Ask yourself this question: Where is my spare key right now?
Also, ask yourself: When I leave my key for someone else, where do I leave it?
Under the doormat? Under the flower pot? On top of the windowsill?
This is a typical case of the mistake of Americans make with home security. We all know where these keys are kept. Guess who also knows this? You’re right! Burglars!
They check those places first. Why? An intruder would much rather have quiet and easy access, perhaps not even arousing suspicion from neighbors if they are seen, rather than having to smash a window or force a door.
The first place any scammer worth their salt will check will be under your doormat, nearby rocks, around heating or cooling units, tucked away in bushes, or letterboxes.
What to Do Instead?
When it comes to home security, one common mistake of Americans make with home security is relying too heavily on traditional keys. It’s better to move your key away from obvious places like under the doormat or in a flowerpot. Instead, consider using an electronic lock and share access with people right from your smartphone.
Alternatively, you can ask a trusted locksmith near you for a recommended solution. However, when hiring a locksmith, be careful. Follow our tried and tested locksmith hiring tips to ensure you’re getting a professional you can trust.
Locksmith Hiring Tips
Before you hire a locksmith, research their background. It’s important to hire someone who is trusted in the community. One common mistake of Americans make with home security is not thoroughly vetting the professionals they bring into their homes. Always ensure that the locksmith you hire has a good reputation and reliable reviews.
- You want to make sure that you hire is working for your best interest and not their own. Some locksmiths are scammers and will make their own copy of your keys.
Always be prepared, regardless of whether you think you’ll ever be locked out or not. One common mistake of Americans make with home security is neglecting to have a reputable locksmith in mind before an emergency arises. It’s crucial to save their number on your mobile phone so you’re ready in case of an unexpected situation.
- Always get a receipt. While most of the locksmiths you encounter will be honest, there are those few that try to scam others.
It’s important to prepare yourself for any home security issues, and one of the biggest mistake of Americans make with home security is not having a reliable locksmith on hand. In case of an emergency, you should research reputable professionals you can trust to ensure you’re never caught off guard. Having a locksmith’s contact number saved on your cell phone will ensure it is always available when you need it most.
Using a locksmith during regular business hours saves you excess charges. Many people aren’t aware of the mistake of Americans make with home security by waiting until after business hours to call a locksmith. After business hours, locksmith rates can vary greatly. For instance, you might pay 50 bucks for a service call during the day, but at night it will cost you double that. To avoid paying extra, it’s best to address lock-related issues during the day whenever possible.
- If you’re unsure about the reliability of a particular locksmith, you need to look them up on the website of the Better Business Bureau. This will give you the information you need for your peace of mind.
When it comes to securing your home, one of the biggest mistake of Americans make with home security is failing to properly vet locksmiths before hiring them. It’s crucial to call all of the references a locksmith provides before allowing them into your home. While you want the best quality service, it’s equally important to ensure that the person entering your space is trustworthy. Always take the time to check their credentials and customer feedback to ensure you’re making the right choice for your home’s security.
- Look for locksmiths who are active within their communities. It’s comforting to know that he/she is a professional who is on top of current trends. Additionally, the locksmith is less likely to be disreputable.
When it comes to home security, one common mistake of Americans make with home security is not verifying the legitimacy of service providers, such as locksmiths. Before allowing a locksmith into your home, it’s crucial to get references and recommendations. Make sure to check these references thoroughly by actually calling the individuals or companies who have used the locksmith’s services before. This step will help ensure you’re hiring a reputable professional who can effectively handle your home security needs. Always prioritize your safety and peace of mind by doing your due diligence.
- One of the first questions you ask a locksmith is how long they’ve been in business. Make sure that they’ve been operating from this location to the same location. A business that has been in an area for a number of years probably will be easy to work with.
When looking for a reliable locksmith, it’s important to find out how long they’ve been in business. A key indicator of trustworthiness is whether they have operated from the same location consistently. It’s recommended to seek a locksmith who has been in business for at least 5 years. This not only demonstrates their experience but also their stability in the community. One common mistake of Americans make with home security is overlooking the importance of hiring a seasoned locksmith. A long-standing business usually signifies a track record of good service and reliability.
- If time allows, search the web on the locksmith whom you are planning to call. There are a great number of consumer sites where you can find honest reviews.
- There are a number of reliable websites that can help you find a locksmith. Make sure the review website itself isn’t actually associated with a locksmith. You should also check to see if the locksmith you are considering has a locksmith.
When it comes to home security, many homeowners unknowingly make the mistake of Americans make with home security by hiring unverified locksmiths. One important step in protecting your home is ensuring that the locksmith you choose is credible and reliable. Always verify the credentials of a locksmith before hiring them. A trustworthy locksmith should be licensed and insured, and their contact information should be accurate. Cross-reference the address on the listing with the phone number provided to ensure they match. With easy online access, you can double-check anyone you want to hire, helping you avoid common security mistakes and ensuring your home is in safe hands.
- When you’re looking for a locksmith, the Internet can be a great resource. A lot of people love to write about their experiences online.
- Don’t hire the first locksmith you just considered one option. You should be calling at least three or more locksmiths before deciding. This will allow you to figure out what kinds of reasonable rates.
- Try looking up the locksmith you plan to hire online. Don’t be scared to get this done because it will help you to know that you’re being secure. If something seems fishy, go with another locksmith. Most areas have a number of different locksmiths.
- If a locksmith says they charge for showing up, even before doing the job, steer away from them. This is not a fee that you want to pay.
- Ask your locksmith for references from previous customers. Many businesses are happy to provide references, so try calling them.
- Ask about additional costs when quoting locksmiths. Is tax included? Can you get any discounts, like for teachers or seniors? Do they charge extra for late-night calls or those outside of a certain radius? Figure out the total, and then agree.
- Locksmiths are usually much more expensive when you call after normal business hours. There are companies that make the most of this and charge premium rates.
- The net is a great resource when you are in the market for finding a locksmith. A lot of people love to write about their experiences. You can find both positive and bad reviews. The good thing is that such reviews can help people decide whom to hire and not to hire.
- A good locksmith should be able to do more than just change a lock on your door. If you have been the victim of a burglary, they should be able to change the locks on your windows as well. In a few cases, you may also be able to get some help with your alarm system.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common mistake of Americans make with home security?
The most common mistake of Americans make with home security is relying on traditional hiding spots for spare keys, such as under the doormat, flowerpots, or on windowsills. Burglars are aware of these common spots and check them first for easy access to your home.
How can I avoid the mistake of Americans make with home security regarding spare keys?
To avoid this mistake of Americans make with home security, consider using electronic locks instead of traditional keys. This allows you to share access to your home through your smartphone and eliminates the need for hiding keys in obvious locations.
What are other mistakes Americans make with home security?
Another mistake of Americans make with home security is failing to properly vet locksmiths before hiring them. It’s important to check their credentials, reviews, and reputation to ensure you’re hiring a trusted professional who won’t compromise your security.
How can I find a reliable locksmith and avoid the mistake of Americans make with home security?
To avoid the mistake of Americans make with home security when hiring a locksmith, always do your research. Look for locksmiths with good community reputations, check their business history, and read customer reviews to ensure they are trustworthy.
Why is hiring a locksmith a common mistake of Americans make with home security?
One common mistake of Americans make with home security is waiting until an emergency arises to hire a locksmith. It’s crucial to have a trusted locksmith saved in your phone ahead of time to avoid unnecessary stress and potential scams during emergencies.