Changing locks on your house can be a confusing task when it comes to cost. It’s quite possible that you might not know how locksmiths calculate their charges or what exactly they are charging you for. To have faith in your locksmith, it’s crucial to understand how their pricing works – starting with how much it costs to change locks on your home.
If you’re one of the million households that move to a new property every year, getting your locks replaced should be a consideration near the top of your new house checklist. After all, it’s important to prioritise your safety and secure your place against any opportunistic thieves. Fortunately, this doesn’t come with a hefty price tag; you can install insurance-approved locks hassle-free and economically.
At the York Locksmith Company, we believe that our prices should be honest and transparent – that’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you understand the factors that contribute to the final cost of changing locks. Protect your home and your peace of mind in one fell swoop.
Why is it important to have a grounding in how much locksmiths charge?
On the subject of locksmith pricing, the first thing you need to be aware of is that there is no government licencing for locksmiths, meaning that anyone can become one regardless of training, background or experience.
That’s why, if you do a quick Google search for “rogue locksmith”, your search will return stories of unlucky customers who have fallen victim to unfair pricing.
On account of this, it’s important to get to grips with the average price range for locksmith services, so you can look out for any red flags and know that you’re being charged appropriately. Another thing you can do is look out for reviews and any certification such as CRB/DBS or membership of associations that indicate a certain level of accountability.
How much is it to get locks changed?
With that preamble out of the way, let’s get down to business. How much does it cost to change locks on average?
For the same reason that locksmiths provide varying services – the lack of industry regulation – you can expect varying and competitive prices. The cost to change a lock can start from around £80 for more straightforward jobs with simpler locks and reach up to £140 upwards for more complex requirements.
The average hourly rate of locksmiths begins at £65 during standard work hours, although again this can vary along with the quality of service. For a reputable company with years of experience, expect to pay a little more. Some may also include VAT.
Of course, these are ballpark figures as you will also have to factor in the cost of the lock parts, brand and security standard, as well as any call-out charges in the cases of emergencies such as when you find yourself broken into or locked out at a bad time.
For instance, at the York Locksmith Company, we charge higher fees on bank holidays and Sundays.
Typical labour costs for getting your locks changed
| Timing | Average price of labour |
| Work hours (Monday – Friday 9am – 6pm) | £80 |
| Unsocial hours (Monday – Friday 6pm – 11.59am) | £100 |
| Early call-outs (Friday 12am – 8am) | £140 |
| Saturdays | £100 |
| Sundays / bank holidays | £120 |
Typical prices for different jobs
| Job type | Average price of lock/work* |
| Simple budget locks | £25+ |
| Euro cylinder lock replacement | £35+ |
| Mortice lock replacement | £45+ |
| Emergency boarding up | £200, depending on the extent of damage |
| Changing all property locks | £350 |
| Door and window adjustment | When new locks aren’t required, expect to pay for the rates in the above table. |
| Gaining property entry | When new locks aren’t required, expect to pay for the rates in the above table. |
*Job prices exclusive of labour costs and varying depending on lock type, make and model.
What factors go into the locksmith cost?
Various factors go into a locksmith’s cost from the logistics of the call-out and the specifics of the job. Let’s take a look at some different scenarios and how each affects the grand total.
1. Time of callout
You can’t plan when you might have an emergency, so a good locksmith will be available 24 hours a day. On the other hand, some jobs, such as changing the locks on a new house, can be planned during regular working hours.
For this reason, our call-out prices are published on our website. These rates are for call-out only – the total bill will also include any parts needed. As a general rule, locksmith prices for callouts during standard working hours will be lower, while you’ll pay a bit extra for jobs done outside of work hours, on weekends, or bank holidays.
2. The job’s location
The location of the job makes a difference to your cost as you might expect. This can be high level, such as a job in London generally costing more than a locksmith in York, or it can depend on other things – like how rural your location is, or if there is a long journey to the job.
If you’re looking to keep costs down, it’s always best to choose a local locksmith and compare several quotes from locksmiths near you.
