purchase house changing locks

[what..the?]

ok so I am about to complete on a house and change the locks what do I need to know about this, it's my first house.

How do I find a good locksmith who is not just going to keep a copy of the keys or sell a copy to his mate so they can break in?? Or does this never happen?

from a paranoid sceptic

[redcrx]

i had my dad change mine, its not that difficult if youre swapping like for like.

[what..the?]

that about the double glazed upvc ones? I would love to do them myself 'diy girly girl' but I'm not too experinced at all diy things could I manage do you think?

[bednobs]

you can get new locks in b and q

[Jemisa]

Why do you want to change the locks?
I've moved several times but I've never seen the need to change locks.

jem

[what..the?]

Well purely for security I thought everyone did this and it helped insurance wise too. Also the house was a holiday house for the family so lots of people got access and copies of keys you see.

[McMouse]

If the locks are standard you can get new barrels and keys for modest cost. Fitting is a simple diy job. Google it for how to do.

[what..the?]

thanks for all this help guys

[The Builder]

Mac's right. uPVC doors usually have "Euro Locks". You just slide out the old barrel and fit the new one. (Look for the grubscrew holding them in).
Just one thing ............... buy the Eurolocks in a set ............. then they will be "keyed alike" ................ that means, if you have for instance 4 doors, then one key will fit them all ................ saves a lot of labelling etc

[McMouse]

Should have added that I ve always changed locks when moving into new house.........you never know. It's a small price for peace of mind.

[annie0000]

God knows where you lot live!!! I have never in all my house moves (about 15 I think!) ever felt the need to change my locks. Surely if you get broken into and they have used a key then the people you just bought from would be suspects No 1.

[scotman]

As suggested you can get locks from all good hardware stores B&Q etc. If you want alocksmith ask around or use yellow pages.
I also always change locks in new property. I keep the old ones as spares.

[The Builder]

Here you are WhatGirl ..................... check out the second one down on this site .......

http://www.lockandkey...g/Technical_Help.html

you can do it ..................................... :o))))

[scotman]

annie

personally I would rather not be burgled. I find the idea of a list of obvious suspects after the fact not very comforting.

[annie0000]

What I mean is that they are hardly likely to burgle you knowing that they would be prime suspect. I can honestly say that I have never heard of anyone changing the locks when they move house before, toilets yes, locks no. Think we need a survey........ I'll ask in Chatterbank.

[237SJ]

I change the locks every time I move house. I don`t think it is anything to worry about but it is just a safeguard to give you peace of mind. The first flat I bought had a Yale lock and I managed to change it myself by replacing the barrel. When my mother bought a house near me last year and found out that the previous occupant was an alcoholic bi-polar sufferer, she changed the locks as well. We found a good reliable locksmith from Check A Trade who charged a reasonable price. Get some reccommedations and change the locks if you want to. It will give you peace of mind

[Wak]

If you feel that you must change the complete lock on every door then I suggest that YOU buy the replacement locks and hang on to the keys while a local joiner fits them for you.
Your keys are safe and the joiner could be a bit cheaper than a qualified locksmith.

[Greedyfly]

I have lived in over 20 houses and have never once changed the locks - to be honest it has never occured to me.

[weeal]

God this is a shocker, never heard the likes in my life - and I lived in Glasgow for over 20 years some parts might be considered a bit rough !

[deggers316]

for the price of a new lock barrel, £12 + its not worth NOT changing the locks when you move home
you don't know what dodgy characters the previous owner might have known and given spare keys too
i find it hard to believe people dont think its a good idea !

[what..the?]

wow this help is amazing thank you so much for all the help and reassurance that I can attempt this myself. Also amazing is the sheer number of people who dont change the locks blimey your trusting!!