Have you ever thought about how important your door locks are? They keep you and your stuff safe! Sometimes, you need to change them, like when you get a new house. It’s super important to change locks then, because you never know who else might have a key from the people who lived there before.
But how much does it cost to get a locksmith to do this for you? Well, it’s not a simple answer, because lots of things can change the price. Let’s look at some of them.
What Makes the Price Go Up or Down?
Think of it like ordering pizza – different toppings and sizes cost different amounts! Changing your door locks is kind of the same.
- What kind of lock do you have (or want)? A simple lock is going to cost less than a really fancy, high-security lock or a smart lock with buttons or even ones you can open with your phone. Some locks, like mortise locks or multipoint locks, are also more complicated to work with, which can affect the price.
- How strong and safe is the lock? Locks that are harder for bad guys to break into usually cost more money. They’re made with better stuff and are designed to be tougher.
- How many doors need new locks? If you just need the front door done, it will cost less than if you need the front, back, and garage doors all changed. Sometimes, locksmiths might even give you a better deal if you’re doing more than one door.
- When do you need the locksmith? If you lock yourself out late at night or on a weekend, it’s like an emergency! Emergency locksmith services usually cost more because they have to come help you right away, outside of normal work hours. You might hear about after-hours surcharges.
- Where do you live? Just like some cities have pricier restaurants, locksmith prices can be different depending on where you live. If you’re in a busy city like Toronto, it might cost a bit more than in a smaller town. Also, if you live far away, the locksmith might charge a little extra to drive to you.
- How much experience does the locksmith have? Someone who’s been a locksmith for many years and has lots of good reviews might charge a bit more because they know their stuff. It’s also good to make sure they are licensed, insured, and bonded.
- Did they just come to your house? Many locksmiths have a service call fee or trip fee just for showing up at your place, even before they do any work. Watch out for super low advertised fees, as sometimes that’s just to get them to your door, and then the real price might be much higher.
- How long does it take them? The labor costs can depend on whether the locksmith charges by the hour or gives you a set price for the job. If it takes longer to change a tricky lock, the labor cost could go up.
- How much does the new lock cost? The price of the new lock itself is a big part of what you’ll pay. Different brands and types of locks have different prices.
- Do you need anything else done? If you also need them to rekey a lock (change the inside so your old key doesn’t work anymore, but you keep the same lock), take out a broken key (key extraction), or fix your door frame, that will cost extra too.
How Much Might It Actually Cost?
Okay, so what are some real numbers? It can be different depending on all those things I just told you, but here are some general ideas, especially for places like Toronto and Ontario:
- For a basic lock change on a door at your house, it might cost somewhere between $75 and $250.
- If you want a really high-security lock put in, it could be more like $200 to $400 or even higher.
- Smart lock installation might also be in the range of $150 to $350 or more.
- Just getting a deadbolt installed could be around $80 to $200.
- Remember that there’s often a service call cost on top of that, which in Toronto could be around $35 to $150.
- The hourly rate for a locksmith in Ontario might be around $100 to $150.
Keep in mind, these are just rough numbers. Always ask the locksmith for a specific price for your situation!
Other Things You Can Do
Sometimes, you might have other options besides completely changing the locks:
Rekeying
This is when the locksmith changes the inside parts of your lock so your old keys won’t work anymore, but you keep the same lock. This is usually cheaper than getting a whole new lock. In Toronto, rekeying one lock might cost around $70 to $120, and each extra lock could be $20 to $50.
Doing it yourself
If you’re a bit handy, you can buy a new lock at a store and put it in yourself. Simple locks can cost as little as $5 to $25. This can save you money on labor, but you need to make sure you do it right so your door is still secure. If it’s a complicated lock, it’s probably best to call a professional locksmith.
Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring a Locksmith
To make sure you get a fair price and good service, here are some important questions to ask the locksmith before they start working:
- Will you give me a fixed price for the whole job, or is it just an estimate?
- What exactly is included in that price? (Like the lock itself, the work, and the cost for you to come to my house?)
- Does that price include tax?
- Is there a call-out charge? If so, how much is it?
- If it’s just an estimate, what could make the price go up?
- If you charge by the hour, what is your hourly rate?
- What kind of lock are you planning to put in, and how secure is it?
- Are you licensed and insured?
Finding a Good Locksmith and Staying Safe from Scams
It’s important to find a locksmith you can trust. Here are a few tips:
- Get prices from a few different locksmiths before you decide who to hire.
- Be careful if someone gives you a price that sounds way too low – it could be a trick.
- Ask for a price over the phone before the locksmith comes to your house.
- Read online reviews, but remember that not all reviews are real.
