List the locks before deciding on one key
If your property includes a house, workshop or storage building, identify who should enter each space. A single household key may suit selected doors, while another area should stay separate. Convenience and intended access need to be considered together.
For rekeying, count the cylinders included in the change and note which working keys remain. A door can have a keyed knob and a separate deadbolt. A padlock, cabinet lock or gate cylinder may have a different servicing arrangement, so list it as its own item.
Compatible locks can sometimes be keyed alike. The keyway and cylinder design matter, not only the brand on the handle. We can explain whether selected parts need replacement or whether keeping separate keys is the simpler choice.
If you want some users to enter only assigned spaces, a compatible master key plan can be considered. That is different from giving everybody copies of one operating key. Start with the doors and user roles, then choose the hardware arrangement.