 35 start-up fee usually includes a service call fee.

And of course, the price is going to increase with each followed service.

Here as one of the many examples, we can mention the situation in which you need to call a locksmith to change the lock for you, assuming that you already have got a lock that is easily accessible.

Therefore, your final price probably will not be far from 35 USD.

Nevertheless, if you have to call a locksmith and change four locks, the price will probably grow as more locks will be equivalent to more time and more work.

The locksmith is likely to charge you an additional $5 to $25 per lock in this occurrence.

This is in case you are the one who is providing the locks.

If the locks’ provider is the locksmith, then it is likely that he will charge you an additional $25 to $50 per lock.

From everything we have said, you need to understand that the professional cost to change locks when you already have the replacement lock is starting at $35.

Furthermore, you need to realize that the time that is required so a professional can install the lock, depending on the situation, will vary mainly from 5 to 10 minutes per lock. Of course, this does not include the additional work that needs to be done.

Do It All by Yourself

When it comes to DIY installation, we can say that this type of procedure is best suited for homeowners who know how the tools and hardware are functioning.

Furthermore, it is vital to make sure that you have the right tools needed for the job or spend changing the locks.

When it comes to DIY installation, you as a homeowner will have several options to choose from when it comes to buying their locks.

You can purchase locks at your local hardware store, online retailer, or at a locksmith shop.

It is a well-known fact that the cost of changing locks will largely depend on the type of lock you want to buy.

For example, if you choose to buy a 1-step staircase for the front door, it will probably be more expensive than the 3-step dead end.

However, keep in mind that price is not just about monetary value.

For you, it is essential to ensure that you have understood that changing locks is a time-consuming process.

In fact, to start the whole process, you will have to spend plenty of time just identifying which locks you need.

You will also have to do a little research through different market locks, which cannot be easy nor fast.

When it comes to prices and numbers, it is essential to note that, on average, if you intend to replace a 4-door lock in your home, it should not take more than 10-15 minutes to install each lock.

This, of course, is not a circumstance in modifications or working on additional safety features).

This means that you will need up to an hour to have four locks on your home changed and ready for work.

It may even take a long time in some cases, as I did not even factor in the cases where you will need to remove the lock and reinstall it due to an error.

The probability of mistakes is much higher when you go on the road alone than a professional who helps you.

And from all that we have said, we can conclude that the DIY method of changing locks will cost you from $10-$200.

The time of finding good locks will probably vary, but in most cases, it will be from 10 to 60 minutes.

Of course, this time is going to increase if you are ordering online.

The installation time will also vary, but it should not be more than 10 to 15 minutes for each lock.

Of course, this does not include the additional security improvements and work.

How Much Does Your Security Worth?

It is well known that changing locks’ cost will vary depending on the amount of weight you put on the safety.

If you want to run to a home depot and grab the first lock you see, you will not have to pay that much to change the locks.

Still, you will have to leave your home at the mercy of housebreakers.

It is a worldwide known fact that many homeowners see changing locks as an opportunity and use this opportunity to make security improvements that make their locks stronger and safer.

These security accessories are probably going to increase the total cost of changing the locks as well.

Is There a Difference Between Changing an Exterior and an Interior Door Lock?

The fact is that the prices of exterior door locks and interior door locks differ just for the fact that they are designed to deliver different things.

Furthermore, it is well known that the exterior door locks are tending to be exposed to much more than only foot traffic.

Exterior door locks also serve as the first defense for many homes, so they are designed to be sturdy and durable compared to their interior counterparts.

An uncomplicated Google search using the terms such as “exterior door locks” or “interior door locks” will probably explain the different price points for these locks. In fact, the price of changing the locks will generally reflect the type of lock you need to change.

There are huge chances that if you want to replace the door locks, the price will likely be much higher than if you change the interior door locks.

This is mainly due to these locks’ price points and because each of them has slightly different installation requirements.

In fact, exterior door locks and interior door locks have additional uses, so homeowners must choose the right lock for the proper purpose.

This is essential because not all locks are made equivalent, meaning that, logically, the interior door locks are not suitable for outdoor use.

In this case, the reverse does not consistently implement because some external door locks are likely to work well on interior doors.

Regardless, the type of lock you want to change will play a massive role in the final cost of changing the locks.

Do You Want to Upgrade Your Locks?

When it comes to word about the door locks, there are several different types of upgrades you can use as a homeowner, and each of these factors is the cost of changing the locks.

Of course, we know that this may sound confusing, and you are now full of questions, but do not worry.

We will try to simplify this as much as possible.

It is well known that most Homeowners have the option to choose a high-security upgrade, a smart lock upgrade, or even a simplistic upgrade from a 3-degree deadbolt to a 1-degree deadbolt.

Each of these upgrades will probably be more expensive than the current lock you installed, but that does not mean they are of equivalent value.

When it is a word about the price range, we can say that there are different price ranges for each of these upgrade classifications.

As one of the many examples, we can mention the situation in which if you, as a homeowner, want to switch to a high-security lock from a brand like Medeko.

They would likely look in the $130 to $250 lock range.

In case the homeowners are more inclined to have smart locks like the intelligent lock August, they are likely to look for a starting price ranging from about $ 220.

Of course, it is essential to mention that the price is expected to increase with additional features.

In fact, we can say that if you decide to use the door lock procedure as an alternative to upgrading your door locks, it is likely that you will see very different prices than if you just replaced the old lock.

We are likely to suggest that whenever you change the door locks, upgrade in any way or shape.

This is especially true if you are looking to add safety pins to the old lock’s new model.

The Bottom Line

From all that we have said, and from all that this guide has shown us, we can conclude that the cost of changing locks is not stable and stuck in stone.

On the contrary, it is varying day by day.

Furthermore, it is a fact that several factors come together and are influencing the price and are dictating the final price.

Consequently, while the above points are essential and the homeowners should not avoid them at any cost, it is correspondingly significant to find out what is necessary for you and your home.

It is likely to be the main driving force in decision-making.

We are trying to say that you need to find out if safety is your main concern or if you are wasting your time and money this way.

Ideally, you should first focus on your security and find the safest budget options you have.

If you are not a DIY type of person, it is vital not to force yourself into installing locks just because you want to save money by not calling a locksmith.

It is essential to note that you are likely to eventually lose more time, money, and valuables based on this decision in the long run.

And remember that no matter what you are doing, there is absolutely no way of getting past the enormous costs of changing locks.