--- title: How to Manage Key Control Through Every Stage of a Renovation description: Learn how to effectively manage key access during renovations to maintain security and streamline operations. image: https://blog.keytrak.com/hubfs/Four%20people%20discussing%20construction%20plans%20%5B2206787644%5D.jpg_featured%20image.jpg --- [![keytrak](https://blog.keytrak.com/hs-fs/hubfs/unnamed-2.png?width=200&height=72&name=unnamed-2.png "keytrak")](https://blog.keytrak.com) - [Blog Home](https://blog.keytrak.com/) - [KeyTrak](https://www.keytrak.com/) - [Solutions](https://www.keytrak.com/solutions) - [Resources](https://www.keytrak.com/resources) - [Company](https://www.keytrak.com/company/about) ![Gold Bar](https://blog.keytrak.com/hs-fs/hubfs/gold%20bar%20(thin).jpg?width=3000&height=17&name=gold%20bar%20(thin).jpg "Gold Bar") ![Four people discussing construction plans](https://blog.keytrak.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Four%20people%20discussing%20construction%20plans%20%5B2206787644%5D.jpg_banner.jpg?width=2000&height=628&name=Four%20people%20discussing%20construction%20plans%20%5B2206787644%5D.jpg_banner.jpg "Four people discussing construction plans") # How to Manage Key Control Through Every Stage of a Renovation ![author icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/448674/icon%20user-022794-edited.png) By [KeyTrak](https://blog.keytrak.com/author/keytrak) ![tag icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/448674/icon%20tag-085511-edited.png) [access levels](https://blog.keytrak.com/topic/access-levels), [best practices](https://blog.keytrak.com/topic/best-practices), [key access](https://blog.keytrak.com/topic/key-access), [vendor access](https://blog.keytrak.com/topic/vendor-access), [general](https://blog.keytrak.com/topic/general), [facility management](https://blog.keytrak.com/topic/facility-management), [key audit](https://blog.keytrak.com/topic/key-audit) How to Manage Key Control Through Every Stage of a Renovation 4:46 Renovations can help organizations repurpose space, modernize aging facilities, and improve security or amenities. Whether your project involves a [multifamily community](https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/real-estate/multifamily/renovating-multifamily-properties), [dealership](https://www.costar.com/article/1711338017/auto-dealerships-spiff-up-service-areas-to-boost-profits), [hotel](https://lodgingeconometrics.com/u-s-hotel-development-trends-projections-summer-2026/#:~:text=Together%2C%20hotel%20conversions%20and%20renovations%20represent%202%2C097%20projects/255%2C834%20rooms%2C%20with%20combined%20project%20counts%20up%207%25%20YOY.), [higher education campus](https://ts.acuho-i.org/may_2026/the_green_scene.html), or [healthcare facility](https://www.hfmmagazine.com/2026-hospital-construction-survey-results#:~:text=The%20survey%20of,and%20renovating%C2%A0facilities.), it’s important to adapt your key control process.   Those who regularly use the space may need temporary access to other areas, while contractors, vendors, and maintenance teams may require keys to complete the work. To adjust to these changing requirements without losing track of keys, follow these best practices.  ## Before: Take Stock of Your Keys Before renovations begin, determine which physical keys provide access to areas under construction. Next, [conduct an audit](https://blog.keytrak.com/a-step-by-step-guide-to-better-key-control-audits) to account for all required keys. Review existing records to confirm who has each key and who’s authorized to use it.   If there are any employees with [long-term keys](https://blog.keytrak.com/customer-tip-track-keys-used-long-term) to an area that’s being renovated, consider whether the existing access still makes sense. Notify keyholders who need to return keys either temporarily or permanently, then collect them. For example, a university [renovating a residence hall](https://blog.keytrak.com/ways-to-adapt-your-key-control-during-a-campus-housing-shortage) or a [multifamily community modernizing apartments](https://www.eaglegroveapartments.com/apartment-renovations-at-eagle-grove) should account for resident, master, maintenance, and other keys before units or common areas are taken offline. An [electronic key management system](https://www.keytrak.com/solutions) can simplify this process by keeping track of key transactions and user permissions.  ## During: Manage Changing Key Requirements ### Control Project-Related Key Access Key access may change as the project progresses. Work with security and facilities management teams to determine who requires physical access to each affected area, which keys they should receive, and for  how long.   For each phase, determine which third parties need keys. Be sure to follow [best practices for contractor and vendor key access](https://blog.keytrak.com/customer-tip-best-practices-for-contractor-and-vendor-key-access). You can use your electronic key control system to document third-party key activity and remove access permissions when their work is finished.   ### Keep Normal Operations Moving Renovations don't necessarily stop normal operations. When all or part of the facility remains open, consider whether employees will still use vehicles, offices, equipment rooms, resident or guest spaces, and other areas. Account for any changes to normal workflows, and update key assignments and user permissions accordingly.  ## After: Review Key Access Requirements When the project is complete, review your key control records and access requirements to make sure they reflect how the facility operates. Before returning to normal key control procedures, complete the following steps: - Account for project-related keys - Follow up on missing or unreturned keys - Remove access permissions that are no longer needed - Update key records if the renovation changed how spaces are used - Determine whether you should update employees' permanent key assignments - Review procedures if the renovated space creates new access requirements Use your electronic key management records to verify that outstanding keys have been returned and access permissions are up to date. Resolve any discrepancies before resuming normal key control procedures.  Renovations may change your facility, but they shouldn't disrupt your key control. By reviewing keys and user access before, during, and after the project, you can adapt to changing access needs while maintaining accountability.   ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How should I manage physical keys during a business renovation? Before renovations begin, identify the keys associated with affected areas and determine who currently has access to them. As work progresses, review key assignments and access permissions to account for changing employee, contractor, vendor, and maintenance needs. When the project ends, collect project-related keys and remove access that’s no longer necessary. ### How can electronic key management help during a renovation? [Electronic key management](https://www.keytrak.com/solutions) can help you maintain a record of key transactions and control which users are authorized to access specific keys. During a renovation, a key control system can make it easier to adjust access and identify outstanding keys. ### Do I still need key control if my facility uses electronic access control or digital locks? Electronic access control can manage doors equipped with that technology, but your organization may still use physical keys for other doors, offices, equipment rooms, vehicles, or other assets. [Electronic access control and physical key control can work together](https://blog.keytrak.com/access-control-vs-key-control-whats-the-difference) as part of a broader access strategy. During renovations, consider both electronic and physical access as needs change throughout the project.  [![Explore More Key Control Best Practices](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6975698/968f3041-5656-4fd6-9fa9-4251c31e2d78.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6975698/968f3041-5656-4fd6-9fa9-4251c31e2d78) SHARE THIS STORY | | ## Related posts ![KT\_GoldBar](https://blog.keytrak.com/hs-fs/hubfs/KeyTrak/KT_GoldBar.png?width=2000&height=27&name=KT_GoldBar.png "KT_GoldBar") - [Blog Home](https://blog.keytrak.com/) - [KeyTrak](https://www.keytrak.com/) - [Solutions](https://www.keytrak.com/solutions) - [Resources](https://www.keytrak.com/resources) - [Company](https://www.keytrak.com/company/about) Follow Us [Facebook Logo](https://www.facebook.com/KeyTrakSystems)   [Twitter Logo](https://twitter.com/KeyTrak)   [Linkedin Logo](http://www.linkedin.com/company/keytrak)   © 2024 KeyTrak. All rights reserved.