Non-destructive entry first, always - and we re-key Schlage, Kwikset, and Baldwin locks on the spot while you watch
You get a price before we start. It does not change when we arrive. No surprises.
Trusted Lock Installation & Rekey for Atlanta Homeowners
Our Lock Installation & Rekey cost guide shows typical Atlanta prices of $85-$280 per door depending on hardware grade, with most residential rekeys completed in 20-40 minutes and new lock installations in 45-90 minutes. Novak Lock & Security Atlanta has installed or serviced more than 60,000 locks, keys, and security systems since 2002, every one starting with a written price and ending with a documented photo record. We answer calls live at (470) 944-6813, 24 hours a day, and we stock cylinders and complete locksets for same-day service in Buckhead, Midtown, Virginia-Highland, and across the metro.
Atlanta’s housing stock tells its own story. The 1920s bungalows in Grant Park still run original mortise locks with worn keyways. The 1960s ranch homes in Chamblee often have Schlage deadbolts that have been rekeyed four or five times and no longer hold pin tension. New construction in West Midtown and the BeltLine corridor ships with builder-grade Kwikset SmartKey cylinders that many owners replace with Lock Installation & Rekey in Marietta and nearby areas within the first two years. We see these patterns because we’ve worked in every neighborhood, and we quote firm prices on the phone before dispatching a technician. Haven Standard Clause 1: the price on the phone is the price on the invoice. The technician is contractually prohibited from changing it at your door.
What Our Lock Installation & Rekey Service Includes
Smart Lock Installation
Smart locks connect to your home Wi-Fi or Z-Wave hub and allow keyless entry through a smartphone app, temporary access codes, or voice commands through Alexa or Google Home. You need one when you’re managing access for house cleaners, dog walkers, or Airbnb guests in neighborhoods like Inman Park or Old Fourth Ward, or when you want to eliminate the risk of lost keys entirely. We install August, Yale Assure, Schlage Encode, and other major smart lock brands, and we always test integration with your existing deadbolt prep and door thickness before quoting. Our technicians carry the full range of mounting hardware because Atlanta’s older homes often have non-standard bore holes or thin door stiles that require reinforcement.
Keyless Entry
Keyless entry systems use a fob, card, or proximity sensor to unlock a door without inserting a physical key, common in townhome communities near the Atlanta BeltLine and in modern condo buildings in Midtown. You need this when you’re tired of fumbling for keys with groceries, or when your HOA requires uniform access credentials for common areas. We install and program standalone keyless entry locks as well as integrated systems that tie into building-wide access control, and we document every credential issued in the written scope we leave with you. Our background-checked technicians work to The Haven Standard, which requires a photo record of every installed component before we leave.
Keypad Lock
Keypad locks use a numeric code entered on a physical or touchscreen pad to release the deadbolt or latch, eliminating keys while retaining the simplicity of a standalone device. They’re the right choice for rental properties in East Atlanta Village, for back doors in Decatur bungalows, or for any door where you want multiple people to have access without managing physical keys. We install mechanical keypad locks like the Simplex series for locations without power, and electronic models with backlighting and auto-lock for front entries. Every keypad lock we install is programmed with your chosen codes on-site, and we show you how to add or delete users before we leave.
Biometric Lock
Biometric locks use fingerprint recognition to grant access, storing authorized prints in on-device memory that cannot be extracted or duplicated. You might consider one for a home office in Sandy Springs, a gun room in Douglas County, or any space where you want access limited to specific individuals and no risk of code sharing. We install fingerprint-enabled deadbolts and cabinet locks from manufacturers including Lockly and Samsung, and we calibrate the sensor sensitivity for Atlanta’s humidity range, which can affect read accuracy in unconditioned spaces. The Haven Standard requires that we register your prints, test rejection of unregistered prints, and document the process in your job record.
Electronic Lock
Electronic locks encompass any lock powered by batteries or hardwired electricity, including magnetic locks, electric strikes, and motorized deadbolts. You need these for commercial spaces in downtown Atlanta, for gates in Druid Hills, or for any application where remote release, time-based access, or audit trails matter. We install and service electric strikes with door position switches, maglocks with battery backup for fire code compliance, and fail-secure or fail-safe configurations depending on your life-safety requirements. Our technicians carry code books for Fulton and DeKalb counties and verify that every electronic lock installation meets local egress and fire alarm integration rules before we call the job complete.
