When homeowners move into their new property for the first time, it is a smart idea to have the keys changed over. For homes with deadbolts and separate door locks, many homeowners wonder if they should have the locks keyed to use one key for both locks or to have separate keys. Here are some things to consider about whether your deadbolt and door lock should open with the same key.

Be Realistic About Your Lifestyle.

No matter what you’re deciding between, it is important to be realistic about your lifestyle before making a decision that impacts your home. If you’re prone to losing your keys, needing to find a second key in the morning wouldn’t be a great idea. However, if you prioritize extra security and invest what you can into securing your home, it could make a lot of sense. 

Separate Keys are More Secure Than One Key.

As long as you don’t give access to both keys at the same time, separate keys are technically more secure than having a single key. If you lose one of the keys, you won’t have to worry about someone gaining access to your house. However, if you keep both keys together on a key ring, you’ll likely lose both keys at the same time. If someone can use the two separate keys, it isn’t any more secure than having a single key.

May Not Be Necessary.

What kind of personal possessions do you have in your home? What kind of neighborhood do you live in? If you maintain a home office with highly confidential documentation, taking the extra steps necessary to lock the deadbolt and door lock with different keys might make sense. If your neighborhood has a high crime rate, having separate keys could be a way to keep your home even more secure. For people with minimal personal possessions in a crime-free neighborhood or an active security system, it is understandable to not want to deal with having two separate keys.

What Happens if You Lose One.

If you happen to lose just one of your keys, you will still need to call a professional locksmith to get back into your house. Since you would have locked both the deadbolt and the door lock with separate keys, one key won’t allow you to open the door. In some ways, this can successfully secure your home from even its owners.