The best home improvement apps

Do you want to start a home renovation project? Once you know how you’re going to pay for it, the hard part begins. Luckily, help is just a smartphone away – and we don’t mean calling contractors. Welcome to the world of home improvement apps.

Available for phones and tablets, these apps are specifically aimed at answering simple or complex questions, exploring tools, and helping you complete virtually any type of home improvement project.

Home improvement apps for construction and repairs

While they’re not a replacement for your toolbox, these apps can help you when you’re in a pinch.

• Stanley level: An essential part of hanging a frame or building a straight dresser, shelf or table is checking that your project is level. If you mess up the leveling, you’ll end up with a crooked image or a slanted piece of furniture. The Stanley Level App is more convenient than a traditional level and works for furniture, alignment, angle measurements and more.
• Handyman calculator: Never again think about the amount of material you need for a project or worry about converting centimeters to yards. Handyman Calculator does the conversions and calculations for you. Simply enter the information you know, run the calculator and get your results. Not only can you collect materials, you can also track invoices, time spent, and manage to-do lists.
• RoomScan Pro: RoomScan Pro is a paid app that lets you use your phone to scan your home and measure the spatial relationship of walls, giving you an accurate digital blueprint of your home. For accurate measurements, just touch your phone to the walls or scan the floor. Pull it out when you go to the hardware store so you know exactly how much carpet to order or what length of curtain rods you need for the master bedroom.

Home improvement apps for planning and inspiration

If you have an idea of ​​what you want your space to look like but need to visualize it, check out these apps to help you get the design process started. You can also use an online interior design service if you want a more comprehensive experience and don’t mind spending a little more.

• House design 3D: This interior design app allows you to design and remodel your home completely in three dimensions. You can design a floor plan in 2D or 3D, arrange it and visualize what your space could look like. This program is not only available for your smartphone, but can also be used on tablets and your desktop.
• Construction.com: Build.com allows you to visualize which home upgrades and projects will fit and function in your space. This way you can see what lamps will look like on a wall, what a new ceiling fan will look like in your living room and what kind of sink or toilet will look good in your new bathroom. This app also allows you to connect live with project experts to get free advice and help finding the products you need.
• Magic plan: This app is largely aimed at construction professionals and allows users to create floor plans. You can build a complete floor plan within minutes by scanning a room within 30 seconds. Plus, you get access to features like sketches, material and cost estimates, 3D models, and virtual tours.

Home improvement apps for painting and redecorating

Painting can be one of the most difficult – and expensive – aspects of renovating a home. Fortunately, these apps can help you compare paint colors and even test how different lighting affects shade. Using apps like this can help you avoid dreaded situations, like realizing that the beautiful shade of gray that took days to find is actually blue in the midday sun.

If these are not included in the app, keep in mind that paint calculators are also helpful in determining how many gallons you will need to complete your project.

• Pantone Studio: The Pantone app allows users to build and create color palettes that can be tested on 3D rendered materials and designs. The app offers color palette tips and access to more than 10,000 color shades.
• Paint tester: All you have to do is upload a screenshot of your room and you can test how colors look on your walls before painting. PaintTester even lets you take lighting into account by taping a physical color sample to the wall and taking a photo of it. The app’s color picker can match the sample identically, taking into account the lighting in the room.

Home improvement apps for shopping

Finding that new statement chair has never been easier. With the apps below you can search, find and visualize the new pieces in your space without lifting a finger.

• Chair: Named the “#1 Can’t Live Without Decorating App” by Architectural summary, Chairish is a shopping platform aimed at people who like to buy and furnish vintage or antique pieces. The app lists new craft pieces and offers a “View Your Space” feature that lets you see what the pieces might look like in your home.
• Everything Modern: AllModern app allows you to buy furniture and decorations and also receive tracking and sales notifications. If you’re not ready to make a purchase yet, you can use the app to save items you’re interested in and share them with friends or family for a second opinion.
• DIY store: You can use the Big Box store app to search for products in local stores and online. The app also has an augmented reality feature that lets you view products in your home before purchasing them. Other useful features include the ability to create a shopping list, track your order, and chat with a live Home Depot associate.

Home improvement apps for finding professionals

Sometimes it is necessary to call in a professional to ensure the job is done properly. These apps take the hard work of sifting through thousands of contractors to find the right one for your project.

• Pushpin: The Thumbtack app connects users with experienced professionals to help improve the interior and exterior of your home. Within the app you can search, chat and hire professionals, such as handymen, electricians, plumbers and outdoor maintenance companies.
• Useful: From TV mounting and picture hanging to furniture removals and electrical projects, Handy can put you in touch with the right professional. All professionals on the platform have been vetted and screened and that is possible.
• Angie: One of the best-known platforms for connecting with contractors, the Angi app (formerly known as Angie’s List) features professionals for almost every type of project, from drywall, electrical, and carpeting to HVAC installation and carpet cleaning. The app gives you the option to pay the contractors directly and you can make video calls or send messages via the chat function.

Home improvement apps for design inspiration

If you’re looking for inspiration, design apps can give you a push in the right direction and act as helpful assistants as you plan your interior design.

• Pinterest is a resource that’s completely free and packed with style inspiration. From organization to choosing paint colors, you’ll find thousands of ideas from various tutorials, websites, and blogs.
• Loves is equal parts inspiration gallery and home improvement encyclopedia. This app contains thousands of articles and tutorials that show you how to complete projects yourself and connects you with professionals who can take your design dreams and turn them into reality. Additionally, Houzz has visualization tools so you can virtually “install” furniture before you make a financial commitment for a new sofa or bed.

Home improvement apps from furniture stores

Many furniture stores now have augmented reality apps to test how specific pieces will look in your space. Long gone are the days when you spent all day running errands and packing a heavy piece of furniture, but it doesn’t fit in your space. Use the apps to simplify the process of renovating or refreshing your home.

• Wayfair’s The 3D in-room view feature is a great tool whether you’re redecorating an entire room, redecorating an entire house, or looking for a good deal. Within the app you can view life-size versions of products, arrange furniture, design your ideal space and discover your personal style.
• IKEA place uses augmented reality to see what an IKEA product would look like in your space. You get full-size 3D models of everything from sofas and overstuffed chairs to lamps and side tables. IKEA Place can give you a good impression of the size, design and functionality of the furniture in your home.