Key Duplication
Key duplication creates working copies from an existing key using a precision cutting machine calibrated to the manufacturer’s specifications. You need this when moving into a new home in Kirkwood, when your teenager loses their house key for the third time, or when you want separate keys for housekeepers, pet sitters, or contractors that you can rekey later without affecting your own key. We duplicate standard Kwikset and Schlage keys, high-security Medeco and Mul-T-Lock keys with factory authorization, and Abloy Protec2 keys on dedicated machines that cannot be replicated by hardware store cutters. Every duplicated key is tested in your lock before you pay, and we keep a coded record of the key blank used in case you need replacements years later.
What happens when you call
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A real person answersNo phone trees - you reach a local pro.
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You get an upfront price rangeHonest numbers before anyone is dispatched.
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A background-checked tech heads outLicensed & insured, dispatched right away.
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You approve before work beginsNothing starts until you say go.
Brands We Service for Lock Installation & Rekey
We are factory-authorized for Medeco high-security cylinders, which use angled pin tumblers and sidebar mechanisms that cannot be picked or bumped by standard tools. We’ve installed hundreds of Medeco deadbolts in Atlanta’s commercial buildings and historic homes, and we stock their full keyway range including the classic M3 and the newer X4 platform. Our technicians carry Medeco’s proprietary pinning kits and can rekey on-site without returning to a warehouse.
Schlage is the most common brand we encounter in Atlanta residential work, from the entry-grade F-series handlesets in 1990s subdivisions to the commercial B500 series in office buildings near Peachtree Center. We’ve serviced thousands of Schlage units and stock their OEM cylinders, latch assemblies, and strike plates. We also work extensively with Kwikset, particularly the SmartKey rekeyable cylinder that allows homeowners to change their own keying without disassembling the lock, though we often replace these with standard pin-tumbler cylinders when the SmartKey mechanism fails after repeated rekeying. Whether you have Medeco, Schlage, Kwikset, or any other make, we can source parts, rekey cylinders, or upgrade your hardware with a written price quoted before we start.
Signs You Need Lock Installation & Rekey Right Now
- Your key requires jiggling or excessive force to turn. This usually indicates worn pin tumblers, a damaged keyway, or accumulated grit from Atlanta’s pollen-heavy springs and red-clay dust. Forcing the key can snap it inside the cylinder, turning a $95 rekey into a $200+ extraction and replacement. We see this most often in older homes near Candler Park and Lake Claire where original locks have never been serviced.
- You’ve lost track of who has keys to your home. Previous owners, their relatives, contractors, dog walkers, and neighbors may all hold copies from years past. In Virginia-Highland and Morningside, where homes change hands frequently in hot markets, we recommend rekeying at every purchase and any time a keyholder relationship ends. Rekeying changes the internal pin combination so old keys no longer operate the lock, at a fraction of replacement cost.
- The lock cylinder rotates loosely or the knob pulls away from the door. This indicates a failing set screw, worn tailpiece, or deteriorated door prep that no longer supports the hardware. In humid Atlanta summers, wooden door stiles swell and contract, loosening mounting screws over time. A loose cylinder can be pulled from the door with pliers, defeating the lock entirely. We diagnose whether the issue is the lock, the door prep, or both, and we quote repair or replacement in writing.
- Your home still has builder-grade locks from original construction. Most Atlanta builders install Grade 3 residential locks, the lowest ANSI rating, with zinc alloy internals that corrode and fail within 5-10 years. In new construction neighborhoods like Westside Village and the Old Fourth Ward, we regularly replace these with Grade 2 commercial-duty locks or Grade 1 high-security cylinders that withstand forced entry attempts and maintain pin tolerance for decades.
- You’re managing multiple keys for a single property. If you carry separate keys for front door, back door, side door, and detached garage, you’re a candidate for master keying or key-alike service. We can rekey all compatible locks to operate on one key while maintaining separate access levels where needed, reducing your keyring and the daily friction of fumbling for the right key in the dark.
