Many people do not consider locksmiths until it is necessary to hire one. You know who to call if you have a medical emergency, but do you know who you should call when you get locked out?
Never agree to having your lock completely replaced simply because you locked yourself out of your home or business. Talented locksmiths can unlock almost every door without needing to replace a lock. Paying for a new lock is a waste of money.
Be careful of any locksmith who gives you a quote then raises the price when he gets there. This is just a way to get money on many unsuspecting consumers.
Get a receipt for the work is completed. Get some proof that you paid for the service before the locksmith leaves.Keep the receipt in case there is any question with regard to payment issue comes up later.
Cover your locks before painting. If you seal up the hole by accident, a locksmith will be required. While this does require an extra investment of time, it is certainly worth it.
Business Hours
Avoid extra expenses by not calling the locksmith after regular business hours. The locksmith charges goes up after hours. The after hours fees can be double the fees charged during normal business hours.
Be prepared even if you do not foresee needing a locksmith. Do your research ahead of time, and find a reputable individual that you can call on in case of an emergency. You may even want to have the number of the locksmith in your phone. Then you will have the number at hand.
One of the first questions you ask when calling a locksmith is how many years they have ran their business. Make sure that they’ve been operating from this location the same location. A business that has usually been in an area for at least five to ten years.
You can often find many reputable websites and forums geared toward reviews online. Make sure the site you check for reviews is not run by a particular locksmith. You should also need to refer to the BBB before you decide on a locksmith.
If a locksmith tries to bill you for an amount above what he had quoted you over the phone, tell him that you won’t be using him again. If the charges are drastically different, question the locksmith.
Sometimes this means that you can’t trust the person is not qualified to do the work correctly. Get quotes and find one that you want to hire.
Ask the locksmith how long they’ve been in business. If it’s been active for a long time, then they are most likely trustworthy and reliable. Although not all novice locksmiths are untrustworthy, caution should be taken.
Look for locksmiths who are active within their communities. A locksmith that keeps himself current with the latest trends and developments will do a better job. It also shows he’s serious about his profession.
Don’t hire locksmiths after you speak to. You ought to speak to no less than three locksmiths before choosing a locksmith. This will go a reasonable expectation of what the market price is for locksmith work.
Ask your locksmith for references of previous customers. Most businesses will be happy to give you references, and you should actually call those references.
Before letting a locksmith into your house, make sure you have references and recommendations. You should do this in advance, before you actually need them. You will want the best possible job done for your home.
The net is a great resource when you are in the market for a new locksmith. A lot of people go online to talk about how their experiences with others. This can give you a great idea of who to choose. The good thing is that any type of review can be great in aiding a hiring choice.
Beware of any locksmith who say they must drill out your entire lock or replace it when you are locked out.
Check out a locksmith’s credentials before letting him enter your home. Check on both the address and phone number, making certain that they match the business and the individual. With easy online access, you can double check anyone you want to hire.
Never hire a locksmith who charge you just for coming out. This is not something most locksmiths will do, so you should know this person is probably trying to scam you. If you tell them to leave and they ask for payment, contact the police if they’re asking for pay.
Some locksmiths have the training to repair your alarm as well.
Get a referral list before you hire anyone. Many businesses have no problem providing references. Be sure to call these references. Find out how trustworthy and reliable locksmiths are and the amount they charge for off-hours and emergencies.
Ask for identification and a license when your locksmith come to you. Compare these documents so you can ensure that the person at your house is the one on the license. A reputable locksmith will have a license whether required by the state or not.
One of the most important things to do is to be prepared in the event of a lockout. As long as you’re able to use what you read here, things shouldn’t be that hard to deal with the next time you lose your keys. In fact, you’ll turn the situation into one where you come out unscathed.
Feel free to use Google to find the name of any locksmith that comes to your home. Never be embarrassed to do so, because you have every right to protect yourself. If your search yields information you’re not happy with, call the company to ask for another worker.