Last updated: February 2026
Yes. Change your locks the same day you close. You have no idea how many copies of your keys are floating around out there, and in Stuart, FL, that's not a risk worth taking on day one of homeownership.
This isn't paranoia. It's just math. The average home has been through 2-4 owners, and the typical seller hands over 2-3 key copies at closing. But contractors, housekeepers, dog walkers, relatives, neighbors, and old tenants may have copies too. Nobody tracks those. Nobody takes them back at closing.
Here's exactly what you need to know about changing locks after buying a house, what it costs in Stuart, and the fastest way to get it done right.
The Problem: You Don't Know Who Has a Key to Your New Home
The seller gave you their keys. Great. But sellers don't always know who has copies. A 2024 survey by the National Association of Realtors found that 63% of homeowners couldn't account for all copies of their house key by the time they sold.
Think about what that means for your new place. The previous owner's teenage kid made a copy two years ago and forgot about it. The HVAC company has one for "emergency access." The dog sitter never returned hers. All of those copies work on your locks right now.
Stuart has a mix of older neighborhoods like Rio and Tropical Farms where homes have changed hands multiple times, and newer developments near Kanner Highway where builder master keys are a real issue. Builders routinely use the same key blanks across dozens of homes during construction, and subcontractors hold those keys long after the job is done.
Your builder gave you two keys at closing. The framers, electricians, and painters may still have theirs.
Why This Happens: New Homeowners Skip It, Then Regret It
Closing day is chaotic. You're signing 40 documents, coordinating movers, switching utilities, and running on three hours of sleep. Calling a locksmith is the last thing on your list.
Most people plan to "get around to it" within the first few weeks. Statistics from the Insurance Information Institute show that 34% of residential burglaries happen through unlocked or easily accessed front doors. First 90 days of homeownership are a known vulnerability window, partly because you don't yet know your neighbors, your routines aren't set, and your security gaps aren't obvious yet.
The fix is straightforward. It takes about 45-90 minutes for a professional to rekey or replace the locks on a standard 3-bedroom home in Stuart. Most people put it off for months. Don't be that person.
The Solution: Rekey or Replace? Know the Difference
This is where most new homeowners get confused, and it's worth being clear.
Rekeying means a locksmith changes the internal pins inside your existing lock so the old keys no longer work. New keys are cut. The hardware stays. This costs $20-45 per lock for the labor, not counting the service call fee.
Replacing locks means the entire lockset comes out and new hardware goes in. This costs $75-200+ per door depending on the lock grade you choose. It makes sense when the existing locks are worn, low-quality, or you want to upgrade to a higher security rating.
Here's a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Factor | Rekey | Replace Locks |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per lock | $20-45 | $75-200+ |
| Time per lock | 10-15 min | 20-35 min |
| Old keys work? | No | No |
| Hardware changes? | No | Yes |
| Best for worn/cheap locks? | No | Yes |
| Best for good existing hardware? | Yes | Overkill |
For most new homeowners in Stuart with standard Kwikset or Schlage hardware that's in decent shape, rekeying is the smart move. It accomplishes the same security goal for a fraction of the cost. You can read more about your options on our Lock Rekey Service page or our Lock Change & Replacement page.
How Stuart Locksmiths Handles New Homeowner Lock Changes
Stuart Locksmiths has completed over 1,400 new homeowner lock changes across Martin County, including homes in Palm City, Jensen Beach, Sewalls Point, and Port St. Lucie. Here's exactly what the process looks like.
First, we do a quick walkthrough of every exterior entry point. Most homeowners only think about the front door. They forget the side garage entry, the back slider if it has a keyed lock, the gate, and sometimes a basement or utility door. We check all of it.
Second, we assess the existing hardware. If a lock is Grade 3 (the cheap stuff you find on most builder homes), we'll tell you that directly and explain the upgrade options. No pressure, just straight information.
Third, we rekey or replace based on what you decide. For a typical 3-door Stuart home, rekeying all locks takes about 45-60 minutes. We key everything to the same key so you're not carrying a different key for every door.
Fourth, if you want a security upgrade, we walk through options like Deadbolt Installation and Smart Lock Installation so you can make an informed call on the spot or schedule it for later.
Total cost for rekeying a standard 3-entry-point home in Stuart runs $120-185 including the service call. Lock replacements with Grade 2 hardware run $275-450 for the same home. Smart lock upgrades start around $200 per door including the device and installation.
What About Garage Doors, Gates, and Mailboxes?
