When you’re a first-time homeowner, there are a few aspects of your house that you may want to change. Sometimes it’s the paint color, kitchen appliances, or the flooring. However, one item that should always be updated are the door locks. Unless you’ve purchased a newly constructed home that’s never been occupied, you’ll be needing a locksmith. Here are a few reasons why the locks on a recently purchased home may be compromised. 

Why You Need to Change the Locks When Moving In

1. Improve Damaged Locks

Like anything else in a home, the locks are susceptible to damage. Considering that they’re used daily, they may have significant wear and tear, especially if they’re older. Because locks have a complex construction, the problems could be with the internal cylinder. Even if there are only a few scratches on the plates, don’t assume the whole thing is in perfect condition.

2. Eliminate Potential Duplicates

Duplicating keys is one of the most popular services that a locksmith provides. Because of this, it’s highly likely that the previous homeowners had a few copies made. They may have made one for every member of the household or as a backup to keep at work in case they forgot their keys. The previous homeowners and their family aren’t the only ones you need to worry about. Some people give copies to trusted pet sitters, housekeepers, and nannies. If the house was remodeled before the sale, anyone who worked on it might also have one. With so many floating around, there’s a risk someone could enter your home. If you change the locks, you can guarantee that you’re the only one with the corresponding house keys.

3. Update the Mechanism 

If you have kids or a family member who tends to lose their keys, you can use this as an opportunity to switch to a lock that is more convenient and secure. Instead of just changing to another standard lock, have an electronic keypad lock installed instead. A person can easily unlock the door with a numerical code, and they only need to remember a few numbers. If you are worried about your home’s security being breached, you can create a new code when needed for additional assurance. Consult with your locksmith if this is the best fit for your property. 

If you need a reliable locksmith to install a new set of locks, head to ADA NY Locksmith in New York City. For 30 years, they’ve been trusted by homeowners, landlords, and business owners throughout the city. If you have any questions, call them today at (212) 689-1803, message them on Twitter, or stop by their storefront in-person.