Crime is on the rise and people are thinking more and more about safety. You cannot trust your family’s protection to cheap locks or do it yourself security fixes. Hiring a good locksmith is a must, and learning how to do just that comes with reading the article found below.
When painting your home, make sure to cover up any locks before doing the doors. You will need to call a locksmith if you seal the hole off since your key will no longer be able to fit. Covering every lock takes some time, but not as much time as it takes to replace all your locks.
Get a receipt once the work is done. This minimizes your chances of receiving a bill later on in the mail. Get some proof that you paid for your services in full. Keep the receipt inside a secure place in case there are questions about payment in the future.
If you call a locksmith and they show up in an unmarked vehicle, you should be a bit concerned. Most legitimate locksmiths have a company vehicle. While having a plain car does not guarantee you are dealing with someone underhanded, you probably don’t want to risk your security by working with them.
When checking the credentials on any potential locksmith, don’t forget about a possible alias, or other name under which they might have operated. advice While not everyone will reveal this information, it should be readily available to you online and elsewhere. While a name change isn’t always a bad sign, it’s something you should know about when seraching!
Before you let a locksmith inside your home, make sure he gives you a few references and professional recommendations. You should do this in advance, before you actually need them. You want good work done, but you also want to trust the locksmith.
More about the author If you are looking for a good locksmith, you should ask friends, family and co-workers for recommendations. This is a service that many people use, so it is likely that someone can lead you to the right place. If not, you can try finding someone on a legitimate review site.
Only hire a locksmith that is bonded and has insurance. If he or she messes up on the job, you want to make sure you are protected and that you will be reimbursed for the damages. Knowing that the company has taken this type of precaution should give you peace of mind as the work on your property begins.
If you receive great service from a locksmith, you should keep his number on hand in case you need him again. A very good locksmith is not always easy to find, so it would not be a good idea to discard their information. You will be a lot safer if only once person handles all of your security needs.
Beware locksmiths who answer the phone with a general phrase, such as “locksmith services”. If they don’t provide a company name or location, they may actually subcontract local locksmiths, meaning you have no control over the quality of the person who shows up. Look for a company which is local and mentions their name.
Prior to giving any locksmith your keys, get their list of customers. They should be able to give references, and you should call them. Ask about the dependability and integrity of the locksmith as well as the amount charged after hours or during emergency situations.
Call roadside assistance before calling a locksmith. They may offer you their own locksmithing services, or they can refer you to a trustworthy local professional. If you don’t have roadside assistance, call your insurance company as they may offer similar services or references. Regardless, they’ll know who you can call.
After a locksmith has changed the keys or locks in your home, try them yourself before he leaves. While his work is no doubt top-notch, new keys and locks can be tricky. Make sure you can figure out the knack or get his advice on how to break them in, so that you’re not frustrated about it later.
Look for a locksmith which not only offers a local phone number, but also a local address. Some unsavory companies use a local number but reroute the call to a national call center, sending out someone who may not be on the up and up. A local address means they really are in your town.
Don’t sign any blank forms which authorize work being done! This just opens you up to being fleeced for all you are worth. If you receive an estimate, try to get it in writing. If they arrive and say that the job is going to cost significantly more, send them on their way.
Locksmiths can work on doors, but they should also be able to help with windows, too. This is particularly valuable if your home has been burglarized. In fact, they might even be capable of assisting you with an alarm system to really secure your home.
Check out the vehicle a new locksmith is driving. No, it’s not to see their sweet ride, it’s to see if the car is marked with their business on the side. Most reputable locksmiths brand their vehicles, both for marketing purposes and as a way to lower the risk you feel when a strange person shows up. An unmarked car could be a sign of something fishy. Use your best judgement.
Steer clear of any locksmith who simply uses a generic name for his or her services. Look for a reputable company with a brand name attached. Those generic companies are more likely to be scams, so its best to avoid them all together. Plus, it helps you narrow down the best choice in your area.
Ask about the pricing on simple tasks, like letting you into your home when locked out. A good locksmith can quote you an exact price. Try another company if you cannot get a straight answer.
While a simple job may seem like one you can tackle alone, you never know what might crop up as the project unfolds. Don’t waste your time and money, hire a locksmith using the tips you’ve read here. That will ensure that the job is completed on time and on budget.
