One of the essential issues to do after shopping for a house is take steps to maintain it secure. For some, which may imply putting in safety cameras or different security measures. However one thing so simple as altering locks on your home can go a good distance in terms of including an additional layer of safety. So, how do you substitute the locks in your home? And do you have to name knowledgeable, or is that this a possible DIY venture? This Redfin article covers all that and extra.
Why ought to I alter the locks on my new home?
Whereas the present locks on your home most likely work simply nice, it’s nonetheless really useful to switch them after transferring in for safety causes. If the earlier proprietor ever misplaced their keys and saved the identical locks, a reproduction may very well be floating round, which may very well be an issue in the event that they ever fell into the unsuitable fingers.
It’s additionally a possibility to improve — perhaps you desire a good lock for comfort or a mode that higher matches your property’s curb enchantment. When you’ve selected the kind of locks you need, the method for altering them is easy. Right here’s how you can do it:
Tips on how to change locks on your home
1. Take a list of all of the doorways that want new locks
Make an observation of what number of of your home’s doorways lead outdoors. Every of those doorways will want new locks, not simply the principle entrance, so that you’ll want to purchase a brand new lock for every.
2. Purchase new locks and collect instruments
When shopping for new locks, an essential element to remember is the model of the previous ones. In lots of circumstances, completely different locks from the identical model will match higher than these from one other firm.
When it comes to instruments, this can be a comparatively easy venture. You need to solely want a measuring tape to verify the brand new lock suits the opening and a screwdriver to take away the previous lock and set up the brand new one.
3. Take away the previous locks from the door
To take away the present locks out of your doorways, start by utilizing your screwdriver to take away the screws which can be holding them in place. From there, you’ll be able to take away the skin plate, then open the door and unscrew the plate on the facet in addition to every other elements of the lock.
4. Set up the brand new lock into the door
As soon as the previous lock has been eliminated, it’s time to put in the brand new one. You’ll want to carefully comply with the directions on the lock package, putting the deadbolt and different elements into the right place earlier than securing them in place with screws.
5. Check the brand new locks
New locks are nice, however it doesn’t matter in the event that they don’t do the job they’re designed to do. Ensure you check out every of the locks after putting in them. Faulty locks gives you a false sense of safety and depart your property weak to intruders. If any elements of the lock appear free or the door doesn’t lock correctly, contemplate reinstalling the lock or calling knowledgeable to test it out.
6. Make additional copies of keys for the brand new locks
After your new locks have been put in, all that’s left to do is make keys for these locks. Make certain everybody who lives in the home with you has their very own copy of the important thing.
Professional ideas for smoother set up and higher safety
- Key all locks the identical. Have a locksmith or ironmongery shop set your new locks to make use of a single key. This makes it simpler to get out and in with out fumbling for the proper one, particularly you probably have a number of exterior doorways.
- Improve the strike plate. Set up a heavy-duty plate with 3-inch screws that anchor deep into the wall stud, not simply the door body. This straightforward improve could make it a lot more durable for somebody to pressure the door open.
- Maintain previous locks and keys. Retailer them in a labeled bag in case you wish to reinstall them later. This will turn out to be useful if you happen to transfer, lease out the property, or have to return the house to its authentic situation.
- Verify door alignment first. A poorly aligned door can preserve even a brand new lock from working easily. Search for indicators just like the door sticking, the deadbolt not lining up, or needing additional pressure to shut.
- Select rekey-friendly locks. Some manufacturers allow you to rekey at residence with out changing your complete lock. That is helpful if you happen to lose a key, have a tenant transfer out, or just wish to change keys with out shopping for new {hardware}.
FAQs about altering the locks on your home
How a lot does it value to alter locks on a home?
On common, locksmith companies like changing locks and rekeying value between $130-$320. Understand that hiring a locksmith may even incur labor prices on high of the price of shopping for the precise locks. When you can deal with residence enchancment tasks by yourself, doing it your self may be the way in which to go.
When ought to I name knowledgeable to alter a lock?
When you’re not notably helpful in terms of DIY tasks, it’s most likely greatest to go away this to the professionals. Moreover, if you happen to’re putting in a extra complicated lock, like a sensible lock, self-installation may not be an choice.
Ought to I rekey locks as a substitute of changing them?
Rekeying locks, or altering the locking mechanism so {that a} new key unlocks it, is a cheaper different to fully altering the locks. It is a stable choice if you happen to’re proud of the present situation of your locks. Nonetheless, if your home’s locks are in poor form, this may not be the perfect answer.
