How Much Does it Cost To Get Your Locks Changed?
As a homeowner, one thing you need to monitor closely is your home security. The safety of your home is only as good as its locks and protections. This means that occasionally you will want to have your locks changed. This may not seem necessary if your locks are intact but think about it as an investment.
There are many times in life where we upgrade before it is essential. Think back to when you bought your last car. Did your previous car stop work? Was it totaled? Was the cost of the repairs required higher than the cost of replacing them? Or did you want a bigger, faster, more efficient car? The same goes for your locks. If you have had the same locks for a long time, it may be time to look for a better, stronger and more secure model.
This all begs the question, how much does it cost to change your locks? We will go over all the variables that factor into how much your expenditure will be. We will also talk about the different options you have in deciding who should change your locks and how that will affect the cost.
Replacing or Upgrading?
The first question to ask yourself when deciding to change your locks is to replace the existing ones or upgrade. If you have had a break-in or damaged your lock, then you may wish just to replace the lock you had. This may be the most affordable option, but is this the right option for you?
It may have been a negative situation that leads you to change the locks, but you can turn it around into an opportunity to upgrade and make your home more secure. Let’s go back to the car analogy. What would you choose if your car was totaled and you were forced to buy a new car? Would you buy the exact same car you had before, or would you upgrade to something better?
If given the option, most people would choose to have a different car that is nicer with more upgrades than their totaled car. Now, of course, cost plays a big part in this choice. You wouldn’t want to upgrade to a car you cannot afford, nor do you want to invest in locks that are significantly over budget. The key is to find a new, improved lock that won’t break the bank.
Research Required!
If you are embarking on this endeavor without a professional’s assistance, research is essential to ensure this process goes smoothly. This is not as simple as going to the local hardware store and asking them what you should do. Your door and your locks are as unique as you are.
The hardware store employee is not able to see the door in question. In 99% of cases, they don’t know any more about changing locks than you do. The hardware store employees have not been trained in all home improvement projects. They will not be able to give you the information you need.
Your first step in researching is to study your door and take measurements. Not all locks will fit in all entries. Locks designed for interior doors will not work or provide security for exterior doors. You will need to find out as much as you can about your door and lock before you go to purchase a new one. This can be a very time-consuming process, but it is essential.
The last thing you want is to spend your hard-earned money and your valuable time installing a lock that won’t work in your door.
Where to Purchase?
Another factor that weighs heavily into the cost of having your locks changed is where you purchase the new lock from. This cost can vary depending on your location, store, and type of lock you choose. In making this decision, you will need to consider the price, the security, installation difficulty, and any assistance offered from the store in question.
Installation
Once you have purchased your new locks, it is time to install them. Keep in mind that even if you choose to pick and buy your locks without consulting a locksmith, you can still call a locksmith for assistance in the actual installation. As long as the lock will work correctly on your door, the locksmith will be happy to install one that you purchased on your own.
If installing on your own, realize that this can be a long and frustrating task if changing locks is not your expertise. Also, know that you may run into complications you aren’t sure how to handle, and there is more chance for errors when installing yourself.
If you feel it is too much for you to handle during this process, know that you can call a professional locksmith who will come and handle the change for you. You can also use a locksmith as a resource by having them answer any inquiries you have about your locks or general home security.
The cost of changing your locks by yourself will vary based on how many locks you are changing, the locks you choose, and any mishaps that can happen. The costs can be as low as $10 if you change one simple lock or go up to $200 for multiple, complex, or special locks.
The Easy Way
By far, the easiest way to have your locks changed is to call a locksmith. A locksmith will be much faster than trying to do it yourself. They have specialized training and experience in making these changes. They also know of any potential problems that could occur. They will not need the time you would to research the type of lock required. They would know just by inspecting your door and current locks.
You have the choice of providing the lock for them to change or having them choose one they feel is best for you. They may even be able to recommend several locks and the benefits of each one so that you can make an informed decision.
Employing a locksmith’s help may at first seem to be more costly than doing it yourself. However, if you consider all the time and research it takes to do this yourself, you may find your time is worth the cost. Also, since the locksmith is a professional, they are less prone to mistakes and can efficiently make any change you need.
The basic cost for a locksmith is a $35 service charge. This is the fee paid to the locksmith for coming out to your home and investigating what needs doing. If you have purchased the lock yourself, any further payment over the service charge will be minimal. The total cost will vary depending on how many locks are being changed, the complexity of the locks, which locks are chosen, and if the locksmith is providing the locks or not.
Conclusion
We hope this article has been informative and will help you in your future lock changes. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at ASAP Locksmith in Dallas, TX, if we can assist you in securing your beloved home. We are here and happy to help!