If you are locked out, you probably want to know how much a locksmith will charge to open your door. The answer will depend on the type of locksmith you choose, but there are a few general guidelines you can follow to keep your costs down. It’s also a good idea to replace door locks when you move into a new house key, as you don’t know who might have copies of your keys. If you aren’t sure how much a locksmith should charge, do a search online and call a few companies.
One factor to consider when determining the cost of a locksmith to open door is their level of expertise. The more special key they are, the higher the price. A professional locksmith with many years of experience will charge more than someone who has only recently begun in the industry. You can also ask whether they have insurance, since they will be working on your property. If you have a special key request for the locksmith, it is important to mention it in advance so you don’t overpay.
Another factor to consider is the type of lock you have on your property. If you’ve tried to pick a lock yourself, you’ve already tried a few keys different methods without success. You may have even broken a piece of the key inside the lock and now have no way of opening it. In either case, you’ll need to get a locksmith to open the door. Whether you have an older home with a standard lock or a newer one, you can trust a professional locksmith.
If your locks are in a poor state, it’s worth considering the cost of having a locksmith replace them. Lock replacement can cost anywhere from $60 to $200, but it can save you from damaging the door. But be sure you get a quote first. It can’t hurt to compare prices – it’s the best way to find the lowest price. If the lock is in good shape, you might save up to a third of the cost by changing the locks yourself.
Keep in mind that locksmiths work during normal business hours, which means you’ll have to call them during their peak hours. During these hours, most people notice their lock issue on their way out of the house. During these hours, the rate for a locksmith’s service may be considerably higher. On average, the price for a lock replacement can range from $50 to $100 per hour, and the cost of rekeying or producing additional keys may be added to that figure. However, if you don’t need access right away, call them after work or later in the day.
A locksmith can also install deadbolts, the standard safety lock on most exterior house doors. The cost of installing a deadbolt will vary by style key, but it will likely cost between $40 and $75. Deadbolts can come in different styles, including cylindrical, lever, and mortise. Mortise deadbolts cost anywhere from $125 to $175. The installation fee for a deadbolt can be much lower if you upgrade the locks on your interior doors yourself.