I'm Locked Out of My House. Do I Have to Call a Locksmith?
By ProMatcher Staff
Before You Call a Locksmith...
If you're reading this article, you’ve probably lost your keys and you cannot get into your house. Don’t panic! It doesn't have to be the end of the world. You’ll be able to get back into your house in no time. Here’s what you need to do:
1) Knock on the door
Although this may seem pretty obvious, this is an important first step. Before you go crazy looking for the key, you should make sure that no one else is home. A family member or roommate may be home. Keep ringing the bell or knocking on the door. If you have your phone with you, call the house number. If someone is sleeping, the sound of the phone ringing may wake them up.
2) Have you hidden a key somewhere?
Although it's not recommended by security professionals, many homeowners will choose to hide a spare key somewhere in the yard. The key might be under a flower pot or right under the welcome mat.
3) Does anyone else have a spare key?
Think about who else has a key. Can you think of any family members, neighbors, or friends that might have a spare key? Call them and see if any of them are nearby. If you rent, call your landlord and see if he or she might be able to swing by and let you in.
If you hire someone to clean your house or walk your dog, they may also have a key. Although they may charge a small fee for this service, chances are that it will be much cheaper than hiring a locksmith.
4) Look for unlocked doors or windows
If you can’t find a key, you may have to resort to breaking into your own house! Is your home as secure as you think it is? Have some fun with it. An unlocked door will be your best bet! If you find an unlocked window, be cautious as you go through it. Carefully remove the screen and try not to lose your balance as you pull yourself through the window. You also may want to announce yourself (especially if it’s dark out) so you don’t startle anyone already in the house. Someone may have slept through the pounding on the door.
5) Call a Locksmith
If you’ve tried all of these things, I hate to say it, but you may need some professional assistance. Call a few locksmiths and compare quotes. Make sure to find out exactly what's included and how much you will be charged for each service. Many people report receiving invoices that are much more than they expected to be charged. It's important to get everything in writing to prevent any confusion when it comes time to pay the bill.
Get a Quote from a Local Locksmith »
About the Author
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| ProMatcher Staff, ProMatcher
Orlando, FL 32803
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