If you are looking for a locksmith in the Bristol City area, you should be aware that the cost of the services of a locksmith can vary considerably. This article is an advice guide about what you should be paying to stop you from being taken advantage of by rogue locksmiths/tradesmen. We have spoken to several Bristol locksmiths about locksmith prices, G Locks Locksmiths, Master Locksmith Association and the UK Locksmiths Association. This article is for homeowners and investors with multiple properties.
Cheap Bristol Locksmith
A locksmith is frequently the ideal choice if you need to repair or improve your home’s door locks or if you are locked out. This guide examines the average locksmith prices in the United Kingdom and the most common locksmith jobs. It’s critical to pick a renowned and trustworthy locksmith for your home’s security. When selecting a locksmith, make sure they have the necessary credentials and accreditations, such as membership in the MLA (Master Locksmiths Association). Whether you’re moving into a new home, improving your present home’s security after a burglary, or being locked out by accident, it’s important to know how much it will cost to bring things back to normal.
Job Pricing Or Locksmith Rates By Job Type
- Change a Standard uPVC lock £100 – £125
- Upgrades to a high-security lock for £125 – £175
- Change a Yale lock £80 – £100
- Garage Door Lock Replacement £85 – £135
- Replace a British Standard Night Latch £135 – £175
- Rim Cylinder Replacement £85 – £100
- British Standard Mortice lock removed and replaced £125 – £175
- Locking mechanisms £120 – £250
The cost of any lock changes (euro cylinders and mortise locks) will vary depending on what brand and security level your replacement locks have. The greater the security features, the more it will cost, but it is cheaper than the cost of burglary repair.
If you need to change your locks for home security purposes, please go for British Standard locks; a local expert locksmith will be able to give the correct advice for your home based on his experience and knowledge.
What Are Typical Locksmith Costs/Prices?
Jobs are typically charged hourly, plus the cost of any locks or other supplies required. For specialised jobs, some locksmiths will charge a set fee. No decent emergency locksmith adds a call-out charge, but the hourly rate increases if it is out of hours. A locksmith can do a wide range of tasks. Hence the costs they charge will vary greatly based on the specific service. The cost will vary depending on several factors, including.
- The number and lock brands they use
- Time of callout
- Length of the job
- Your location
Please note that emergency locksmith services will cost more than a pre-arranged appointment.
Cheap Locksmith Bristol Cost Calculator
To determine the cost of hiring a locksmith, you must first determine the type and quantity of locks you require assistance with. Then you’ll have to consider the callout time, the lock quality, and any material expenses for changing locks, keys, or parts. In general, larger and better locks cost more to repair or replace. The cost will rise as the number of locks needing repair increases, and the job will take longer.
Please remember all emergency locksmiths cost more because they’ll increase their labour rate. Most small local locksmiths do not charge VAT.
Locksmith Hourly Rate
The hourly charge may vary depending on what time of day (or night) you need a locksmith. A locksmith typically charges around £65 per hour for ordinary working hours. If you require an emergency locksmith outside of normal business hours, many locksmiths may charge tiered hourly pricing that looks like this:
£65 per hour from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
£75 per hour from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
£85 per hour from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.
£120 per hour from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.
All professional locksmiths take pride in their workmanship, will give quotes over the phone and always offer a 12-month guarantee.
How Much Does It Cost To Change A Door Lock?
The most typical reason why British homes want the services of a locksmith is to change their locks, whether one or all of them. It could be that you’ve just moved into a new home or that your old locks are worn out, and you want to improve the security of your home. If you replace all the locks, the cost will be roughly £350, assuming the property has two external doors and many windows. Changing a Yale lock costs roughly £100 per lock (materials and labour). A basic uPVC door lock will set you back around £125 to replace it. If it’s an anti-snap uPVC lock, the supply and installation will cost roughly £150 per lock.
How Much Does An Emergency Locksmiths Cost?
Emergency locksmith services will always be more expensive than non-emergency work performed during normal business hours – and in many cases, emergency locksmith charges will be much higher. Most locksmiths will charge a one-time emergency callout fee of between £50 and £150. For any emergency or after-hours jobs, locksmiths will raise their hourly costs. You should expect to pay up to twice as much as usual, if not more, including bank holidays.
Useful Checklist For Choosing The Right Locksmith For You
Not all locksmiths are seasoned professionals, so here are a few pointers to help you choose the right locksmith company.
- Check their reputation by reading reviews from multiple reviewing sites, such as Google. The average star rating should give you an indication on their professionalism and reliability.
- During the phone call, ask questions, such as, is there a call out charge?
- Is your van fully stocked?
- Do you have liability insurance?
- Are you DBS checked and cleared? All tradespeople should be.
- What’s your hourly labour charge?
- Is their locksmith work guaranteed?
- Are their techniques or gaining entry methods non-destructive?
- Is their phone number local?
- Customer service is everything; do not hire them if they can’t answer your questions.
Typical Emergency Locksmith Service
There is no difference between a locksmith service and an emergency service. So here are some of the typical locksmithing services your could expect:
- Solve all lock problems
- Install high-security locks (BS3621) to prevent lock snapping
- Lock outs
- Door repairs
- Realignment of uPVC doors
- Lock cylinder change
- Window locks
- Building security review
- Garage locks
- Deadlock installations
- Burglary damage repair
- Lock repairs
- CCTV
- Security upgrades
- Hinges
- Lock repair
- Car entry
- Key cutting from their vans
- Latches
- Burglar prevention advice
- New door or window handles
Closing tips
You should expect to pay a fair price for any locksmith job but be warned that it could be a scam if you get a cheap price. Expertise does not come cheap.