Purchasing a new home can be a long and stressful process, and you deserve congratulations when you sign the final papers. Now that you have your new home, you have an entirely new list of to-dos to make. While it’s easy to get lost in the excitement of furnishing, decorating and adding your personal touches to your new home, there is one important thing that should not be overlooked: your home’s security. Now that you have the keys to your new home, what should you do with those keys? Here are our top locksmith security tips for new homeowners.

1. Locate Every Key

Did you receive multiple sets of keys from the previous homeowners? If so, make sure you know where all of them are located.

Get to Know Your Locks and Keys

Were there different keys for different doors? If so, be sure you understand which keys operate which doors. You want to have all of the keys in order to start the moving process.

2. Change Your Locks

Once you are officially in the home, change the locks right away. The last thing you want is the safety of your new home compromised, and old locks may have an unknown amount of keys floating around. Even if you think you have all of the sets, there is no guarantee that someone else doesn't have a set of keys that the previous homeowner either didn’t reveal, or forgot about. The previous homeowners could have shared keys with neighbors, contractors, family members and friends. There are a couple of different ways you can change your locks.

Rekeying is Affordable

Rekeying is a more affordable option than switching out all of the doorknobs. Surprisingly, 34 percent of burglars go right through the front door, so you’ll definitely want to make sure your entry doors are secured. A locksmith simply changes the configuration of the internal mechanisms of your doors’ locks, which makes the old keys useless. The locksmith cuts new keys to work with the new configuration. Even though you keep the same locks in your door, rekeying is just as secure as completely changing the locks.

Changing the Locks

Changing the entire lock is another option. While this one is more expensive, it’s a good option if you don’t like the aesthetics of the existing locks or if they seem to have been damaged or compromised. To ensure that the locks are installed correctly and offer the highest level of security, be sure to contact a professional locksmith to do the job.

3. Duplicate Your Keys

Now that your doors are rekeyed or you have brand new locks, make a couple of copies of your new keys.

Location, Location, Location

However, avoid hiding keys in traditional places like under a rock or under the doormat. Home intruders typically search in about a 10-foot area surrounding your door. Either find an unusual location or one that’s a little further away from the front door to hide your key. Better yet, give a spare to a trusted friend or neighbor that you can get in case of a lockout.

4. Install a Deadbolt

Deadbolts offer much more protection than a handle lock, but only if they are installed correctly.

Double Cylinder Lock

If your doors lack deadbolts, hire a locksmith to ensure they are installed correctly. If a window is located right next to your front door, consider installing a double cylinder lock that requires a key to unlock.

5. Other Security Measures

Outside of your locks, there are a few other ways to secure your new home. One of the best security tips we could offer is to take the time to introduce yourself to your new neighbors and get to know them a little bit. See if there is a neighborhood watch program you could be a part of. By getting to know your neighbors, you have extra people to keep an eye on your home if you are away. You can also alert your neighbors to any suspicious activities you witness.

Home Security System

Also, consider installing a home security system or a motion-activated light by your front door. A security system can notify authorities if there is a break-in attempt, and a motion-activated light can alert you or your neighbors to any movement by your front door. Get an overall sense of familiarity with your neighborhood so you can better understand what is normal activity. This allows you to spot any suspicious behavior or strange people. Watch for certain cars that drive by often, the approximate time of day deliveries are made, and other types of activity.

6. Hire a Trusted Locksmith

Homeowners should hire an established locksmith they can trust. A skilled locksmith can install the locks properly and help maintain optimum security at your home.

Doing it Right

An experienced, trustworthy, and reliable locksmith will get the work done correctly without overcharging. This can give you peace of mind in your new home.

Now that you are the proud owner of your own home, it is important to maintain proper security to protects yourself, other occupants, and your valued possessions. Consult with a reputable locksmith to help you establish the highest level of security within your budget. As an added benefits, certain security measures may help lower the cost of your homeowners insurance policy.

How can we help you? Contact us today.