Recommended Locksmiths for Change of Property Locks

Pixel on 23/06/2024 - 19:12
Last edited 23/06/2024 - 19:40 by 1 other user

Hi all, calling on the collective wisdom of this community.

We have recently purchased our first home and are looking for some advice. My wife has grown up in a home with security cameras, home alarm systems and fairly robust locks for every entry way (think - there's locks on a 5m high skylight etc). I've grown up outside of the city where every 2nd one of my windows never had a lock and my front door would be 50/50 whether we remember to lock it when we left the house (granted I'm aware this is not a good habit).

There are a few non-negotiable things that my wife would like but would like some wisdom on the negotiable ones

  1. She would like an alarm system installed, my question is how urgently does this need to be done and what features (if we're going to get one installed anyway) are good to have.

- Extra Information: The home that my wife grew up in was in a relatively nice part of Sydney but had been broken into on 2x occasions during her childhood. I believe the alarm system that she had would call someone (I have no idea who) and her dad would get a phone call from some external party that would ask whether they were home etc.

  1. She would like all of our locks changed (Which I think is appropriate) but she would like it changed the day that we get the keys to the home. Do you think this is necessary? (We would otherwise be changing it 1-2 weeks later) but I wanted to think about whether smart lock systems / alarm systems could be integrated together and having to change locks immediately on the day we get keys essentially rules this option out

  2. Any recommendations on Security camera systems (my wife does not think this is necessary but does feel like it's a nice to have). Can anyone recommend a system?

  3. Has anyone had any experience with companies / DIY options for any of the above. Happy to pay for people that know their S**t. We are located in North Western Sydney area.

Cheers!

Home & Garden Security System

Comments

  • Muzeeb on 23/06/2024 - 19:19
    +19

    Just do everything your wife says and asks for ASAP.

    Source: married

    • Pixel on 23/06/2024 - 19:20

      Haha, could be sound advice

    • HeWhoKnows on 24/06/2024 - 07:42
      +3

      Agreed with Muzeeb but NOTHING is urgert.
      Dont worry. The theives wont be waiting for you..
      But get your wife's "daddy" to organise and pay for everything!

      Any locksmith will happily do the job at enormous expense.
      Be prepared to take out another loan!

      NOTE:
      1. Nothing will stop thieves breaking in if they choose to do so
      2. Alarm systems will simply annoy your neigbours when they go off - police wont attend other than to address complaints about noise from your alarm system. Security guards will attend in thier own good time if you pay for that extra service.
      3. Cameras can achieve peace of mind if nothing else. Theives will even pose for you in front of the camera.
      4. Changing locks is always a good idea but only the barrels need to be changed
      5. All of the above depends on the area you move into. If its so bad - then you shoud NOT have bought there!

      • LFO on 24/06/2024 - 09:56
        1. Nothing will stop thieves breaking in if they choose to do so

        Wisest point!!

        Locks, CCTV and all extra paraphernalia will only deter lazy thieves.

        Remember, thieves still break into banks (ATMs) with very $sophisticated $security $systems.

      • Love a bargain on 24/06/2024 - 20:55
        +1

        Re #4. Don't even need to get the barrels changed, just need to get them rekeyed.

        https://lsblocksmiths.com.au/whats-difference-rekeying-repla…

    • payless69 on 24/06/2024 - 09:12
      +1

      Or play her the LPL channel and she want all doors barricaded from the inside.

  • try2bhelpful on 23/06/2024 - 19:30
    +1

    Personally I would look at getting smart locks. If you think your access has been compromised you could blow the whole lot away and allocate new PINs. If the place had smart locks now you wouldn’t need to replace your locks. It allows you to setup temporary PINs for cleaners etc.

    • Pixel on 23/06/2024 - 19:55
      +1

      Yeah okay, very fair. Would you only have 1x smart lock then (i.e. to get the benefit of temporary PINs etc for friends / family ) or would you replace every lock with a smart lock

      • try2bhelpful on 23/06/2024 - 21:28

        How many external door locks do you have? If you only want temporaries you only need one. Just don’t have keys out for the other doors.

