How do I avoid locksmith scams? How do I recognize locksmith scams? These are some common questions people ask after a locksmith has scammed them. Many people are searching for this information online, indicating that locksmith scams are becoming more and more common. Here are some of the tips on how you can spot and avoid locksmith scams.
1. Check Locksmith Identification
You don’t want to let any random person into your home or office. When you call a locksmith, ensure they can provide you with some form of identification. A legitimate locksmith will have no problem providing you with their license number or another identification form. If the locksmith is hesitant to provide you with their identification, it is best to find someone else.
2. Get an Estimate Before Work Begins
A legitimate locksmith will be more than happy to estimate the work that needs to be done and the cost involved. If the locksmith refuses to give you an estimate or tries to get you to commit to a price before they start working, it is best to find someone else. Getting an estimate before work begins ensures that you will not be surprised by a huge bill at the end.
3. Beware of Unusually Low Prices
If a locksmith quotes you at a price significantly lower than the other locksmiths in the area, then it is best to be wary. This could signify that the locksmith is not legitimate and is trying to scam you. Always go with a locksmith you feel you can trust and who has a good reputation. Some scammers tend to have lower prices, which is a sure way of attracting clients.
4. Check for Reviews
One of the best ways to avoid being scammed by a locksmith is to check for reviews online. There are many sites where you can read reviews from other customers to give you an idea of the quality of work that the locksmith is capable of and whether they are trustworthy. Ensure you get the correct locksmith by checking for reviews, which will help you avoid scams.
5. Beware of Hidden Fees
Some locksmiths will try to charge you hidden fees for their services. Make sure that you are clear on the price before the work begins and that there are no hidden fees. A legitimate locksmith will be upfront and honest about their pricing. Sometimes, the locksmith charges extra for things like after-hours or emergency service.
6. Get Everything in Writing
Once you have found a locksmith you feel you can trust, it is important to get everything in writing. This includes the work’s price, the estimated completion time, and other relevant information to protect you in case there are any misunderstandings down the road. You will not get surprises later if everything is laid out in the contract.
Conclusion
These are just some of the tips on how to spot and avoid locksmith scams. Always remember to be cautious when letting strangers into your home or office. If you are ever in doubt, it is always best to avoid caution and find someone else. A little research can go a long way in avoiding these types of scams. Contact Artie’s Lock and Key if you need qualified locksmith services.
ADA stands for the Americans with Disabilities Act. This means that ADA-compliant locks will be easy to open by anyone, including people with disabilities. The Act was established in 1990. All the new buildings and adapted older architecture should be modified to be accessible for wheelchair users and people with disabilities such as visual or hearing impairment. The Act was passed to ensure that people with disabilities can access all public buildings and that employers guarantee that the place of work is accessible to all employees, including the ones with disabilities.
What Is an ADA Compliant Lock?
ADA regulations require that all door levers and locks on commercial buildings like schools, cinemas, and restaurants need to be manufactured in such a way as to make it possible for easy access to all their patrons, including people with disabilities. Visually, the ADA compliant lock should look the same or very close to those that are non-compliant.
There are three non-negotiable features a lock needs to have to be classified as an ADA compliant lock.
You need to be able to operate the lock with only one hand.
You should not need to tightly grasp, pinch or twist your wrist to open the lock.
It should take less than five pounds of force to activate the operable parts of the lock.
Door levers (door handles) must be designed so people with disabilities can easily operate them. Therefore, when choosing door locks, you must confirm that the lever size and the handle’s projection from the door will be accessible to all.
Most of the locks with lever-operated mechanisms, push-type mechanisms, and U-shaped handles are acceptable. Also, locks that can be operated with a closed fist or gripped loosely can be fitted. If the handle and lock you choose require a coordinated movement of hand and fingers to open, it may require too much dexterity for a disabled person to operate; therefore, such lock designs should be avoided.
What Does ADA Compliance Require?
To be ADA compliant, the design of the doors, locks, and door handles should comprise all the above features. Additionally, the mounted operable lock parts need to be between 34 inches and a maximum of 48 inches above the floor level.
Be cautious when fitting devices such as keypads to operate the lock mechanism because these devices require coordinated finger and hand movements. However, the ADA code does not state that this type of lock is not allowed.
The door should open easily and take less than five pounds of continuous force to open it fully, excluding the force necessary to open the lock or retract the bolt.
To sum up, ADA made it compulsory for builders and architects to pay attention to the locks and how they design their buildings’ entrance doors. Ensuring public buildings are accessible to people with disabilities provides a better quality of life for those struggling with normal daily activities.
Are you asking yourself “What are the benefits of an access control system?” Everyone knows that security is extremely important for all-size businesses. It doesn’t matter if you store client information or equipment; it is important to protect the assets of your business. Read on to find out the business of implementing an access control system.
Benefits of Installing Access Control Systems
Are you asking “Is an access control system worth it?” An access control system is a security solution that prevents or permits access to a certain space, building, or location. Here are some of the benefits of using these systems.
Easy Management
One of the biggest aspects of using access control systems is the ability to simplify the management process of dealing with employee credentials, tracking, and entrance security. Implementing such systems allows you to monitor and track all activity from all entry points from one remote location.
