New home lock change in Exeter
Professional new home lock change services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£135
Typical Duration
30 mins-2 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
New locks for your new home - cylinders changed, fresh keys cut, you're the only one who can get in. Do it before you move in for complete peace of mind.
Who Else Has Keys?
You've just bought a house. The estate agent gives you two sets of keys. But who else has copies? The previous owners? Their kids? The cleaner they hired three years ago? That tradesperson who did work last summer?
You don't know. And that's the problem.
💡 Pro tip: Change locks before moving day. Do it when you get the keys, before you move a single possession in. Then you know nobody else can access your stuff.
What I Actually Do
🔧 Lock Change Service
| Task | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Check | Look at current locks, advise what's needed |
| Change | Fit new cylinders (or full locks if needed) |
| Key | Cut new keys, test everything works |
| Match | Can set all doors to one key if possible |
📦 You Get
- Fresh cylinders on all doors
- New keys (you're the only one who has them)
- All locks working smoothly
- Security and peace of mind
Pricing Guide
| Doors To Change | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Single door | 30 mins | £60 |
| Front + back door | 45 mins-1 hr | £60-£85 |
| 3-4 doors (whole house) | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-£135 |
Based on £60 minimum + £50/hr. Doesn't include new cylinders/locks - I can supply or you can buy.
Perfect For...
✅ Just bought a house - don't know who has keys
✅ Before moving in - secure it before your stuff goes in
✅ Lost keys - easier to change lock than find keys
✅ Security upgrade - old locks, want better ones
Why Choose Us for New home lock change in Exeter?
You're the only one with keys
Fresh locks on all doors
Same-day service available
Security from day one
What to Expect
Step 1: Check Current Locks
I look at what locks you've got, advise whether you need just cylinders or full lock replacement, discuss if you want all doors on one key.
Step 2: Change Locks
Out with the old cylinders, in with new ones. Test everything works, doors lock properly, keys turn smoothly.
Step 3: New Keys
Cut fresh keys for each lock (or one key for all if matched). Test each one works before I leave. Old cylinders disposed of.
🔧 DIY Tips
Changing your own locks? It's not complicated:
🔧 What you'll need
- New lock cylinders (measure old ones first)
- Screwdriver
- Tape measure
- Replacement keys
📐 Measuring cylinders
- Remove old cylinder (one screw usually)
- Measure from centre screw to each end
- Buy replacement exact same size
- Common sizes: 35/35mm, 40/40mm, 35/45mm
✂️ Installation
- Remove screw holding old cylinder
- Gently wiggle cylinder out
- Insert new cylinder (key helps align it)
- Replace screw, test it works
- Don't overtighten screw
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Buying wrong size cylinder (measure carefully!)
- Overtightening the screw (cracks the cylinder)
- Not checking euro vs oval cylinder type
- Assuming all cylinders are same (they're not)
💡 Pro trick: Buy anti-snap cylinders with British Standard kitemark. Yes they cost more, but they're much harder to break into. Worth it for external doors.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🔐 Insurance requirements: Some home insurance requires certain security standards. Check your policy - you might need specific lock types to be covered.
Euro vs oval cylinders: Different types for different doors. Euro (most common in modern houses), oval (older doors). Make sure you know which you've got.
Matching to one key: Only works if locks are compatible. Some brands can be matched, others can't. I'll check when I quote.
Back door matters too: Everyone focuses on the front door, but burglars prefer back doors. Change them all, not just the front.
Keep old keys: Some people keep the old cylinders and keys in the loft in case they need to revert when selling. Or just bin them - your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why change locks when moving in?
You don't know who has keys to your new house. Previous owners, their family, tradespeople, cleaners - anyone could have a copy. Change the locks and you're the only one who can get in. Simple security.
Do you need to change the whole lock or just the cylinder?
Usually just the cylinder (the bit the key goes into). Much cheaper than replacing entire locks, same security benefit. Takes about 15 minutes per door. I'll check what you've got and advise.
Can you match all locks to one key?
Yes - if your doors have similar locks, I can set them all to the same key. One key for front, back, and side door is much easier than a bunch of different keys.
How long does it take?
Single door cylinder change is 20-30 minutes. Whole house (3-4 doors) is usually 1.5-2 hours. If you want all locks on one key, that adds a bit of time but worth it for convenience.
What if the locks are really old or damaged?
Then you might need new locks entirely, not just cylinders. I'll check when I quote and let you know. Old locks are often easier to replace than repair.
New home lock change Also Available In:
Get a Free Quote in Exeter
Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your new home lock change job in Exeter.
01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
Why Trust Us
Need New home lock change in Exeter?
Get a free quote for your new home lock change job in Exeter today.