        • Pixel on 23/06/2024 - 21:31

          Front Door, Laundry Door and indoor/outdoor area as a sliding glass door

          • try2bhelpful on 23/06/2024 - 22:53
            +1

            @Pixel: Will you be coming in to the house via the sliding door or only going out? If you only go out that way there are simple hacks to stop the door being opened from the outside. I would do some research on the best way to set it up.

            We have a smart lock on the front door. We have PINs and the one we have lets you setup the MYKI card as an access card.

            • Pixel on 24/06/2024 - 22:10

              @try2bhelpful: The sliding door is the closest door to the external garage so I think we may use it (but unsure as to what we may actually end up doing) What is the smart lock you have on your front door? Would you recommend it?

    • HeWhoKnows on 24/06/2024 - 07:47

      yes and not that expensive these days.
      Multiple ways if allowing access - keys, cards, fobs, PIN, fingerprint

  • AustriaBargain on 23/06/2024 - 19:37
    +2

    If she's from a wealthy family why doesn't she pay to organise all this. Also this way if anything goes "wrong" she can't blame you.

    • Muzeeb on 23/06/2024 - 19:51
      +2

      Also this way if anything goes "wrong" she can't blame you.

      How to tell me you're not married without telling me you're not married.

      • djones145 on 23/06/2024 - 20:32
        +1

        hahaha
        she is wrong you are right = u are wrong
        she is wrong you are wrong = u are wrong
        she is right you are right = u are wrong
        she is right you are wrong = u are wrong

        • payless69 on 23/06/2024 - 21:17

          YaKim
          yet another Karen in the making?

        • OMGJL on 24/06/2024 - 13:18

          I think this works more like

          if she'sRight && you're right

          return you're right

          else return she's right you're wrong.

      • AustriaBargain on 23/06/2024 - 22:38
        +2

        Thanks for the reminder 😢

        • djones145 on 24/06/2024 - 10:56

          yep u are wrong

    • Pixel on 23/06/2024 - 19:54
      +3

      All our finances are shared, 'her money' is my money and 'my money' is hers.

    • HeWhoKnows on 24/06/2024 - 07:47

      Suggest she gets "daddy" to organise and pay for everything

  • jjjaar on 23/06/2024 - 19:58
    +1

    she would like it changed the day that we get the keys to the home. Do you think this is necessary? (We would otherwise be changing it 1-2 weeks later)

    Are you getting any other work done where you need to leave the keys with any tradies? If yes, wait until they’re done.

    Are you moving all your stuff in the day you get the keys? If yes, it could be worth changing them then.

    If no, what’s the worst that can happen if you don’t change them day of?

    • Pixel on 23/06/2024 - 20:11

      No work needed re: Renovations and such. We aren't moving our stuff in until a few days later. But yeah, very fair re: what could happen if they could access the house but there's nothing to 'access'

  • poboy on 23/06/2024 - 20:03

    Isn't there a common key used during the build, but then when you take possession you get a unique key that then 'sets' the lock to only work with your key?

    • Pixel on 23/06/2024 - 20:12

      I think this might be the case for new homes but we're buying a home from current owners (i.e. the house was built 50 years ago).

  • sumyungguy on 23/06/2024 - 20:05
    -5

    Have you organised home & contents insurance? I've noticed many insurers won't quote if you don't have a back-to-base alarm system. Do you have details/images of the existing door locks? If you buy the right ones it's perhaps only a half day DIY swap. Do you have a garage door that needs a smart opener?

    • Pixel on 23/06/2024 - 20:15

      Yup, Home and contents insurance have been organised. I believe when I was getting some quotes some included in the questions but I didn't get any refusals to not insure without a house alarm. Do you have a back-to-base alarm system that you would recommend?

      re: Details/images of the existing door - unfortunately not, we inspected during the buying process and such but won't have a chance to visit again until settlement day. re: the Garage door, I believe it's currently a manually opening door and we would ideally change this over to a Smart Opener (but since we won't be storing anything in the garage initially - and the fact that it's external to the home - we don't feel strongly about needing to organise that yet

      • sumyungguy on 23/06/2024 - 20:40
        +1

        Sorry, I don't have an alarm, only consumer grade cameras as a visual deterrent. No pre-settlement inspection? Locks may be rim locks with deadlocking built-in, or possibly deadbolts added later. If you replace existing you won't need hole saws, chisels, filling & painting.