Our Lock Installation & Rekey Process - Step by Step
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Call and receive a firm written price. When you call (470) 944-6813, a live person answers. You describe your lock, your location in Atlanta, and what you need. We quote a price range based on hardware grade and labor time, and we email or text a written scope before dispatch. Haven Standard Clause 1 prohibits our technician from quoting a different price at your door. The price on the phone is the price on the invoice.
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Technician arrival and identification. Your technician arrives in a marked Novak van, in uniform, with a photo ID badge. We call or text when en route with an estimated arrival time. Before entering your home, we confirm the written scope, verify the price, and ask you to initial the work authorization. This documentation becomes part of your permanent job record.
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On-site diagnosis and hardware assessment. We inspect your existing lock for wear patterns, door prep condition, and security grade. In Atlanta’s older homes, we often find non-standard backsets, mortise pockets that have been poorly converted, or deadbolts installed through hollow-core doors with no reinforcement. We photograph the condition, explain what we found, and confirm any adjustment to the scope before proceeding.
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Installation or rekey with documented procedure. For rekeys, we remove the cylinder, replace the pin tumblers to a new combination, and test with new keys. For installations, we bore or modify door prep as needed, install the new lockset, and verify proper strike alignment and latch throw. We use torque-calibrated drivers for mounting screws to prevent stripping in soft pine or over-tightening in fiberglass doors. Every step is photographed for your record.
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Testing, documentation, and final walkthrough. We test every key, every function, and every locking position. We show you the photo record on a tablet, explain your 365-Day Done Right Promise coverage, and leave you with written warranty documentation, a final invoice matching your quoted price, and our direct contact for any follow-up. The average residential rekey in Atlanta takes 20-40 minutes from arrival to departure; new lock installation typically runs 45-90 minutes depending on door condition.
How Much Does Lock Installation & Rekey Cost in Atlanta?
A standard residential rekey in Atlanta runs $85-$145 per cylinder, with most homes requiring two to four cylinders (front door, back door, garage entry, and sometimes a side door). New lock installation ranges from $125-$280 per door for Grade 2 residential deadbolts and handlesets, including labor, hardware, and door prep modification. High-security cylinder upgrades with Medeco or Mul-T-Lock typically fall between $195-$340 per door depending on keyway complexity and whether you need master keying.
Smart lock installation in Atlanta generally costs $180-$320 per door, with the higher end covering Wi-Fi bridge setup, app configuration, and integration testing with your existing network. Keypad and biometric locks run $165-$295 installed. Commercial electronic lock systems vary widely based on power requirements and fire alarm integration, and we provide itemized written estimates for these after an on-site survey.
Several factors affect your final price. Door material matters: solid wood doors in Druid Hills and Ansley Park accept standard hardware, but metal-clad fire doors in Midtown condos require specialized strikes and often need pilot holes drilled with carbide bits. Existing door prep condition affects labor time; a clean 2-1/8″ bore with standard backset installs quickly, while a mortise lock conversion or repair of a botched previous installation adds time. Hardware grade is the largest variable: Grade 3 builder locks cost less upfront but fail faster, while Grade 1 high-security cylinders cost more and last decades.
To avoid overpaying, get any competitor’s estimate in writing and bring it to us for a free second opinion. We review their scope against ours at no charge. Every Novak estimate includes all labor, hardware, door prep, and cleanup with no call-out surcharge added on arrival. The price we quote is the price you pay.
| Service | Typical Range in Atlanta | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Residential rekey (per cylinder) | $85-$145 | Pin replacement, new keys, testing, photo record |
| Grade 2 deadbolt installation | $125-$195 | Hardware, labor, standard door prep, warranty |
| Grade 1 / high-security cylinder | $195-$340 | Medeco or Mul-T-Lock, labor, key registration |
| Smart lock installation | $180-$320 | Lock, app setup, Wi-Fi testing, user training |
| Keypad / biometric lock | $165-$295 | Lock, programming, user enrollment, documentation |
| Commercial electronic lock | $Survey required | Itemized written estimate after on-site assessment |
Lock Installation & Rekey Near Atlanta - Our Service Area
We provide lock installation and rekey services across the full Atlanta metro, with typical response times of 30-60 minutes in the urban core and 45-90 minutes in outer suburbs. Our primary service area includes Lock Installation & Rekey in Atlanta, Lock Installation & Rekey in Decatur, and Lock Installation & Rekey in Smyrna, plus College Park, Forest Park, Chamblee, Sandy Springs, Tucker, Dunwoody, Stone Mountain, Marietta, and Douglasville. We stock the most common Kwikset, Schlage, and Medeco cylinders on our vans for same-day completion in these areas, and we schedule commercial electronic lock surveys within one business day throughout the metro.
