Your Guide to Lock Replacements and Upgrades
Lock replacements are some of the most common locksmithing procedures that take place for homes, businesses, and vehicles. There are times when lock changes will be necessary for your protection, and other times where you will want to upgrade due to personal preferences. You may have some questions when it comes to lock replacements. The following article will help clear up any concerns you may have when it comes to lock replacements, as well as how to receive professional installations you can trust.
When Should You Replace Your Locks?
Generally, when it comes to lock changes, three different kinds of properties usually come to mind including residential and business properties, as well as vehicles. For each of these three assets, different guidelines dictate when you should change the locks. Keep reading to find out more about when to replace the locks in your vehicle, around your home, or for your business.
Residential Properties
- For Homeowners
Homeowners have free reign to change the locks on their homes at any time. Most homeowners will opt to change their home locks as soon as they move into a new home. This is a great idea because it essentially allows you and your loved ones to start fresh with a new set of keys and a new lock. It can be impossible to tell whether or not extra copies of your new home’s key may be out there. The previous homeowner may have lent out keys to gardeners, babysitters, and other service workers. It is a good idea to replace the locks on your new home if you want to ensure that no unwanted visitors will stop by and let themselves in.
Homeowners may also choose to replace their locks at any time if they intend to upgrade to electronic models. Smart locks and other newer lock models usually require a complete lock replacement or change to be properly installed.
- Renters and Apartment Dwellers
Individuals and families that rent their apartment, townhome, or condo will need to take extra care when it comes to replacing locks or changing them at any point. Usually, this is forbidden by most rental contracts. Apartment, condo, and other rental property management companies typically ban renters from placing their own locks on their doors due to safety purposes. You will need to check your contract or speak to management first before making any kind of permanent changes to your apartment or its locks.
- HOA and Historic Property Homeowners
If you live in a home that is governed by the Home Owner’s Association (HOA) or you live on a property that has historical ties, you may be restricted altogether from making lock changes or replacements of any kind. For those that must follow HOA guidelines, you may be able to change your locks after receiving special permission from the HOA first. Some HOA contracts allow owners to change the interior of their homes as they please, but they are restricted when it comes to any kind of exterior changes. It is important to make sure you are lawfully able to change your locks before doing so.
Similarly, if you live in a historic home or a certain type of historical district, you may be unable to install upgraded locks or make any kind of changes. Historic neighborhoods and districts are usually protected by the city and other entities to ensure that the integrity of the history in a given area is maintained.
Vehicle Drivers
Lock changes for your vehicle may be necessary from time to time, especially if you purchase your vehicle secondhand. While websites like Craigslist and other personal online advertisement services are great for finding good deals on vehicles and other items, they also pose a risk. You can never be entirely sure who you may be dealing with or meeting up with when you purchase a car secondhand. To protect your safety and make sure your new vehicle remains in your possession, you should see to it that you change the locks on your new vehicle as soon as possible.
Business Owners
One of the most popular reasons why business owners will change or replace their locks is to upgrade to electronic or access control models of some kind. A lot of businesses, regardless of their size or type, prefer to use upgraded technology measures whenever and wherever possible throughout their businesses. Electronic and access control locks can help give business owners and managers greater peace of mind and provide heightened security where it is needed most.
How to Receive Professional Installations
Even though some locks, such as deadbolts, can be purchased directly off the shelf at a hardware store, this does not mean that you should install new locks on your own. Working with a locksmith is highly recommended, regardless of whether you need a lock replacement for your home, vehicle, or business. Relying on the expertise of a trained locksmith will save you the time and frustration it will take for you to install new locks yourself. If you want to ensure that your new locks are functioning as they should and your property is protected, contact a locksmith. When it comes to something as important as your home, business, or vehicle locks, you do not want to take any chances by performing a poor, do-it-yourself installation.
Work with a Local Locksmith in Hillsboro Now!
Ready to receive the professional lock changes and upgrades you and your loved ones deserve? Increase your home, business, or vehicle security today by working with Locksmith Hillsboro! In the Hillsboro, Oregon area, we are the number one locksmith to rely on for professional lock upgrades, electronic lock installations, lock repairs, and more. Working with our locksmiths means you will receive personalized, professional, and affordable help every time. At Locksmith Hillsboro, we pride ourselves on consistently having positive customer reviews and satisfied clients. Let us help with all of your property security needs now by giving our professional locksmiths in Hillsboro a call today!