Whether you’ve recently moved or lost your house keys, there are tons of reasons to contact a home lockout service, especially since you don’t know who had access to your locks before moving into your new home. Realtors, contractors, and previous tenants could all have access to your house, so it’s best to replace the locks for security reasons. But what’s the cost of home lockout service in South Austin if you’re in need of emergency lock services?
Prices vary based on locks, labor, and location, but the flat rate service fee remains the same, which this article breaks down in detail. Keep reading to learn all about the cost of home lockout service and why you need this invaluable service today.
Why You Need a Locksmith
You’ve probably seen locks for sale when you wander around the home improvement store. And while DIY projects have a time and place, it’s best to leave home security issues to the pros.
If you’ve moved into an older home, there’s no guarantee the new locks you purchase will fit. Some older homes have strike plates shaped differently from modern locks which require special tools to bore out a special hole.
Professionally trained locksmiths know how to install locks quickly and have the tools to accommodate any lock style and shape.
Locksmiths can also assess the status of your home’s security, looking for broken locks on doors and windows. If they find any issues, they can correct them on the spot. Locksmiths also go through rigorous training and have extensive experience handling any type of lock.
If you’re looking to beef up your home security system, you can look into digital smart locks. You can even connect them to smart devices, but you need a skilled locksmith to install this type of lock and show you how to operate it.
Locksmiths are also licensed and insured, so you’re getting professional service you can trust.
Cost of Home Lockout Service in South Austin
Now that you know why a locksmith is essential for any residence, you’re probably wondering about the cost of home lockout services.
South Austin Locksmith prides itself on transparent pricing. While prices are estimates and vary, your technician can help guide you with the total cost after they arrive at your home.
Prices start at a $29 Service Call Fee, before adding on labor charges and the cost of hardware and locks if needed. Each situation varies, so dispatchers can only provide estimates over the phone.
If you live outside of the main service area, there may be an additional $29 charge. Other factors come into play, such as which lock your need servicing.
House or apartment locks start at $30 and go from there based on the type of lock installed. Interior room or bedroom locks also start at $30, and mailbox locks start at $30.
If you’re locked out of a cabinet or toolbox, locks start at $30. Safe lockouts start at $70, as more work is typically involved.
Types of Locks
The lock you install affects the price as well. Here are some common home locks you may need to eventually replace.
Padlocks
You may have padlocks throughout your home. They come in keyed and combination variations. Some are even built into smaller home safes.
Combination padlocks are easy to decode and may require an upgrade depending on what you use them for.
Depending on the type of keyed padlock you have, you may or may not be able to rekey it if you lose the keys. If you’re worried about an intruder trying to cut your lock, look for padlocks with shrouded shoulders.
Heavy-duty padlocks from Squire can cost as much as $350.
Deadbolts
You commonly see deadbolts on external doors. Unlike padlocks, they come with extra options.
They come in three types: lockable tumb-turns, singles, and doubles. If you purchase a single cylinder, your deadbolt will come with a key barrel on the outside while the inside has a thumb-turn. If an intruder has access to the thumb-turn, it can easily be opened from the inside.
If you purchase a double-cylinder deadbolt, it’ll have a key cylinder inside and outside of it. This not only lowers the ease of accessibility but makes the door safer overall. However, in the event of an emergency, it poses a significant risk.
The lockable thumb-turn combines the single and double-cylinder deadbolts. The thumb-turn inside is easily locked with a key. If you don’t lock it, it works just like a single-cylinder lock would.
Deadbolts cost $50 to $200, depending on the type you purchase.
Lever Handle Locks
level locks are more common in commercial buildings, so if you rent an apartment you may see these. They’re more popular among inner doors. They’re easy to open if you’re comparing them to knob locks.
They boast a sizeable pushdown handle that needs to be turned once the door is unlocked. These are great for handicap accessibility, but they do give in to pressure if under a torque attack.
Knob Locks
Knob locks are most common on external residential property doors. They provide additional security when coupled with deadbolt locks. They’re not advisable for locking external doors since the cylinder isn’t on the door but on the doorknob.
You need to ensure this lock has the appropriate back set and handedness, as you can bypass the door using pliers if the lock is broken off with a hammer.
Door knob locks cost between $70 and $175 to install, on average.
Cam Locks
Cam locks are popular among mailboxes and filing cabinets. They come in an array of sizes and you can link them with other locking mechanisms. These locks are opened by rotating them clockwise or counterclockwise.