        • Pixel on 23/06/2024 - 21:32

          It's possible to arrange but not sure if it's worth the hassle. It's about 1hr 15 minutes out of our way to inspect and would need to either be a weekend or pre-7am, post 8pm Weekday inspection

          • sumyungguy on 23/06/2024 - 21:37

            @Pixel: Feel free to PM me when you know what's there. I've fitted a few different types, both old and newer houses. Smart locks are great because you no longer need keys. There are models for sliding glass doors too.

            • Pixel on 23/06/2024 - 21:40

              @sumyungguy: Thanks!! Much appreciated I'll get in touch with you, I'll try and get the agent to take some photos or to confirm doors etc

    • Grunntt on 24/06/2024 - 09:02
      +1

      I've noticed many insurers won't quote if you don't have a back-to-base alarm system

      Where have you noticed this? Many will reduce your premium if you do have one installed but I've never seen one refuse to quote.

      • sumyungguy on 24/06/2024 - 13:35
        -1

        Last renewal I checked a few and some wouldn't insure without an electronic alarm, others charge a higher premium or decline to discount. I can't remember which insurers so will do a quick search.

  • payless69 on 23/06/2024 - 21:15

    Paranoia blame shifting.
    Think of it long term!

  • DingoBilly on 23/06/2024 - 21:45
    +1

    On top of what others have said, sounds like your wife may have some unresolved issues that may be worth getting some help for through a psychologist or similar.

    Whether you get your locks changed day of or a week later isn't going to change anything.

    Also at end of day no alarm system is going to keep a determined burglar out.

    • payless69 on 24/06/2024 - 09:10

      Visible alarm systems may challenge prospective burglars being a worthwile place.

    • Pixel on 24/06/2024 - 22:14
      +1

      Definitely agree that her upbringing may be a little different to mine but at the same time different people have different opinions on risk. Everybody is a product of their history and her history resulting in her home being burgled on 2x occasions obviously affects her.

  • boomramada on 23/06/2024 - 22:13
    +1

    Is your wife from US or Philippines ? lol

    Just get a ring or google cam system. Install it around the house and pay for the subscription.

    • Pixel on 24/06/2024 - 22:16

      Do people from the US or Philippines have similar requests? She's grown up in Sydney her whole life.

      Re: Ring or Google Camera System - have you used either and would you recommend?

      • boomramada on 26/06/2024 - 21:06

        Do people from the US or Philippines have similar requests? She's grown up in Sydney her whole life.

        They constantly worried about someone break into your house lol

        Re: Ring or Google Camera System - have you used either and would you recommend?

        I have used both, they both are good, depend on which eco system you into.

  • Hardlyworkin on 23/06/2024 - 22:15
    +2

    I bought a house that has stickers on each window with a home security brand, motion detector alarm and cctv camera out the front. None of which I've used, seems to do the job though!

  • AngoraFish on 23/06/2024 - 23:26
    -2

    You get that if you don't have an alarm system installed on the day you move in you're more or less guaranteed to get broken into, right? Perps have whole databases of this shit for sale on the dark web.

    As for features, I prefer electrocution. Avoid the security systems that use kinetic defenses, like those you can get on AliExpress. These might be okay in the United States, but Australia has much stricter rules on who you can kill and under what circumstances. You're going to need to at least be able to sell plausible deniability if the police come knocking.

  • whatthecrappin on 24/06/2024 - 07:53
    +1

    Just rekeyed my external locks this weekend and was surprisingly easy to do. Was all of around 7 screws. Took the barrels to the locksmith - under $50 per barrel to rekey and reinstalled them myself. Can probably do one now in 15 mins. To replace the barrel was double, so definitely cheaper for me to go this route as I wanted them all keyed alike and wanted to keep all hardware the same.

    • TrustNoBody on 24/06/2024 - 08:13
      +2

      wouldn’t it of been cheaper to buy a new barrel ?

      • payless69 on 24/06/2024 - 09:10
        +1

        much cheaper at Bunnings

  • rumblytangara on 24/06/2024 - 10:01
    +1

    She sounds a little beyond what is 'reasonable.' I mean, locks and alarms are fine, but same day as you get the house handed over?

    Have you guys got a big dog? That'd be a lot more useful than alarms and locks.

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