Locked Out of Your House? Here's What to Do

Before you do anything else, take two minutes to walk the outside of your home. Check every ground-floor window — even one you think you always keep locked. Try the back door, the garage entry door, and any side doors. Many homeowners discover a slightly ajar window or an unlocked secondary entrance they'd forgotten about. If you have an attached garage with a keypad you've programmed, now is the time to use it. This step costs nothing and resolves the problem surprisingly often.

If you live in a community with a property manager or HOA — common in Apex neighborhoods like Haddon Hall or Friendship Station — check whether your building office holds a spare key or has a maintenance contact who can assist. Also think about whether a trusted neighbor, family member, or your landlord (if you rent) has a spare key to your home. A quick phone call can save you an hour of hassle.

If you've locked yourself out of your house, a spare key is the cleanest solution available. Think carefully: Did you give one to a family member nearby? Is there one at your workplace? Some homeowners store a spare in a combination lock box mounted near the door — if you have one, this is its moment to shine. Key boxes from brands like Master Lock are inexpensive, weatherproof, and specifically designed for this scenario.

What we strongly advise against: hiding a spare key under a doormat, in a fake rock by the front steps, or above the door frame. These spots are well-known to opportunistic intruders and offer almost no real security. If today's lockout is showing you that your spare-key system isn't working, use it as a prompt to set up something better once you're back inside — we can actually help with that too.

When your perimeter check and spare key search come up empty, calling a trained emergency locksmith is the right next move. A qualified locksmith can get you back inside quickly, without damaging your door or frame, and — critically — they are required to verify that you are the resident or authorized occupant before doing any work. That verification step is standard practice and protects everyone involved.

Here's something worth knowing before you call: the type of lock on your door directly affects how the job is done and how long it takes. A standard door knob lock or deadbolt is straightforward for an experienced technician. A mortise lock — the rectangular lock body that sits inside the door edge, common on older homes and some higher-security installations — is a more complex mechanism that requires a locksmith specifically familiar with mortise lock service. At Wake County Locksmith, mortise lock work is a core part of what we do. We carry the tools and parts for mortise lock jobs on every service vehicle, so there's no waiting for a special order. If you're not sure what type of lock you have, that's fine — just describe your door when you call (919) 341-2147 and we'll know exactly what to bring.

This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the honest answer is: sometimes, but rarely in the way people hope. Local officers in Wake County — including Apex PD and the Wake County Sheriff's Office — are generally not equipped to open locks, and it is not a standard part of their service. In certain situations, such as if a child or pet is confirmed trapped inside, officers may contact emergency services or take other action. But for a standard residential lockout, the police will typically refer you to a locksmith.

That said, calling 911 is absolutely the right move if there is any immediate safety risk — a child locked inside on a hot day, a medical emergency, or any sign that something is wrong beyond a simple lockout. Otherwise, a professional locksmith is the appropriate, efficient path forward. We respond throughout Wake County and are familiar with local roads and neighborhoods, which means faster arrival times when minutes matter.

One of the most searched questions around this topic is some variation of 'how much does an emergency locksmith cost near me' or 'how much is a locksmith in NC' — and the honest answer is that no responsible locksmith should give you a real number without knowing the details of your specific job. What actually shapes the final price includes: the type of lock involved (a mortise lock service differs from a simple door knob lock job), the time of day (late-night or holiday calls involve different logistics), travel distance to your location within Wake County, and whether any parts or hardware need to be replaced rather than simply opened.

People from Apex, NC — sometimes called 'Apexians' by locals, though most just say they're from Apex — are used to a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to services, and that's exactly what we deliver. Before any work begins, we confirm a firm, upfront price with you. No surprise charges appear on the back end. If you've ever wondered about a locksmith call-out fee — that is the charge for a technician traveling to your location — we explain all components of your quote clearly before we start. Our goal is that you understand exactly what you're paying for and why.

Once you're back inside, take 15 minutes to set up a proper plan so this doesn't happen again. Install a quality keypad deadbolt — brands like Schlage and Kwikset both offer solid options — so you always have a code-based backup entry. Set up a secure key lockbox with a combination known to one or two trusted people. Consider a smart lock that lets you grant and revoke access remotely from your phone.

If your current locks are aging, worn, or are an older mortise lock style that's become difficult to operate, a lock replacement or rekey service is worth considering now rather than later. A worn lock is more prone to failure at the worst possible time. Our team provides residential rekeying, lock replacement, mortise lock service, and a full range of door hardware installations across Wake County. Reach out any time — we're available 24/7 at (919) 341-2147.