How much does deadbolt lock install cost in New Brunswick?

Installing a deadbolt in New Brunswick typically runs $80–$200 for a professional locksmith or handyman, including labour and a mid-grade lock — and it's one of the few home security upgrades you can confidently do yourself if you're comfortable with basic tools.

Here's how the numbers break down across the range:

• DIY only (you supply labour): $30–$120 for the lock itself, depending on brand and grade
• Handyman/locksmith, existing door prep: $80–$150 all-in for a standard single-cylinder deadbolt on a pre-drilled door
• New hole required (no existing bore): $150–$250+, since drilling a clean 2⅛" bore hole and a 1" edge bore adds time and requires a hole saw kit
• High-security or smart deadbolt (Schlage B-series, Kwikset SmartKey, Yale smart lock): $200–$400+ installed, depending on the unit

What affects the price most is whether your door already has a deadbolt hole. Most New Brunswick homes built after the 1980s — the split-levels in Riverview and Quispamsis, the suburban bungalows in New Maryland and Dieppe — come pre-drilled. Older Victorian or Loyalist-era homes in uptown Saint John or downtown Fredericton often have solid wood doors without standard boring, which means more labour.

For a confident DIYer, this is absolutely a weekend project. You need a drill, a hole saw kit (if boring new holes), a chisel for the strike plate mortise, and about an hour. The standard deadbolt bore is 2⅛" diameter, with the edge bore (for the latch bolt) at 1". Most deadbolt kits include a template — follow it carefully and you'll get a clean result. The trickiest part is chiseling a flush mortise for the strike plate; take your time and score the outline first.

One thing worth noting for coastal NB homeowners — if you're near the Bay of Fundy or the Shediac/Bouctouche area, choose a deadbolt with a corrosion-resistant finish (satin nickel or stainless) rather than standard brass, which can pit and tarnish quickly in the salt air.

No permits are required for deadbolt installation — this is purely cosmetic/hardware work with no structural, electrical, or plumbing component.

If you'd prefer a pro handle it, a local handyman or locksmith is your best call. Browse the New Brunswick Construction Network directory to find trusted local tradespeople in your area who handle this type of work.