Why You Should Consider Replacing the Locks on Your Home
When you purchase and move into a new home, there are many things that you need to do in order to make that new house feel like your home. Unfortunately, a lot of people do not make changing the door locks a priority. However, as soon as you have gotten yourself settled in, make sure to contact a professional locksmith to either rekey the door locks or to completely change out the locks. Here are a few reasons why this is such an important step after moving into a new house.
The Previous Owner May Have Keys
If your home was not purchased as a new construction build and was instead purchased from another individual, the previous owner should turn over all copies of the keys that they have to the property. However, there is always that chance that there is a copy of the key to the home that the owner has forgotten about.
For example, they may have given a copy to a sibling or a friend when they went on vacation or when they had them babysit the kids. Unfortunately, this means that someone could potentially get into your house without you having a clue about it. To make certain that your home is secure, you should consider having the door locks of your home rekeyed or replaced once you get moved in.
You Have Recently Completed Renovations
A lot of people will choose to have renovations done on their property that was recently purchased so that the home is able to better fit their personality and style, and this generally requires giving the contractors a key. As soon as the renovations are done, you should consider having the locks rekeyed or replaced.
While the contractors may have given you the key back and you trust them, it doesn't mean that your key wasn't handled by a subcontractor that wasn't necessarily the most trustworthy. Since you just don't know, it is always better to be safe than sorry. By rekeying or replacing the locks, you can rest assured that there isn't a duplicate house key floating around that can be used by an individual that you do not trust.
The Current Locks Are Old and Outdated
Like other parts in the home, the door locks can wear down over an extended period of time. Unfortunately, this can lead to the locks being less effective at keeping burglars out and making it harder for you to get inside of your property and locking up when you leave the house. While it may only be a small inconvenience and minor annoyance, it is one that can be avoided with a brand-new set of locks.
If you would like to learn more, contact a locksmith in your area.