Change locks after moving in

loulou41

I had some works done on a house and the builder advised me to change the locks. I have been given spare keys to the worksmen to gain access to the house whilst I have been working. Does anybody normally change locks after house purchase and how much does it cost for just the yale?

barnaby-bear

loulou41 wrote: »

I had some works done on a house and the builder advised me to change the locks. I have been given spare keys to the worksmen to gain access to the house whilst I have been working. Does anybody normally change locks after house purchase and how much does it cost for just the yale?

Everytime - it's not the workman, it's the previous owners neighbour who kept a spare key but has a junkie son the people before them who let it out to 17 sets of tenants etc... you just don't know
takes about 10 minutes - http://everything2.com/title/Changing+a+Yale+lock
http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/changinglockbarrel.htm
I've always taken barrel out and with me so got one the right size - pvc doors even easier...
Should be under £10

dander

Never done it myself, never felt the need, but if it makes you feel more comfortable to get it changed, then it wouldn't be expensive to get someone in to do it.

Fire_Fox

Why would you only change the Yale? They are more easily forced than the Chubb type.

G_M

I've always done it - after moving, giving a workman a set, whatever. After changing the barrel (costs peanuts, google DIY locks changefor help on how to do it!) keep the old barrel for next time/next house!

Peace of mind.

mlz1413

I would definitely change them.

I bought a house that was really run down and didn't bother changing the lock as the whole door was going to be changed, later on I realised a some wine and food had gone missing, I know its not much but it made me feel really unhappy I didn't know if it was the builder, builders labourer, ex tenants (house had been rented) etc etc. Why the person had stolen, if they were coming back to steal again, if they might come back when I was in.

I would never again leave the same lock in the door as when I purchased a house, after workmen probably wouldn't worry me as I use people I know.

Even if you can't do the change yourself whats a few pounds when its entry to your home.