The Homeward advice journal
A little know-how.
A lot less guesswork.
Clear guides for the moments when a door won’t lock, a key disappears or it’s time for a change. Start with the problem you have.
uPVC door won't lock? Start with the symptoms
A door, its cylinder and its locking mechanism work together. Describing what each part does is more useful than guessing which replacement to buy.
Read the guide 02 / HOMEWARD ADVICEWhat should a locksmith quote include?
A useful quote identifies the job, the proposed work and the total charging basis. Start with the door problem, then ask what the price actually covers.
Read the guide 03 / HOMEWARD ADVICEMoving home: make a plan for your locks and keys
Receiving a set of keys does not tell you how many copies exist. A planned lock review helps you decide who should have access from the start.
Read the guide 04 / HOMEWARD ADVICELost house keys: separate access from security
Getting back inside solves an access problem. Deciding whether missing keys could still be used is a separate security question worth addressing.
Read the guide 05 / HOMEWARD ADVICERepair or replace a lock? Questions worth asking
The right decision depends on the cause of the fault and the access you want afterwards. A new part should solve an identified problem.
Read the guide 06 / HOMEWARD ADVICEBusiness key control when staff or tenants change
A key register is useful only while it matches the keys in circulation. Staff departures and tenancy handovers are good moments to review it.
Read the guide 07 / HOMEWARD ADVICEChoosing an anti-snap cylinder: fit and evidence matter
Choose an identified, independently tested product that suits the complete door. An anti-snap label on its own is not enough information.
Read the guide 08 / HOMEWARD ADVICEBroken key in the lock: what to do next
Stop applying force, keep the broken pieces and explain whether the door is open or locked. Removing the fragment and assessing the lock are separate tasks.
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