Moving into a new home in Crown Point, Merrillville, or anywhere in Northwest Indiana is exciting — but there’s one step most new homeowners skip that can put their family at risk: not changing who has access to their locks.
Why Rekeying Should Be Your First Call
Before you hang a single picture or put food in the fridge, call a locksmith to rekey your home. Rekeying changes the internal pins inside your existing locks so that old keys no longer work — only the new keys you receive will open your doors.
This isn’t just a recommendation. It’s one of the most practical security moves a new homeowner can make, and it takes far less time than most people expect.
You Don’t Know Who Has a Key to Your Home
Think about the chain of people who may have had access to your home before you moved in: the previous owners, their family members or roommates, real estate agents, contractors, cleaners, and neighbors who were handed a spare key at some point over the years.
Even if the sellers were completely trustworthy, there’s no way to account for every copy of a key made during the time they lived there. Rekeying eliminates that uncertainty entirely. Every copy of the old key becomes useless the moment the locksmith finishes the job.
What Rekeying Looks Like in Practice
A mobile locksmith comes to your new home and rekeyes each exterior lock — typically the front door, back door, garage entry door, and any other keyed entry points. The process is fast and doesn’t require replacing your existing hardware.
If your locks are older or showing signs of wear, a locksmith can also tell you whether a full replacement makes more sense. For most recently-built homes in areas like Hobart, Portage, or Schererville, rekeying is all that’s needed.
Other Lock Checks Worth Doing While You’re at It
While the locksmith is at your new home, it’s worth asking them to take a look at a few other things. Deadbolt quality varies — not all deadbolts offer the same level of protection, and a quick inspection can tell you if an upgrade is worth considering. Strike plate installation is another common weak spot: many homes have strike plates secured with short screws that can give way under force. Swapping in 3-inch screws makes a real difference without a lot of cost. And don’t overlook sliding glass doors, which are often fitted with minimal secondary locks or none at all.
Ready to Secure Your New Home in Northwest Indiana?
Jacob’s Lock and Key is a licensed mobile locksmith serving Gary and all of Northwest Indiana — including Hammond, Crown Point, Merrillville, Griffith, Dyer, Munster, Schererville, Hobart, Portage, and surrounding communities. We’re available 7 days a week, 7 AM to 11 PM, so we can work around your moving schedule.
Call Jacob at (219) 342-5595 right after you get your keys — it’s the simplest way to start life in your new home knowing your family is safe.
Last updated: 07/10/2026