Homeowners have all experienced the frustration of being locked out of our own homes. Whether it’s because you lost your key, misplaced it, or simply forgot to bring it with you, being locked out can be a cause for panic. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to get back into your home quickly and safely. Read on to find out what to do if you’re ever locked out of your house.
Find a Friend or Family Member Who Has a Spare Key
If you are lucky enough to have family or friends nearby who have spare keys to your house, then this may be the easiest way for you to get back inside. It’s always a good idea to make sure that you have given spare keys to at least two people whom you trust in case of an emergency like this, as it could save you from having to call a locksmith.
Ideally, you should have three or four spare keys to your house in case of an emergency. It’s a good idea to give one key each to family members, friends, or neighbors whom you trust, so that if you ever need access to your home there is someone available who can help you.
You should also store a spare key somewhere on the premises, such as in a hidden spot outside the house or in a place known only to yourself. You should also consider storing an extra key somewhere off-site, such as with a trusted acquaintance in case of emergency. Doing this will help ensure that you always have access to your home, no matter what. However, if you haven’t taken these steps, read on for more help with what to do in this situation.
Call a Locksmith
If no one has access to spare keys for your home, then calling a locksmith or door resources center is the next best option. A professional locksmith will be able to come out and open the lock in no time, so long as they have the right tools and knowledge for the job. Make sure that you choose a reputable locksmith with plenty of experience in opening residential doors; otherwise, there’s always the risk of them damaging your lock beyond repair.
Finding a great locksmith can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. Start by asking family and friends for recommendations of local locksmiths they trust. Be sure to check their reviews online, and read customer feedback to ensure that you’re dealing with a reputable locksmith. You should also make sure to ask questions about the services they offer, such as their rates and estimated turnaround time for your project. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the locksmith you choose is licensed, bonded, and insured so that if anything goes wrong during the job, you are covered in case of any damages.
Reach Out to Your Landlord or Property Manager
If you rent or lease your home, then reach out to your landlord or property manager as soon as possible. They may have keys on file that they can use to help you get back in without having to drill a hole in the door or replace the lock entirely. This is often much cheaper than calling a locksmith and can be done right away so that you don’t have to wait around outside all day.
Try Other Entry Points
If neither of these options is available, then try other entry points like windows or doors in the backyard that may not require a key (or one that uses a different key). If none of these options works for you, then check with any nearby friends or family members who may have spare copies of keys for your home. Lastly, if all else fails, call in reinforcements! Have someone come over who has access and let them provide access for you until other arrangements can be made.
Create Spare Keys
Creating spare keys beforehand is an essential part of ensuring that you don’t get locked out of your house again. It’s best to make sure that you have at least three sets of spare keys, so you always have access if one gets lost or misplaced. Make sure to give a set each to family members, close friends and neighbors whom you trust, as well as storing a set somewhere on the property and off-site. Doing this will ensure that you always have access to your home, even in an emergency. It’s also a good idea to label each key with its corresponding lock, so you know which one to use if ever needed. With adequate preparation, being locked out of your house won’t be as much of a hassle!
Break in Only if Necessary
In some cases, breaking into your own home may be necessary if all other options fail—but only in extreme circumstances! It goes without saying that this should only be done as a last resort—and only if it’s safe and legal for you to do so—as it could result in considerable damage to both property and person. However, if there are no other options available then breaking down the door may be necessary depending on the type of lock installed on your door.
Being stuck outside your own home is always frustrating—but it doesn’t have to stay that way! By following these tips, homeowners everywhere can quickly regain entry into their homes with minimal time wasted and money spent. Don’t forget – always keep spare copies of your house keys somewhere safe so that this situation doesn’t happen again in the future.