Moving into a new home is a big deal, but with it comes a lot of responsibility and one of those is making sure your house is secure. One of the top things to do when you move in is change the locks. Whether it’s the front door lock, window locks or even smart locks, securing your new space is key to your peace of mind. This guide will walk you through why you should change your locks, what locks are out there and how to get your home secure.
Why Change Locks in a New Home?
When you move into a new property you don’t know who has had access to the keys before you. Previous owners, estate agents or even tradespeople could still have house keys, so changing the locks in your current home means only you and your family have access. Even if the keys haven’t been lost or stolen, not knowing who has duplicates can be unsettling.
Additionally, upgrading your lock mechanism or switching to more secure mortice locks, euro cylinder locks or multipoint locks can give you extra security for your home. These new locks keep intruders out and give you peace of mind knowing your doors, windows and entry points are secure.
For those in Cardiff, The Locksmith Cardiff provides professional services to help ensure your home’s security by expertly changing and upgrading your locks, offering peace of mind in your new home.
Locks for Your New Home
Different doors and windows require different locks. Here are some of the most common:
- Mortice Locks – These are traditional locks fitted into the door and are very secure especially when combined with a deadbolt. They are often used on front doors and offer high security.
- Euro Cylinder Locks – These are used in UPVC doors and are versatile. They come in various security grades and some models even have anti-snap protection.
- Multipoint Locks – Used in patio doors or sliding doors, these locks have multiple locking points so the door is fully secured.
- Smart Locks – For those looking to upgrade their home security, smart locks offer keyless entry via smartphone apps, fingerprints or keypads. They’re great if you want to get rid of keys or are worried about lost or stolen keys.
- Window Locks – Don’t forget your windows! Window locks are important for your home security especially ground floor windows that are more likely to be targeted.
When to Change the Locks?
There are several occasions when you should change the locks:
- Moving into a new house: As mentioned above, changing the locks should be one of the first things you do in a new house.
- Lost keys: If you’ve lost your keys or think someone has access they shouldn’t, you need to replace the locks.
- Lock mechanism issues: If your lock mechanism is sticking or not working properly it’s time to replace the lock.
- Upgrading your security: Over time lock technology improves. Installing new locks can increase your home security especially if you’re upgrading to smart locks or more advanced multipoint locks.
How to Change the Locks
Changing your locks can be done by a professional locksmith or if you’re handy with tools you can do it yourself. Here’s the process:
- Assess the current locks: Before you do anything, assess the state of the current locks. If they’re old or faulty they’ll need replacing. If you’re unsure a locksmith can advise you whether to repair or replace.
- Choose your new locks: Decide if you want to upgrade to mortice locks, euro cylinders or even smart locks. Make sure you choose locks that fit your door and offer the level of security you want. Some locks offer the convenience of one key for multiple doors which can simplify your life.
- Install the new lock: If you’re confident in your DIY skills you can follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the new lock. But for more complex systems like smart locks or multipoint locks it’s usually best to hire a locksmith to make sure everything is installed correctly and securely.
- Test the new lock: After installation make sure the new key works smoothly and the door locks securely. Check the lock mechanism and frame for any issues.
- Get spare keys: After changing the locks make sure you have enough new keys for all household members. It’s also a good idea to keep a spare set of keys in a safe place, like with a trusted friend or family member.
Cost to Change the Locks
The cost to change the locks will depend on the type of lock and the complexity of the installation. Basic lock replacement is affordable but smart locks or multipoint locks will be more expensive. Hiring a professional locksmith like The Locksmith Cardiff to do the job ensures the locks are installed correctly.
Make sure to factor in the cost of the locks and the labour when budgeting for a lock replacement. But this investment in your home security is worth it to make your new home safe and secure.
Summary
Changing the locks in a new home is not just a luxury it’s a necessity. Whether you go for traditional mortice locks, euro cylinders or modern smart locks, updating the locks on all your doors and windows means you have control over who has access to your home. With the peace of mind knowing no one has old keys you can relax and enjoy your new home.
If you’re not sure what type of lock you need, a trusted locksmith such as The Locksmith Cardiff, can recommend the best for you. Changing the locks is easy and simple way to secure your new home and enjoy your new life.