Home security is a top priority for most people. With security systems, monitored alarms, and sophisticated lock technology available today, there’s no reason to allow thieves easy access to your home.
Yet many homeowners don’t take the time to rekey or replace their locks when moving into a new home or after an unknown person gains entry using keys they still have access to.
Today, modern door locks are both secure and convenient to use. Locks that automatically adjust to different key sizes make it easy for everyone in the household – even guests – to gain entry without having to fumble through multiple keys each time they need access.
Modern combination locks are also secure enough that you never need to worry about losing a key in the first place.
Still, there are times when you may need to change your locks.
Here are a few scenarios where rekeying or replacing your home’s locks is the best course of action:
You’ve just moved into a new home: Depending on how many people lived in the home before you, there may be more than one key to your home. If someone else has keys to your property and you don’t know who they are or why they have them, changing all of your locks is the best way to ensure your security.
You’ve recently terminated an employee or had contractors complete work in your home: Unfortunately, workers at some businesses take their jobs for granted. They make duplicate keys for their own use – and sometimes even hand those copies out to others – so that they have access any time they want it, even after termination from employment or completion of the project. Replacing your locks is a simple way to remedy this problem.
You’ve had your keys lost or stolen: Losing your car keys can be an inconvenience, but if you lose the key to your home, it can be a major problem. If someone has access to your home – and thus its valuable belongings – through something they have in their possession, then that person is likely going to take advantage of the opportunity.
Replacing all of your locks ensures that no one else will have easy access to your property. Fortunately, modern electronic door locks make it exponentially easier and much less costly than traditional lock replacement to update all of the locking mechanisms on a single door.
Rekeying or replacing home locks may seem like an unnecessary expense. However, when it comes to your home’s security, there are few things more important than peace of mind.
You’ve just moved into a new home or apartment and aren’t sure whether you should rekey the locks or have them replaced.
It can be difficult to know when it’s time to change your home’s locks. A lot of people end up waiting until they experience a break-in or theft before taking any action.
King Locksmiths offers free consultations for residents in the Austin area. We’ll come to your home, take a look at your locks, and provide you with a professional recommendation based on our years of experience.
Whether you need us to rekey your locks or replace them entirely, we’re here to help keep you safe and secure.
FAQs About How to Know When to Change Your Home’s Locks. Rekey or Replace?
What is a rekey?
A rekey is a process that involves changing the tumblers in the lock so that it can only be opened with a new key. This is typically done as part of a home security measure when someone moves into a new residence and wants to ensure that only they have access to the property.
It can also be done if there has been an incident where an individual’s key was lost or stolen, as a way to prevent unauthorized access to the home.
Rekey mechanisms are generally quite simple, and can usually be completed by a professional locksmith in just a few minutes.
When should you rekey your locks?
There are a number of situations where it may be necessary to rekey your locks. Some common scenarios include moving into a new home, terminating an employee or contractor, and having your keys lost or stolen.
Rekeying your locks can help give you peace of mind that no one else has access to your property, and can help protect you from the risk of theft or other security issues. However, it is important to work with a professional locksmith who has experience with rekeying in order to ensure that the process is done correctly and securely.
When should you replace your locks?
In some cases, it may be necessary to replace your locks entirely rather than simply rekeying them. This is typically the case when the locks are very old or damaged, and may no longer be secure even with a new key.
It can also be necessary if you are wanting to upgrade to a more secure lock system, such as electronic door locks. Replacing your locks can be more costly than rekeying them, but it may be worth the investment if it means increased security for your home.
How much does it cost to rekey a lock?
The cost of rekeying a lock typically depends on the type of lock, as well as the location and experience of the locksmith doing the work. Most locksmiths offer free estimates for rekeying services, so it is best to consult with a few professionals in order to get an idea of what you can expect to pay.
However, in general, you should expect to pay between $50-and $200 for a rekeying service. The price may vary if additional security features are required or if electronic door locks are being installed.
Ultimately, whether you choose to rekey or replace your home’s locks will depend on your specific needs and budget. However, by working with a professional locksmith who has experience with these types of services, you can be sure that your home will be secure and protected from the risk of theft or intrusion.
Did you know that rekeying or replacing your locks can be an important part of securing your home?
If you are looking for ways to improve the security of your property, then consider working with a professional locksmith to rekey or replace your home’s locks. Whether you are moving into a new residence, have lost your keys, or simply want to upgrade your lock system, there are many benefits to rekeying or replacing your locks.
What are the benefits of rekeying or replacing locks?
Some benefits of rekeying or replacing locks include:
- Improved security: Rekeying or replacing your locks can help improve the security of your home by making it more difficult for intruders to gain access. This can be especially important if you have recently moved into a new home, or if your keys have been lost or stolen.
- Peace of mind: One of the main benefits of rekeying or replacing your locks is the peace of mind that comes with knowing that only you have access to your property. This can help you sleep better at night and feel more secure in your home.
- Cost-effective: In many cases, rekeying your locks can be more cost-effective than replacing them entirely.
You may not know this, but you should rekey your locks every few years. Here’s why.
Most people only think about changing their locks when they move into a new home or experience a burglary. But did you know that you should rekey your locks every few years to keep yourself safe? It’s a quick, easy process that can help protect your home and family.
If you’re not sure whether or not you need to rekey your locks, our experts at King Locksmiths can help. We’ll take a look at your locks and give you our professional recommendation – so you can feel confident that your home is as safe as possible.
