How to change door locks on a new house
Door locks on any house should be changed at least every 7 years but when you’re moving into a new house, don’t wait.
It’s important to change locks on a new house for your own personal security as well as the peace of mind of knowing you’re living somewhere new that no one else has keys or access to.
The risk of not changing locks is that there could still be keys and individuals out there who can access inside without your permission
A contractor who has worked on the place in the months prior may have a key. A previous homeowner or renter may have a key. As a new homeowner, you simply don’t know the situation of what’s come before you.
When you switch to new door locks, however, you increase your level of emotional comfort and safety. You know, without any doubt, that you have full control over who has access to your home.
Understanding Your Lock Options
There are many types of locks you can put on a new house to keep it secure, from smart locks to deadbolts.
Smart Locks
Smart locks are the newest type of lock option for a new house. These locks operate on a home’s WiFi network, are secure and durable, and can be controlled by a smartphone app. This level of convenience, including remote access and monitoring, has made this a highly requested type of lock for new homeowners.
Deadbolts
Deadbolts offer the strongest protection against unauthorized entry and are the top choice for robust security. They have bolts in the design that move only when the knob or key is turned. They are incredibly difficult to pick and offer a high level of privacy.
Knob Locks
Knob locks are frequently used in addition to deadbolts. They are most common on interior doors. The cylinder for a knob lock is located on the inside which makes them more vulnerable to breaking. Knob locks work well inside a home, however, outside it is not the most secure option.
Your Step-By-Step Guide To DIY Lock Replacement
After you have identified the type of lock needed based on your door type and security needs, here are the next steps to take for how to change locks on a new house.
Tools Checklist
You will need a set of screwdrivers and your new lockset.
Remove The Old Lock
Remove the interior knob, if possible, by pressing your screwdriver into the side opening and releasing the springs holding the knob in place.
From there, remove the interior decorative cover. Unscrew the two interior screws found on the inside of the knob, followed by removing the latch assembly on the side of the door.
Everything should more or less come out easily, a step at a time based on removing the screws in the correct order.
Install The New Lock
To install the new lock, we’re going to repeat the same pattern except backward.
Install the latch and put in the screws. Place the latch into the recess, ensuring it fits snugly prior to adding the screws.
Then, put in your new lockset, ensuring the keyed section is facing the outside of your home. Slide the lockset into the hole and through the latch assembly. Insert the screws once again and tighten.
Lastly, test the latch operation and locking mechanism with your key or code to ensure that the door does open with no issue.
Your Type Of Lock May Vary
A deadbolt lock or a smart lock do not have an installation process entirely dissimilar from the one we just mentioned, however, they may require a few extra steps.
There may also be differences in the assembly, such as a deadbolt lock requiring an Allen wrench to remove the interior screws from the deadbolt as opposed to using a screwdriver, having to drill into a deadbolt to remove it if you’re replacing one and the old deadbolt is not coming off, and/or, if it’s a smart lock, having to sync it up via your WiFi after the hardware installation is complete.
Needless to say, you want to make sure changing locks on a new house is done right so that you can guarantee security.
Professional Installation Services For Changing Locks On A New House
A lot of homeowners may not know how to change locks on a new house and prefer to leave it in the hands of an experienced locksmith.
There are many reasons to connect with a locksmith service.
Advantages Of Hiring A Locksmith To Install New Locks
Locksmiths can explain to you how to use high-security locks or smart lock systems.
Save yourself the time of having to figure out how to install what can be some fairly complex lock systems.
They will verify that the new lock installation was done correctly and that the product is working as intended.
Be able to ask questions to an expert.
How To Find A Locksmith You Trust
Search locally online for a locksmith service you can hire. In many cases, you can have a locksmith visit you today without much delay.
If a locksmith has a website, you can also vet them by combing through their credentials, looking at past customer reviews and what has been said about them, and searching social media and Google for their service ratings.
Ensure that, with any locksmith you hire, that they are competent, trustworthy, and know what they’re doing.
Hire ASAP Locksmiths To Secure Your New Home With New Locks
It’s essential to secure your new home and to do it right. Whether you are using smart locks, deadbolts, or knob locks, or aren’t sure as to which one fits your property best, speak to a new lock expert at ASAP Locksmiths to run through your options.
Take proactive steps in your home’s security to ensure you aren’t leaving your property and its assets exposed. While changing locks in a new house may be something you can do on your own with the right tools, sometimes it is best to hire a professional locksmith to do the work for you.
A locksmith service knows high-security locks and smart lock systems in and out, and will ensure they’re installed correctly. This can save you time and worry, enhance and optimize your home’s security, and a technician can also provide additional advice on home security strategies.
ASAP Locksmiths & Security Services are just a message away. Reach out to us today to schedule a locksmith visit.
