Should I look for a locksmith with a qualification?
When the need arises to find a local locksmith, it can be a time-consuming and frustrating task. Whether you’ve just moved home or you’re looking for a new business to work on your lock, you need to make sure you pick someone who is trustworthy and reliable. To help make finding a local locksmith as straightforward and simple as possible, we've put together this guide on how to find a local locksmith near you.
Finding a qualified and reputable locksmith is vital, so take the time to make sure you find out if the locksmith you intend to use has a valid accreditation. It's important to ask where their qualifications came from, and whether they are regularly assessed. The National Guild of Certified Locksmiths (NGCL) offers membership in their Certification Scheme for professional locksmiths operating in the UK, and it's always best to choose a locksmith who is part of this scheme.
Get Recommendations from Family, Friends and Neighbours
If you’re in an emergency situation and can’t find time to thoroughly research different locksmiths, another quick and easy method is to obtain recommendations from family, friends, and neighbours. Though they may not have a comprehensive list of recommended locksmiths, there’s a good chance they’ll at least know of someone whom they trust. This can be beneficial as word-of-mouth recommendations often make the process of finding a local locksmith much easier.
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Get a QuoteFind Out If They Can Actually Do the Job
Before you decide on which locksmith to hire, it’s essential that you check if they can actually do the job. Different locksmiths may have different skills and capabilities, such as the ability to repair old-fashioned locks and keys, as opposed to modern-day ones. Check for any memberships to trade bodies, as well as any qualifications or certifications, to guarantee that the locksmith can carry out the work you’ve asked them to do.
Collect Multiple Quotes
Once you’ve narrowed down your search, it’s important to contact a few locksmiths to ask them for quotes. When sourcing quotes, it's advisable to get a quote over the phone, or even better, a written one that you can refer back to if something goes wrong. Make sure you keep a record of any conversations you have and any documents you’ve received, such as an invoice or summary of the services you’ll receive.
Be Aware of a Price That’s Too Good to Be True
It's important to always be aware of prices that seem too good to be true, as it likely means the locksmith might be unqualified, or worse, not insured. Not only does this mean bad workmanship and unpredictable costs, but it also invalidates any warranties should the job go wrong. By choosing a locksmith who is certified, qualified and insured, you can rest assured that the work will be done properly and safely with all relevant checks and balances in place and that you won’t be overcharged for the job.
Finding a local locksmith who is trustworthy and reliable can be made much easier by following our simple guide. By researching their qualifications, obtaining recommendations, confirming they are capable of doing the job, collecting multiple quotations and avoiding those offering prices that seem too cheap, you'll soon be able to find a local locksmith that you can trust.
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