Locksmith in Mount Waverley

The classic scam: a call centre advertises a rock-bottom price online, dispatches an unqualified operator who drills your lock unnecessarily, then charges several times the quote for 'parts and labour'. Protection: get the all-in price and the company's physical address before dispatch, prefer locksmiths with a verifiable local address and reviews, ask them to attempt non-destructive entry first, and refuse work if the on-site price suddenly balloons.

Four things: the call-out/travel fee (and whether it is waived if you proceed), labour for the specific job, parts at stated prices, and any after-hours surcharge. Get it before dispatch, ideally by text or email. On arrival, confirm the price still stands before work starts. Reputable locksmiths quote firm prices for standard jobs; vague 'from' pricing that firms up only after the door is open is the pattern to avoid.

Yes — reputable locksmiths must verify you have the right to enter before opening a door. Expect to show photo ID with the address, or other evidence like mail, a tenancy agreement, or confirming details with a neighbour or landlord. A locksmith who opens a door without any check is a red flag in itself.

A straightforward like-for-like swap takes 15-30 minutes per lock. Rekeying is similar. Allow longer for upgrading to a different lock type (fresh door prep), multipoint mechanisms on uPVC doors, or smart lock installs with setup — those can take 45-90 minutes. A full house rekey of 3-5 locks is typically an hour or two.

Rekeying keeps your existing lock but changes the internal pins so old keys stop working — you get new keys, and it costs a fraction of a full replacement. Changing (replacing) the lock swaps the entire unit, which you need when the lock is damaged, worn, or you want a security upgrade. If your locks work fine and you just want old keys dead — after moving in or losing a key — rekeying is usually the smart choice.

A standard business-hours call-out runs about $120-$150, with after-hours and weekend call-outs at $150-$300 before labour. A standard daytime home lockout typically totals $120-$300 all-in; after-hours emergencies commonly run $200-$500. Get the total, not just the call-out, before dispatch.

Generally only with the landlord's or agent's consent, and you must usually provide them a copy of the new key — rules sit in each state's tenancy legislation, with exceptions for urgent situations like domestic violence orders. A locksmith will still ask for proof you live at the property before changing locks.