What to Look for in an Atlanta Locksmith

By Cleopatra Check


When most people think of a locksmith Atlanta, they think of a person who is called when the keys are locked in the car or house and the lock needs to be broken into. However, a locksmith can also help to secure a home or business by installing high quality locks on doors, closets, file cabinets and the like.

While it is not hard to find a locksmith in Atlanta, a person will want to be sure to choose the right one, as some are better and more experienced than others. Following are some points to keep in mind when hiring an Atlanta locksmith to install locks at a residence or commercial building.

The Qualities of a Good Atlanta Locksmith

First of all, do some homework before picking a locksmith. A good locksmith will be experienced and have a good reputation in the local area. Online reviews and the Georgia Better Business Bureau website are good sources of information. The BBB website is especially helpful, as it will note if the Atlanta locksmith in question has been subject to legal action for any reason.

A homeowner who wants to install a particular type of locks should be sure the locksmith works with the type of locks in question. Most residential locksmiths only work with certain lock brand and models, although a good locksmith in Atlanta Georgia will be able to install most locks made by well known brand names.

A busy company owner who cannot handle this job during the week may want to call a 24 hour locksmith in Atlanta GA to come over the weekend or during the evening. Having the locks replaced when people are not going and coming can be very convenient, but it is a bit more costly than having a locksmith come to do the job during regular business hours.

A good locksmith will be punctual. A business or home owner should not have to put up with a tardy locksmith; the home and company contents are valuable and the longer the building or residence is without proper protection, the more chance there is of being robbed.

Getting a Good Deal

Naturally, most homeowners want to hire a locksmith who is not only good at what he or she does but also reasonably priced. In some cases, doing "comparison shopping" may be in order, as some locksmiths may offer lower prices than others.

At the same time, one will not want to automatically work with the cheapest locksmith he or she can find. Remember, the safety of the entire house or office building is at stake. The best locksmiths will offer reasonable prices while still doing a good job.

A homeowner should also understand that the choice of lock will also determine how much the job will cost, as some locks are more expensive and/or harder to install than others. While a locksmith may make a recommendation regarding what type or brand name of lock to use, it is up to the homeowner to determine whether to follow the locksmith's suggestions or not.

As was noted above, timing also has a bearing on the cost of having a lock repaired or replaced. Nearly all commercial locksmiths charge more to come after business hours than they do to do the job during regular work hours. However, if a company needs to have numerous locks installed, then the locksmith may be inclined to offer a discount for the work being done.

If the job involves replacing a number of locks, then it is a good idea to ask the locksmith to come to the home and provide a job estimate. At this time, the locksmith can make lock recommendations as well. If the job estimate is agreeable, then the locksmith should offer a contract to be signed by both parties. This ensures that there are no misunderstandings or hidden costs involved.

Hiring a good locksmith is very important. A person will never want to simply pick the locksmith company that is most visible in the phone book or prominent on the internet. Instead, one should make sure the locksmith is experienced, has the right tools and locks, will show up on time and is able to do a good job.




About the Author: