Top Ten Tips for Hiring a Houston Locksmith

by ARIEL ROSEN

At one time or another, every household will require the services of a professional locksmith. Nowadays, locksmiths provide a range of services: from traditional key-cutting and re-keying of locks, to security solutions for the office, such as high security locks. Once you find a professional and reliable local locksmith, you will probably want to use the same tradesman again when the need arises.

Here are the top ten tips for choosing a professional Houston locksmith out of the dozens of listings on the Internet or your local area directory:

1. Find locksmith services that are available 24 hours a day. You never know at what time of day you will need the service. Also, find out what the response time is. A good call-out response time is 30 minutes. You don��t want to have to wait for hours if you have locked yourself out of your home.

2. Consider all your present and future locksmith needs. If you are a new homeowner, ask a friend for advice about what type of eventualities are likely to arise that will require the services of a local locksmith.

3. You want to locate a locksmith that offers all or most of the services that you are likely to require. It��s so much easier and reassuring to rehire a professional Houston locksmith that you already know and trust.

4. You might want to use locksmith services your business needs. A commercial locksmith will be able to fit high security locks, as well as filing cabinet locks.

5. Consider choosing an emergency locksmith that also deals with automobile call-outs. Potential scenarios include car lockouts, and the extraction of broken ignition keys.

6. If you are considering a security upgrade for your home, try and find a locksmith that will give a free estimate for the work. A good Houston locksmith will perform such a service.

7. It is very important to know that the locksmith you are considering is reputable and qualified for the job. Don��t be bashful about asking for professional qualifications and membership with professional associations, such as the Associated Locksmiths of America.

8. It is certainly worthwhile getting recommendations from friends and neighbors about locksmith services that they trust. Also, check for online testimonials: In short, the more information you have about the locksmith that you are considering hiring, the easier it will be to make a decision.

9. Once you have selected a trustworthy local locksmith, make sure you have the telephone number at all times. Enter it into your cell phone or blackberry, keep a note in your wallet, and leave a note on the refrigerator.

And finally:

10. Don��t do it yourself! It might be tempting to try and fix a lock yourself, but if you get it wrong you are likely to incur even more costs. Locksmithing is a highly skilled trade, and the security of your home and possessions is best left in the hands of a qualified professional.