There are many reasons that you may need to hire a locksmith for your home or business. It might be an emergency situation – you’re locked out and misplaced your key – or maybe you want to upgrade your building’s security. Whatever the reason, it’s important to have a trusted locksmith you can call on in times of need.
In most areas, there are many options for you to choose from, so how do you select the right one? Choosing the right locksmith is crucial; after all, the security of your home or business depends on it.
Many people, unfortunately, select their locksmiths based solely on the factor of cost. However, if you always opt for the lowest-priced services you can find, chances are you will not end up with a locksmith you can really trust. While you certainly shouldn’t be overpaying, there are a lot of factors that are more important to consider when putting your safety and security into the hands of a professional.
Here are five questions to ask to ensure you hire trusted locksmiths:
1. What Services Do You Offer?
Before you start to dig too deep into what makes the perfect locksmith, you should first find out what services your potential candidates offer. After all, you’re trying to see if they are trustworthy and a big part of that is experience and versatility.
There are plenty of locksmiths out there who can get you back into a locked business, but chances are, at some point you’ll require other services as well. For example, you will occasionally want to change the locks on your doors, especially if there has recently been a security breach in your area.
Also, find out if your potential locksmith offers rekeying services. If you lose a key, you will have to have it replaced and a reputable locksmith will be able to do this. They will also be able to repair damaged locks, improve security, and install safes and commercial locks.
2. Do You Belong to Any Professional Organizations?
A trustworthy locksmith isn’t just someone who can come and unlock a door for you. The job is actually a very demanding one, requiring knowledge of mathematics, spatial perception, and excellent mechanical aptitude and hand-eye coordination. In addition to a great deal of technical proficiency, locksmiths must have a wide breadth of knowledge about the various types of locks and the latest technology and, perhaps most importantly, a commitment to the safety and security of clients.
To ensure that any potential locksmith you might hire is committed to these things, check if they’re a member of any professional locksmith organizations. While it’s not an absolute necessity for trusted locksmiths to be members of organizations such as the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA), being held to the standards of such a group will go a long way toward demonstrating that your potential locksmith is highly trained and always committed to increasing their knowledge.
Harry’s Key Service. Inc is an active member of the Building Industry Association of Clark County.
3. Do You Have Licenses and Insurance?
This one may seem obvious, but it is absolutely worth mentioning: always ask if your potential locksmith is insured. As locksmiths work with heavy equipment and specialized tools, it’s crucial that they take steps to protect your financial security if there is any sort of accident. Don’t be afraid to ask your potential locksmith any questions you can think of regarding their insurance. Make sure they’re covered in the case of injury or property damage.
You’ll also want to verify that they have all the applicable licenses for your area; often, less-than-reputable locksmiths will attempt to operate without proper licensing and this should be an instant red flag. Proper licensing means that not only is your locksmith correctly trained, it also means this person will adhere to a stringent code of professional ethics. Check out our staff’s credentials and designations here.
4. How Will You Ensure My Security?
Your financial security is one thing, but you’ll also want to ask about your personal security. After all, locksmiths are in the business of safety, and you’ll want to make sure that they are absolutely committed.
First, ask if they do background checks on their employees. It’s important that every member of their organization is trustworthy; needless to say, they should be properly screened before being hired and given access to your home and valuables.
Check any references that the locksmith provides, as well. Don’t be afraid to call and ask past clients about the locksmith company. You’ll want to double check that previous clients have been satisfied, without any major issues pertaining to security.
Lastly, you should ask what professional guarantees they offer. Trusted locksmiths will have no concerns about backing up their work with a guarantee, as they will be fully confident in the services they provide.
5. Where Are You Located?
After you’ve ensured that your potential locksmith is skilled, licensed, experienced, and committed to your security, you should start considering location. While it is, of course, better to choose a more trustworthy locksmith even if they’re farther away than a less reputable one, location is also important when it comes to key and lock services. After all, if you find yourself trapped outside late at night, the last thing you want is to wait an hour for your locksmith to arrive.
Ideally, you’ll be able to select someone who is close enough that they can get to you quickly. For example, if you’re in the Greater Vancouver, Washington area or Portland Metro area, you’ll want to seek out the most highly trained professional locksmiths that serve that area. Harry’s Locksmith serves the Greater Vancouver area, Portland metro, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Washougal, Camas, Ridgefield, and more. Our service area extends throughout the Pacific Northwest’s I-5 Corridor.
We offer residential, commercial, and automotive services, so all of your needs will be met without having to keep three different locksmiths on retainer for your home, business, and vehicle. We can assist you in a lockout, upgrade your building hardware to meet ADA standards, and provide any other security services you may need. Harry’s Locksmith is the pillar in the Vancouver community that you’ll want to find when looking for a trustworthy locksmith in your neighborhood.
