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.
How Much Does Lock Installation & Rekey Cost in Atlanta?
Lock installation and rekeying services in Atlanta typically range from $85 to $195 per cylinder for standard residential rekeying, while new lock installations generally cost between $120 and $350 per door, depending on the hardware grade. At Novak Lock & Security, we provide a firm, written price before any work begins, ensuring the cost you are quoted over the phone is the exact price on your final invoice, consistent with our Haven Standard Clause 1.
Lock Installation & Rekey Cost Breakdown (2026)
Pricing for lock services varies based on the mechanical complexity of the lock and the security grade of the hardware. The following table outlines standard labor and hardware ranges for residential work across metro Atlanta.
| Service | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|
| Standard Rekey (per cylinder) | $85 - $145 |
| High-Security Rekey (e.g., Medeco, Mul-T-Lock) | $135 - $220 |
| Standard Deadbolt/Knob Installation (Labor) | $120 - $190 |
| High-Security Lock Installation (Hardware + Labor) | $280 - $550+ |
| Emergency Lockout Service | $110 - $225 |
These figures represent the Atlanta market as of 2026. Factors that influence these numbers include whether the existing door preparation is compatible with modern hardware, the specific brand of the lock, and the time of day the service is performed. When you call (470) 944-6813, our dispatch team provides a written price before our technician leaves our shop. We do not engage in “starting at” pricing games.
What Affects Lock Installation & Rekey Pricing in Atlanta
Several variables influence the final quote for securing your property. Understanding these factors helps you make an informed decision when evaluating security options.
- Hardware Grade: Entry-grade hardware found at big-box retailers is less expensive but offers lower resistance to physical attacks. High-security cylinders, such as those from Abloy or Baldwin, require specialized tools and training to install, which adjusts the labor cost accordingly.
- Door Preparation: Older homes in neighborhoods like Inman Park or Virginia-Highland often have non-standard door prep. If the existing hole in the door requires modification or reinforcement to fit a modern deadbolt, additional labor is required to ensure the bolt throws correctly and the strike plate is secure.
- Key Complexity: Rekeying a standard pin-tumbler lock is straightforward. However, high-security systems like Mul-T-Lock utilize proprietary keyways that require specific pinning kits and authorization verification, which adds to the service time and cost.
- Volume of Cylinders: Pricing is often bundled when you rekey an entire house. We frequently work with homeowners moving into new properties in Buckhead or Sandy Springs to rekey every entry point; we can often reduce the per-cylinder cost when the job is scoped as a single project.
- Emergency vs. Scheduled Service: While our pricing remains transparent regardless of the time, emergency calls during off-hours or weekends involve a higher dispatch fee to cover the logistics of a 24/7 operation.
How to Save on Lock Installation & Rekey
The most effective way to manage costs is to avoid unnecessary hardware replacement. If your existing locks are mechanically sound and of a high-quality brand, rekeying is almost always more cost-effective than replacing the entire assembly.
We recommend auditing your home security in stages rather than all at once if budget is a concern. Start with the primary entry points – the front and back doors – and upgrade those to high-security cylinders first. Secondary points like garage service doors or side gates can be rekeyed to match these primary keys, which simplifies your key ring while maintaining a high level of security.
If you are currently looking at a quote from another provider, bring it to us. We offer a free second opinion on any written estimate. If we can provide the same security outcome for less, or if we identify a security gap that the other quote missed, we will explain it in writing. Call (470) 944-6813 to discuss your current estimate.
Safety and Security: A Note on Professional Installation
High-tension door components and high-security locking mechanisms are not DIY projects. Attempting to disassemble a high-security lock without the proper factory-authorized tools can permanently damage the cylinder, rendering it useless and potentially locking you out of your own home. Furthermore, improper installation of a deadbolt-specifically failing to properly align the strike plate or secure the screws into the wall stud-leaves the door vulnerable to simple kick-in attacks.
We always recommend having a trained, background-checked technician perform these installations. Our technicians arrive in uniform, work to the documentation standards of the Haven Standard, and leave you with a documented photo record of the work performed. This ensures that the security you paid for is actually present in the door.
FAQs - Lock Installation & Rekey Cost
How much does it cost to rekey a house in Atlanta?
Rekeying a standard residential lock typically costs between $85 and $145 per cylinder, depending on the specific lock type and quantity. When rekeying an entire home, we provide a firm, written quote before we start, so you know the total cost before our technician arrives. Call (470) 944-6813 for an exact quote.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a lock?
Repairing a lock is usually cheaper if the issue is minor, such as a sticking key or a loose tailpiece, but if the internal pins are worn or the housing is damaged, replacement is necessary. We assess the condition of your hardware on-site and will tell you honestly if a repair will be reliable long-term or if it is a temporary fix that will fail again soon.
Can you match all my locks to one key?
Yes, provided the locks are of the same brand or compatible keyways, we can master-key or key-alike your home so a single key operates every exterior door. This process is included in our standard rekeying service, and we confirm compatibility over the phone when you call (470) 944-6813.
How long does a lock installation take?
A standard deadbolt installation takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes, while high-security installations or rekeying an entire house can take 60 to 90 minutes. We provide an estimated time of completion when we provide your written quote, ensuring you can plan your day accordingly.
Do you offer emergency lock services?
Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency service for lockouts and security failures, answered by a live person at all times. If you are locked out, call (470) 944-6813 immediately; we will dispatch a technician to your location in Atlanta and provide a firm price before they depart.
Pricing reflects the Atlanta market as of 2026. Novak Lock & Security Atlanta offers free estimates - call (470) 944-6813.
Written by Daniel Novak, Owner at Novak Lock & Security, serving Atlanta since 2002.
What Our Customers Say
"Quoted forty-five on the phone, paid forty-five at the door. I had been burned by a company that quoted nineteen and then wanted three hundred."
- Theresa Q."Honest. Told me the existing deadbolt was good quality and only needed the strike plate reinforcing."
- Sal V."Rekeyed the whole house after we bought it. He showed me the old pins and explained how many keys had likely been cut over the years."
- Omar J.