Buying new build - change locks?

lotstodotoday

Is it worth changing the locks on a new build house? I would do it automatically for renting or if buying any other home, but I'm not sure it's worth it for a new build. Arguably it should be fine, but we have no idea who may have been given the keys as most of the internal work seems to have been done by various contractors. I may just be being paranoid to think of it so please tell me if I'm just being silly!! (Friends experiencing burglaries recently may be contributing to this!) We will be getting a burglar alarm very soon after moving.

fishpond

You are being silly.:)

KatieDee

Please excuse the thread hijack!

Would you always recommend changing the locks on a purchase which is not a new build? I hadn't even thought about it!

ging84

how many keys do you have and what sort of locks are they? Usually locks would come with 3 keys, if you get less i'd get the developer to replace the lock, that is what ours did. It's a decent cylinder lock with keys you cannot easily get cut so i would have been happy with it had i got all 3 keys.
But if it's a cheap lock cylinder with keys you can get cut anywhere and can easily be bumped, i would have changed it anyway.

If not a new build best to change them anyway
i have keys to many of my old properties, not on purpose, just show up later in places i've stored them

Mobeer

Chances are you will have enough snagging issues that its easier to leave a set of keys with the sales office so that workmen can let themselves in (when agreed in advance) to do jobs while you are out.

lotstodotoday

Mobeer wrote: »

Chances are you will have enough snagging issues that its easier to leave a set of keys with the sales office so that workmen can let themselves in (when agreed in advance) to do jobs while you are out.

Given the state we found the place on our last visit, I can categorically state that every single visit will be accompanied! (Couldn't compete snagging as work not done and, how to phrase this, noticeable lack of care/flushing/aim in the toilets?)

lotstodotoday

KatieDee wrote: »

Please excuse the thread hijack!

Would you always recommend changing the locks on a purchase which is not a new build? I hadn't even thought about it!

It's a good idea when you move somewhere new because you never know who will have keys. Maybe more so when renting but usually a sensible idea.

lotstodotoday

fishpond wrote: »

You are being silly.:)

Thank you! Sanity check compete! (This is probably a sign that the stress is piling up!)

ging84

my developer wrapped each toilet up with a bow, to ensure no one gets left an unwanted present

G_M

When you move into a new home, whether as a tenant, owner, whether brand new or 2nd hand, why would you not change the locks???

Unless you can state catagorically how many sets of keys exist, and whose hands those sets have passed through, you cannot know who has access to your home.

Given the cost of new locks is a few £s and 10 minutes work it's a no-brainer.

DaftyDuck

House 200,000 pounds... upwards to whatever...

New DIY lock front & back 30 pounds.... keep old locks for next house or even shed...

Result? Sleep well and enjoy your weekend away... cheap at the price!