New Home Lock Checklist for Twin Cities Move-In Day

Inventory more than the front door

Walk the property and list front, back, side, patio, garage-entry, and walkout doors. Include sheds, detached garages, storage rooms, mailboxes, and any separate rental areas. Record how many keys you receive for each lock and whether one key operates several doors. If a door has both a knob and deadbolt, check whether they use the same key and whether both are needed for your preferred setup.

• Exterior doors and deadbolts
• Garage entry and overhead-door access devices
• Outbuildings, mailbox, and storage locks
• Keypads, smart locks, and mechanical override keys

Test each lock without forcing it

With the door open, extend and retract the latch and deadbolt. Then test gently with the door closed. Note rubbing, loose handles, a bolt that does not fully extend, or a door that must be lifted to lock. Those details help separate rekeying from alignment or hardware work. Avoid slamming the door or forcing a key to make the lock engage; that can mask the problem and eventually damage the key or mechanism.

Decide between rekeying and replacement

Rekeying is appropriate when compatible locks are in good condition and your main goal is to invalidate previous keys. Replacement is more useful when hardware is damaged, worn, mismatched, or due for a functional upgrade. You can combine approaches across the property. Ask whether the locks can be keyed alike if you want fewer keys, and make sure any new deadbolt or latch fits the existing door preparation.

Reset electronic access carefully

For a keypad or smart lock, follow the manufacturer’s reset and ownership-transfer instructions. Remove old user codes, review paired phones or accounts, and set new administrator credentials where supported. Test the mechanical override key and keep it accessible outside the locked area. Replace weak batteries and confirm the bolt moves freely; a connected lock still depends on a properly aligned mechanical deadbolt.

Create a simple ongoing key record

Once the work is complete, label spare keys without writing the full address on them and store them securely. Record who has each key or code, including household members, cleaners, contractors, and pet sitters. Review that list when arrangements change. Keep the itemized locksmith receipt and hardware manuals with your home documents so later service starts with useful information.