Moving into a new home can be equal parts exciting and worrisome. It takes time to be able to move all your belongings into your new house and make it feel like a home. When you move into a new house, one of the first things you should do is update the locks, and here is why.
Why Should You Change Locks When Moving to a New Place?
When moving into a new home the first thing that many people stress over is getting their belongings where they want them. However, replacing the locks should be the top priority. This is because you have no idea who has a copy of your key. You may get the copies that the owners have on their person, but that does not account for the other copies that some people may have. The entire extended family of the previous owner could have a copy of your key and could have access to your home.
Another reason for changing the locks is that your key may be in the hands of a service provider. While this is not a terrible thing if you are the one that handed over the key, if you are not, however, you may want to change the locks so that you have more control over who can get into your home. Your new home may also be the center of a family dispute. Not all homes are sold simply because the previous family is upgrading or moving to a new place. A homeowner that was forced to sell due to bankruptcy, divorce or foreclosure may still be contentious, and making sure that the former owners cannot come back in is a must.
Now, not all reasons for a lock change have to do with the previous owners. You may be purchasing a home that was broken into at one point or a home where the locks are old and worn out. In these cases, it is beneficial to change the locks as well.
Should You Change All Locks When Buying a House?
Long story short, yes. New locks are going to give you the security of knowing that you are the only person that can get into your home and that you are the only one that has access. It will also allow you the chance to pass out keys, or not, to those you want to have them. It also allows you the chance to get new locks that are going to be secure and that are going to work well.
Changing locks is simple. You can either do it yourself with a kit, or you can hire a contractor to put in new locks throughout your entire home. If you have multiple doors or exterior access, you must change all the locks so that you can feel safe and secure in your new home.
Locks are an essential part of your home’s security. They keep you and your family safe from burglars and intruders. However, locks are not immune to damage. Over time, they can become worn down and eventually stop working as they should. When this happens, you’ll need to determine whether a repair or replacement is the wisest choice. Should I repair my lock or get it replaced? Read on to find out.
When to Repair Your Lock
Lock repair is less costly than replacement. That’s why many homeowners opt for this route when their locks start to malfunction. But just because the repair is less expensive, that doesn’t mean it’s always the best option. There are only certain circumstances in which you should consider repair over replacement. Here are some of them:
- Turning the key becomes hard: If you have to put a lot of effort into turning the key, it’s likely that your lock is just dirty. Over time, dust and debris can build up inside the lock, making it difficult to turn. In this case, repair work should do the trick.
- The key gets stuck: Nothing can be more frustrating than having your key get stuck in the lock. Sometimes the inside parts of the lock can fail and trap the key inside. A professional locksmith can take the lock apart and fix the problem, so you can get your key back and continue using the lock.
- Jammed locking mechanism: Locks are prone to jamming. You put in the key and when you try to open it, nothing happens. Get a locksmith to take a look at your lock and repair any jammed parts.
When to Replace Your Lock
Do locks need to be replaced? Even though this option is more expensive, there are certain instances when it’s the best course of action. Here are some of them:
- The lock is old and worn out: If your lock is old, it may be time to replace it. Over time, locks can become worn down and stop working as they should. Rather than risking a break-in, it’s best to replace the lock before it fails completely. If your lock is more than seven years old, it’s probably time for a replacement.
- The lock is extensively damaged: As we mentioned, locks are not immune to damage. If your lock has been damaged extensively, it’s best to replace it rather than try to repair it. Extensive damage can weaken the lock, making it more susceptible to break-ins. Even if you repair it, you’ll spend a lot of money.
- You’ve had a recent break-in: If your home has been broken into, it’s crucial to replace the locks right away. This is because burglars may come later thinking they can easily get back in. Replacing the locks will give you peace of mind. Consider upgrading to a higher security lock as well.
Hopefully, this article has helped you understand when to repair or replace your lock. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult a professional locksmith. They will assess the damage and recommend the best course of action. Don’t take chances with your home’s security. If your lock is damaged, get it fixed right away.
Like many people in the United States, you look at owning a home as a key part of the American dream. Sure, renting a house or apartment does have perks—because your landlord is responsible for most of the maintenance and repairs, all you need to do is call him or her when something needs to be fixed. But as the owner of a home, you’re the ruler of your domain. This gives you the power to do things like paint the walls whatever color you want, hang pictures without needing permission to drive nails into the wall and put actual effort into the home upgrades you want.
Before settling in and making your new home your own, for the sake of safety, look into new lock replacement in Fairfax, VA. Change those locks whether you purchased a brand-new home or an existing structure. Let’s talk about a few things every new homeowner should consider doing to secure their property upon moving in, including changing the locks:
- Get homeowner’s insurance: Homeowner’s insurance is different from renter’s insurance. At this stage in homeownership, you will need to look into new home, property, flood, fire or earthquake insurance. It’s okay if you aren’t sure what types of coverage you need to sign up for. Simply call your insurance company and talk it out with a representative.
- Create an emergency contact list: One of the first things you should do is make a new emergency contact list to keep on the side of your refrigerator (or somewhere easily accessible). Look up the phone numbers for county services and emergency response in your new town—including the police, animal control and utility companies (water, power, sewer, cable). Even a list of non-emergency numbers can be good to have on hand. Also, add personal emergency contacts of close family and friends who live nearby.
- Assess the home security system: If your new home has a home security system, activate it before your move-in date. If it doesn’t have a security system, seriously consider installing one.
- Change the locks on an older home: The thing about buying a previously lived-in home is that there’s no way to know how many spare keys are out there. The previous owner may have kept one as a keepsake, or neglected to gather up all the keys from friends, family members, neighbors, and household helpers. Your options range from lock rekeying to installing an electronic keyless entry system and traditional new lock replacement in Fairfax, VA.
- Change the locks on a new build: Even if you invested in brand-new home construction, don’t assume you possess the only copies of the keys. Others, such as construction crews and contractors, are likely to have keys. With this in mind, the safest thing to do is replace all the “brand-new” locks with different new locks for which no one else has keys.
Congratulations on your new home, and welcome to the neighborhood! From rekeying the locks on your new home to performing new lock replacement in Fairfax, VA, the team at Artie’s Lock and Key has you covered. Call us today and let us know what we can do for you!
