Changing The Locks On Your New Home: Is It Necessary?
If you move into a new property, you are naturally going to feel very excited. Hopefully, you have just moved into the home of your dreams or made an investment in a property you can turn into an asset. Of all the questions lingering, though, one might not receive the attention it should. That question is simple: Should you change the locks of your new home or leave them as they are?
At Lock & Key Leeds, we see many people wrestle with this decision for some time. Many never decide and end up constantly worried about whether they made the right decision. To help you better understand the decision-making process you should go through, let’s take a look at the topic in its entirety. By the end of this article, you should feel much more confident in deciding what to do in this scenario.
So, Should I Change My Locks On My New Home?
The simple answer, or the ‘TLDR’ answer, is yes. When you invest in a new property, you want to know that the building is as secure as possible. There is no real way to have total peace of mind if there is the potential that someone could gain unwanted entry to your beloved new property.
Why Should I Change My Locks, Though?
There are several reasons why we recommend you change your locks on any new property you buy and do so ASAP. These include:
Potential Spare Keys
While the previous owner might have handed over their keys, you have no idea if they secretly kept a backup copy. That might sound paranoid, but it is estimated that around one in three home sellers still have a key to their old home!
It is not solely the previous owner, either. They could have provided a spare key to a family member, an estate agent, or a service provider like a cleaner or trade professional. The potential presence of spare keys alone should give you pause in deciding to stick with your old locks.
This is the same when moving into a new-build property. Yes, the locks are probably more modern (see below), but you do not know who has a key to that property. Site staff and realtors could still have spare keys; it is better to take precautions than assume they will not use those keys.
Older Lock Types
Especially if you have bought one of the UK’s large stock of council homes, the locks could likely be outdated. They might be easier for criminals to break through than more modern lock types. As such, you might not have the level of protection you think you could do; talented criminals can easily carry out lock snapping on older lock types.
You should carry out a security audit of your property – including reviews of all door and window locks – once every two years. Check your garage door locks and even your shed locking mechanism. If they feel even slightly wobbly or outdated, get a locksmith to check them over for you ASAP!
Insurance Requirements
Another key reason to go through this process is that many insurance policies have a standard lock requirement. If your old locks do not meet those standards, you could invalidate your insurance. Having the wrong type of lock installed could mean that your insurance policy is practically worthless.
If someone can enter your property without having to use signs of obvious force, it can make your claim much harder to prove. Given that insurance providers often want proof that your locks were broken through before they pay out, you want to be able to prove your locks are of sufficient quality.
Damaged Locks
Another reason to consider changing the locks—even on a new build—is that they could be damaged prior to your arrival. Damage could occur through wear or tear or DIY/unprofessional lock installation. Why wait until you get a nasty surprise to find out?
By changing the locks and using a respected local locksmith (or learning yourself) to fit them, you have total peace of mind that your locks are in full working order.
What type of locks do I need in the UK?
As mentioned above, insurance providers in the UK set specific standards when it comes to the lock types they accept. Most will expect that you have British Standard or Sold Secure SS312 Standard locks. If your locks do not meet these standards, then you need to replace them ASAP. Otherwise, you run the risk of your insurance policy being invalidated or payouts being refused.
If you have uPVC or composite doors, make sure you have a Sold Secure SS312 diamond standard cylinder lock. This will ensure that you meet the stringent requirements laid out by the law.
Does the age of my property matter?
Yes, we would say so. While most newly built properties will have the British Standard or Sold Secure standard lock we mentioned above, you still want to have those locks replaced just for peace of mind. In older properties, though, you might not have locks installed that fit these standards.
When moving into an older property, we highly recommend you have the locks reviewed thoroughly to ensure they meet the standards expected of modern UK households.
Does the type of lock matter?
Yes, absolutely. When it comes to fitting new locks into your property, you must make sure that you get a lock type that is suitable for the kind of door(s) you have. There are various lock types out there, so it can be easy to buy something that might not be the perfect fit for the door(s) fitted.
For wooden doors
We recommend that you fit any wooden doors with an additional layer of protection. In addition to the locks being British Standard or Sold Secure SS312 Standard, we also suggest having a deadbolt fitted. Deadbolt locks offer a second layer of protection compared to the locks found in most wooden doors, especially in older properties.
For uPVC/Composite doors
We recommend lock cylinders for uPVC and composite doors. Not only are they more secure than the standard locks likely fitted, but they are also more durable when it comes to actions like lock snapping. Given that many uPVC and composite doors have locks that can be easily snapped, homeowners are offered an extra layer of peace of mind.
For glass doors
While the panes on your glass could easily be smashed, it pays to invest in durable locks. For patio doors, for example, you should look for keyed or sliding door locks.
If you are unsure about the kind of locks you should fit for any door type, contact a local locksmith. They can give you their professional opinion on the lock type needed so you can have the correct mechanism supplied and fitted on your behalf.
Should I change my locks on my own or hire an expert?
Never DIY your door locks unless you have undertaken locksmith training (preferably with our experts at MPL Locksmith Training). While you can change your door locks without training simply by following a guide, this comes with nothing like the same professional durability. Criminals easily break through DIY locks fitted by amateurs with even a slight level of experience.
We recommend that you either self-train as a locksmith or hire a professional in your local area to carry out the work on your behalf. Even if you are trained as a locksmith, it might be wise to have a more experienced locksmith, such as your locksmith trainer, double-check your handiwork and make sure it meets standards.
Hopefully, you will feel more comfortable deciding whether to change the locks on your new house. If you want the promise of added security, take the above into account before you make a decision. Generally, though, any new properties you buy into—commercial or residential—should undergo a thorough review of the quality and condition of the locks used. Good luck!
