Why to change locks on a new house

Replacing Locks When Moving House

It is always exciting to move into a new house. And what a stressful time too. Unpacking, setting up utilities, and changing your previous address are some of the things you may have to do. But do not forget another important task. You have to change the locks.

This article will highlight why changing locks in a new house is essential. For instance, another person may have access to your home, and that in itself is a security risk. Read on for other reasons to change the locks, reasons to rekey your locks, types of door locks, and why a professional locksmith best does this job.

Why Change Locks On A New House?

It is advisable to change locks when you move into a new house. More importantly, do it before you move your possessions in with a professional removalist. Here are some reasons why you should do so. Your home should be safe for you and your family. You should always feel protected from threats. Consequently, you have to restrict unauthorised access through burglaries and other intrusions.

As such, you have to secure both front and back doors using quality locks. Besides, you may not know how many spare keys exist for the current locks if you do not change them. Thus, changing the locks to your new house helps you avoid the risk of exposing your home to anyone who has access. Similarly, your insurance provider can invalidate your insurance claim if you do not change locks and your possessions get stolen.

Some insurance companies will cite inadequate security measures on your part as an excuse. Moreover, your home insurance may not pay out when there are no clear signs of forced entry. For instance, this may occur in the incidence of theft where the intruder simply gets in using a key.

Other Reasons To Change The Locks

Moving into a new house is not the only reason to change locks. Here are some other situations that may require changing locks on the house.

Losing your keys

It is such a common occurrence to lose one’s keys. What if you lose your keys, is that reason enough to change your locks? Perhaps yes. After all, it may have been stolen. Therefore, you will gain some peace of mind knowing that no one has access to your home by changing the locks.

Strangers having the keys

You have had some repairs of locks or some other aspects of your home done. You may have given your keys to repairmen or service providers in the process. After that, they may forget to return the keys, or they may go missing. In such cases, it is highly advisable to change the locks.

A party moving out

Sometimes, a family member, roommate, friend, or tenant may move out. For security measures, you may want to change the locks.

There was a break-in

Another security risk can come up after a break-in or attempted break-in. The intruders may have a copy of your keys. They can still access your home to do what they want. As such, it is recommended you change your locks immediately. Moreover, the locks may malfunction if they were damaged during the break-in.

Upgrading The Lock Mechanism

Locks can get old and outdated. When they do, they become susceptible to wear and tear. Locking and unlocking the door can eventually damage the internal mechanism. Also, rekeying a worn lock may not solve the issue. You may want to replace the entire lock. Another good option is upgrading the lock mechanism.

Thus, upgrading the lock mechanism will keep your locks functional and more secure. Besides, old or faulty locks may prove easy pickings for burglars. Therefore, changing the locks or upgrading the lock mechanism is a good safeguard.

Again, you may simply want to change the looks of your locks to complement the aesthetics of your property. That could be one other reason to change the locks.

Rekeying Vs. Lock Changing

Changing the locks on your doors is not your only option when you move into a new house. You could opt for rekeying. Lock changing is when you replace the entire lock. On the other hand, rekeying is when you change to a different key without changing the lock. Your lock stays the same with rekeying, but your old key will no longer open the lock.

How is rekeying done? It is done by replacing specific components in the lock. These components include the key pins or tumblers that correspond to a particular key. This process is relatively easy for professional locksmiths to handle, provided they have the right tools.

Sure, you may be able to buy replacement locks at your local hardware store and handle the replacing of locks yourself. However, there are situations where rekeying may be the better option. For instance, rekeying usually becomes more cost-effective than replacing the lock and hardware when you need to modify multiple locks.

Reasons To Rekey Your Locks

Similar to reasons for changing your locks, you may wish to rekey your locks for the following reasons.

First, rekeying offers a security advantage. You may not want to retain your current locks when your existing keys are misplaced, lost, or stolen. Rekeying will render the locks non-operational for anyone who has the former key.

Also, you may wish to have a master key for convenience. Interestingly, this means that you end up using a single key to open different locks of the same brand or keyhole.

