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My first instinct if I lock myself out of my house is always to check for unlocked windows and doors. Depending on the size of your home, or if you live in an apartment, you might only have one door. However, if you happen to have backdoors or side doors, there’s a chance that you or someone else forgot to lock them before leaving the house.
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Getting locked out of your house is no fun, but it’s also not the end of the world. There are lots of options to try to get back into your home and you can always call a locksmith if you run out of options. If nothing else, being locked out of your house will teach you the importance of having at least one spare key.
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Here is another idea not everyone recommends, but if you’re desperate, it might work. Try not to put a spare key under a doormat, beneath a flowerpot, or in another spot where a burglar might look. There are sure to be at least a few good hiding spots situated in various places outside of your home. If you don't already have a spare key somewhere on the exterior of your home, you should change that immediately. There are so many places that you can put a house key so that you always have one handy.
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However, it’s definitely better to call a locksmith and spend the money rather than be locked out of your house indefinitely. However, before you resort to breaking things, there are plenty of other options. We’re going to look at what those options are and everything else you should try rather than breaking into your own home.
Hide-a-key
When locked out of your house, the first step to regaining entry is to check for any unlocked doors or windows. There is a chance that they will be unlocked, giving you another way to enter the home. If this is the case you will save both time and potential frustration. No one likes being trapped outside of their home and as mentioned above, this can cause many potentially frustrating and dangerous situations.
Usually, if you can prove residency with an ID and car registration, they are more than happy to help you. Although a viable option, emergency services such as the Police force or Fire Brigade are exactly that, emergency services. If you can afford to wait, it is better to call a locksmith who will have better tools to get you into your home.
However, breaking a window poses safety risks and can lead to additional expenses for repairs. Similarly, attempting to jimmy a lock without proper tools and knowledge can damage the lock and make it harder for a locksmith to help you. If you can see a ground floor window open, you may be able to climb inside your home and open the door from the inside.
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Locksmiths carry special tools, such as a hook or half diamond, that they can use to pick your lock and get you back inside your house. If that doesn't work, they can drill out your existing lock and replace it with a new one. They can also help if your key breaks inside the lock, or if you're locked out of your car, garage or mailbox. Assuming that you're not a tradesperson with a set of tools to hand, you'll need to borrow some tools from a neighbor to take the lock apart. You may be able to unscrew the knob and remove the hinges with a screwdriver or a paperclip. Make sure that you put it back together correctly to keep potential intruders out.
If you successfully unlock your door, it's time to change the locks. You have proven how easy your home is to break into and should consider upgrading to a smart lock. Developing a habit of performing a quick “key-check” before leaving your home can save you from lockout situations. Keep a spare key in your bag or wallet, but avoid hiding one outside your home, as experienced burglars can easily find these hiding spots. Keyless locks are gaining popularity as they provide convenience and security.
When choosing a locksmith, look for reputable and licensed professionals. Examine reviews on the internet and get recommendations from friends and family. Be cautious of locksmiths who quote unusually low prices, as they may have hidden fees or use unscrupulous practices. If you rent, your landlord or rental agency will probably hold a spare key to your property. Many will be happy to help if you phone and explain that you're locked out of the house — though some may charge a fee if your key is truly lost. However, this tip might not be helpful if you're locked out in the dead of night or there's no one available to come let you in.
If this is the case, you can push it open from the outside, similar to how you would push open a window. If you’re locked out of your home, there are plenty of things to try before you resort to breaking a door or window. Breaking into your own home should only be used as a last resort if all your other attempts at entry fail. Let’s look at a complete list of things to try to get back into your home. You can't get a hold of your roommate and you're a cautious person that secures all windows and doors.
This spare key would be secondary to the duplicates you’d be handing out to a friend. We don’t suggest you keep the spare key in obvious hidden spots like under the doormat. Rather, improvise, and see if any other hidden places around your house could hold a key. The best way to avoid future lockouts is to eliminate the need for a key altogether. If you have a number combination lock or another form of smart lock on your front door, you won’t have to worry about locking yourself out of the house anymore. If you don’t feel comfortable leaving a spare key around your home, you can always give one to a trusted neighbor.
While we would never recommend intentionally leaving your home unsecured, you may have accidentally left a window unlocked the last time you opened it to let in a cool breeze. Be sure to try all back doors and patio doors first before resorting to more creative options. It’s hardly a new concept, but many homeowners forgo making duplicate keys. Not only should you make a house key for each adult in the house, but you should also have spare keys for each of your home’s entry points. You don’t need to carry them around every day on your keychain, but keeping them in a secure location could end up saving you in the future. A mechanical room, garage cabinet, or office are ideal storage locations for your spare keys.
In such cases, the fee could soar up to $300, depending upon the time and the professional. If you’ve locked keys inside the house and have no duplicates, you can contact a local locksmith and have them open the door. If you locked yourself out of the house and don’t want to break anything to get back inside, try contacting a locksmith. Locksmiths have both the proper training and tools to help you unlock your door without a key. However, using a locksmith can be both time-consuming and expensive.
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