Homeowner Advice

General tips and advice for homeowners covering maintenance, seasonal tips and everyday property care.

Laptop Running Slow? Signs your Computer Could Need Professional Help

1st September 2022

When it comes to finding reliable local traders, Trust A Trader’s directory is packed with great individuals and companies who will take care of all elements of your home and garden maintenance and renovations. But not many people know that we also list trusted, rated, and vetted PC and laptop repair services.

As we become more and more reliant on our laptops and PCs, it is easy to see them as a part of furniture and neglect them a little (or a lot). As with anything electronic or mechanical, regular servicing can prevent serious problems down the line. Aim to get your laptop or PC serviced once a year. It may seem a lot to have to go days without it, especially if you need to work but consider the alternatives: complete failure and losing everything stored on your hard drive.

Here are some signs that you should get your computer to your nearest trusted computer technician:

Going slow – is your computer taking a while to load, or the page loading time is reminiscent of the good old dial-up days? It could be that you have a lot of pages running in the background, or it could be even more simple – that your internet is having a slow day. But if your computer is consistently slow, it could be a sign that there is something more serious wrong, so it is worth taking it for a service and a good clean up.

Error codes – computers are pretty intuitive and will usually try to “tell” you when there is a problem. If you see error codes when you start up your computer, try to take a picture of them and get booked in to your local technician ASAP.

Freezing – there are few things more frustrating than your computer freezing, especially if you are in the middle of something. Aside from being frustrating, this could be a sign that something is going wrong in the background – get it checked out ASAP.

Pop up spam – as digital natives, most of us are used to seeing the odd ad here and there. But if your screen is filled with ads and pop ups to such an extent that you can’t see the screen itself, then it is very possible that you have picked up a virus or malware. The best way to prevent this is to make sure that you have appropriate antivirus and anti-malware cover, but if your computer is acting up, take it to a professional.

Battery not charging – if your battery isn’t charging properly, it could be down to poor battery condition or a faulty charger. A faulty charger is quick and relatively easy to fix. Check your charger as a priority and, if things don’t improve, head to your local technician.

There are dozens of other computer problems that could be a sign of something more serious. If you are in doubt, check out our list of computer service and repair services near you. Want more info? Follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

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Looking for more homeowner advice advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common homeowner advice questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

What home repairs should I never attempt myself?

Gas work - full stop. Any work on gas appliances must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer by law. Structural changes like removing walls, altering roof timbers, or touching anything load-bearing need professional assessment and often Building Regulations sign-off. Electrical work involving the consumer unit or new circuits must meet Part P. And if your property was built before 2000, be aware asbestos may be present - it can only be handled by a licensed specialist.
Which home improvements add the most value to a property?

Improvements that add usable space or modernise the rooms buyers scrutinise most tend to deliver the strongest returns. Loft conversions consistently top the list - adding a bedroom and bathroom can add more value than the work costs in many areas. Kitchen and bathroom updates are next. Open-plan ground-floor extensions connecting to a kitchen-diner have become one of the most sought-after layouts in UK family homes. And energy improvements - insulation, a new boiler, solar panels - are increasingly influencing buyer decisions as running costs become a bigger part of the conversation.
Should I renovate my home or move house?

There's no universal right answer - it depends on your situation. Moving gets you what you want without living through a building site, but stamp duty, estate agent fees, and moving costs can easily add up to tens of thousands of pounds. Renovating lets you stay put and invest in your own property, but comes with disruption and unexpected costs. The most useful comparison: get a clear view of what your home could realistically be worth after the work, and what a move would actually cost end to end. A local estate agent and a builder's quote can give you those two numbers.
What does a home survey actually cover and do I need one when buying?

A survey is an independent assessment of a property's condition carried out by a qualified surveyor - separate from the mortgage valuation, which only tells the lender what the property is worth, not what's wrong with it. A HomeBuyer Report flags visible defects and anything that needs further investigation. A Full Building Survey goes deeper and is worth the extra cost on older, larger, or unusual properties. Given that a house is likely the biggest purchase you'll ever make, skipping the survey to save a few hundred pounds is a false economy - a single missed issue can cost far more to put right.
What should I do before starting any major home improvement project?

Get your paperwork in order before anyone picks up a tool. Check whether you need planning permission or Building Regulations approval. Find out whether a Party Wall Agreement applies. Confirm your home insurance covers you during the works. Get at least three written quotes and make sure the scope of work is clearly agreed in writing with whoever you hire. And have a contingency budget - on almost any renovation, something unexpected comes up. The projects that go smoothly are usually the ones that were properly planned before they started.
What is the difference between freehold and leasehold and why does it matter for home improvements?

If you own the freehold, you own the property and the land it sits on outright - you can generally do what you like subject to planning rules. If you own a leasehold property (common with flats), you own the right to live there for the remaining lease term, but the freeholder owns the building. This matters for home improvements because many leases require you to get the freeholder's written permission before making alterations - sometimes even internal ones. Always check your lease before starting any work, as doing alterations without the required consent can cause problems when you come to sell.

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