Lock Installation & Rekey Cost - What It Actually Costs, Agreed Up Front

Every visit starts with

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.

Styles & brands we work with

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Before & after – our own jobs

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How Much Does Lock Installation & Rekey Cost in Katy?

Lock rekeying in Katy generally costs $85-$145 for the first cylinder, while full lock installation ranges from $160-$320 per door with our Lock Installation & Rekey services, depending on the hardware grade and complexity of the door prep. At Novak Lock & Security, we follow a strict policy established in 2002: we provide a written price before any work begins, and that price is contractually locked. You will never face a surprise fee or a price increase once our technician arrives at your home.

If you need immediate assistance or a firm quote for your specific hardware, please call us at (832) 402-8386. We provide live, 24/7 answers to every call. We do not use dispatch centers or automated voicemail queues.

Lock Installation & Rekey Cost Breakdown (2026)

Pricing for locksmith services is rarely uniform because every door in Katy presents different variables. Foundation shifting, which is common in our local clay soil, often causes doors to settle, requiring adjustments to the strike plate and latch alignment during a new installation. Below is the breakdown of typical costs for residential work in the Katy area.

The total cost depends on three primary variables: the brand of hardware, the security grade of the lock, and whether the door requires structural modification. For instance, installing a high-security Medeco lock requires precision drilling and calibration that differs significantly from installing a standard grade-3 knob found at a local hardware store. When you call (832) 402-8386, we will ask you to identify your current lock brand or send a photo, allowing us to quote the exact price before we leave the shop.

What Affects Lock Installation & Rekey Pricing in Katy

We believe in transparency. When you understand what goes into the price, you can make an informed decision about your home security. Here are the specific factors that influence the cost of your locksmith service in Katy:

• Lock Grade and Complexity: Not all locks are built the same. A standard residential knob is a grade-3 device, while high-security cylinders from brands like Mul-T-Lock or Abloy utilize complex internal mechanisms that require specialized tools and more time to install or rekey correctly.
• Foundation Settlement: Many homes in Katy, particularly those built in the 1990s and 2000s, experience foundation movement. If your door is misaligned, a simple lock swap won’t work. We often have to adjust the strike plate or mortise the door frame to ensure the bolt throws smoothly. This labor is included in our initial written quote, but it is a factor in the time required.
• Door Material: Installing a deadbolt into a hollow-core interior door is vastly different from installing one into a solid-core wood door, a fiberglass door, or a steel door. Steel doors often require specialized drill bits and slower drilling speeds to prevent heat damage to the door finish.
• The “Haven Standard” Documentation: Every job we perform includes a documented photo record of the work completed. This documentation is part of our service protocol, not an add-on. It ensures that you have a record of the security state of your home, which is useful for insurance purposes or future maintenance.
• Time of Day: While we offer 24/7 service, emergency calls outside of standard business hours involve different logistics. However, our pricing remains consistent with the written quote provided over the phone. We do not use “surge pricing” or bait-and-switch tactics.

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Why We Quote in Writing Before We Start

In 2002, Daniel Novak founded this business on a single, non-negotiable rule: the price quoted on the phone is the price on the invoice. This is Clause 1 of The Haven Standard. Many companies in the locksmith trade use a tactic where they quote a low “starting at” price to get in the door, only to inflate it once they are on-site. We do not operate this way. When you call us for Lock Installation & Rekey in Katy, you get a firm price.

Our technicians are background-checked and uniformed. When they arrive at your property, they are there to do a job, not to negotiate. This removes the stress from the transaction. You know exactly what you are paying, and we know exactly what is expected of us. This is how we have managed over 60,000 locks and systems since we began. It is a system built on trust, and it is the only way we do business.

The Difference Between Rekeying and Replacing

Many homeowners confuse rekeying with replacing. Understanding the difference can save you money and improve your home security.

What is Rekeying?

Rekeying is the process of changing the internal pins and springs of an existing lock cylinder so that old keys no longer work, and a new key is required. We keep your existing hardware – the handle, the deadbolt, the finish – and simply change the “brain” of the lock. This is the most cost-effective way to secure your home after moving in or if you have lost a set of keys. If your hardware is high-quality and functioning well, rekeying is usually the correct choice.

What is Lock Installation?

Installation involves removing the old hardware entirely and replacing it with a new unit. We recommend this if your current locks are damaged, rusted from the high humidity we see in the Katy area, or if you want to upgrade your security level. For example, if you currently have a basic Kwikset or Schlage entry-grade lock, you might choose to upgrade to a high-security Medeco deadbolt. This requires a full installation.

How to Save on Lock Installation & Rekey

While security is not an area where you want to cut corners, there are practical ways to manage your costs. Our goal is to provide value, not just a service.

