Have you ever been locked out of your house? It happens to the best of us.

Getting locked out is never fun. We have all been there at least once in our lives.

The lockouts I’m speaking for this article are for homes, and even certain types of businesses. It’s easy to run out of the house or business quickly, and close a locked door. We all live on a schedule and get behind from time to time. We cut corners sometimes to save time one way or another. Getting locked out happens.

Many people park in their garages so the entrance to the house is usually narrowed down to the door into the house from the garage. Being a locksmith, I've even seen people that didn't even have a key to their house since all they ever did was park in the garage. It is totally fine to park this way, but remember that if the garage door opener remote looses battery function or its charge, you are locked out.

I've seen the many ways to hide a spare around the house. The fake rock, a simple hidden key, or even leaving a key with your neighbor is very popular. The first two options are very dangerous as someone looking to find a way in will look for these solutions.

The recommendations for your home lockout needs are simple. Both options can easily be done yourself or by locksmith. First, it is very common to walk up to a house and see a lockbox containing a key to the home. It is something usually used just by the real estate professional to key a key available to anyone visiting the house. But, it can also be used to keep a key hidden to your house, car, or even many other small items. One of these can be picked up pretty easily at most hardware stores for around $25. They are very easy to set a combination on and a simple and effective method to have a key always available to you.

Second, the electronic lock with a keypad. These not only give you a great looking lock that can match the existing hardware and keys, but also provide a simple way to always have access to the house no matter what. The keypad code can also be changed by the homeowner at any time if need be. This is important cause if the code is given to contractor, family member, neighbor, etc and the relationship changes or sours, the key doesn’t have to be changed, just a simple code to that lock. It also gives you a great way to leave the house and not have to take your keys with you. It does have many advantages. If you’re a walker, runner, biker, etc, it is nice not having to haul your keys along with you for those adventures. It may sound like an expensive solution, but it is exactly opposite. The prices for these start at around $75 at most home improvement stores. The second part to that purchase is make sure lock is installed correctly and is keyed the same as the rest of the locks in the house. A locksmith can be called out to the house to install and rekey the lock if need be at a minimal cost. Some home improvement stores may even rekey the lock for you upon purchase of the lock. Most locks have simple to follow instructions for the DIY, and usually just need common tools you probably already have in your toolbox.

Something to keep in mind, paying for a lockout service can be expensive depending on the time of day and location. Every locksmith is different with the pricing and something you should consider when looking for one. Keep these two lockout options in mind if you do lock yourself out. It may happen once. It doesn't have to happen a second time. If it does, ask the locksmith that helps you out to make copies of your key and sell you a lockbox or install the keypad style locks right then and there. It will not only prevent the locksmith from charging a trip fee to come back out later, and its best to just take care of it while it is fresh on your mind.

Have you ever been locked out of your house? It happens to the best of us.

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