Should I Change My Locks After Buying a New House?
Home security is important to all of us. We all want peace of mind knowing that, when we’re at home, we’re protected and safe from intruders.
So, when you move into a new house, should you change the locks?
The answer is yes, you absolutely should change the locks when you move into a new home. Lots of people ignore this important job, but it leaves so many homes in the UK vulnerable.
This month at Lock & Key Centre, we’re going to detail the reasons why you should change the locks once you’ve moved in, along with other times you should consider changing them as well.
Reasons why you should change the locks when moving home
Moving home can be a stressful time without the added process of changing the locks, but there are many good reasons to make it a priority as quickly as possible.
Peace of mind
Changing the locks can help put your mind at ease if you have a family and lots of valuable possessions.
Safety and security
Brand new locks bring you robust security and safety, with improved locking systems helping to update any old models.
Lowers the chance of burglary
You’re more likely to have your home burgled if the locks haven’t been changed, as any of the previous owners could still have a key that you’re unaware of.
Helps with insurance claims
If you decide not to change the locks and are burgled, your insurance company may dispute any claims, citing the fact that you have not done enough to secure your home.
Ultimately though, the biggest reason to replace your locks is that you have absolutely no idea how many spare copies of keys to the existing locks have been made (this applies to all entry points on the property). No matter how much you trust the previous owners, don’t leave yourself vulnerable to a security breach in your own home.
How to change locks
If you’re wondering whether you can change the locks to your new home yourself, the answer is yes, but it’s not advised. We always recommend hiring a professional where the security of your home is concerned, as you’ll then know that the job has been done to the highest standards as you start life in your new home.
If you do want to change the locks for yourself, you’ll need new locks, a measuring tape and some different screwdrivers to match the task. While changing a deadbolt will require you to remove the old lock, it can be much trickier to change the locks on a uPVC door where a multi-point locking system might be built in.
Unless you have plenty of experience in changing locks on homes, it might be better to leave the job up to members of the Master Locksmiths Association, such as our team at Lock & Key Centre.
How much does it cost to replace locks on a home?
As we’ve alluded to above, changing your locks isn’t always as straightforward as you might imagine, which also means that the cost can vary. This is because changing the locks when you move into a new home will depend on:
- How many locks need replacing
- What type of locking system is in place
- What type of new locking system you want to install
We can help you figure all aspects of this process out thanks to our years of experience as trusted, local locksmiths. Just give our team a call to get help and advice, including a rough estimate for the cost of changing your locks.
When else should you change your locks?
While moving into a new property is one of the most common reasons you’ll have for changing the locks, there are a variety of other scenarios that may also mean it’s time to change your locks, including:
- You’ve lost your keys
- Someone borrowed your keys and lost them
- Someone who lived with you moved out
- Your locks are old and outdated
- You’ve recently been broken into
Sometimes, changing your locks can both improve security and help meet the standards for modern insurance policies, so it’s always worth considering doing it whether it’s a new home or your existing one.
Call a locksmith
No matter what reason you have for wanting to change the locks on your property, you needn’t look any further than our master locksmiths. With years of experience, our qualified team can carry out lock replacement for one or all of the locks on your home in Buckinghamshire – including Aylesbury and Milton Keynes – providing a professional, swift service that you can trust.
Call us today and arrange an appointment for changing the locks on your new home or your existing one and we’ll be happy to help.