• Group Your Services: If you need multiple doors rekeyed, do them all at once. The cost for the first cylinder covers the technician’s arrival and setup. Each additional cylinder is significantly cheaper because the technician is already on-site and prepped.
• Choose Your Hardware Wisely: You do not need a high-security lock on every single door. You might choose a high-security deadbolt for your front door and garage entry, while using standard, reliable hardware for your back patio door. We can help you audit your home to determine where the highest security risks exist.
• Avoid DIY Attempts on High-Security Locks: It is tempting to buy a lock online and install it yourself. However, if the strike plate is not aligned correctly or the cylinder is not seated properly, the lock will be vulnerable to picking or physical force. Worse, if you damage a high-end lock during installation, you end up paying for the replacement hardware twice.
• Get a Free Second Opinion: If you have a written estimate from another company, bring it to us. We offer a free second opinion on any written estimate. We will review the scope of work and tell you if the price is fair or if you are being overcharged. Call (832) 402-8386 to discuss your current quote.

Safety and Security Caveats

Locks are the primary barrier between your family and the outside world. When dealing with garage door springs, commercial-grade panic bars, or high-tension deadbolt mechanisms, we strongly advise against DIY repairs. These systems often contain high-tension springs or complex internal components that can cause injury if handled without the proper training or specialized tools. If a lock is sticking, do not force it with a screwdriver or pliers. This often damages the internal mechanism beyond repair and can leave you locked out or unable to secure the door.

If you have an older home in Old Katy where the doors have shifted significantly, do not attempt to “fix” the alignment by drilling new holes in your door frame. This weakens the structure of the frame, which is the most critical part of your security. A lock is only as strong as the door frame it is attached to. We use reinforced strike plates and long-screw anchoring techniques to ensure that even if the door has shifted, the lock remains secure.

How We Work: The Novak Process

We follow a standardized process for every job. This ensures that whether you are in Cinco Ranch, Grand Lakes, or near Katy Mills, the quality of our service remains the same.

1. The Discovery Call: You call (832) 402-8386. A live person answers. We ask about your lock brand, the number of keys you need, and any issues you are having with the door operation.
2. The Firm Quote: Based on the information you provide, we give you a written price. This price includes labor and parts. It does not change.
3. The Arrival: Our technician arrives in a marked, fully stocked vehicle. They are uniformed and background-checked.
4. The Evaluation: We inspect the door alignment and the hardware condition. If we find a structural issue, we inform you immediately.
5. The Work: We perform the installation or rekey. We test the operation of the lock at least five times to ensure it throws smoothly.
6. The Documentation: We provide you with a documented photo record of the work. This confirms the security state of your new locks.
7. The 365-Day Promise: All our work is backed by the 365-Day Done Right Promise. If it’s not done right, we make it right.

FAQs - Lock Installation & Rekey Cost

How much does it cost to rekey a whole house in Katy?

Rekeying a standard 3-bedroom home in Katy typically costs between $250 and $450, depending on the number of exterior doors and cylinders involved. Since every cylinder requires individual pinning, the price scales based on the total count of locks. Call (832) 402-8386 for an exact quote based on your specific home layout.

Can you match my new locks to my old keys?

Yes, we can often rekey new locks to match your existing key, provided the keyways are compatible. This is a common request for homeowners who want to upgrade their front door hardware but keep the convenience of using one key for the entire house. We will need to verify the brand and keyway compatibility before we start.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace a broken lock?

In most cases, replacing a broken standard lock is more cost-effective than repairing it, as the labor required to disassemble and fix a complex internal mechanism often exceeds the cost of a new, high-quality unit. However, for high-security locks like Medeco or Mul-T-Lock, repair is often the better option because the hardware itself is a significant investment. We will always provide an honest assessment of which path is cheaper for your situation.

How long does a lock installation take?

A standard deadbolt installation takes about 30 to 60 minutes per door, assuming the door is already prepped with the correct holes. If we need to drill a new hole or mortise the door frame to accommodate a high-security strike plate, the process may take longer. We work efficiently to minimize disruption to your day.

Do you offer same-day service in Katy?

Yes, we offer same-day service for most lock installations and rekeys. Because we are a locally operated business, we can schedule your service for the same day you call. Please contact us at (832) 402-8386 early in the day to secure your preferred time slot.

Every home in Katy has unique security needs, from the newer builds in the master-planned communities to the established homes in the older parts of the city. We understand these differences, and we approach every door with the same level of precision and care. Whether you are looking to upgrade your security with high-end cylinders or simply need to ensure that old keys no longer work, we are here to provide a clear, written price and professional service. You can learn more about our approach on our home page.

Pricing reflects the Katy market as of 2026. Novak Lock & Security Katy offers free estimates - call (832) 402-8386. Written by Daniel Novak, Owner at Novak Lock & Security, serving Katy since 2002.