The purchase of a new house is an exciting milestone but also involves several tasks to complete to make sure the home is secure and safe. New homeowners often wonder if they should change their locks after buying the house. It is common and highly recommended that you change the locks in a new house. Here’s why.
Why Change the Locks?
You will receive keys when you buy a house from the previous owner. There’s no way of knowing how many copies are in existence or who may have them. It’s possible that previous owners have left spare keys with friends, family, neighbors, or service providers. You can’t be sure who still has access to your house.
By changing the locks, you can eliminate this uncertainty and have complete control of who enters your new home. This is a quick and easy way to make sure that only you and your family have access to the home.
When to Change the Locks
You should change your locks as soon after you close on your new house as possible. This should be done ideally before moving in or shortly after. You can enjoy peace of mind as soon as you change your locks.
Rekeying is an option in some cases. If the lock is a smart lock or of high quality, and you are satisfied with it, then you may choose to rekey the lock instead of changing the lock. Rekeying is the process of changing the lock mechanism to work with a different key while maintaining the existing hardware. This service is easily performed by a locksmith, and can often be a more cost-effective and quicker option than replacing the entire lock.
Additional Considerations
It’s a good idea, in addition to changing the locks, to also check that all entry points are secure, including garage doors and windows. Update any electronic access codes, like a garage security code or keyless entry, if the house has them.
It is common to change the locks on your home after you purchase it. This will protect your investment. This ensures you are in control of who has access to your home, and can help prevent security problems. This precautionary measure, whether you choose to replace all the locks or just rekey some of them, will give you peace of mind when you move into your new house.
This post was written by a professional at Keypad Locksmith. Keypad locksmith is a mobile local locksmith in Maryland that specializes in combination locks, keypad locks, decorative locks and safes and lockbox services. We also offer regular locksmith services near you, such as eviction lockout or lock change service Rockville MD, re-key, lock installation, door frame adjustments, change of battery or repair to locks and Detex alarm, to commercial and residential properties and vehicle emergencies. Contact us now to request to get the best locksmith services near you today!