Reality TV provides an enormous amount of inspiration for home improvements and renovations. But technology also offers direction, advice and practical tools through our mobile devices. Get smart and take advantage of these best apps for remodeling your home, available on multiple platforms and covering various home renovation projects.
#1. Apps from Major Retailers - Home Depot and Rona
Both Rona and Home Depot offer free apps for Canadian customers using the iOS platform. Lowes is only available in the United States, and the Home Depot app is also available for Android users. Retailer apps allow for product browsing and searching, often saving you long trips to the store for materials.
The Home Depot app provides a list of handy tools, such as calculators, converters and measurement devices, while the Rona app gives you direct, easy access to the weekly flyer for savings and promotions. Whether you're opting for a DIY home improvement or hiring a contractor, the apps for major retailers like Home Depot and Rona lend a helping hand during your remodeling project.
#2. Design Ideas and Inspiration - Houzz App
Available for both the iOS and Android platform, the free Houzz app provides all of the benefits available on this amazing website. Part social media, part scrapbook of home improvement and design images and part contractor network, Houzz is an excellent place to start gathering ideas for kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, home additions and landscaping projects.
Thousands of images await the user on the Houzz app, with plenty of helpful tips, FAQs and contractor contact info. It offers equal value for DIY enthusiasts and those planning to hire a contractor. Add images to your idea book and plan for future projects, as well as working on the most recent remodeling job. You'll even find links and prices for furniture and d�cor items used in the images—ideal for interior design and filling your space post-renovation.
#3. Designing Your Home Remodel - Home Design 3D
A well-rated app that allows amateurs to play with home design like a professional, Home Design 3D costs around $7 for the iOS devices and around $8 for Android users. Use this app to plan out your home renovation or remodel, moving around hundreds of items to help you decide layout, size and room design. Work on it in 2D and then take in a different viewpoint with 3D.
You can also move the data between your mobile device, tablet or desktop computer, allowing you flexibility during this all-important process. Home Design 3D is also connected to a diverse online community at www.homedesign3d.net, and can be operated offline for maximum convenience. It may not replace the need to hire a professional designer, but this app gives you an opportunity to nail down your own design ideas before meeting with a pro, making this process more efficient and affordable.
# 4. Practical Tools for Home Reno - iHandy Carpenter
Available exclusively for the iOS platform for just $1.99, the iHandy Carpenter app offers a long list of tools for those working on or planning a remodeling project. Would you like to have these tools at your fingertips (or on your smartphone):
- plumb bob
- surface level
- bubble level bar
- ruler
- protractor
Usable in any number of situations, this type of app allows you to work on DIY projects with accuracy or discuss situations intelligently with your contractor. Read the calibration instructions to ensure your plumb bob and levels are working well.
Tool apps like iHandy Carpenter are often used well beyond a home improvement project, making them more valuable to the average user. Some contractors are utilizing smartphone tool apps in place of traditional tools, but for the most part, these apps serve only during the planning process.
#5. More Practical Tools - Smart Tools App
Similar to the app above, Smart Tools combines several practical tool applications into one easy to use app for the Android platform. Cost runs at $2.50 and this app offers the following programs together:
- Smart Ruler Pro
- Smart Measure Pro
- Smart Compass Pro
- Sound Meter Pro
- Smart Light Pro
Expect to use the measurement tools most often during your remodel, but enjoy the benefits offered by the other elements, which will work well now and into the future. Everything is displayed on an attractive home screen and navigation is a breeze with this handy tool app for Android.
#6. Technical Tools Apps - Electrical Wiring Pro
Available on the Android platform for just over $4, Electrical Wiring Pro provides plenty of information on the Canadian electrical code. It also allows for multiple conversions and calculations indispensable in a wiring or lighting project.
This app may work best for those with DIY in mind (be careful and make sure your local building codes allows unlicensed homeowners to tackle their own electrical work), but it does offer others with some understanding of the technical aspects involved.
You'll find everything from load calculations to boxes, covers and conduit data. This is a fairly new app and was written by a professional in the electrical field. Other apps exist with similar functions, but none offer the scope of electrical info here.
#7. Data Management App - Evernote
It may seem strange to include this simple, free note-taking app in a list of best apps for remodeling your home, but Evernote provides several key benefits to working on home improvements. Clip web pages and images during the brainstorming phase and Evernote will keep them all in one place. Scan receipts, attach quotations and keep an archived copy of emails involving the project for fast reference and the ultimate organization.
One of the best things about Evernote is the cross-platform operation. Work on the notes on your phone before switching to your tablet or desktop. Share the info with your spouse or even the contractor to ensure that all involved have a clear view of the plans and vision. Evernote may be small, but it is very, very powerful when planning any large scale remodeling project.
I'm sure there a tons of more home improvement apps out there, but you may not have time to try all of them. These 7 pretty much take care of everything, from design tips to building materials, data management and practical or technical tools. Check out ten more mobile apps for bathroom renovation.
Have you used come of these or other mobile apps for home renovation? Share your experience with us in the comments section.
Posted by: TrustedProsSuggested Reading For You
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