A sensible key plan for the house and workshop
If your property has a detached workshop, shed or separate garage, decide who needs access to each space before changing the locks. You might want the household to share one house key while a contractor receives a different workshop key. Someone who needs access to equipment does not automatically need access to the kitchen door.
Rekeying changes which key operates a compatible cylinder while retaining useful hardware. It is a good option when the lock works properly and the concern is an old or missing key. It will not repair a worn latch, loose handle or door that has to be lifted into position. Mention those faults when you arrange the visit so they can be assessed separately.
Several locks can sometimes be keyed alike, but the cylinders and keyways must be compatible. A matching finish or the same manufacturer's name does not settle that question. Include outbuilding locks in the assessment rather than buying a set of replacement cylinders that may not fit. A padlock can also have a different servicing arrangement from a door lock.
For more selective access, a planned master key system can allow an owner's key to operate chosen openings while another key operates only an assigned group. That is different from giving everybody the same key. We can discuss the master key options if the property needs that extra structure.
