Turning a Simple Door into a Secure Space: Fresh Deadbolt Installation Story
Some jobs aren’t about showy hardware or fancy gadgets—they’re about making life a little easier and a whole lot safer. This week in Midtown/East Memphis, we helped a local homeowner add some serious peace of mind to her daily routine.
Let’s set the stage. Picture a classic Memphis home: solid wood doors, sturdy as ever, but the interior bedroom door had only a basic knob—no deadbolt, no keypad, not even a lock to keep out wandering pets or a nosy roommate. She wanted real security for this room. And no, it wasn’t about a home invasion or some dramatic movie plot. Sometimes, folks just need a place to store valuables, medicine, documents, or—let’s be honest—a little personal space.
That’s where we come in.
Why Would Someone Want a Fresh Deadbolt on an Interior Door?
People call G.I. Locksmith for all kinds of reasons. Maybe it’s a college student sharing a house with new roommates. Maybe it’s a home health nurse needing to keep supplies secure. We’ve had parents request deadbolts for rooms where prescription meds or sensitive records are kept. We’ve even installed electronic locks for short-term rentals—think Airbnb hosts protecting a supply closet.
So, if you’re thinking, “Is it normal to put a deadbolt on a bedroom or office door?”—yes, it’s more common than you think.
What Does a Fresh Deadbolt Installation Involve?
In this case, our customer picked a Schlage Encode electronic deadbolt for her project. This lock is a favorite in Memphis for its durability, keyless entry, and ability to program multiple codes. (We’ve done entire posts about Schlage vs. Kwikset, if you’re curious—read more here↗︎).
But here’s the kicker: the door never had a deadbolt. No hole, no strike, nothing but solid wood. That’s what we call a “fresh installation.” It means:
- Measuring and marking the perfect spot (nobody wants a crooked deadbolt!)
- Drilling the face bore for the lock body and the edge bore for the latch
- Installing the strike plate in the frame so it lines up and actually locks
- Programming the keypad and walking the client through how it works
In this Midtown job, we finished up, vacuumed the dust, and had her lock set up and running—all in about an hour.
Q&A: Answers You Won’t Find on a Big Box Store FAQ
Q: “Can I add a deadbolt to a door that’s never had one before?”
A: Absolutely! We install deadbolts and keyless entry locks on doors that were never built for it. Wood, metal, fiberglass—doesn’t matter. The right tools and a steady hand are key.
Q: “What if I want an electronic door knob or lever instead of a deadbolt?”
A: No problem. We can add keyless knobs, levers, or even smart locks to just about any door. If you want to control access to a closet, office, or bedroom, we’ll find the right fit.
Q: “Is it a good idea to install a deadbolt on an interior door?”
A: For many homes and businesses, yes! Whether you’re sharing a house, managing a rental, or running a small business, a deadbolt provides extra security and privacy wherever you need it.
Q: “How much does it cost to install a new deadbolt on a door with no existing hole?”
A: Pricing depends on the lock you pick and the type of door, but fresh installations usually start around $120-$200 for standard locks (including drilling), and go up for electronic or high-security hardware. If you want an exact quote, contact us here↗︎. prices vary by complexity and per case bases.
Ready to upgrade your security or add a deadbolt to a door that’s never had one?
Call G.I. Locksmith—serving Midtown, East Memphis, Bartlett, Germantown, and the tri-state area. West Memphis, AR and Southaven, MS
You bring the need. We bring the tools (and a little Memphis charm).
You’re just one call away from a Professional Locksmith in Memphis able to secure your space today!
If you’ve got questions, drop them in the comments or send us a message↗︎. Don’t wait until you’re locked out—be proactive and secure your space today.
