What it Should Cost to Change Locks in Barnet? Advice from an MLA Qualified Locksmith

As MLA approved Locksmith in Barnet we would like to share some insider knowledge of what affects the cost of changing locks to help to save you money and avoid being ripped off! The cost of a locksmith to change locks is not always transparent. In this post we share industry insights to explain why Barnet locksmith prices can vary so widely.

Next time you call a locksmith to ask, “How much does it cost to get locks changed in Barnet?” you will know exactly what you should expect to get for your money!

8 Factors That Influence The Cost of Changing Locks

Whether you want to know a fair cost to change door locks on a house in Barnet or Central London these are the factors you need to consider when getting a quote from a locksmith.

1) What Time of Day You Need Your Locks Changed – Out of Hours = Premium Prices

My top tip for saving money on changing locks is to call between 9am – 5pm. Calling an emergency locksmith in London out of hours could work out 50% more expensive than calling one during the day. 24hr emergency locksmiths will take calls during dinner, when spending time with family and during the night. You can expect emergency lock change prices to increase significantly at these times.

2) What You Area You Live In

The cost to change locks in Barnet can be expected to be less than changing locks in Central London. There can be several factors that influence the cost difference in changing locks in different areas:

1. A locksmith needs to factor in and cover any additional expenses such ULEZ, Congestion Charges, and parking costs. It is important and reasonable for any business to factor in costs when quoting a price.
2. Some locksmiths can take advantage and apply price hikes in affluent areas such as Knightsbridge, Kensington. This can even happen in areas near Barnet like Hadley Wood, Totteridge and Hampstead. This is not a fair and reasonable business choice and it is not something that we agree with.

3) How Far the Locksmith Has to Travel to Get to Your Property

The distance a locksmith has to travel to get to your property will affect:

1. The cost of changing locks – due to fuel and time costs
2. The response time to your call in an emergency.

Therefore if you are looking for the best price to change door locks in Barnet it makes sense to choose a local Barnet Locksmith. More specifically, this means a locksmith based in Barnet as opposed to a locksmith based somewhere in North London and covering the Barnet area. If you live in Barnet choose an approved Barnet locksmith for the best price, response time and service. You can find details of your local approved locksmiths on the Master Locksmiths Association website.

4) The Type of Lock You are Changing

Consider the type of lock you need changed as the prices will vary depending on the type of lock. Also whether they are standard locks or a more expensive high security door locks installation. Find out more in our Guide to Door Lock Types and Prices.

How Much Does it Cost to Change Locks in Barnet?

Average fair cost of changing locks in Barnet

• Euro cylinders – range from £35 to £90*
• Rim cylinders – range from £25 to £60*
• Mortice locks – range from £50 to £120*

*These prices are all exclusive of VAT and Labour ranging between £60 – £90 depending on the time of day.

A reliable locksmith will ask you for details of the lock you want changed before quoting a price. Failure to do this is a red flag.

5) The Lock Brand

Lock change costs can vary depending on the brand of lock you need changed. For example a high security Banham cylinder lock change will cost more than a standard Yale lock change.

6) The Amount of Time the Job is Estimated to Take

When a locksmith quotes they will factor in the expected amount of time to change the lock.

7) The Type of Locksmith Company

The type of company you choose affects how much it costs to get locks changed because prices will be established based on company overhead costs in addition to the cost of the materials.

A locksmith with a retail premises will have higher overheads to factor into the cost than a mobile locksmith. A locksmith who relies on word of mouth and customer reviews will have lower overheads than a locksmith who needs to recoop spend on expensive advertising.

8) If the Locksmith is MLA Approved

A locksmith approved by the Master Locksmiths Association will be qualified, vetted and DBS checked and align with the Master Locksmiths Association standards and fair pricing.

Red Flags to Look Out For When Getting Lock Change Quotes

Very low quotes are a red flag! Very low lock change prices are probably more of a concern than higher priced quotes, if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is. You can read about 5 common locksmith scams here.

If you ask, how much does it cost to get locks changed, and are immediately being quoted £49 or even £59 for a lock change you are at risk of falling victim to the common “Bait and Switch” tactic used by rogue locksmiths.

Bait and Switch £49 Lock Change

Bait and Switch tactics involve luring a customer in with low prices and increasing the cost as the job progresses, landing the customer with an over inflated bill. Unfortunately, customers in Barnet regularly fall victim to this common scam.

You can be assured that £59 does not cover the wholesale cost of changing locks, including materials and overheads, never mind a profit. It doesn’t make business sense and if you are quoted such low prices beware of who you are trusting with your security.

This is why it is so important to choose an approved local locksmith and if possible try to agree on a fixed price in advance. The cost should not increase on the job unless agreed in advance with the customer.

This is why it is so important to be informed about how to choose a reliable locksmith.

Choosing a Reliable Locksmith for Changing Locks in Barnet

To avoid falling victim to a scam when looking for locksmith lock change services read about How to Choose a Locksmith – 3 Do’s and Don’ts here.

Choosing an MLA Approved local locksmith guarantees that your locksmith is genuine and reliable. Of the many locksmiths operating in Barnet there a very few who are approved by the Master Locksmiths Association. We have over 15+ years of experience in the industry.

As mobile locksmiths in Barnet, we focus on high levels of service and expertise, as well as keeping overheads down to provide keen pricing to customers. Our locksmiths are qualified, DBS checked and regularly vetted by the Master Locksmiths. We are experienced in door and window locks installation, repair and changing.

If you would like to know how much does changing locks cost on your property contact us for a fair, fixed price quote.