Moving into a new home is an exciting and stressful time. Between the closing process and moving all your belongings, the last thing you need to worry about is the locks on your new home. However, changing your locks is one of the first things you should do once you?ve got your hands on those house keys. When the security of family members is a top priority, going the extra mile for home safety is important.
Changing the locks in your new home isn?t something that comes to mind when considering a move. Many may even consider it an extra hassle on top of the moving process. As it turns out, changing locks is an easy DIY project that can take less than a day to complete. Moreover, if safety is a concern, but you?re limited on time, you could hire a professional locksmith to replace the locks.
Either way, you?ll want peace of mind when you and your family spend the first night in your new home. To help you out, here is a step-by-step guide on how to change the locks in your new home.
When purchasing a new home, it?s always a great idea to change the locks. You?ll want to maintain key control over your home as a means of security. Key control means knowing exactly who has a key and how many there are in circulation. If you keep your old locks, you don?t know who the previous owner gave a set of keys to.
Similarly, if your home has a security system or alarm, you?ll want to change the access code. You never know who the previous owner gave the code to. Being in control of your keys and codes is the biggest step in keeping out unwanted intruders.
If you are a renter or can?t change the locks in your home, rekeying is always an option. Rekeying uses an existing lock but changes the interior pins. This will allow you to change the keys and maintain key control. Remember to check with your landlord or rental company about rekeying your locks. Changing your locks and keys is the first step in home security.
Changing your locks is an easy DIY project. This home improvement project doesn?t take very long and only requires a handful of tools. However, deciding what types of locks you want for your home will take time. Make sure to do some research before heading to the hardware store.
Of course, the first step of any project is gathering your tools and information so everything runs smoothly.
Before starting your lock change project, you need some information.
Having all of this information will help make your shopping experience much smoother. You can find everything you need for this project, including several different lock options, at your local hardware store, big-box store, or even online.
Use a measuring tape to ensure that your new lock fits into the existing space. Locks tend to come in standard sizes; however, there is always the chance that a new lock won?t fit. So, always take proper measurements before removing or installing new hardware.
Measuring is especially important when replacing a deadbolt. While most deadbolts are adjustable, you?ll want to make sure you?re in the right size range when shopping. Measure the spacing between the existing lock and the doorknob lock, as well as the height of the faceplate and diameter of the deadbolt. The last thing you want is for the bolt to not lock inside the faceplate because the measurements were wrong.
A screwdriver is the most critical tool you need to change your locks. Most locks will need a screwdriver to install and remove. To know which kind ? flathead or Phillips head ? you must check the instructions for your new lock.
Replacing a lock is easy ? a beginner DIY homeowner can do it. But if you don?t feel confident in your DIY abilities or want to put your home?s security in the hands of a professional, you can always put your trust in a locksmith.
For those who want to replace their locks themselves, here?s how to do it in four easy steps.
First, it is out with the old. Removing the old locks will require a screwdriver. Make sure you are ready to install the new lock before removing the existing one.
Now in with the new. Installing the new lock should be easy. If you have any issues, call a professional and reinstall the old lock. Don?t leave your home without a lock.
It?s time to install the most important part, the lock itself. Take your time and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Test it. Make sure you test the deadbolt with the door open. Use both the key and turning mechanism to test that the deadbolt locks and unlocks. Then close your door to make sure that the lock closes securely. Test that your door will not open when the deadbolt is locked.
While changing your locks is an easy task, there can be complications. Sometimes you may need to call in a professional locksmith to help.
The cost of changing your locks will vary from project to project. If you plan to DIY, the price will depend on the types of locks you purchase and the number of locks you need to replace. The average deadbolt lock kit costs between $35 to $50. However, some specialty locks, such as smart locks and high security locks, can cost upward of a few hundred dollars.
If you hire a professional locksmith to install your new locks, plan to add between $80 to $200 in labor costs on top of the cost of the locks. The cost of the locksmith may also vary depending on the complexity of the locking systems installed.
If you decide not to change your locks, you can choose to rekey locks instead. Rekeying means keeping the current locking mechanisms but changing the interior pins to open with a different key. This will ensure the old key no longer works. Rekeying works well in older homes with old locks or if you want one key to work with all the doors in your home.
But in terms of cost, should you rekey or replace your locks? Handy homeowners can attempt to rekey themselves using brand-specific rekeying kits available at hardware stores. These kits cost between $15 and $25. If you don?t feel comfortable rekeying your home, a professional locksmith can do it for you. This locksmith service costs between $80 to $160.
However, there is a third, less conventional option. If you remove the lock from your door, you can take it to a hardware store or key shop where a technician can rekey it. This usually costs between $5 to $10. Just don?t leave your home without locks or unsecured while you are away.
Now that you have protected your home from intruders with your new locks, it?s time to protect it from unexpected costly repairs. Cinch Home Services provides home warranty plans that come in handy when appliances act up or home systems are on the fritz. Don?t let maintenance and repairs stress you out; save your DIY skills for home improvement and renovation projects.
With three different plans to choose from, you can cover all aspects of your home. Each plan offers reduced repair costs, discounts on brand-name appliances, and add-ons for your unique home.
When something goes wrong, filing a warranty claim with Cinch is a smooth and easy process. Cinch sets up an appointment with a verified technician at your convenience. Every technician is knowledgeable and equipped with the skills to get the job done.
With a 180-day workmanship guarantee on covered repairs and 40-plus years of experience, Cinch home warranties are the perfect addition to your home. Get a quote today!
After purchasing a new home, keep your family safe by changing the locks. Follow these easy steps to change your locks.