Euro Profile Cylinders
You may see euro profile cylinders on sliding glass doors or dividing doors. While they’re mostly used in Europe, it’s not completely out of the ordinary to see them used in America.
Mortise Locks
Glass doors and commercial doors most commonly use mortise locks, also known as rim locks. The rim cylinders on rim latch locks are what you would use, installing these latches inside your door.
There’s a long metal bar at its back and it engages the lock mechanism for the opposite door. The lock at the end of the cylinder is held by two screws.
Mortise locks can be expensive to replace, so repairing them is often preferable. The lock itself can cost as much as $400, not including additional trim.
Wall-Mounted Locks
You’ll most commonly see wall-mounted locks on large business premises, but they act as safes for stored items so you can find them anywhere. They’re great for emergency access locks if keys are stored on the premises.
Furniture Locks
If you have a home office, you may have furniture locks, especially on cabinets and desk drawers. These flat metal locks extend to the side so your lock is secured. If it’s the push-button model, a rod will secure the lock in place.
For furniture locks with codes, a locksmith may be able to cut a new key if you lost yours. If there’s no visible code, they may be able to pick the lock if no other options present themselves.
Other Services Offered
Now that you know how a locksmith can help you if you lock yourself out of your house, it’s important to understand other ways they can help. Here are some common services they offer.
Replacement Keys and Key Copying Services
If you need replacement keys or copies made, then a locksmith is the person to contact. These replacement keys can be for a new home, a new car, or office rentals and serve as a backup should you lose the original set.
Even if you don’t have replacement keys and lose the original, a locksmith can assist you by replacing them altogether. The proper training and equipment allow locksmiths to replace virtually any key, car keys included. Car dealerships can do this too, but they’re typically very expensive and can charge as much as $600 for a single key fob.
High-Security Locks
It’s not uncommon for construction contractors to install very basically, bare-bones locks on new homes and businesses. They can be broken without much resistance, so it’s best to improve your overall security.
A certified locksmith can install high-security locks all over your property, helping you increase your level of home protection. High-security locks require more manipulation than a basic lock, making them more durable against forced entry.
Medeco and Mul-T-Lock are bump-proof and drill-proof. They may be more expensive, but they offer peace of mind.
Remote Access Locks
Are you looking to install remote access locks for keyless entry? Then contact a licensed locksmith for this type of service.
You can choose from remote systems, proximity readers, keypad entry systems, and apartment intercom systems. Many people opt for electronic locks as they’re easily programmed whereas mechanical locks have to be changed.
Remote access locks are convenient, let you know who’s entering and exiting your home, and can enhance security and safety. Electronic locks can cost anywhere from $50 to $400, but the average price is $85 to $175.
Safe Installation
Do you have a safe in your home that you need to be secured? Locksmiths can help you secure it by bolting it to your floor and can even help you if you lose the combination. Many locksmiths double as safe companies and work to help you secure your belongings.
They can even help you select the best safe to purchase, taking into consideration tampering methods, fire ratings, and the size of the safe along with how well it can withstand attacks.
Repair Door and Window Locks
You may not realize that one or more of your window locks is broken. However, locksmiths can complete a survey of your property, looking for instances where locks need replacing.
Should they find any broken door or window locks, they can replace them for you. They may even be able to repair many locks without the need to purchase an entirely new lock.
Since broken locks leave your home vulnerable to theft, it’s best to repair them as soon as possible. Considering break-ins happen every 26 seconds in the US, it’s best to leave lock and window repairs to the pros.
Rekeying
Do you need your locks rekeyed? This allows you to keep your existing locks but replace the keys that work with them. Rekeying your locks is always the cheaper option unless your locks are damaged beyond the point of repair.
If you’ve lost your keys or someone unauthorized has access to your dwelling, you need to contact a locksmith to discuss your options. The same goes for lost or stolen car keys, as you should rekey your ignition. If you’re worried about carrying around multiple keys, locksmiths can rekey everything to one master key so you don’t have to carry around multiple keys.
South Austin Home Lockout Services
If you need home lockout services, then South Austin Locksmith is your one-stop shop. The cost of home lockout service in South Austin starts at a flat rate of $29 per service call and varies depending on the scope of work needed. The type of locks you replace will also play a role in cost.
No matter what type of locksmith service you need, South Austin Locksmith has you covered. Reach out to us today to request a service call.