How Apps Can Simplify Your DIY Home Projects

With lots of extra time around the house, it’s no wonder so many people are doing remodeling projects. (Home improvement ideas if you quarantined at home by coronavirus) With the pandemic causing us to spend more time indoors, our focus is often placed on that bathroom remodel we’ve been dreaming about, updating our garages, or carving out our ideal bedroom layout. 

It’s easy to have a lot of ideas but not know where to start. From planning colors to hiring contractors for your roof, it’s tough to keep all your information in one place. Luckily, there are several apps that can make your life easier, and help you cover all the steps of your renovation, from A to Z. Not to mention, with apps like these it’s easy to keep track of what items you’ll need to buy, where you can find everything, how you can stay within your budget and make sure your new home is safe.

Saving time and effort on the logistics can help you put more of your heart and energy into the changes you want to make to your house. Below are the top 5 renovation apps to help you get started today. 

Top 5 home renovation apps

Houzz - for home design overall

Houzz keeps all your home renovation needs in one place. You can browse through styles and ideas, imagine items and renovations in your space with a virtual reality feature, and even speak to professionals about a certain idea. On top of that, you can even hire an expert to execute ideas in your space. 

Read: Steps to constructing your new house. Part 1

Magicplan - for contracting made simple

Magicplan makes contracting and floorplanning an absolute breeze. What if you could scan your space, press a button on your phone and automatically create a digital model of your home? This is exactly what Magicplan does. Once you scan the area of your home, Magicplan will give you an interactive floor plan that allows you to sketch changes directly and even receive an estimate. Could it get any simpler?

See also Deciding what you want and what you need when planning and designing your new house and ​Designing the layout of your new home

Home Design 3D - for interior design

Having trouble imagining how things will look in your space? Luckily, the Home Design 3D app lets you tweak your home digitally. With this app you can change details such as lighting, rearrange and remove furniture, and create easy, beautiful models of your home in 3D. The best part is, when you’re ready to make changes in real life, you’ve got a detailed model to send to your collaborators. ​

iScape - for landscaping

​When it comes to sprucing up your yard, we’ve got a tool you’ll love. iScape helps you design the yard you’ve been dreaming of. In addition to this, it provides valuable insight on what tools and materials you might need to carry out your dream projects. Through the app, you can hire professionals, find out how to save money on materials, and make sure you’re getting the absolute best care for your yard.

ProjectColor by the Home Depot - for painting

We all know that color can make or break a room. If one of your rooms is feeling a little dull, a quick repaint can make a world of difference. Deciding on the perfect color can be time consuming and stressful without the right help, which is why there is Project Color by Home Depot. 

With this app you can test out how different colors will look in your space. On top of that, you even get suggestions for colors that will complement the wall color, so you can truly take advantage of the change and make your room pop. 

See also Tips for Selecting Exterior Paint Colours for Your Home

Conclusion

No matter where you start with home improvement, you’ll want to make sure your home is protected. With all you’re investing in your new home, there are lots of opportunities for damage, unexpected mistakes and other future costs. Even the best of home renovations carry a risk, so it’s important to check with your home insurance provider, to make sure you’re well covered. (Read Before starting your home building project check your insurance)

If you choose to go DIY, you may save lots of money up front, but it will pay to play it safe. You’ll want to make sure you speak with your home insurance provider, to see how easy it can be to keep your property and investments protected while you improve your home. 

Author bio: Sarah Hollenbeck is a writer and homeowner from Austin, TX. Having just bought her first home before the Austin market exploded, she works hard to help other homeowners learn how to make the most out of their investment.

Other Useful Articles:
​10 Tips to Help Couples Survive a Home Renovation Project
​Questions to ask before starting a home renovation, or building a new house
20 Helpful Home Renovation Apps for 2021

Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses?

Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
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