Moving to a new house marks the start of an interesting chapter full of opportunities and challenges. However, among the chaos of sorting boxes and meeting new neighbours, new homeowners forget to change the locks. This compromises their home security to a high degree.
Changing your door locks is a little step towards improving your security and taking control over who has access to your house.
So let’s explore five reasons for you to give changing your locks top priority when you move into a new home.
1. You Don’t Know Who Has a Key
Changing the locks in your new house is extremely important. You simply never know who has a copy of the keys.
Keys to your property can still belong to past owners, renters, or builders. Previous cleaners and even real estate brokers can have access.
Although the previous owners will reassure you that all the keys have been turned over, there is no actual way to confirm that a spare set doesn’t exist somewhere else. Imagine finding out that someone you have never met can walk right in when you have settled into your new home.
Although it seems far-fetched, this situation is more likely to happen than you can imagine, and once a key is in use, you cannot control where it ends up.
Changing the locks is a preventive action that eliminates this risk and provides complete control over who can enter your house.
2. Enhancing Security with Modern Locks
Many older houses use antiquated lock systems that criminals can easily lockpick. Additionally, old locks won’t offer the degree of security required by today’s standards.
Locksmithing technology has developed greatly over the years as there are multiple choices that provide increased defence against forceful entry, bumping, and picking.
Older locks, especially those installed many years ago, sometimes lack conventional security elements included in more recent designs. For example, conventional cylinder locks are prone to lockpicking or bumping.
Switching to contemporary high-security locks such as deadbolts, smart locks, or keyless entry systems increases protection against possible invaders.
If you’re not sure yet which new locking system is suitable for your new home, consider calling in an expert locksmith to give you guidance and help install a secure locking system around your home.
These sophisticated locks are far more difficult to tamper with since they sometimes include strengthened striking plates, drill-resistant housings, and anti-pick pins.
Moreover, contemporary smart locks give more freedom and control over your home security. Imagine not needing physical keys to unlock your door. With a smart lock, your smartphone will do this job for you!
Many smart locks also provide temporary codes ideal for guests or service staff which you can update or delete as necessary.
3. Keeping Up with Changing Circumstances
Daily life changes call for improving the security of your house.
Maybe you recently broke off a relationship and the other person still has a key to your residence or perhaps you have given friends or relatives spare keys that they don’t need anymore.
Changing the locks is a good way to start anew, and giving access to only trusted people elevates your house security. This is particularly important if you often receive visits from friends, relatives, or even Airbnb visitors.
In addition, changing the locks enables you to establish your sense of safety and personal boundaries.
4. Protecting Against Break-Ins
Old locks can be weak or easily destroyed if your new residence has a history of security breaches, therefore reducing their efficacy in keeping out invaders.
New lock installation eliminates this security concern. Therefore, consider restoring security by changing the locks, especially if a home is located in a region with a high crime rate.
Additionally, changing the lock gives you the option to choose stronger solutions that are more fit for your security requirements. As a result, this will discourage possible home invaders.
As an extra precaution, add a deadbolt to an existing lock, upgrade to a smart lock with monitoring capabilities, or install other security elements such cameras and alarms. By acting proactively, you guarantee that your house is secure.
5. Boosting Property Value and Appeal
Changing the locks adds value to your house as much as it does safety. If you want to sell or rent a well-secured property in the future, it will appeal more to potential tenants and buyers.
Modern locks and security systems improve your house’s attractiveness. Excellent locks and clever security systems increase your home’s visibility on the real estate market.
Additionally, prospective buyers are often ready to pay more for homes that require little changes or security upgrades.
Investing in quality locks is a great investment with a high payoff. From a sleek keyless entry system to a smart lock with an embedded camera, these contemporary additions make your house seem like a futuristic safe haven that is unique in a crowded market.
Having modern locks informs potential buyers in a world where security is becoming more and more crucial that you value safety and this feature is appealing for families and single professionals.
Conclusion
Although it seems like a chore, changing the locks in your new house is highly advantageous. This basic action is an investment in your safety, privacy, and peace of mind. This is to guarantee that your new house is truly yours and doesn’t allow access to anyone with a copy of the house’s old keys.
A new house is your safe haven. Thus, don’t let this basic but important task slip through the cracks. Knowing you have taken the necessary actions to keep your new house safe, you’ll be able to sleep soundly at night without having to worry about potential home invasions or break-ins!