3. How long the job takes
When getting quotes for a job, you should check if it’s a fixed price or charged by the hour. For most jobs, it’s usual to charge per hour – that way, you only pay for the time it takes to complete. As such, your cost to change locks will typically include an initial callout fee, plus a smaller extra fee per hour spent on the duration of the work.
4. The type of lock
On top of the raw labour charges, you may incur an additional fee for the new parts required – and there are many types of door locks, so variance should be expected. Some are quite cheap, such as budget euro cylinder locks that can cost up to £20. These might not be insurance-approved door locks, so be careful! Others can cost up to £50, such as anti-snap locks that conform to industry standards (such as BS3621).
As with most things, you’ll pay more for recognised brands or stronger locks. It’s worth checking which kind of locks you have – surprisingly, even some new build house locks don’t meet industry standards! The extra price for a more robust lock is worth it – when push comes to shove, you can’t put a price on peace of mind.
5. The type of job
Locksmiths carry out many types of jobs, mostly installing new locks after moving house, or when new tenants move in. More unexpected jobs, such as house lockouts or keys breaking in locks, can cost a little more depending on how complicated they are. This should be clearly explained when you’re sent the quote for the work.
6. The size of the company
As with many industries, a medium-sized enterprise has higher overheads and might charge higher rates as a result. Large chains may be cheaper but they may be more impersonal. With a smaller, independent locksmith you can expect a more accurate quote, charging a fair competitive price for the labour and parts and providing friendly customer service.
Questions to ask your locksmith about price beforehand
Before you go ahead and accept your quote, here are some questions you might want to ask your locksmith beforehand.
When hiring a locksmith, it’s essential to be clear about the cost upfront to avoid any surprises later on. Here are some crucial questions you should ask your locksmith beforehand, especially when it comes to pricing:
Is the price quoted a fixed price for the job?
It’s crucial to know if the quoted price includes all costs such as products and labour. This ensures there are no unexpected charges later on.
Is it an estimate or a firm quote?
Some locksmiths may provide estimates, but the actual job might take more time or require additional materials. Understanding whether the quote is firm or subject to change can prevent misunderstandings.
If an estimate, then what elements may change?
Knowing which factors could affect the final cost, such as upgrading to higher security products, helps you budget accordingly and make informed decisions.
Is VAT included?
Not all locksmiths are VAT registered, so it’s essential to clarify whether VAT is included in the quoted price to avoid any last-minute surprises.
Is labour included in the price?
Some locksmiths may charge labour costs separately, so be sure to ask if the quoted price covers both materials and labour.
Is labour charged per hour?
If labour is not included in the overall price, inquire about the labour rate per hour to estimate the total cost accurately.
Is there a call-out charge?
Certain locksmiths, especially those offering 24-hour or mobile services, may charge a call-out fee. Understanding this upfront helps you assess the overall cost of the service.
What does the call-out charge fee cover?
Inquire about what the call-out charge includes, as it may vary from covering the locksmith’s travel expenses to simply securing an appointment slot. This clarity ensures you know exactly what you’re paying for.
In conclusion…
It’s time for some final takeaways.
Understanding the cost breakdown of changing locks is crucial for ensuring transparency and avoiding surprises. With the lack of government licensing for locksmiths, it’s important to be vigilant and informed about industry pricing standards. By asking the right questions and knowing what factors contribute to the final bill, you can make informed decisions and avoid falling victim to unfair pricing practices.
Whether it’s considering the timing of your call-out, the location of the job, or the type of lock needed, being aware of these factors helps you navigate through the pricing landscape. Additionally, choosing a trustworthy locksmith who prioritises honesty and transparency, like the York Locksmith Company, ensures you’re in good hands.
A locksmith you can trust
Now that you know what goes into a locksmith’s price structure, you’ll understand how the final cost to change locks is calculated. We hope this breakdown has been helpful and that you now feel confident in handling your lock-related needs. If you require locksmith services, you can reach out to the York Locksmith Company to discuss your specific requirements.
