How does one find a good locksmith? What factors come in to this decision? What do you need to avoid? There are many things to learn about hiring a locksmith! This piece should provide a useful guide.
When you paint your home, always cover the locks before painting the door. If you paint over the key hole and seal it, the key won’t fit in and you’ll need to contact a locksmith. Covering all the locks may take some time, but that is better than hiring a locksmith to change out the locks.
Be wary of a locksmith that quotes one price and then raises it once he arrives. They’re doing this to scam you out of more money. If the job is more than what it would cost on the phone, hire someone else.
Avoid extra expenses by calling the locksmith in his business hours. Locksmith costs can skyrocket after normal work hours. For instance, you might pay 50 bucks for a service call during the day, but at night it will cost you double that.
If you get a price by phone and they try to charge you more when they arrive, tell them you won’t utilize their services again. There are far too many options for locksmiths. Those that will be dishonest are not worth the time.
Look for a locksmith who is active in the professional community of locksmiths. While you don’t absolutely have to, knowing the locksmith is knowledgeable about current technology can be reassuring. It also lets you know he’s dedicated to what he’s doing.
Ask any locksmith how experienced they are. Also, check to see if they’ve always used the same location. Try to find a locksmith who has been in business for at least 5 years.
If you have a chance, do a quick search online for any locksmith you are thinking about using. It is not hard to find reviews for locksmiths and other services online. Do not use a site that is affiliated with any particular locksmith or locksmith group. Also try checking with your local BBB before you hire a locksmith.
Verify a locksmith’s credentials before letting them into your home. Look for the listed address and reference it with the phone number. With easy online access, you can double check anyone you want to hire.
Be sure that the locksmiths you try to hire will show you an ID prior to you making your appointment. Be clear that you will require ID from them prior to any work being done. As a professional service person, they might also be wearing a uniform, but you should demand to see an id at the very least.
The information located above will help guide you when looking for a locksmith. While it’s not a pleasant situation, the experience will be less traumatic if you are fully prepared. Whether you need to change locks or you need to get inside your house, knowing as much as you can about locksmiths will be helpful to you.