Planned lock fitting and upgrades
Professional Lock Installation
TLC installs suitable locks for homes, landlords and businesses, from replacement cylinders and mortice locks to additional security locks and planned upgrades. We look at the door, frame and how the property is used before recommending what should be fitted.
When it helps
When a new lock installation makes sense.
Lock installation is often planned rather than urgent. It may be the right step when you move home, replace unreliable hardware, fit a new door, control access after an occupancy change, upgrade security after lost keys or make a rental or commercial property easier to manage.
Choosing the right lock
The best lock depends on the door and how it is used.
A lock that works well on a timber front door may be wrong for a uPVC multipoint system, an aluminium shopfront or a shared entrance. We consider the door material, thickness, frame condition, existing preparation, access requirements and the level of security you are trying to achieve.
Where insurance requirements are relevant, check your own policy wording. We can explain common lock types and standards, but your insurer decides what your policy requires.
The most secure option is the one that suits the door, the property and the people using it.
Lock types
Types of locks we may install.
Suitability always depends on the door and installation. These are common lock categories customers ask us about.
Mortice locks
Often used on timber external doors where the door and frame can support the correct fitting.
Night latches and rim locks
Useful in the right setting, often alongside another lock rather than as the whole answer.
Euro-cylinder locks
Common on uPVC, composite and aluminium doors, with correct sizing and cylinder quality both important.
Multipoint systems
Require alignment and mechanism condition to be checked before parts are replaced.
Thumb-turn cylinders
May be appropriate where easy exit is needed, subject to the door and access requirements.
Digital and smart locks
Can help with keyless access when door compatibility, backup access and permissions are planned properly.
Process
How lock installation works.
- Assess
Check the door and frame
We look at the existing hardware, alignment and door condition.
- Explain
Talk through suitable options
You get practical choices based on the lock, door and property use.
- Agree
Confirm the work
The proposed work and price are agreed before fitting starts.
- Fit
Install or replace the lock
The lock is fitted carefully, with the door and keep checked together.
- Test
Check operation
We test locking, closing, alignment and key operation before leaving.
- Explain
Show you how to use it
You get clear guidance on use, keys and basic maintenance.
Moving home
New home, new key history.
If you have just moved, you may not know how many spare keys exist or who has held them. A planned lock change or cylinder replacement can be a sensible way to take control without overcomplicating the move.
Landlords and businesses
Lock changes with a repeatable process.
For landlords, agents and commercial premises, lock installation may be part of tenancy changeovers, staff changes, contractor access or planned maintenance across more than one property.
Repair or replace?
Not every lock needs replacing.
A lock may be repairable if the fault is minor, the mechanism is still sound and the door is correctly aligned. Replacement is more likely where the lock is worn, damaged, insecure, badly fitted, unsuitable for the door or no longer meets the way the property is used.
We will explain whether repair, replacement, rekeying, a cylinder change or additional lock installation is the most sensible route.
Related services
Other useful starting points.
If lock installation is part of a wider issue, these pages may help you choose the right route.
All Locksmith Services
Return to the Services Hub to compare emergency, residential and commercial routes.
BusinessCommercial Locksmiths
Locksmith support for shops, offices, landlords and managed premises.
RepairLock Repair
Assessment of stiff, worn or unreliable locks before replacement is considered.
ReplaceLock Replacement
For locks that are damaged, unsuitable or no longer worth repairing.
UpgradeLock Upgrades
Anti-snap cylinders and planned security improvements beyond a standard installation.
Moving homeMoving Home Lock Changes
A practical route when you do not know who still has keys.
DoorsuPVC Door Lock Repairs
Support for uPVC and multipoint door mechanisms where alignment and hardware need checking together.
AccessDigital & Smart Lock Installation
Keyless access options where door compatibility and backup access are planned properly.
AdviceSecurity Advice
Practical guidance if lock installation is part of a wider property-security review.
Areas
Lock installation across London, Essex and selected Kent areas.
Use the regional pages to understand the current service-area structure.
Questions customers ask
Lock installation FAQs.
Useful answers before booking a planned lock fitting or replacement.
How much does lock installation cost?
Cost depends on the lock type, door condition, parts required and whether extra preparation is needed. We explain the options and agree the price before work starts.
Can you install a lock on an existing door?
Often, yes. The door material, thickness, frame and existing preparation need to be checked before confirming the right lock.
Which type of lock is best for my door?
There is no single best lock for every door. Timber, uPVC, composite, aluminium and commercial doors can all need different hardware.
Should I change the locks when I move home?
It is sensible to review access when you move, especially if you do not know who may still hold keys.
Can you install additional locks?
Yes, where the door and frame can support them properly. Additional locks should improve security without making the door awkward or unsafe to use.
Can you install smart locks?
Smart locks may be suitable for some doors and users. We consider compatibility, backup access, battery management and user permissions before recommending one.
Can an old lock be repaired instead?
Sometimes. If repair is suitable, we will explain that option before recommending replacement.
How long does lock installation take?
It depends on the lock and door. Straightforward cylinder changes are usually simpler than new mortice preparation or multipoint work.
Do you install locks for landlords and businesses?
Yes. We support homes, landlords, agents and commercial premises with planned lock fitting and access changes.
Will a new lock fit my existing door?
That depends on the door, frame and current hardware. We check before confirming the best fitting option.
Book planned work
Need a New Lock Installed?
Tell us about the door, the property and what you want to achieve. We will help you choose a practical lock installation route.