Locked out - cheapest way to get back in.

Trimmer_2

We've got my mum-in-law coming over for sunday tea and shes just called in a panic to say shes locked herself out. She has a new style front door with the extra locking bits and shes left her spare key in the inside so she can't open it from the front.
She has got into her conservatory but shes locked her patio door and again left the key in it. She hasn't left any windows open or on trickle vent.
I'd just like some suggestions - is it cheaper to replace the lock in the sliding patio door (old style with no extra bolt bits), get a lock smith to drill the front door lock or smash a window and get it re-glazed (double glazed).
Any ideas appreciated as shes on her way, staying here tonight and trying to resolve it tomorrow.
Cheers
Pete

Pssst

Can the patio door be lifted out of its track? do you have any externally beaded windows? Can you pick the lock?

wallbash

Smashing a double glazed unit , large enough to climb thru , looking at a bill of £35 +
( just outside M25 price) Would not do any other damage, fairly easy to fix, replacement , few days.
You won't get anyone to look at the problem for less, and then you have to repair their damage!

Pssst are good ideas, worth a look.

geri1965_2

The locksmith might not need to drill in - when we did this, he just slid a metal bar into the door (it's hard to explain) and it kind of popped open. We could have done it ourselves.

Trimmer_2

Thanks for the replies folks - shes ended up calling out a locksmith (£100 charge).
It was her choice and as I don't really have a clue its probably best instead of me causing damage that could possibly cost more.
Thanks again.

ormus

thats why smashing a small window is the cheapest method.

Mojisola

Trimmer wrote: »

We've got my mum-in-law coming over for sunday tea and shes just called in a panic to say shes locked herself out. She has a new style front door with the extra locking bits and shes left her spare key in the inside so she can't open it from the front.

Just out of interest - how did she manage to lock the door if the spare key was in the inside lock? We've just got a new door and we can't lock or unlock it if there's a key in the lock inside.

msgnomey

Last time I needed a double glazed window replaced (vandals smashed it) it cost me £200 mind you the insurance paid...£35 squid??? VVVV cheap yes it was a small window too!

wallbash

insurance paid.

Cost for my downstairs toilet window to be replaced. £35 plus vat
Window easily big enough to get thru.
The glass was frosted, so a sealed double unit of plain glass should ( I think ) be cheaper.Unit supplied by local firm, they swapped unit, so fast, that the kettle had not even boiled.

ormus

msgnomey wrote: »

Last time I needed a double glazed window replaced (vandals smashed it) it cost me £200 mind you the insurance paid...£35 squid??? VVVV cheap yes it was a small window too!

200 quid!
they must have seen you coming!