Beginning December 30, 2024, The Computer Cellar will again try offering some in-home services to Durham residents. Our service area is the area within roughly a five-mile radius of our shop, to include all of Durham proper, but excluding outskirt areas like Bahama, or neighboring cities like Chapel Hill, Morrisville, and Hillsborough.
Please read the information below before submitting a request, there are many services we do not offer.
What is a house call for?
A house call is intended for services that can only be done in-home. E.g., hooking up your desktop computer, relocating it, setting up a printer, fixing wireless networking issues or advising on/setting up wifi routers, and some types of basic guidance or usage troubleshooting. We can dust your computer (desktop and most laptops) while at your location and look for potential signs of future trouble. We will also pick-up and deliver computers for the elderly and infirm, when needed.
What is a house call not for?
We cannot tutor or offer long consultations in-home. We cannot perform most hardware repairs in-home. Most computer issues that are not the fault of the home network will need troubleshooting that can only be performed in our shop. We do not run cables/set up wired networking; for that you’ll need an electrician/low-voltage wiring specialist or network specialist. We do not service, install, wall mount, or set up televisions, sound systems, or other household electronics and appliances. Having us service something in-home will not substantially reduce your downtime, and may even increase it in some circumstances.
What does a house call cost?
All in-home services are a minimum $120 per call-out. This will cover both travel time, and up to one hour of time on-site. Any subsequent hours are $80/hr (billed in 15-minute increments). Any needed parts/supplies will be an additional charge.
Simple pickup/deliveries for the elderly and infirm (including a quick unhook/reconnect of desktop computers in situ, where needed) will be $60 (round trip), and added to the total of a regular repair invoice.
How do I pay for a house call?
For simplicity, we prefer cash or check for this type of service. However, when needed, we can also accept credit/debit card payments (we may need brief access to your home wifi to formalize your ticket and perform a digital transaction.)
How do I set up a house call?
Fill out our contact form (preferred), or call us at 919-314-3327. One of our technicians will inquire about your specific problem and try to ensure that in-home service is appropriate for your needs. If so, they will either attempt to schedule a time for you, or will put you on a callback list to be contacted and scheduled within one business day. Most service calls should be completed within a week of initial contact. We reserve the right to decline any request for service, or to terminate a service in progress at any time. House calls will generally be scheduled for Tuesday or Wednesday mornings (subject to change as we adjust to providing this new service).