Should You Change the Locks When You Buy a House?
When purchasing a new home, there are countless details to consider, from financing to inspections. Among these considerations, one often overlooked aspect is the security of your new property. A simple question arises – should you change the locks when you buy a house? While it may seem like a small detail, this decision can significantly impact your sense of safety and peace of mind.
As you navigate the complexities of homeownership, understanding the reasons behind this choice could prove essential. So, read on to discover why this decision deserves your attention.
Should You Change the Locks When You Buy a House?
Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone filled with countless decisions and tasks. Among these, securing your new property should be a top priority, and one of the first security measures to consider is changing the locks.
While it might seem like an unnecessary expense, especially after the significant costs of buying a house, the security of your new home shouldn’t be left to chance. Previous owners, real estate agents, contractors, and various service providers may have had access to keys during the property’s history, and this is a significant reason why should you change locks on new house.
Professional locksmiths play a critical role in this process by offering services such as rekeying or replacing locks, ensuring your home is secure from unauthorized access.
Without changing the locks, you can’t be certain who might still have access to your home. This fundamental security step not only protects your property and belongings but also provides invaluable peace of mind as you begin this new chapter in your life.
Security concerns
When purchasing a home, you inherit more than just the property – you also inherit all potential security risks from previous occupants. Multiple copies of keys could be circulating among former owners’ friends, family members, neighbors, or service providers who were given access for various reasons.
Former tenants, if the property was previously a rental, might have made unauthorized copies of keys. Even if the previous owners were diligent about collecting all spare keys, there’s no guarantee that every copy has been accounted for over the years of ownership.
Real estate agents, home inspectors, contractors, and maintenance workers may have also had access to keys during the selling process. Additionally, there’s no way to track how many times these keys might have been duplicated or shared.
How to change the locks
There are two primary options for securing your new home – rekeying the existing locks or replacing them entirely. Rekeying involves modifying the internal mechanism of the current locks so that old keys become ineffective while maintaining the existing hardware.
Complete lock replacement offers an opportunity to upgrade to newer, more secure systems with advanced features. This option might be preferable if the existing locks are outdated, damaged, or don’t meet your security standards.
Professional locksmiths can evaluate your current locks and recommend the best approach based on your security needs and budget. They can also ensure proper installation, which is crucial for maintaining the lock’s effectiveness
For enhanced security, locksmiths often install deadbolts, which provide an added layer of protection compared to standard locks. Upgrading to deadbolts is a practical way to reinforce your home’s entry points while ensuring professional-grade security.
Upgrading to smart locks
Modern smart locks offer enhanced security features and convenience that traditional locks can’t match. These systems often include features like keypad entry, smartphone control, and activity monitoring that lets you track who enters and exits your home.
Smart locks can generate temporary access codes for service providers or guests, eliminating the need to make physical copies of keys. Some systems also integrate with home security systems and can be controlled remotely through mobile apps.
However, smart locks require power to operate and may need occasional software updates or battery replacements. Consider these maintenance requirements when deciding if smart locks are right for your home.
Cost of changing locks on new house
Rekeying typically costs between $50 and $100 per lock, making it the more economical choice for securing your new home. This process is generally quick and can be completed in a single service visit.
Complete lock replacement costs range from $100 to $300 per lock, depending on the quality and features of the new locks. Smart lock systems can cost significantly more, often $200 to $500 per door, but they offer additional functionality and convenience.
Consider that investing in high-quality locks, whether traditional or smart, is a one-time expense that provides long-term security benefits. The peace of mind gained from knowing your home is secure often justifies the initial cost.
Conclusion
Should you change the locks when you buy a house? Changing the locks on your new house is a crucial step in establishing a secure living environment for you and your family. While it represents an additional expense in the home-buying process, the security benefits far outweigh the costs.
Whether you choose to rekey existing locks, install new traditional locks, or upgrade to smart technology, taking control of your home’s security should be a top priority. By addressing this important security measure early, you can focus on settling into your new home with confidence, knowing that you have full control over who has access to your property.
