The short answer is yes! You likely already have lots of tasks to carry out – unpacking, decorating and changing your address – but changing the locks on your doors should be a priority. If this is not already on your list of things to do, now is the time to make a note of it, as this should be the first task as soon as you move in.
Why Is This Important?
Changing your locks, otherwise known as rekeying the property, is an important safety measure everyone should undertake when first stepping through the front door into their new home.
The concern lies with your right to key control. As the new owner, you should be the only person who can provide somebody with a key to the property. If you have not installed your own locks on the doors, you cannot be sure of who currently has access. The prior homeowner could have handed out keys to their friends, housemates and family, plenty of whom you will never have met before. This could present breaches involving theft and privacy if somebody is able to let themselves in without your permission.
Can I Install Locks Myself?
You can install new locks without the aid of a locksmith but, as to be expected, there are several risks involved.
Buying your own kit will require you to uninstall and then manually measure the dimensions of your current lock. Going out to a shop or even purchasing a new one online without any external guidance from an expert could result in you buying the wrong-sized replacement if the measurements you took from your previous lock are slightly inaccurate.
There have also been occasions where poorly mass-produced locks have all fit the same key, which is not secure if you plan to use one of these on your door. Someone who has bought from the same unscrupulous company as you could use their key to get into your home, defeating the purpose of reinstalling a new kit. An expert can guide you to safe and reputable manufacturers or – even better – source the same model and make as your current lock.
The most obvious problem when tackling this job on your own is your confidence in handling DIY tasks. If you have never undertaken this job before, you will be less equipped to know when you have incorrectly installed your kit, or even where to start during the planning stage. You might struggle to follow instructions if you cannot identify the pieces correctly or become frustrated if something goes wrong during the assembly.
Also, it is important to note that a DIY replacement only tends to work on a standard wooden doorframe, not on those that were specially fitted in the past.
When Do I Need A Locksmith?
Hiring a locksmith for the process above is largely a personal choice, but at times, it will be necessary. An example of this is when your home is old and does not conform to the standard deadbolt fitting. It can be very difficult to find a kit that replaces the lock on a non-standard door, but a professional might be able to assist.
Here at SPL Security, we have a knowledgeable team of individuals who know what is best for your door. We can retain the vintage look of your home whilst providing you with the securest assets we can source. We also offer services to install master key systems, where the same key cutting opens every door in your home, and keyless entry systems for hands-free, tech-savvy individuals.
Give our 24/7 mobile locksmith team a call today to learn more.