There are several key things to watch out for when you need a locksmith, whether in an emergency situation or not.
Hiring a locksmith is an integral part of both home and commercial security, so don’t be afraid to ask them a wide range of questions before they start any work.
It’s often recommended to find a locksmith you trust and then continue working with them into the future. This will allow you to build a relationship with the local business. They’ll also become familiar with you and your practices, meaning they can tailor security solutions to your needs.
Before hiring a locksmith, watch out for a few things.
Are they trustworthy?
A locksmith is responsible for your safety and security. Allowing someone into your home to conduct this work is an act of trust, and so you should always ensure the locksmith you’re hiring is trustworthy.
Before asking them to complete a job, do some research on their background. Most businesses will have an online presence these days, and you can use sites such as Checkatrade or Which? Trusted Traders to see how people have rated their previous work.
How much experience do they have?
While we’re all for youthful enthusiasm, it makes sense that customers are more comfortable working with an experienced locksmith.
We all start out with no experience, it’s true, but working alongside established locksmiths means that those new to the field can learn on the job.
Young locksmiths and companies are still more than capable of doing a great job, but it’s even more important to check they’re qualified.
Are they qualified?
While not necessarily the be-all and end-all, a locksmith with relevant qualifications is more likely to get the job done quickly, professionally, and in a trustworthy manner.
Don’t be afraid to check and verify any qualifications a locksmith might claim to have. Many locksmiths will hang their certificates on their store’s walls as evidence of their competence in the field.
Is there a warranty?
All locksmiths should offer a warranty on their work, covering at least physical manufacturing defects and improper installation faults.
You should take a warranty as evidence that a locksmith is confident in their work. If they’re willing to pay out and cover any damages they might cause, they must be sure of their ability to do it right the first time.
A warranty is also essential for you from a financial point of view. You shouldn’t have to pay for a locksmith twice to do the same job when you’ve done nothing wrong yourself.
How transparent are their prices?
It’s always crucial to know precisely what you’ll be paying before the money leaves your account. In fact, it’s vital to know before the locksmith even starts their work.
Quotes for work will usually be made up of an hourly rate plus the cost of materials. Make sure you agree on a total price before hiring anyone to work on your property.
Sometimes, unexpected costs crop up halfway through the job. For example, extra wiring might be needed. If (on the relatively rare occasion) something like this happens, the locksmith should always agree with you on any additional charges before they get added to the bill.
In most cases, you’ll be able to get an approximate quote before you hire anyone. However, be sure to check what will happen if more items (or hours) are needed.
Are they insured?
In the unlikely event that a locksmith does some damage to your property while installing security measures, you’ll take comfort in the knowledge that their insurance will cover the repair costs.
Of course, they should take every precaution to avoid causing any damage, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
If a locksmith wasn’t insured, they would probably reach a personal agreement with you to show good faith. However, they wouldn’t be legally obliged to, so you could be left with extra costs.
Are they a member of the MLA?
The Master Locksmiths Association is the largest trade association for locksmiths in the UK. Founded in 1958, the entry requirements to become a member are high, meaning all MLA-approved locksmiths provide a good quality service.
Most professional locksmiths aim to be a member of the MLA, which also holds its members to strict professional codes of conduct and ethics.
You can check whether a locksmith is a member of the MLA by visiting the website and using the “Find Your Nearest MLA Approved Locksmith” tool. Follow the link to check it out.
How Gray’s Locksmiths can help
At Gray’s Locksmiths, we are a vetted and reliable member of the Master Locksmiths Association, a membership we are particularly proud of. After serving customers for nearly 35 years, our work is known for its high standards and efficient installation.
We offer a wide range of services, including (but not limited to):
For more information about Grays Locksmiths, check out the About Us page. Alternatively, you could contact us through the form on the website, by phone (0115 942 2315) or by dropping in-store at 245 Ilkeston Road, Nottingham.