New home window locks in Exeter
Professional new home window locks services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£110
Typical Duration
1-2 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Professional window lock fitting throughout your new home. I'll assess each window, fit appropriate locks, and provide all keys - meeting insurance requirements while keeping your family safe.
Your Insurance Wants To Know About Window Locks
Week one in your new home, you ring your insurance company:
"Do all accessible windows have key-operated locks?"
You: "Erm... I think so?"
"Can you confirm that?"
You wander around the house checking. Half have locks. Three are missing keys. One's clearly broken. The kitchen window just... swings open.
Here's what your insurer actually wants:
Every ground floor window and every accessible upstairs window needs a proper lock. Not a broken catch. Not a "twist thing that might work." A key-operated security lock.
💡 Pro tip: Most burglaries in Exeter happen through windows, not doors. Unlocked windows are essentially invitations. Takes me an hour to secure an average house properly - worth it for peace of mind alone.
What Gets Fitted
🔒 Window Lock Types (Matched to Your Windows)
| Window Type | Lock Solution | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Casement (side-opening) | Lockable stay or rack bolt | Prevents window opening |
| Sash (up/down) | Dual screws or sash lock | Stops both top and bottom sashes |
| UPVC | Key-operated handles or restrictors | Secures modern windows properly |
| Fanlight/top hung | Casement lock or cable restrictor | Prevents climbing access |
🏠 Prioritized Approach
- Ground floor - all windows fully secured
- Accessible upstairs (above flat roofs, porches, etc.)
- Easy-climb access points (near drainpipes, trees)
- Upstairs bedroom restrictors (safety + security)
🔑 What You Get
- All locks installed and tested
- Keys provided (2 per lock minimum)
- Clear demonstration of operation
- Written list of what's fitted where
- Invoice for insurance company
Why This Matters
🛡️ Insurance Requirements
Most home insurance policies REQUIRE:
- Key-operated locks on all accessible windows
- Proof of fitting (keep the invoice!)
- All locks actually used when property empty
Without them, your insurer can refuse claims - even for things unrelated to the windows.
👨👩👧👦 Family Safety
Upstairs window restrictors mean:
- Kids can't open windows dangerously wide
- Fresh air without security compromise
- You can sleep with windows locked but ventilated
Pricing Guide
| Property Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Flat (5-8 windows) | 1 hr | £60 |
| 3-bed house (10-12 windows) | 1.5 hrs | £85 |
| 4-bed house (15+ windows) | 2 hrs | £110 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Price includes standard locks - unusual window types may need specialist locks (quoted separately).
Done Right vs Done Wrong
| ✅ Professional Installation | ❌ DIY Bodge Job |
|---|---|
| Right lock type for window | Wrong lock, doesn't fit properly |
| Drilled accurately, fitted square | Wonky, split frame, loose |
| Multiple keys provided | One key (which you'll lose) |
| Insurance-compliant | Insurer rejects it |
| Smooth operation | Stiff, breaks in 6 months |
Why Choose Us for New home window locks in Exeter?
All windows secured with proper locks
Meets insurance requirements
Shown how each lock works
Ground floor and accessible windows prioritized
What to Expect
Step 1: Window Assessment
I check every window type, existing locks (if any), and what's accessible. Different windows need different solutions - I'll explain what's needed where and why.
Step 2: Installation
Each lock gets fitted properly - drilled accurately, secured firmly, operating smoothly. I test every one before moving on. If a window's rotten or damaged, I'll flag it for separate repair.
Step 3: Demonstration & Handover
You get shown how each lock works, where I've left spare keys, and what to tell your insurance company. Simple stuff but important to know.
🔧 DIY Tips
If you want to fit your own window locks, here's how to do it properly:
🔧 Tools needed
- Drill and bits (wood and metal)
- Screwdriver
- Tape measure and pencil
- Spirit level
- Window lock kits (get the right type!)
🪟 Choosing the right locks
Casement windows (side-opening):
- Lockable stay - replaces the existing stay arm
- Rack bolt - drills into frame, barrel locks into keep
- Both work, stays are easier for regular use
Sash windows (up/down):
- Dual screws - bolt through both sashes
- Sash lock - surface-mounted lock joining both
- Need two per window (one each side)
UPVC windows:
- Should have locks built in - if keys are missing, a locksmith can cut new ones
- If no locks, fit key-operated handles or restrictors
🔨 Fitting steps
- Mark positions - locks need to sit flush, not obstruct operation
- Drill pilot holes - SMALL holes first, then correct size
- Fit lock body - screw in place firmly but don't overtighten
- Fit strike plate/keep - with window closed, mark exact position
- Test operation - should lock smoothly without force
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Drilling too large - lock sits loose
- Wrong position - catches on frame
- Too tight screws - crack the wood/uPVC
- Not checking window closes fully before fitting
- Losing the keys immediately (guilty!)
💡 Pro trick: For sash windows, fit the locks when the window is fully closed and locked with the existing catch. This ensures perfect alignment and the sashes won't rattle.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🏚️ Older windows? Victorian sash windows in Exeter often have no locks at all - just a little brass catch. These are trivially easy to break into. Dual screws cost pennies and take 5 minutes to fit. No excuse not to.
Keys go missing - it happens. I provide at least 2 per lock, but consider keeping a spare set in a safe place. You can't operate the locks without them.
Child safety vs security - upstairs bedroom windows need restrictors that let you ventilate safely while locked. I fit these as standard in any room a child sleeps in.
Rotten window frames? Common in older properties. If the wood's soft, the locks won't hold securely. I'll flag this so you can get the frames repaired properly - otherwise you're locking windows that won't stand up to any force.
Listed buildings - some conservation areas restrict what you can fit. Check before I visit if your property is listed. Usually there are approved lock types that meet both security and conservation requirements.
Combining with other work? Makes sense to do this alongside other security measures - new door locks, outdoor lighting, alarm installation. Bundle it together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need window locks - don't windows come with them?
Older windows often don't have locks at all, or they're broken/missing keys. Even newer windows sometimes have basic catches that don't meet insurance requirements. Your insurer wants proper lockable stays or restrictors on all accessible windows.
What counts as an 'accessible' window for insurance?
Basically any ground floor window, plus any upstairs window you could reach from a flat roof, garage, drainpipe, or by climbing. Insurance companies are surprisingly creative about what burglars could climb. Better to lock them all and be sure.
Can you match locks to windows I've already got?
Usually yes. I carry common types and can get specific ones for unusual windows. If keys are missing from existing locks, I can sometimes source replacements or fit new locks entirely. Each window type needs a different approach.
Do you install the key-safe restrictors for upstairs windows?
Yes - these let you open the window for ventilation but only about 4 inches, and you need a key to open it fully. Perfect for upstairs bedrooms, especially kids' rooms. Safety and security in one.
Will this affect my insurance premium?
Should do, in a good way. Having proper window locks fitted often gets you a discount on contents insurance. Keep my invoice as proof for your insurer. Some won't even cover you without them.
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