The security of your home or establishment should always be addressed. Improving its safety reduces the risk of burglaries and intrusions within your property because you’ll often have loved ones and valuables to protect within your estate.
Often, the first method you may resort to when protecting your property is a lock, notably a door lock. Your door is the first and primary way into your home or building. Thus, by having it locked, you better prevent strangers and trespassers from entering your private property.
Having established the importance of door locks in your home or property, ensuring they’re fully operational is also essential. If they’re damaged or compromised, it may be time to replace them.
Replacing your door lock often includes getting a replacement and having a professional such as a locksmith, install it. One prime example of a locksmith would be Locksmith Plus in Seattle WA.
The proper replacement and installation of a door lock are vital to ensure its functionality and efficacy. Before taking on the project of replacing your property’s door locks, consider reading the following things to know:
1. Rekeying Your Lock
Before replacing your door lock, the first thing to know is whether it’s more appropriate to rekey your door instead. However, it’s worth understanding their processes’ differences before discussing when you’ll need either.
Replacing a door lock involves removing the entire wave from the door and the handle if they’re connected. You’ll then install its replacement afterward.
On the other hand, rekeying involves changing the alignment of pins and strings inside your lock. As a result, this will require a different key to operate the lock’s mechanisms.
Now that the difference between rekeying and replacing a door lock has been discussed, it’s time to understand when you’ll want to do either.
One of the specific occasions wherein it would be wiser to rekey is when you move in, as others may have keys to your door, such as contractors, former owners, or realtors. Another would be when you wish to have a single key for all the locks in your home, and you want to have the key needed for the door lock to match other locks.
On the other hand, one common reason you’ll find it best to replace the door lock is when it’s damaged and is no longer functional enough to keep your home secure. Another would be when you’ve experienced a burglary or break-in, as the lock may have been compromised or proven ineffective.
2. The Costs
The next thing to consider before replacing your door locks is the cost. You’ll also want to consider this factor when choosing between rekeying and replacing the door lock, as the latter can be more expensive. Since your door locks are essential for maintaining your home’s safety, you must plan carefully before taking on the project, including budgeting.
When budgeting for this project, you’ll have to consider two crucial factors: the door locks you’ll buy to replace the old ones and the labor cost. Door lock prices have a range, with more advanced ones being more expensive. Furthermore, you can do the project independently instead of hiring a locksmith, which saves you money.
3. Convenience Of Having A Single Key
The third consideration before replacing your door lock is whether you want a single key for all the locks in your home. It may be frustrating to try nearly every key to see which fits.
As such, before beginning the project of replacing your door locks, consider if you’re interested in having a single key for all the locks in your home. By deciding on this, you can include the task of having a single key in your door lock replacement project.
4. Choosing Modern Door Locks
When replacing your door lock, your first instinct may be to turn to standard door locks. However, it’s best to consider using modern and advanced door locks now. These offer various features such as notification when someone enters, using a code or keycard instead of a key, and more.
Conclusion
Because your door is the primary entryway into your home, you must have it locked to prevent any intrusions and burglaries. Unfortunately, your door’s physical locks may eventually be worn down and no longer functional if damaged or compromised. As a result, you will have to replace it, and you must do so correctly to ensure its efficacy and functionality in protecting your home.
With the list of things to know before replacing door locks above, you may begin planning and commencing the project of replacing your door locks. Consider referring to this list when you start replacing your door locks.
