The term “lock change” is frequently misused to refer to lock rekeying, or even lock repair. These services are performed when a lock is adapted to work with new keys, or when a broken lock is fixed, respectively. A true lock change occurs when the old lock is completely removed from the door and a brand new one is installed.
The cost of a lock change includes the price of the new lock as well as the installation fee. Consequently, the decisions you make will affect the final price. Here are the 4 main factors to consider.
1. Choice of Installer
As you might expect, it costs more to hire a professional locksmith than to change the lock yourself. However, this decision is not as clear-cut as it might appear at first. A professional locksmith will get it right the first time, with a minimum of time and effort. You will know up front how much you will pay, and the locksmith will deal with any headaches that might arise.
If you go the DIY route, you will need to spend time comparing different types of locks and deciding what you want. You will need to visit the hardware store or big box store, and figure out what extra hardware you might need to go with the lock you chose. If the new lock is bigger or smaller than the old lock, you might need to drill new holes in the door, double check the alignment, and take care of innumerable small tasks that can significantly add to the time and effort. You might even make an installation error, forcing you to remove the new lock and start over.
Only you can determine your level of comfort with the job, whether you already have all needed tools, and how much your time is worth. In many cases, though, the slightly higher cost of a locksmith is more than offset by the peace of mind.
2. Level of Lock Security
Not all locks are created equal. As a general rule of thumb, the more security a lock provides, the higher its price point. This does not mean that you need to buy the most expensive lock for every door, but it does mean that the average price of a high security lock is higher than the average price of a lower security lock.
3. Type of Door
Exterior doors have different security needs, and are often made from different materials, than interior doors. Therefore, exterior door locks are generally more expensive than interior door locks. Specialized doors often require specialized locks, which can also add to the price.
4. Desired Upgrades
When changing your locks, it only makes sense to take some time to address your overall security needs. Perhaps you want to replace a mid-century deadbolt with a new keyless deadbolt. Maybe you want to add an alarm system to the door, or simply buy the latest version of your old lock. It will be more expensive to upgrade than to make an exact replacement, but it only makes sense to choose the replacement that truly meets your current needs.
Texas Premier Locksmith is known as one of the premier locksmith companies across the state of Texas. If you are ready to form a relationship with a reliable, trustworthy locksmith, please give us a call today at (866) 948-8188.