Which Doors in Your Home Should Have a Lock?

Bet you didn’t know there are building codes for door locks? Yep, in many cases, locks that require a key on the exterior must not require a key to disengage from the interior. To understand any local or state requirements for locks in your home, you can consult specific building codes or a contractor.

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We’ve compiled some common-sense advice about extra layers of security and privacy you may want in your home. 

You should have keyed knobs and locks on doors that lead from the interior of your home to the exterior. Keyed locks can include old-fashioned knobs that require keys for entry, digital locks that require you to enter a passcode or use biometrics for entry or a deadbolt you open with a key. 

Front, Back and Side Exterior Doors

It's a good idea to ensure your front door has two forms of lock. Commonly, this is a traditional or digital knob lock along with a deadbolt. The deadbolt lock provides an added layer of security and peace of mind because it makes the door harder to force open.

Many people also include two door locks on side- or back-entry doors. Any door that goes directly from the interior of your home to the yard or street should have this type of locking system. If you live in a condo or an apartment and a door goes from your interior living space to an interior common area, such as a hall, you may also want two locking mechanisms. 

Doors Leading to a Garage

Doors leading from the interior part of your home to a garage or other unfinished home space, such as a sunroom, should also have a knob or lever lock. You might also want to add a deadbolt or chain to this door, especially if you regularly leave your garage door open or unlocked. 

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Doors in Your Home That Should Have a Privacy Lock

Within your home, you may not need as much security. However, privacy locks can be helpful. These are locks that don't require a key. They're engaged by pressing or turning a part of the doorknob. The locking mechanism is typically inside the room to be locked. 

Bedroom Doors

Privacy locks aren't required for bedrooms, but they can be helpful in ensuring others in the home don't walk in on you when you're changing. While many homes have privacy locks on all bedroom doors as part of the original build, you can change the knobs on your doors to customize your options. You can also add a chain lock or bolt to the inside of a door for added privacy if the knob doesn't have a lock.

Bathroom Doors

Bathroom doors should also have privacy locks. This allows people to lock the door when they're using the facilities or taking a shower, reducing the chances of embarrassing accidental run-ins. 

Office Doors

If you have a room in your home you use as an office or hobby space, you may want the ability to lock it from the inside or outside. This can be a security measure or simply a way to keep kids out of your work or from getting supplies that might pose a danger. In this case, you can usually use a privacy lock on the inside. You may want to install a bolt lock on the outside or add a keyed knob to the door if you need to lock the room while you're not in it. 

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Other Important Residential Locks

Some other doors to consider adding locks to include:

• Garage door: Ensure there's a way to lock your garage door from the side or outside to secure the items inside. You might also want an automatic garage door opener so you can unlock and open the door from inside your car.
• Sheds or outdoor storage units: Add padlocks or other security to exterior storage doors to protect your items. 
• Gates to the backyard, a swimming pool or a hot tub: Secure gates to keep people off your property and out of places that might become a liability, such as a pool.