It is exciting and stressful to move into a new house. The last thing you want to do is worry about the locks in your new house. You’re busy with the closing process and moving your belongings. Changing your locks should be the first thing you do when you get your house keys. Going the extra mile to ensure the safety of your family is important when it is top priority.
Get Consultation
When you’re planning a move, changing the locks at your new house is not something that immediately comes to mind. Some may consider it an additional hassle to the move. It turns out that changing locks can be a simple DIY project and take as little as a day. If you are concerned about safety but have limited time, you can hire a locksmith to replace your locks.
You’ll want to be at ease the first time you spend a night with your family in your new house. Here’s a guide that will show you how to change your locks in your home.
Should You Change Locks In A New Home?
It’s a good idea to replace the locks when you buy a new house. As a security measure, you’ll want key control of your home. To have key control, you need to know who has the keys and how many are available. You don’t have a clue who gave keys to the previous owner if you keep old locks.
You’ll also want to change your access code if you have a home security system. You don’t know who gave the code away by the previous owner. The first step to keeping unwanted people out is by controlling your keys and codes.
Rekeying can be an option if you’re a tenant or cannot change your locks. Rekeying is a method of changing the pins inside an existing lock. You can change keys and keep control of your key. Rekeying locks is something you should discuss with your landlord. The first step to securing your home is changing the locks and keys.
What you will need to change your lock
It’s easy to change your locks. This project is easy to do and requires only a few tools. It will take some time to decide what type of locks you need for your home. Do some research before you head to the hardware shop.
Gathering your tools and information is the first step in any project.
New Locks
You need to gather some information before you start your lock-change project.
- Make a list of the locks that you will be replacing. You should count all of the locks you will be replacing, including sliding doors, back doors, side door, garage doors and shed doors.
- Note down which locks you’ll need. Do the doors have only a knob or deadbolt lock? Are they using both?
- Note the brand of lock you have. It is easier to replace locks if you use the same brand. A new lock from the same brand should fit into the same hole as the old one.
- Upgrade your locks to improve security? You should also consider the tools and equipment that you will need to install a new lock. You can use an app on your tablet or phone.
- Are you planning to use multiple keys or are you installing an one-key system? It may be easier for you to use a single-key system. Certain brands allow you to purchase multiple locks with the same key. These locks are often labeled “keyed alike”, or with a matching code. You will need to rekey your locks if you don’t.
This information will make shopping much easier. Unico Locksmith has everything you need to complete this project, including a variety of lock options.
Get Consultation
Measurement tape
Measure the space to make sure that your new lock will fit. There is a chance that the new lock will not fit. Locks are usually standard size, but there’s always a chance. Always take the right measurements before installing or removing new hardware.
It is important to measure when you replace a deadbolt. You’ll need to ensure that you are in the correct size range, even though most deadbolts can be adjusted. You should measure the distance between the existing lock on the door and the knob lock as well as the diameter and height of the deadbolt. You don’t want the bolt not to lock into the faceplate due to incorrect measurements.
Screwdriver
The most important tool to replace your locks is a screwdriver. To install or remove most locks, you will need a flathead or Phillips head screwdriver. You must read the instructions to determine whether you need flathead or Phillips heads.
Change your locks in four easy steps
It’s easy for a novice DIYer to replace a lock. If you are not confident with your DIY skills or you want to leave your home security to a professional locksmith, then you can contact Unico Locksmith.
Here’s a guide to replacing your locks in just four simple steps.
1. Remove the old deadbolt and hardware
First things first, let’s get rid of the old. To remove the old locks, you will need a screwdriver. Before removing the old lock, make sure that you’re ready to replace it.
- Remove the screws from the side of the lock.
- Remove the outer plate.
- Remove the side plate by unscrewing the screw.
- Remove the inner part of the lock you can see.
2. Install the new deadbolt
It’s time to bring in the new. The installation of the new lock is easy. Call Unico Locksmith if you are having any problems and have them reinstall your old lock. Do not leave home without a lock.
- Install your deadbolt according to the instructions.
- Install the new deadbolt in the same place as the old, making sure that it is the right-side up.
- Secure the deadbolt using the hardware provided.
3. Install a new lock
Install the lock. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer carefully.
- Install the locking key of your new deadbolt in the correct place.
- The bolt should be inserted into the correct hole.
- Both parts must be secured according to the instructions.
4. Test the lock regularly
Test it. Test the deadbolt while the door is open. Test the deadbolt using both the key and the turning mechanism. Close your door and check that the deadbolt is securely closed. Check that the door won’t open when you lock it.
When to call in a professional
Although changing locks may seem simple, it can become complicated. You may sometimes need to hire a locksmith.
- Old house. Older homes often do not have standard deadbolts and locks. This makes it hard to replace them. Unico Locksmith is a professional who can rekey your home to avoid the need for a new lock.
- Master key system. Unico locksmiths are trained to install complex lock systems that allow you to have one key open all the doors of your home.
- Confidence. Call Unico Locksmith if you’re not sure about replacing your locks. Unico Locksmith will ensure that your home is secure.
What is the cost of changing your locks?
Costs for changing locks vary depending on the project. The cost of replacing locks will vary depending on what you buy and how many locks you replace. The average deadbolt kit costs $35 to $50. Some specialty locks such as high security and smart locks can cost up to a few hundred bucks.
You can expect to pay between $80 and $200 for labor if you hire a locksmith to install new locks. The price of the locksmith can also be affected by the complexity of locking systems.
Rekeying or replacing locks is cheaper?
Rekeying locks is an alternative to changing locks. Rekeying is the process of keeping the existing locking mechanism but changing the interior pins so that the lock can be opened with a new key. The old key will no longer work. Rekeying is a good option for older homes that have old locks, or if you only want to use one key on all your doors.
Should you replace or rekey your locks based on cost? Hardware stores sell rekeying kits that are specific to each brand. These kits range in price from $15 to $25. Unico Locksmith can rekey your home for you if you are not comfortable doing it. The service ranges from $80 to $160.
There is also a third option, which is less common. You can bring the lock to Unico Locksmith, where a technician will rekey it. Usually, this costs $5 to $10. Don’t leave the house unlocked or unlocked while you are gone.