Choosing a Locksmith in London
Has your home recently been burgled? Do you need a spare set of keys for your house or car? Have you recently moved into a new home? Then what you need is a locksmith and selecting one need not be a hustle anymore. A locksmith provides a 24/7 service and can even respond to emergency calls within 15minutes. But when it comes to choosing a locksmith you have to be careful. This person will essentially know every lock installed and every security system/safeguard in place. So ensuring that you pick the right person for the job is important for the safety of you and your property.
Traditionally, locksmiths in London built the entire locking system from scratch. And these days’ people tend to use locksmiths only for installing lock and keys, breaking locks and rekeying. But most people don’t realize that locksmith service providers also act as security consultants. A security consultant does a thorough investigation of your property’s security system and then comes up with major areas of improvement to make it more secure. A good security system will ensure that it is almost impossible/extremely difficult to break in. There are several locksmith accreditations that ensure the standard of work is of high quality. Be sure to check for these certifications such as Certified Registered Locksmith (CRL) or Registered Locksmith (RL). It is also vital to always ask for references so you can be able to do a thorough background check on previous work.
Obviously costs will depend on whether you want a copy of your key made, a new lock installed or just breaking into a room. Some locksmith services will also charge for the distance travelled. Always get a quote from your locksmith before giving the go ahead for the work.
These days you also have to be careful about getting scammed by so called local locksmith businesses. Some of these operate as call centers and have unlicensed locksmiths. They provide a much more inferior service which will only cost you more to fix in the long run. By getting references and a proper physical address you will be able to ascertain whether they are actually local.
Ensure that your locksmith comes with insurance cover or that he is bonded. Bonded is the same as insurance cover for a locksmith. It not only ensures that the strictest safety guidelines are followed, but that the work is of a high standard and that the insurer will cover any damages caused. Call around first and get all the necessary information on accreditation, cost, insurance cover and references. Also ask people you know for locksmiths that they have used in the past. You want to be able to trust the person that you let into your house. Lastly don’t sacrifice cost for quality. You might be able to get a very cheap locksmith who won’t do the job properly. Alternatively using the most expensive doesn’t mean they provide the best service.