The Keyless Option

Some people choose to use electronic access control systems instead of locks and keys. They are considered to be the more secure and convenient option. Usually, they involve accessing your property using authentication methods like biometrics, access cards, codes, and smartphones.

Furthermore, a user typically has to present some credentials to the reader. The control panel reads the credentials and compares them with a control list. Access is granted if the credentials match those on the list. The control panel will send a signal to the relay to unlock the door. However, where there is no match, access is denied.

Clearly, one advantage of electronic access control systems is greater control. For instance, you get to identify those who come in and go out and other details.

Types Of Door Locks

The type of lock can affect the level of security. Types of door locks include padlocks, knob locks, deadbolts, lever handle locks, cam locks, and rim or mortice locks. Others are euro profile cylinders, multi-point locks, and smart locks.

Your brand of locks may have existed for years in the security industry. As such, they are known to be quality security products. You may pick your brand of locks from several choices, including Yale, Securikey, Chubb, and Garrison.

Responsibility To Change Locks

Usually, it is the responsibility of a builder to change locks on a new house. A cross-section of people may have had keys to your door while the house was under construction. These include subcontractors, inspectors, and real estate agents. Thus, your real estate agent has to ensure the process of changing or rekeying the locks is done.

However, if you are buying an existing house, you may be responsible for rekeying the locks. In another light, if you are renting, the landlord may need to have a key to the newly rekeyed lock, depending on your lease agreement.

When To Change Locks

When it comes to changing the locks of your home, you may be wondering when the best time to have them replaced is? That said, it is better to change your locks as soon as possible, especially in the event of a break-in. By doing so, you will prevent and protect your family from any unnecessary harm or danger.

Moreover, if you can do it prior to your movers arriving, it will further safeguard you and your assets. Specifically speaking, it is in your best interest to consult with a professional locksmith ahead of time as this will help to save you valuable time and money.

Cost To Change Locks

Changing locks on a house is a vital security measure that homeowners should consider. The cost of changing locks on a house varies depending on several factors, including the type of lock and the complexity of the installation. The price range can be anywhere from $100 to $500 or more. However, this cost is insignificant compared to the peace of mind it can provide. Changing locks can prevent unauthorised access to your property and deter potential burglars. It is important to hire a professional locksmith who can provide expert advice on the best lock options for your home. Investing in high-quality locks can save you money in the long run and ensure the safety and security of your property.

Why Should You Use Expert Locksmiths?

Locks are central to your home security. Such a sensitive task as changing your locks should be done by professional locksmiths who know what they are doing.

Installing locks on your doors may require expert knowledge of lock mechanisms. For example, they are trained in installing lock systems where the complexity of the lock is high. This can include master key systems or high-security locks.

Similarly, it may require being up to date with the latest technologies and industry standards. For instance, you may need a proper risk assessment of your existing locks and security measures.

Again, professional locksmiths can help with replacing, rekeying or changing, and repairs of locks on your domestic or commercial properties. In the same vein, they can offer expert key cutting services in little time.

Moreover, they have the right tools needed to do an excellent job with minimum damage to existing doors. Likewise, they can provide insurance coverage that covers any damage done to locks or doors. Furthermore, if your house is old and uses vintage locks, you may need a professional who can handle rekeying or changing older locks.

Finally, professional locksmiths can give you greater peace of mind by securing your home compared to a DIY measure. For instance, you may simply get rekeying kits from your local hardware store. However, you may not be able to follow the detailed instructions that come with it or have other special tools needed.

Contact An Expert For Rekeying Or Lock Changing

With your familiarity and knowledge on changing locks on a new house, the lock mechanism upgrade process, rekeying, the types of door locks, and the role of professional locksmiths, you may feel more confident to try a DIY approach. Alternatively, whether you need to change or rekey the locks on your home or need commercial locksmiths or auto locksmiths, there are good ones to hire.

This means that they can provide commercial locks, home locks, rekey or change locks, as well as perform key cutting and repairs of locks. They can adequately rekey your home, office, or rental property. You may begin by submitting a service request for locks rekeying or locks changing.