Locksmith (or Locks) Question

dinofabio

My friend has just completed on a property that was bought at auction.

She has the front door key only.

She has not got the keys for the french doors (UVPC) at the rear of the property, or keys for any of the double glazed windows (7 in total).

So not only is it a pain in the backside access wise, but also a potential hazard if you need to get out quickly.

Qu: Will new locks have to be fitted on the doors and windows, or is there another (and cheaper) way around this?

Qu: Can the window locks replacement be done by a diy'er?

Worst case scenario whats a ball park figure for sorting this whole problem out. (midlands area if that makes a difference)

Appreciate any comments

southcoastrgi

windows are prob genaric keys, tbh if i was moving into a new/old place i would change all the locks anyway you never know who has keys

Jonesya

Ordinarily changing euro cylinder locks and locking handles is DIYable (google 'changing a euro cylinder lock' 'double glazing handles') but to change these, you first need to have the door or window unlocked and in this case that'll be the tricky bit.

muckybutt

As above ^^ if the french doors are locked and she has no keys then a lock smith will be required to pick the lock and refit new ones.

A decent lock smith will be able to open the locks without damage, a bodger will probably drill them.

T_T_2

muckybutt wrote: »

A decent lock smith will be able to open the locks without damage, a bodger will probably drill them.

And judging by the surge in the number of 'qualified locksmiths' a selection from the yellow pages will probably give 50/50 results. If they get out of the van with a cordless drill and a new cylinder then the clues are there :rotfl:

moaninggit

any old small key will open the windows with a bit of jiggling.To open the patio door google snaping euro locks and just replace the barrel.

dinofabio

T_T wrote: »

And judging by the surge in the number of 'qualified locksmiths' a selection from the yellow pages will probably give 50/50 results. If they get out of the van with a cordless drill and a new cylinder then the clues are there :rotfl:

If they are having to replace the lock anyway I suppose it doesn't matter too much?