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Getting the locks changed when you move into a new home is one of the first things you should do. With keys being given to realtors, building contractors and goodness knows who else, there could be several people out there, all with keys to get into your property whenever they want. 

To give you peace of mind when you move into your new home, you should arrange to get new locks at the earliest, and here is some guidance for getting the job done in the best, most efficient way:

Price considerations

How the lock is changed, the hardware you choose, and how many locks you require changing can all impact the price you’ll end up paying, and a licensed locksmith is best placed to give you an accurate estimate of how much it’s going to cost to change the locks in your new home.

To rekey or not to rekey?

If you’re particularly attached to the existing locks on your new home, you can have them rekeyed instead. Giving you the same sense of security (provided all the locks are functioning properly) and considerably cheaper than changing them, this could be an option, but you’ll need to have a local locksmith check out your existing locks first. 

Lock costing

High-security locks cost more than standard ones, but of course, give you extra protection against burglars and intruders. If your budget is relatively small, you could consider having high-security locks on the entry points that make your home the most vulnerable.

With advanced lock pick protection, drill resistance and keys that can’t be duplicated without proprietary equipment and key blanks, high-security locks are always a good investment. However, they are only as effective as the other security measures you’ve taken to protect you and your new home. If your main entry point is ultra-secure but your garage gives burglars the freedom to come and go as they please, you won’t get the benefit of your high-security lock investment.

Make your entire home secure

As mentioned above, there’s little point having your doors made burglar proof with new or rekeyed locks, if the rest of your home isn’t secure. Think carefully about your windows, garage and sliding doors and consult with a local, licensed locksmith if you’re concerned that any of these areas may not offer you enough security.

Tap into the knowledge of your local locksmith

It never pays to cut corners on home security by attempting to change locks yourself, or install a new home security system without professional guidance. Find a local locksmith whose services you can trust, and engage with them either before you move into your new home, or as soon as you start unpacking your belongings.

To enjoy living in your new home, and be able to sleep soundly at night and trust that your belongings are safe when you’re not at home, you must make it as secure as possible by changing the locks as soon as you move in, if not before.