Whether you need a replacement key or you need to change your locks, be sure to visit A1 Lock and Safe to see how we can help you protect your home. Notably, we sell safes where you can store firearms and your most prized possessions in the event that you are robbed. Thankfully, A1 Lock and Safe specializes in changing locks, making duplicate keys, and more for your safety. If you so much as suspect that someone could break into your home or office because your locks are faulty, let our Durham locksmiths know and we will replace your keys and locks for an affordable price. Contact us today to get started!
Your security is at stake when you find yourself hiring an untrustworthy or inept locksmith to work on your locks. To ensure you hire a trustworthy locksmith to solve your locked-out problem, follow these tips.
1. Research Locksmiths Before You Need One
Instead of waiting until you get locked out of your house or another emergency, be proactive about finding a locksmith you can trust. Spend time researching locksmiths, and add their contact information to your phone so that you have it with you when you need it.
2. Look For Family-Owned And Operated Locksmith Companies
There are certainly some corporate locksmith companies that are reputable with excellent customer service, but choosing a family-owned and operated locksmith offers a few distinct benefits.
First, working with a family-owned business means you receive services from a professional who makes your security their top priority. Additionally, supporting family-owned businesses means you contribute to and strengthen your local economy.
3. Ask For Recommendations
Read reviews on Google, the Better Business Bureau, and contact friends, family members, and neighbors for recommendations in your area. Your community can provide valuable insight when it comes to determining which locksmiths are reputable and which should be avoided.
4. Visit Credible Locksmith Organization Websites
Professional locksmiths spend a long time practicing their craft before going into business, so they’re motivated to be active members of industry associations. Ask your prospective locksmith if they are affiliated with any of these organizations.
Several credible locksmith organizations also provide searchable member databases online, so you can ensure you’re choosing a trustworthy locksmith. If you’re searching for a reliable locksmith in North Carolina, you can search the North Carolina Locksmith Association for verified members.
5. Ask Questions
Ask these questions before hiring a locksmith. If a business can’t provide detailed answers, don’t hire them.
- Where are you located?
- How will you get into the house? Can you tell me the exact process?
- Do you need a picture of the lock?
- Can you give me an estimate? What factors will cause this price to change?
- Do you require cash, or can I pay with a check or credit card?
- What’s the name of the locksmith who will be coming?
6. Check Your Locksmith’s ID And License
When your locksmith arrives, ask for their identification, including a locksmith license. North Carolina is one of only 15 states that require locksmith licensing, making it a crime to advertise or work as a locksmith without proper credentials.
Also, look at the vehicle that they are driving. Ideally, trustworthy locksmiths will be in a company truck or van that has the company name printed on the side, supporting the legitimacy of the business. A legitimate locksmith will also ask you for identification to verify that they are unlocking property that belongs to you.
7. Get A Written Invoice
Make sure the locksmith you hire is willing to provide you with a written invoice. With an invoice, you will have proof of what you paid, and the contact information for the locksmith company. Additionally, it should itemize the cost of the service and any parts needed, so you know exactly how much you paid for each.
Whether it’s a planned home improvement, or an emergency lock-out situation, using a trustworthy locksmith is essential. Do your research before hiring a locksmith for non-emergency situations and have a locksmith’s contact information handy for any emergencies.