Serving Atlanta, GA - Our Local Coverage Area
We’re based in the Atlanta area and know this community well. Use the map below to see our service coverage - if you’re nearby, we can almost certainly help.
Frequently Asked Questions - Lock Installation & Rekey in Atlanta
Lock installation replaces an entire lockset, including the cylinder, latch or bolt, and strike plate, with new hardware. Rekeying keeps your existing lock body but changes the internal pin combination so old keys no longer work and new keys operate the lock. Rekeying is faster and less expensive when your hardware is in good condition; installation is necessary when locks are worn, damaged, or you want to upgrade security grade. Call (470) 944-6813 and we’ll advise which service fits your situation, with a firm price before we dispatch.
A residential rekey typically takes 20-40 minutes per cylinder, and most Atlanta homes are completed in under two hours. New lock installation runs 45-90 minutes per door depending on whether door prep modification is needed. Smart lock and keypad installations include programming and user setup, adding 15-30 minutes. We quote time estimates with our price quotes, and we don’t charge extra if a job runs longer than expected. Call (470) 944-6813 for a time estimate specific to your home.
Most Atlanta homeowners pay $170-$380 for a full-home rekey of two to four cylinders, or $250-$560 for two new Grade 2 deadbolt installations. Your exact price depends on hardware grade, door condition, and whether you need master keying or key-alike service. We quote every price in writing before dispatch, and Haven Standard Clause 1 prohibits price changes at your door. Call (470) 944-6813 for an exact quote, estimates are free.
Yes. We are factory-authorized for Medeco high-security cylinders and stock OEM parts for Schlage and Kwikset, the two most common residential brands in Atlanta. We also service Abloy, Mul-T-Lock, Baldwin, Yale, and most other major manufacturers. If you don’t know your lock brand, text us a photo and we’ll identify it and quote service. Call (470) 944-6813 or email a photo for quick identification.
Yes. We answer calls live 24 hours a day for lockouts, break-in damage, and security emergencies requiring immediate rekeying or replacement. Response times in Intown Atlanta neighborhoods average 30-45 minutes; outer suburbs may take 60-90 minutes. Emergency rates apply for after-hours dispatch, and we quote the total price including any emergency premium before we send a technician. Call (470) 944-6813 anytime for emergency service.
Every lock installation and rekey is backed by our 365-Day Done Right Promise: if the lock doesn’t operate smoothly, if keys stick, or if any aspect of our work fails within one year, we return and make it right at no charge. Hardware manufacturer warranties apply separately and vary by brand. We document your coverage in writing at job completion, and your photo record serves as proof of proper installation if a manufacturer claim is ever needed. Call (470) 944-6813 with any warranty concern.
Ensure someone 18 or older is present to authorize work, clear a three-foot workspace around each door, and have your current keys available even if they’re not working well. For smart lock installations, have your Wi-Fi network name and password ready, and ensure your router is within reasonable range. We bring all tools, parts, and protective coverings; you don’t need to move furniture or cover floors. Call (470) 944-6813 when you schedule and we’ll confirm any specific preparation for your job type.
Schedule Your Lock Installation & Rekey Service in Atlanta Today
Call (470) 944-6813 to speak with a live person, receive a firm written price, and schedule service at your Atlanta home or business. We answer 24 hours a day, dispatch background-checked uniformed technicians, and back every job with the 365-Day Done Right Promise. Your estimate is free, your price is locked before we arrive, and your documentation is complete before we leave. Novak Lock & Security Atlanta operates independently under The Haven Standard, the same documented quality framework applied across all ten Haven brands since 2002.
Written by Daniel Novak, Owner at Novak Lock & Security Atlanta, serving Atlanta, Decatur, Smyrna Lock Installation & Rekey, and the full metro area since 2002.