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.
Lock Change in Atlanta, GA
A professional lock change in Atlanta typically costs between $150 and $350, depending on the hardware grade and the number of doors being serviced. At Novak Lock & Security Atlanta, we provide a firm price quote over the phone before we dispatch a technician, ensuring the price you are quoted is the price you pay at your door. If you need a Residential Locksmith in Atlanta to upgrade your home security, replace failing hardware, or secure your property after a move, call us at (470) 944-6813 to schedule a visit.
Our Residential Locksmith services operate under The Haven Standard, a documented quality framework that governs every installation we perform. Whether you are in a historic home in Grant Park or a modern build in Buckhead, our goal is to provide hardware that functions exactly as the manufacturer intended. We do not use bait-and-switch tactics. When you call us, you speak with a live person who can explain the differences between entry-grade hardware and high-security cylinders, helping you choose the right level of protection for your specific needs.
When You Need a Lock Change
Lock changes are often necessary when existing hardware no longer functions reliably or when security has been compromised. In Atlanta, our climate plays a significant role in hardware performance. High humidity and seasonal temperature fluctuations cause wood door frames to expand and contract, which often leads to misaligned latches and binding deadbolts. If your key requires force to turn or if the lock feels loose, it is time for a professional assessment.
- New Home Purchases: If you recently closed on a house in Midtown or Decatur, you cannot know who possesses copies of your existing keys. Changing the locks is a fundamental security step for any new homeowner.
- Hardware Failure: We often see Kwikset or Schlage locks that have reached the end of their mechanical life, where the internal pins are worn down and the lock no longer engages smoothly.
- Security Upgrades: If you currently use entry-grade hardware, upgrading to a high-security brand like Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, or Abloy provides physical protection against picking, bumping, and unauthorized key duplication.
- Lost or Stolen Keys: If your keys were lost in a public area, the risk of unauthorized access is immediate. We can replace the locks and ensure that only you have access to your home.
- Post-Renovation Security: Contractors and sub-contractors often have copies of keys during long-term projects. Once the work is complete, a lock change restores your exclusive control over entry points.
Daniel Novak and our team understand that a lock is only as strong as its installation. We frequently see DIY installations where the strike plate is not properly mortised or the deadbolt is misaligned, creating a false sense of security while leaving the door vulnerable to forced entry. Proper installation requires precision tools to ensure the bolt extends fully into the frame, engaging the full structural integrity of the door.
Our Lock Change Process
We follow a rigorous, documented process for every lock change we perform. Our technicians are background-checked and uniformed, and we arrive with the tools required to complete the job in a single visit. We adhere to the following steps to ensure consistent quality:
- Initial Assessment and Quote: You call (470) 944-6813, and our dispatcher provides a firm price based on the lock type and number of doors. Under Haven Standard Clause 1, the price we quote on the phone is the final price on your invoice.
- Hardware Selection: Our technician arrives with a selection of hardware. We can install standard brands like Schlage or Kwikset, or high-security options like Abloy or Medeco, depending on your needs.
- Removal of Existing Hardware: We carefully remove the old lock, ensuring no damage to the door finish. We inspect the door prep-the hole and the mortise-to ensure it meets the requirements of the new hardware.
- Precision Installation: We install the new lock, adjusting the strike plate and the latch to ensure the door closes and locks without binding. This is where most DIY attempts fail, as improper alignment leads to premature hardware wear.
- Testing and Documentation: We test the operation of the lock multiple times. We then provide a documented photo record of the finished installation, which serves as proof of the work performed for your records.
This process is backed by our 365-Day Done Right Promise. If the lock does not function correctly, or if there is an issue with the installation within one year, we make it right. We do not leave a job until the hardware is secure and the door operates correctly.
Lock Change Pricing in Atlanta
We believe in upfront pricing. We do not use “starting at” pricing that changes once the technician is at your door. The following table provides How Much Does Residential Locksmith Cost? (2026 Price Guide) - Atlanta, GA for our lock change services in the Atlanta market. These prices include labor and standard hardware installation.
| Service Type | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|
| Standard Door Lock Change (Labor + Hardware) | $150 – $220 per door |
| High-Security Cylinder Installation (Medeco/Abloy) | $250 – $350+ per door |
| Keying Multiple Locks Alike | $40 – $60 per additional cylinder |
| Emergency After-Hours Service Fee | $75 – $125 (flat fee) |
If you have a competitor’s quote, we offer a free second opinion. Bring us the estimate, and we will review it to ensure you are receiving the best value and the correct hardware for your security requirements. Please call (470) 944-6813 to get an exact quote for your specific doors.
Safety and Security Caveats
Security hardware requires specialized knowledge. We strongly advise against attempting to install high-security deadbolts or mortise locks yourself. These locks contain complex internal mechanisms, including sidebars and telescopic pins, that are easily damaged by incorrect installation techniques. If a high-security lock is forced or installed with the wrong spacing, it can jam, effectively causing a Residential Lockout and requiring professional extraction.
Furthermore, if your door frame is damaged or the wood is rotted, a new lock will not provide the security you expect. A lock is only as secure as the frame it is mounted into. If we arrive and find that the door frame lacks the structural integrity to support a high-security deadbolt, we will inform you immediately and discuss the necessary door reinforcement options. Our priority is your security, not just selling a new lock.
FAQs - Lock Change
Is it cheaper to rekey or replace my locks?
Lock Rekeying is almost always cheaper than replacing the locks, as it involves changing the internal pins of your existing cylinders rather than installing new hardware. If your current locks are in good condition and made by a reputable brand like Schlage or Baldwin, rekeying is an effective way to secure your home. We only recommend a full lock change if the hardware is damaged, outdated, or if you want to upgrade to a higher security level.
Can you match my existing keys to the new locks?
Yes, we can perform a key-alike service, where we match the new locks to your existing key or set up a new master key system for your home. This is a standard procedure for us, and we can often do this during the same visit as the lock change. Call (470) 944-6813 for an exact quote on rekeying your new hardware.
Can you come to my home in Atlanta today?
We provide 24/7 service and typically offer same-day appointments for lock changes in Atlanta. Because we are locally operated and manage our own dispatch, we can provide accurate arrival times rather than broad windows. Please call us at (470) 944-6813 to check our current availability for your neighborhood.
What is the difference between entry-grade and high-security locks?
Entry-grade locks, often found at hardware stores, are designed for basic convenience and provide minimal resistance to picking or bumping. High-security locks, such as those manufactured by Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, or Abloy, utilize patented keyways and complex internal mechanisms that prevent unauthorized key duplication and are specifically engineered to resist physical attacks. If you are concerned about home security, we recommend at least one high-security deadbolt on your primary entry door.
We invite you to return to our home page to see our full range of services. When you are ready to secure your property, call Novak Lock & Security Atlanta at (470) 944-6813 for a free, no-obligation estimate. We provide clear pricing, documented results, and the 365-Day Done Right Promise on every service call.
Written by Daniel Novak, Owner at Novak Lock & Security Atlanta, serving Atlanta since 2002.