Getting the keys to your new home is exciting. But it should also serve as a reminder to handle the most basic safety precautions and think “Safety First” with your new home.
It’s time to change the locks!
When people buy homes, there’s a tendency to think “Big Picture” on home improvements. Flooring, painting, and furniture are common “just-moved-in” purchases, as are cable television and utility packages. Nevertheless, you should take a quick minute to change the locks.
Lock in Safety – A small price to pay
But the most important move-in purchase is for your safety, and it may also be the least expensive — rekey your locks and install deadbolts for your doors.
Every home has at least one, and sometimes up to a dozen, keyed points of entry. Until you change those locks, there’s no telling just how many people may have access to your home.
Those keys will still gain entry into your home until you change the locks. This is why your first act homeowner should be for your safety, to replace all your home’s keyed entries with new locks and/or deadbolts.
10 Reasons to Change
Here are 10 reasons why changing the locks on your house when you move into a new home is important to ensure your safety, security, and peace of mind.
- Previous Occupants: copies of the old keys could be anywhere, including:
- previous owners, renters
- neighbors & friends
- contractors
- parents, brothers, and sisters
- real estate agents
- home cleaning service
- dog walkers and pet sitters
– and no telling who else!
- Prevent Unauthorized Access: only you and authorized people have access to your new home.
- Unknown Duplicate Keys: all the copies of the old keys may not have been collected, therefore, duplicates might still be floating around out there.
- Enhanced Security: upgrade to modern, high-security locks for better protection against picking, bumping, and other unauthorized entry techniques.
- Peace of Mind: a sense of security that your home is safe from potential intruders.
- Personalization: customize your home security to fit your preferences.
- Lost Keys: If the previous occupants lost a key that falls into the wrong hands, that could be a problem.
- Unknown History: start fresh with new locks.
- Legal Ownership: symbolize the start of your legal ownership of the home and create a clear break between past and present owners.
- Insurance Requirements: some policies might even require the locks changed. Failure to do so could affect your coverage.
Remember that changing locks is just one part of securing your new home. It’s also a good idea to look at other security measures such as window locks, alarm systems, outdoor lighting, and reinforcing entry points.
Safety Locks to Choose From
Locks and deadbolts come in a variety of designs, finishes, and price points. A basic single-cylinder, keyed deadbolt can cost less than $20. A powerful digital-entry keyless system sells for $200-plus. There is a bevy of models at prices in between, too.
Regardless of which lock system you choose, don’t procrastinate! Ideally, your locks should be changed on the same day of purchase, or as closing and funding as possible.
Hardware stores carry most deadbolt varieties and many can be installed with just a screwdriver. For complicated installations, talk to a locksmith.
Now is the perfect time to decide if you want a security system. Read reviews before you choose, such as monitored by others, a Ring Doorbell or similar product that you can keep an eye on your house from your cell phone, or other more advanced safety systems.
The Bottom Line
It’s a simple step to lock in your safety on day one! Don’t let the excitement of the day cloud the immediate need to protect your family from uninvited visitors who may have a key to your castle. Change the locks immediately.