If you recently moved into a house that was just built in a new development, you are probably excited. You have a lot on your mind while you are getting settled in. With so much going on, you may not be thinking about security, but you should. Your home and family could be at risk.
What Are Builder’s Keys?
When builders are constructing several houses in the same development at the same time, they generally use a “builder’s key” that can open all of the locks in all of the houses involved in the project. This is done because it is much more convenient than needing to manage dozens of keys for different houses. Builder’s keys may be given to construction workers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and any other contractors who are working on the project.
Problems with Builder’s Keys
While being able to open all doors with one key during construction is convenient, it can put the new homeowners at risk after they move in. Builder’s keys are designed so that they no longer work after the homeowners use their keys for the first time. However, if a new homeowner’s key was not used in a back or side door, the builder’s key would still work.
Someone who was involved in construction might have kept a master key or made a copy. The construction company keeps records of the locks used and their combinations, which means copies can easily be made. A builder’s key or copy could be used if the homeowner had not used a new key in every lock in the house.
The locks in new houses still have master pins and are easy to pick or bump. The more master pins are still present, the more keys can be used to open a lock. It is fairly easy for someone to create a master key that can open the locks on several houses in a subdivision.
Have Your Locks Rekeyed
If you moved into a house that was built recently, it is likely that a builder’s key was used during construction. Your home could be broken into by someone who has a key or a little knowledge about lock picking or bumping.
The only way to prevent someone from picking or bumping a lock, creating a master key, or using a builder’s key to enter your home is to have the locks rekeyed. If you recently moved into a house in a newly-constructed subdivision, you should have your locks rekeyed as soon as possible.
All American Locksmiths can rekey the locks in your new home. We serve cities and towns all over Connecticut, including Bethel, Fairfield, and Guilford. Contact us today to have your locks rekeyed and make your new home secure.
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