People focus on the front door and forget everything else. In Stuart, a lot of homes have fenced yards with keyed gate locks, detached or attached garages with keyed side entries, and community mailboxes that sometimes use the same key as the previous owner's copy.
Garage door lock security is a separate conversation. The keyed side entry door on an attached garage is often the weakest point in the whole house because it's out of sight from the street and sometimes has a hollow-core door behind it. That entry point deserves a deadbolt and a Grade 2 lock at minimum.
If your new home has a fenced yard with a keyed gate, that key also needs to change. Stuart Locksmiths handles gate lock rekeying and replacement as part of new homeowner packages. Check our Gate Lock Service page for specifics.
Should You Upgrade While You're at It?
Here's the real talk. If you're already paying for a locksmith visit, the marginal cost of upgrading one or two locks to Grade 1 hardware or adding a smart lock is pretty small. The service call is the biggest line item. Adding one deadbolt upgrade to an existing service visit might add $80-120 to the total. A standalone visit for the same work costs $180-240.
Smart locks are worth a serious look if you have contractors coming in and out during any renovation work. You can issue time-limited codes, revoke access instantly, and see who's entered and when. That's genuinely useful in the first 6-12 months of homeownership when your home is often not fully secured or finished.
Our Residential Locksmith services cover everything from basic rekeying to full security system upgrades, so you can scope exactly what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after closing should I change my locks?
Same day if possible, or within 48 hours at the latest. The longer you wait, the longer unknown keyholders have access to your home. Stuart Locksmiths can typically schedule a same-day or next-day appointment for new homeowners.
Is rekeying as secure as replacing the locks?
Yes, assuming the existing hardware is in good condition and is at least a Grade 2 lock. Rekeying changes the internal pin configuration so old keys become useless. The security result is the same as a full replacement when the hardware is solid.
How much does it cost to rekey a house in Stuart, FL?
Rekeying a standard 3-entry-point home in Stuart typically runs $120-185, including the service call fee and new keys. Individual locks cost $20-45 each to rekey. Lock replacements cost more depending on the hardware grade you choose.
Can I rekey my locks myself?
Rekey kits exist at hardware stores, but they require you to already have a working key for the lock, know the exact keyway type, and have some mechanical patience. A professional does it in 10-15 minutes per lock and guarantees the result. Most homeowners find the DIY route more frustrating than it's worth.
Does my homeowner's insurance require me to change locks after buying?
Most policies don't explicitly require it, but some insurers in Florida will reduce your premium or improve your coverage terms if you install Grade 1 deadbolts or smart locks with audit trails. It's worth a quick call to your insurer after you handle the locks.
What if the previous owner left behind locks I like? Do I still need to change them?
Rekey them, at minimum. Even if the hardware is good, the old keys need to stop working. Rekeying keeps the hardware you like while making every previous key useless. It's a 10-minute job per lock.
How many doors should I rekey or replace?
Every exterior entry point. That typically means front door, back door, garage entry door, and any gate or fence locks. Don't overlook the garage-to-house door. It's often the weakest entry point and the most overlooked.
Should I get a smart lock or a traditional deadbolt for my new home?
Both work. Smart locks add convenience and remote access control, which is helpful if you have family members, contractors, or cleaners coming in. Traditional deadbolts with Grade 1 hardware are simpler and still highly secure. Stuart Locksmiths installs both, and we can walk you through the tradeoffs on-site.
Can Stuart Locksmiths key all my doors to the same key?
Yes. Keying alike is standard practice for new homeowners. We match all your exterior locks to one key so you're not juggling a separate key for every door. This works even if your locks are different brands, as long as they use compatible keyways.
Do I need to change the locks if I bought a brand new construction home?
Especially then. Builder homes are often keyed with construction master keys that were used by every subcontractor on the job. Those keys are rarely collected after the work is done. New construction in Stuart near Kanner Highway and Willoughby is particularly common for this issue.
Does Stuart Locksmiths serve areas near Stuart, FL?
Yes. Stuart Locksmiths serves Martin County and the surrounding area, including Palm City, Jensen Beach, Port St. Lucie, Hobe Sound, and Sewalls Point. Same-day service is available throughout the region.
How long does it take to rekey a whole house?
A standard 3-entry-point home takes 45-60 minutes from arrival to completion. Larger homes with more exterior doors, gate locks, or garage entries may run 90 minutes. We'll give you an accurate time estimate when you call.
Ready to secure your new Stuart home? Call Stuart Locksmiths at (772) 362-5731. We offer same-day service for new homeowners throughout Martin County, and we'll have every key from the previous owner's world completely useless before we leave your driveway.