Period homes, thick walls
Many NW3 properties are period houses and mansion flats with thick internal walls, which are bad news for WiFi. If the signal drops between the study and the kitchen, we look at where the router sits and whether a mesh system or a cabled access point is the right answer. We quote the equipment before we buy anything.
Mac and Windows
Mixed Mac and Windows households are common here. We work at the kitchen table or wherever suits, and we quote before anything comes apart. For a newer Mac that is still under warranty, Apple is usually the better route and we will say so.
Your files come first
If a laptop is on its way out, the files matter more than the machine. We can often copy your photos and documents off before attempting any repair. Our guide to recovering files from a dead laptop lists what not to do.
Getting there
The drive from Neasden is not the slow part. Parking in the village can be, so we build that into the appointment time.
20% off labour until 31 December 2026. Parts extra, quoted before we start.
Helpful guides.
Plain-English advice from the Computer Repairs Direct team. Free to read, no sign-up.
Common questions.
Do you cover Belsize Park and Swiss Cottage?+
Yes. NW3 takes in Hampstead village, Belsize Park and the streets off Finchley Road. Swiss Cottage sits on the edge of that area, so send your postcode and we will confirm. Send us your postcode if you're unsure and we will confirm it before we book.
Why is my WiFi so poor in an old house?+
Thick walls, plaster and older building materials absorb a lot of signal, and the router is often in the wrong place. We check the position first. If that isn't enough, a mesh system or cabled access point usually fixes it, and we quote the equipment before ordering.
Can you save my photos from a laptop that won't start?+
Often, yes. We try to copy your files off before attempting a repair, and we tell you honestly if the drive has failed too badly. Don't keep switching it on in the meantime, as that can make things worse.
What does a Hampstead visit cost?+
Labour is £60 an hour during our Halloween sale, which runs until 31 December 2026 (normally £75). Parts are priced separately and quoted first.