Amidst all the excitement and responsibilities, one crucial security measure is often overlooked. If you have recently moved into a new residence in Lincoln, rekeying ensures that only you and those you trust have access to your property. This simple step is fundamental to your security and peace of mind.
Rekeying involves altering the internal mechanisms of a lock so that it works with a new key while keeping the existing lock hardware intact. This process prevents any previous key from functioning, rendering old copies useless. While some homeowners may consider replacing the locks entirely, rekeying is a more cost-effective and efficient alternative.
Here are the main reasons why rekeying should be one of your first tasks after moving in:
Before you took possession of your new home, numerous people may have had access to it. Estate agents, previous owners, maintenance workers, cleaners, and even neighbours could have retained copies of the keys. While most individuals are honest, there’s no way to guarantee that all copies have been accounted for.
Rekeying eliminates this risk immediately, ensuring that only you and your chosen individuals have access.
If a previous owner or someone they entrusted with a key still has access, your home could be vulnerable to unauthorised entry. Even if the previous occupants assured you they handed over all the keys, it's impossible to verify if duplicates exist.
Rekeying ensures that only your new keys will operate the locks, giving you complete control over who can enter.
In the unfortunate event that an old keyholder enters your home and causes damage or theft, it may complicate matters with insurance claims and legal liability. Home insurance policies often require evidence of forced entry for burglary claims. If an unauthorised person uses an old key, insurers may refuse to cover losses.
Rekeying helps eliminate this risk and ensures that you are compliant with security requirements.
Replacing locks entirely can be expensive, especially if your new home has multiple doors with different types of locks. Rekeying is a much more affordable alternative that provides the same level of security. It allows you to retain high-quality locks while eliminating the risk posed by old keys. Many professional locksmiths in Lincoln offer quick and efficient rekeying services at a fraction of the cost of full lock replacements.
Rekeying is an excellent opportunity to streamline your home’s security by setting up a master key system. If your new home has multiple locks that require different keys, a locksmith can rekey them so that a single key operates all locks. This reduces the hassle of carrying multiple keys while maintaining security.
A home should be a sanctuary where you feel safe and secure. Not knowing who might have access to your property can create unnecessary stress. By rekeying your locks, you take proactive steps towards ensuring your family’s safety, allowing you to relax and enjoy your new home without lingering security concerns.
Rekeying is a versatile security measure that applies to various types of locks commonly found in residential properties. Some of the most frequently rekeyed locks include:
Consulting a professional locksmith can help determine whether your locks are suitable for rekeying or if upgrading to high-security alternatives is a better option.
Rekeying should ideally be done as soon as you move in, before you fully settle into your new home. The longer you wait, the greater the risk of someone using an old key to access the property. If you’ve already moved in and haven’t rekeyed your locks yet, it’s not too late—contacting a trusted locksmith in Lincoln as soon as possible is the best course of action.
Apart from moving into a new home, there are other circumstances where rekeying is highly advisable:
While DIY rekeying kits are available, hiring a professional locksmith is the best way to ensure the job is done correctly and efficiently. Professional locksmiths have the expertise and specialised tools to rekey locks quickly without damaging the existing hardware. Additionally, they can provide advice on other security improvements such as upgrading to high-security locks, installing smart locks, or reinforcing door frames for added protection.
When choosing a locksmith to rekey your home, consider the following factors:
In addition to rekeying, you may want to explore additional security enhancements for your new home:
Moving into a new home in Lincoln is an exciting milestone, but ensuring your security should be a top priority. Rekeying your locks is a simple yet highly effective way to protect your home and family from potential risks. It prevents unauthorised access, reduces liability concerns, and provides invaluable peace of mind. By taking this proactive step, you can settle into your new home knowing that you are the sole keyholder, making it a safer and more secure place to live.
If you have recently moved into a new home and need professional rekeying services in Lincoln, contact a trusted locksmith today to ensure your security is never compromised.
