Should you change the locks on a new home?
Moving into a new home is incredibly exciting, but don’t let the excitement take your mind away from important safety precautions! The locks on your new home are the ultimate safety precaution, so it’s essential that you check them as soon as you move in. After all, the last thing that you want is anyone breaking in.
Why you should change the locks on a new home
It may seem unnecessary, but it’s always a good idea to change the locks on a new home. This is because you can never be 100% certain about who has access to your property, so having new locks installed will help to ease your mind and give you a greater sense of security. You’ll know that you’re the only one with a copy of the new keys and will be able to relax in your home without feeling insecure or unsafe.
How to get new locks installed
The easiest way to get reliable new locks installed is by hiring a locksmith. A good locksmith will be able to take off the old locks on your home and replace them with new locks on the same day, allowing you to lock the doors to your home and feel completely safe inside it.
A local locksmith will be able to visit your home a lot quicker than a non-local locksmith, so they’re always a good choice when it comes to hiring a professional. If you’re worried about the locks on your home and require help at a less convenient time, you can also get in touch with a 24-hour locksmith, who will be able to come out to your home on an emergency basis outside of typical working hours.
Which locks should you change?
Though the front door is the main point of access for you to get into your house, burglars will look for any opportunity to take advantage of a security weakness, so you should get the locks on all your exterior doors and windows changed. Some people have locks installed on interior doors too, such as those leading into the kitchen, living room or bedroom, as an extra layer of security, but having all doors leading outside secured is a must.
A lot of people also underestimate how useful it is to have locks on their windows. An unlocked window is an easy way for anybody to gain access to your home, so it makes sense to secure them the same way you secure your doors. If you are employing a locksmith to change the locks on your doors, why not employ them to do a full job on your entire house, including the windows?
How often should you change your locks?
It is recommended that you get your locks changed every five to seven years. As your locks age, they may become less effective or trickier to manage, so fresh locks will give you peace of mind that your home is secure. Security standards are also likely to develop over the years, which can be observed in newer locks.
Should you rekey rather than replace?
Rekeying your locks refers to the process of altering the lock mechanism so that the old key is no longer a fit for it, meaning a new key is required to unlock it. This is a quick method when it comes to changing a lock and makes sense if you’ve owned your home for a while, but with a new home, replacing the locks entirely is the safer option.
Conclusion
Buying a new house is an amazing achievement that you should be able to enjoy without worrying about your safety, so always look into getting new locks installed once you’ve moved in. For more information, get in touch with us now and find out how we can help you fully secure your new home.