There’s nothing that quite matches the excitement of signing the closing papers on a new home. Amid all the excitement – and chaos – of closing on a new home, there’s one very important item you can’t forget to check off, your to-do list: changing the locks. While you get the keys to your new home at the closing, you can’t know how many copies of the keys the previous owners had made and how many might still be floating around. That’s why it’s important to have the locks changed out. A professional locksmith is able to get the job done securely and quickly while you get to the other things on your list. There are some considerations to take into account when planning to have a locksmith change the locks on a new, or new-to-you home.

Schedule the Lock Change in Advance

Scheduling a lock changing appointment ahead of time can save you both time and money. By calling beforehand, the locksmith can prepare the new locks and cut new keys at the shop before we come to switch them out. Preparing the locks and keys at the shop is quicker and, often, less expensive than working on site.

Wait a Day After Closing

Usually, new homeowners to want their door locks changed as soon as possible, but we recommend waiting a day after closing to schedule the service. While we hope our customers have smooth closings, it’s not uncommon for them to drag out when issues arise. It’s best to schedule the locksmith service for the day after closing to ensure the deal is finalized.

Have the Right Information Handy

Here’s a look at the information you should provide when you call the locksmith to help streamline the process. Number of Locks to Change How many entry doors are there to the home? Consider back and side doors, sliding doors and the garage. Type of Lock What brand of locks are currently installed? Is the lock built into the knob? Is there a deadbolt? Budget Do you need a cheaper solution? Are the keys changing hands only temporarily? You might consider simply rekeying the same locks rather than replacing the locks. Security Is the current level of security around the home sufficient? If not, ask the locksmith to recommend a solution fit for the property. This may include installing deadbolts or upgrading to a smart home security system. With this information ready, you can easily hire a locksmith to change the locks on your new home.