There are many locksmiths out there that lack official qualifications because an official locksmith’s qualification has only been introduced fairly recently. As a result, it can be difficult to determine whether you are choosing a respectable locksmith or not.

Below we suggest some things to look for when selecting a locksmith:

Look for accreditations

Are they endorsed or recommended any third-party online portal or organisation, which can include organisations like Which? Local Heroes, Trust-a-trader, the Trusted Trader logo, or the British Standard logo. This implies that a locksmith would need to have satisfied a number of requirements, including police checks, favourable client reviews, and documentation of accreditation or qualification.

Do they belong to a trade association?

Locksmiths across the nation are subcontracted by organisations like the National Guild of Certified Locksmiths (NGCL). This is advantageous to you as a client because it establishes the locksmith’s accountability. If you hire a self-employed locksmith you find online and they perform shoddy work, they can take your money and run. However, if the locksmith is a member of a group or business, you can always voice any complaints or concerns to them. Additionally, it’s one of the only ways to determine a locksmith’s level of training. Using a locksmith from one of these providers will ensure that your locksmith is either qualified or accredited

Always get at least three quotes for the job

It’s crucial to compare prices while seeking a locksmith quote. As much as you might want to pay the lowest price, be wary of sellers that advertise ridiculously low prices because they may well be too good to be true. It’s also possible that they give you a low price over the phone to lure you in and then raise it when they arrive at your house. You should always get the labour cost and an estimate for the cost of the parts from everyone you speak with on the phone before they come to the job.

Time to invest in a monitored alarm?

Quality locks from a quality locksmith will provide basic physical security but a quality home security system installed by professionals takes the protection of your home to a whole new level.

A monitored alarm delivers true peace of mind as it means that professional security operators are remotely overseeing and responding to your home’s security system, every day of the year 24/7. This means that, unlike unmonitored systems, your alarm is never just ignored when you are at work, away for the day or off on holiday. For full protection we at Ultimate Alarms recommend installing a monitored home security system. Call us for details of our monitored alarm systems.