Buying a new house comes with a lot of excitement. But with that excitement, people often forget home security. A lot of people assume that if the house is in good condition, the locks will be too.
But the question isn’t whether they work or not. The question is, do you know who else might have the keys to those locks?
Hence, the question “Should I change my locks after buying a new house?” is pretty common, and the short answer is yes. There are a lot of reasons why you should schedule lock rekeying or lock replacement in Burien after relocating. Let us help you understand why.
Why Changing Locks After Buying a House Is Important?
When you buy a house, you do not just buy walls and a roof; you inherit its history as well, and an important part of that history is keys.
A house is your sanctuary, and locks keep it safe. It is necessary to change your locks after you buy a new house. Even if the seller states on oath that they have handed over all the keys, they might have forgotten the set they gave to their friend three years ago, “just in case they locked themselves out.”
Sometimes neighbors, relatives, or maintenance staff can also have keys. By changing the locks, you make your house safe from all these contingencies.
Upgrading the previous outdated or worn-out locking systems that may not meet modern security standards is important because older locks are easier to pick, damage, and force open, making your home more vulnerable. By installing new locks, you ensure stronger protection and bring your home’s security up to current safety expectations.
Potential Risks If You Do Not Change the Locks
After moving into a new house, if you do not change the locks immediately, you are directly putting your and your family’s safety at risk.
Unauthorized access:
The first and most obvious risk is unauthorized access. If someone has a spare key and malicious intent, they can easily get inside your house.
Increased chances of break-ins:
About 100 million burglaries happen in the US alone every year. That’s one incident every 26 to 30 seconds, and locks are the only thing standing between you and such incidents.
Safety of personal belongings:
People work hard to make their assets in this economy, and it’s important as a responsible homeowner to keep your assets safe. Changing locks can help protect those assets from potential threats.
Protection of your family:
Changing the locks of your new house means keeping your family safe from anyone who has a spare key and potentially wrong intent.
Insurance:
Not changing the locks when you move in can jeopardize insurance claims. To claim insurance, you need proof of forced entry. If someone has a spare key, there may be a lack of evidence or no evidence at all of any forced entry, which can result in a denied claim, as insurers may view this as negligence.
Also read: How to Choose the Best Door Locks for Your Home?
Lock Replacement or Rekeying: Which Option Is Better for Your Home?
Lock replacement and rekeying serve the same purpose, and that is to make your house more secure, but the way that security is achieved is different in both of these services.
Rekeying
- The internal system of the lock is changed, rendering the old keys useless.
- This service is relatively affordable
- It takes less time for the rekeying of a lock
- This is a good choice if the lock is in good condition and you only wish for key control.
Lock replacement
- The entire lock system is replaced.
- This service is expensive, as the cost of a new lock is added
- The security provided by this service depends on the quality of the lock and its installation
- If your lock is damaged or becomes completely unusable and irreparable, this service is for you
When Should You Consider Changing Locks?
In an ideal situation, you should change locks before moving in. If this isn’t possible, changing them immediately after moving into the house is the second-best option. The faster you take this step, the faster your house becomes secure from external threats.
In some situations, you should never delay changing locks:
- If keys are lost or stolen
- If there are signs of forced entry outside the house
- If there is a dispute with the previous owner
Changing locks is a one-time process and a long-term safety investment.
Do You Need to Change Locks in a New Build?
A lot of people think that if the house is new, the locks will be absolutely secure, and it will be unnecessary to change them. But the reality is that not even new houses are 100% secure.
During construction:
- Multiple construction workers and laborers have access
- Supervisors visit the site frequently
- Sometimes master keys are used that work in multiple units
This means the circulation of keys is a little too much during construction. Even if no one has bad intentions, you still can’t be sure the keys won’t be misused. Hence, even for newly built homes, changing the locks can be a smart decision for a responsible homeowner.
What Type of Locks Are Best to Install?
When you take the decision of changing the locks, the next question is which locks are best. The market has a lot of locks available, but not every lock is suitable for every house.
Deadbolt Locks:
Deadbolt locks are the most common and reliable option for residential properties. These are strong and provide good resistance against forced entry.
High-Security Locks:
If you want extra protection, high-security locks are the best choice. These locks are pick-resistant and drill-resistant, and duplicating their key is difficult.
Smart / Keyless Locks:
Smart locks are very popular for modern homes. These do not need a physical key; you can access them with a mobile app, PIN, or biometric.
Cost of Changing Locks
The cost of changing locks depends on several factors:
- Total number of doors
- Lock type and quality
- Professional installation or DIY
Basic locks are relatively affordable, whereas smart locks and high-security locks are a little expensive. But when compared to the loss a break-in or other security risks can cause, a secure lock feels like a valuable investment.
Whether your house is a new or old build, changing the locks is always recommended. This is a financial investment that never makes you regret it. After all, when it’s about your family, compromising on security is never an option.
Enhance Your Home’s Security with Locksmith Contact
Locksmith Contact has been providing reliable lock replacement services in Burien for years. Whether you need a complete lock replacement for your entire home or a simple lock rekeying, we handle it all efficiently. We also offer a full range of residential, commercial, and automotive locksmith services to meet all your security needs with years of hands-on experience and a trained, trustworthy team.
Ready to enhance your security? Give us a call.