Keep Track of Activity
When you have an access control system in place, it is much easier to track the activity of guests, visitors, and even your employees. If your business happens to experience a theft or break-in, you will have the ability to recall who has accessed the building, or location.
Adjust Access Times
With modernized access control systems, you can access certain times for visitors, employees, and entire groups of people. You can set access times for employees during work hours or if you are hosting a long-day gathering, etc.
Make Certain Credentials for Access a Requirement
It is also possible to require certain credentials for access when using your access control system. You can implement badges that indicate certain credentials but also work to keep track of who is given access and to what locations throughout your locations.
Take Away Hassle of Using Traditional Keys
If you notice how much of a hassle it is to keep track of keys, then transitioning to an access control system is a must. Taking the hassle away from using traditional keys is an extremely appealing aspect of implementing access control systems for many businesses, no matter how big or small they are.
Streamlining Exiting and Entering Your Business
An access control system is important if you want to know who is coming and going out of your business on a day-to-day basis. It can help you save time while enabling more focus on what’s more important for the growth of your business.
Minimize Risk and Improve Security
Transitioning to access control systems is a great way to increase security for your business and building. Not only does installing access control systems help to keep better track of who is accessing your business, but it also provides details of who is accessing certain rooms and locations. This gives you a boost in security.
Have you stopped to ask yourself, "How do I know it’s time to repair my commercial door?" If this is something that you have found yourself asking, then you need to know about some of the tips that Artie’s Lock and Key Locksmith can offer. We hear from customers every day about their needs to get a commercial door unlocked after they have somehow gotten themselves into a situation where they need a locksmith to come out and take care of their commercial door needs. Thus, we wanted to pass on some tips for when you will know that it is time to do something about this.
You Notice Strange Noises When Opening or Closing the Door
You shouldn’t be dealing with strange noises at any point in time when you are opening or closing your commercial door. You may not necessarily need to replace the whole door to fix this, but it is an early sign that there is something wrong going on.
It Is Challenging to Open or Close the Door
Are you currently struggling, wondering why is my commercial door not closing? If that is where you are, then you need to take a look at getting some professionals out to take a look at your door and see what is going on with it.
The Doors Are Decades Old
We are sorry to burst your bubble, but your doors are not meant to last for such a long period of time. Perhaps you have gotten lucky up to this point and managed to keep the doors from giving you too much trouble, but doors that have been on the hinges for decades are probably in need of repair and/or replacement. It is not surprising in any way to discover that you may need to take action to do something about your doors if they are that old.
There Is a Draft in the Building
You shouldn’t have to deal with a draft in your building if you have great doors put on. If you have noticed that there is a significant draft in the building, then it may be time to take a look at how the doors that you have installed are doing.
The Doors on Your Building Are Old or Rough Looking
Sometimes you just have to admit that your doors have lasted as long as they have and done a lot of good, but that you may need to replace them simply based on their looks. If you have doors that are old or rough looking, then there comes a time when you just need to get in there and get them replaced. They are only meant to last for so long, and you need to make sure they are looking and working their best. Take some time to pick out the perfect replacement doors for your commercial space when you can.
Look at these signs and others to make sure you know when it is time to get the doors on your commercial building replaced.
Are there different types of home security systems? Yes, many different types of home security systems are available on the market today. Which one is right for you will depend on several factors, including your budget, home layout, and personal security needs.
Let’s dive further into the different types of home security systems available to homeowners.
What Are the Different Types of Home Security Systems?
Today, you have several options to choose from when you want to protect your home.
Wired Security Systems
Wired home security systems are the most traditional type of system. They require running wires throughout the home to connect the various components of the system.
While this can be a bit of an undertaking during installation, wired systems are very reliable and tend to have fewer false alarms than their wireless counterparts.
Wireless Security Systems
Wireless security systems are becoming increasingly popular, as they are much easier to install and can be easily expanded. As the name implies, wireless systems don’t require wiring, making them ideal for homes that are difficult to wire or for homeowners who don’t want to deal with the mess and expense of running wires.
While wireless systems are convenient, they can be more vulnerable to false alarms and signal interference.
Self-Monitored Security Systems
Self-monitored security systems are exactly what they sound like — you are in charge of monitoring the system yourself. With a self-monitoring system, there is no monthly fee, and you will be responsible for any costs associated with false alarms.
Self-monitoring can be a great option if you are comfortable taking on the responsibility of monitoring your own home security system. Just be sure to stay on top of things and keep your system up-to-date.
Professionally Monitored Security Systems
Professionally monitored security systems are the most common type of home security system. With a professional monitoring service, you will have someone to keep an eye on your system 24/7.
If there is an alarm, the monitoring center will be notified and will contact you (or the authorities, if you’re not home) to make sure everything is okay. Professional monitoring services can be a great peace of mind, especially if you travel frequently or are often away from home.
You Have Many Home Security Options
Choosing the right home security system can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. By taking the time to assess your needs and do some research, you can find the perfect system for your home. And don’t forget, the best home security system is the one that you actually use. So make sure to choose a system that is easy for you to use and keep up with.