- See if there are any locksmith associations in your area (like the Association of Ontario Locksmiths) because those locksmiths often have to meet certain standards.
- Trust your gut feeling. If something seems off, it probably is.
- Be careful of locksmiths who say they have to drill your lock right away without even trying to pick it first. Sometimes, that’s just a way to charge you more for a new lock.
Why People Change Their Door Locks
There are many good reasons to change your door locks:
- You just moved into a new house or apartment.
- You lost your keys or someone stole them.
- You gave keys to someone who shouldn’t have them anymore.
- Someone tried to break into your place.
- Your locks are old and don’t work very well anymore.
- You want to get stronger, safer locks.
- You want to get a cool new smart lock.
- You want to have one master key that opens all your doors.
Getting the Right Locksmith for Your Door Lock Needs
So, how much does a locksmith cost to change door locks? As you can see, it really depends! The best thing to do is to get a few quotes from different locksmiths, ask them lots of questions, and choose someone who is reputable and gives you a fair price. Remember that your safety is important, so don’t just go for the cheapest option. Being an informed customer will help you feel confident that you’re getting good service at a reasonable cost for your lock change services.
North York Locksmith – Timpson Locksmith
Moving into a new home or concerned about your current door security in North York? Timpson Locksmith is your trusted local expert for all your lock and key needs. We understand that changing door locks is a crucial step for your peace of mind, and we offer a range of services to fit your specific requirements and budget.
Whether you’re looking for a complete lock replacement with high-security hardware, a cost-effective lock rekeying solution, or need assistance with an urgent house lockout, our skilled locksmiths are here to help. We prioritize transparent and fair pricing, ensuring you understand the options and costs involved. Contact Timpson Locksmith at (647) 209-7681 for reliable, professional service and to discuss how we can enhance your door security today. Visit us for personalized advice and top-quality workmanship in North York.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lock Change Costs
Is it always necessary to completely replace a lock when moving into a new home?
While changing the entire lock is a very secure option and highly recommended, you might also consider rekeying your existing locks. Rekeying involves changing the internal mechanism of the lock so that the old keys no longer work, and you receive a new set of keys. This can be a more cost-effective solution than full replacement, especially if the existing locks are of good quality. However, if your current locks are old, damaged, or of low security, replacement is generally the better choice.
What is a “service call fee,” and why do some locksmiths charge it?
A service call fee is a base charge that some locksmiths include just for coming to your location. This fee helps cover the locksmith’s travel expenses and their time to get to you. Service call fees can vary, and some locksmiths may waive this fee, especially during regular business hours. It’s important to ask upfront if there is a service call fee and what it includes to avoid unexpected costs.
Are locksmith prices generally higher for residential or commercial properties?
Commercial locksmith services can sometimes be more expensive than residential services. This is often because commercial buildings tend to have more complex and heavy-duty locking systems. Additionally, commercial locksmiths may deal with specialized hardware like panic bars, exit devices, and master key systems, which can require more expertise and time to service or install.
What are some signs that a locksmith’s price might be too low and potentially a scam?
Be cautious of locksmiths who advertise extremely low service call fees or unrealistically cheap prices for lock changes. This could be a tactic to lure you in, and they might then inflate the price for labor or parts once they arrive. It’s always wise to ask for a price range or a fixed quote upfront and be wary of significant discrepancies compared to average costs. Researching local locksmiths and reading reviews can also help you avoid potential scams.
If a locksmith has to drill my lock to open it, will that increase the cost?
Yes, if a locksmith needs to drill your lock to gain entry, this will likely add to the overall cost. The initial quote might only cover attempting to pick the lock or the service call fee. Drilling can be more time-consuming and may necessitate a lock replacement, which will incur additional charges for the new hardware and installation. Always clarify the costs involved if drilling becomes necessary before agreeing to the procedure.
Do the prices for locksmith services differ significantly between day and night or on weekends?
Yes, locksmith services outside of regular business hours, such as nights and weekends, can often cost more. This is due to after-hours or emergency service rates, as these times are considered outside of the typical workday and may involve a premium for immediate assistance. If your lockout isn’t urgent, you might save money by waiting until regular business hours to call a locksmith.
Besides changing the lock cylinders, are there other ways a locksmith can enhance my door security?
Yes, locksmiths can offer several other services to improve your door security. This can include installing deadbolt locks for added protection, repairing damaged door frames or strike plates, installing high-security locks that are more resistant to picking and drilling, and advising on the best types of locks for your specific needs. They can also install modern security solutions like smart locks and keyless entry systems.
Read Discover the Cheapest Way to Change House Locks with a Locksmith
