
Have We Just Purchased A New House? Should We Replace Our Locks?
A new home purchase is a major milestone. The purchase of a home is a milestone that brings with it new possibilities, memories and security. During the chaos of packing and decorating your new home, a question is often asked: Should you buy new locks? Here’s why the answer is yes.
Why it is Important to Change Locks
You may not know who else has keys to your new house when you move in. It’s possible that previous owners, tenants or contractors, real-estate agents or neighbors still hold the keys. Even though most people are trustworthy there is always the risk of unauthorised access. You can feel secure and at peace knowing that only you have the keys to your home.
Why you should change your locks
1. Control Access
It is important to be able to control who can access your home. It is impossible to know how many copies of keys there are or who may still possess one. Installing new locks will eliminate this uncertainty, giving you complete control.
2. Protect Yourself from Security Risks
Your home may be vulnerable to burglaries if your locks are outdated. Upgrades to more secure, modern locks will improve the safety of your home. Criminals are known to exploit outdated locking mechanisms.
3. Enjoy Peace of Mind
Uncertain individuals having access to your house can be unsettling. You and your family will be able to enjoy your new home with peace of mind if you replace your locks as soon as you move in.
4. Prevent Unauthorized Entry
Some homeowners or tenants have left spare keys with friends, family or contractors. The possibility of an unauthorized entry still exists, even if the previous owner or tenant forgot the spare keys. This risk is eliminated by changing the locks.
Change Locks: Options
There are several options when it comes to buying a new home.
1. Rekeying Locks
Rekeying your locks is an affordable option. A locksmith will change the internal mechanism so that older keys are no longer functional. If your locks are in good shape and you’re looking to save some money, this is a great option. It’s important to make sure that the locks are up-to-date and meet security standards.
2. Replace the locks
The old locks must be removed and replaced with new ones. This is the best option if your existing locks are old, damaged or of poor quality. You can also upgrade to smart locks or high-security locks to add convenience and protection.
3. Installing smart locks
Smart locks are becoming a popular choice for new homeowners. These locks provide keyless entry and remote control via smartphone applications. They also integrate with home security systems. These locks offer convenience as well as enhanced security. They are a good investment.
What to consider when changing locks
1. Types of Lock
Consider which lock is best for your home. For example, deadbolts are ideal for exterior doors and provide high security, whereas knob locks can be used for interior doors.
2. Quality and Durability
Invest in locks of high quality that are resistant to tampering and forced entry. Look for locks that have a high ANSI grade rating (American National Standards Institute), as this will indicate their strength and level of security.
3. Cost
Rekeying can be more affordable than replacing locks, but upgrading to smart locks or changing locks could require a larger initial investment. The added security and peace-of-mind are well worth the initial investment.
4. Professional Installation
A professional locksmith will ensure that the work is done properly. They can assess the security needs of your home, recommend appropriate locks, and install these quickly.
New homeowners: Additional security tips
There are many other ways to improve the security of your home besides changing locks:
- Upgrade Door Hardware
For added durability, consider adding hardware to your doors, such as strikeplates, door jamb reinforcements and longer screws. - Secure Windows
Consider adding window sensors and security bars to provide extra protection. - Installing a Security System
Modern security systems with motion sensors, cameras and alarms will add an extra layer of protection to your new home. - Change Garage Door Codes
Change the code for your garage to prevent unauthorised entry. - Check for spare keys
Check the property to see if there are any spare keys hidden by previous owners. You should rely on a new set of keys, or consider upgrading to a keyless system.
When Should You Replace Your Locks?
Change locks as soon after you take ownership as possible. It will ensure that nobody else can access the home during the period of transition when you are moving in your belongings and the house is temporarily unoccupied.
After moving into your new home, you should make it a priority to secure the property. Changing the locks is the easiest and most effective step that you can take. You can choose to upgrade your locks to smart ones, replace them, or rekey the existing locks.
This proactive measure will not only improve the security of your home, but it will also give you the peace-of-mind needed to enjoy your new space. Do not leave the safety of your family to chance. Invest in locks that are secure and start creating a welcoming and safe home.
This article was written by an expert at Unico Locksmith. Unico Locksmith is your local Maryland locksmith that specializes on commercial and residential lock change, re-key services, automotive locksmith service, and locksmith qualified emergency. Contact Unico Locksmith to get the best locksmith Lanham MD today!