Has there ever been a time when you moved into a new home and felt the need to bolster its security by changing the door locks? Have you ever pondered on whether to hire an expert or attempt a DIY lock switch? Or, have you ever wondered about the various options available and the benefits or drawbacks of each lock type? If these sound like the questions you’ve been grappling with, this comprehensive guide to changing door locks new house is for you!
Moving into a new house is indeed thrilling, but an oft-overlooked aspect of this transition is ensuring updated door locks for optimum security. The array of lock types can leave one dazed, and choosing the most appropriate one can be a Herculean task. This guide will demystify the complexities surrounding door locks, their changing processes, and the considerations to keep in mind.
By the end of this blog, you will be armed with the proficiency to not just understand the intricacies of door lock replacement but also the ability to do it yourself (DIY)! All your what, why, when, how, and who questions related to changing door locks new house will be systematically addressed.
Why Changing Door Locks is Essential
The primary aspect of settling into your new home is ensuring a sense of safety. changing door locks new houseplays a pivotal part in safeguarding your new abode, allowing you to have complete control over who can access your house. The former residents or their acquaintances might still possess keys to the existing locks, posing a potential threat to your safety. Therefore, changing locks give you peace of mind, reinforcing a sense of security.
Lock quality also plays a critical role in deterring potential break-ins. Old, worn-out locks can be easily tampered with by burglars posing a higher risk. Therefore, replacing old locks with sturdy, advanced ones is a smart move towards ensuring a secure environment for your loved ones.
Last but not least, changing locks gives you the chance to upgrade to smart lock systems that offer enhanced security and convenience. For instance, some smart locks enable you to monitor and control access to your home remotely, using your smartphone.
When to Change the Locks in your House
It’s vital to recognize the signs indicating when it’s time to change your home’s locks to maintain household security. Change is recommended immediately after you move into a new house, or after a robbery or attempted burglary has occurred. It also becomes essential when a set of keys is lost or stolen, or an unpleasant event, such as a feud, ends in the other party unwillingly possessing a copy of your keys.
Moreover, the need for lock change also arises when it becomes old and its mechanism begins to jam, making locking or unlocking a laborious task. Lock functionality is compromised due to usual wear and tear over time, making them easier targets for break-ins.
Finally, a lock change is merited if you’re looking for an upgrade. If you want to enhance security and access management, advancements in technology provide various options like keyless entry, face recognition, or smartphone-app-controlled locks.
Choosing the Right Door Lock
The marketplace presents a broad variety of lock styles offering different levels of security. The most popular and commonly used locks include deadbolts, knob locks, and smart locks. Before opting for a particular type, it’s crucial to understand the specific features, pros, and cons of different door locks to suit your needs.
Deadbolts possess a superior level of security compared to other locks due to their separate locking mechanism. However, their installation process can be complex. Conversely, Knob locks, typical for interior doors, are easier to install but do not deliver high-level security since they can be easily broken or picked.
Smart locks, burgeoning in popularity, provide keyless entry and added features like guest access controls and connectivity options to other smart devices. Nonetheless, they are more expensive and require consistent power supply for operation.
DIY vs. Hiring a Locksmith
While a DIY door lock replacement can save on costs, it requires a certain degree of patience, precision, and skill. For those unaccustomed to tool handling or unknowledgeable about lock mechanisms, it can easily turn into a frustrating task, potentially leading to errors and therefore compromising security.
On the other hand, hiring a locksmith assures a professional job, eliminating the probability of errors and providing assurance of proper installation. Though hiring a locksmith incurs a cost, their expertise, precision, and speed may justify the expense for many homeowners.
The Process of Changing Door Locks
changing door locks new house involves different steps based on the lock type. For instance, a standard deadbolt lock requires you to remove the current lock, measure the backset size, and select the corresponding size on the new lock’s latch, among other steps.
Alternatively, installing a smart lock often necessitates some tech savviness. Once installed physically, you need to set it up electronically via a compatible smartphone app, setting up passcodes, adding users, and setting up guest access, among others.
Though the processes vary, some general steps include unscrewing and removing the old lock, lining up the new one, attaching it tightly using screws, and testing it for correct functioning.
CONCLUSION
With this comprehensive guide, you should be well on your way to ensuring the safety of your new house with updated door locks. A task that might have once seemed daunting should now seem more manageable and less mysterious. Whether it’s about the importance of replacing locks, recognizing the signs indicating a need for a change, picking the right type of lock, contemplating DIY over professional service, or understanding the lock installation process– you have got it all covered.
Lock replacements are evidently not just a mundane aspect of home maintenance. They are critical to ensuring your family’s safety and peace of mind. After all, there’s nothing more comforting than knowing you have done your part in securing your haven. Regardless of whether you go down the DIY route or elect for a professional locksmith’s help, the insight garnered through this guide will surely empower you.
