If you’re planning to renovate or build your dream home, it’s important to design the exterior just as thoughtfully as the interior. A well-composed exterior not only enhances curb appeal but can also increase your home’s value. Fortunately, with the rise of technology, there are now numerous apps available that can assist you in the exterior design process. In this article, we’ll explore the question of whether there are any reliable apps for exterior home design and identify some of the best options available.
What is Exterior Home Design?
Exterior home design is the process of creating an aesthetically pleasing and functional exterior appearance for a building. This includes the selection of materials, colors, architectural details, and landscaping elements that will enhance the overall look and feel of the property. The exterior design of a home or building is crucial because it establishes a first impression and enhances curb appeal, which can increase the property’s value.
The Importance of Exterior Design
The exterior design of a home or building is just as important as the interior design. It sets the tone for the home and creates an inviting atmosphere. A well-designed exterior can increase the value of a property as well as attract potential buyers or renters. Poor design choices, on the other hand, can decrease the value of a property and detract from its overall appeal.
In addition to enhancing curb appeal and increasing property value, exterior home design can also improve functionality. Smart design choices can improve the flow of traffic and create outdoor spaces that are perfect for entertaining or relaxing. With careful planning and attention to detail, it’s possible to create an outdoor haven that is equally as inviting and functional as the interior of a home.
Benefits of Exterior Home Design Apps
Exterior home design apps have been a game-changer for homeowners who want to renovate their homes. They provide a virtual platform where homeowners can experiment with color choices and design concepts before embarking on an actual renovation project. Below are the benefits of using exterior home design apps:
1. Reduced Cost
Before the advent of exterior home design apps, homeowners had to hire a professional to create a design plan and mockup of what their home would look like after the renovation. This could be expensive and time-consuming. With home design apps, homeowners can now create a design plan themselves, saving them money in the process.
2. Experiment with Various Design Options
Exterior home design apps offer a variety of design options to choose from. Homeowners can experiment with different colors, textures, and materials. They can also try different layouts and configurations to see which one works best for their home. This way, they can find the perfect design for their home before commencing the renovation project.
Additionally, homeowners can get inspiration from other design ideas and apply them to their homes. This allows them to create unique designs that reflect their personal taste and style.
3. Time-Saving
Exterior home design apps have made the renovation process more efficient. Homeowners can create a design plan in minutes, compared to the hours or even days it would take a professional to create one. This allows homeowners to start renovating their homes faster, saving them time in the process.
4. Improved Communication with Contractors
Once homeowners have created a design plan using an exterior home design app, they can share it with contractors. This makes it easier for contractors to understand what the homeowner wants and to create an accurate quote for the project. Improved communication between homeowners and contractors is critical to the success of any renovation project. By using exterior home design apps, homeowners can eliminate misunderstandings and ensure that their contractors are on the same page as them.
In conclusion, exterior home design apps provide homeowners with a platform to experiment with design concepts and color choices before embarking on an actual renovation project. They are cost-effective, time-saving, and allow homeowners to explore various design options to create unique designs that reflect their personal taste and style. By using exterior home design apps, homeowners can communicate better with contractors and streamline the renovation process.
Top Exterior Home Design Apps in the Market
If you are planning to renovate or redesign the exterior of your home, there are various home design apps that you can use to visualize your ideas and create a virtual model of your home to see how it will look after the project. These apps are designed to help homeowners choose the right color, texture, and style for their home exterior, and make the process of renovation or remodeling easier and more enjoyable. Here are some of the top exterior home design apps available in the market:
Home Outside
Home Outside is a great app for landscaping and exterior design. It allows you to create a 2D model of your exterior area and add trees, plants, hardscapes, and other outdoor features to see how they will look in your space. You can also take a photo of your outdoor area and use the app to add features and make changes to the design. The app has a wide range of design features and tools that enable you to create a virtual model of your outdoor area according to your preference and style.
iScape
iScape is another excellent app that allows you to design your home’s outdoor area. It offers you a variety of design tools to add plants, trees, hardscapes, water features, and other outdoor features to your home exterior. You can take a photo of your home’s exterior and use the app to make changes and design the space according to your preference. The app has a user-friendly interface and a great visualization tool that enables you to see your design in 3D.
Houzz
Houzz is not specifically an exterior design app, but it offers a wide range of design ideas and options that you can use to redesign the exterior of your home. The app allows you to browse millions of photos of exterior design ideas and save them to your idea book for future reference. You can also use the app to connect with a professional exterior designer and get expert advice on your project. The app has a community forum where you can ask questions, get tips, and share your ideas with other homeowners.
Homestyler
Homestyler is another popular app that allows you to design your home’s interior and exterior. The app enables you to create a detailed 3D model of your home’s exterior and add features such as windows, doors, siding, and roofing. You can also use the app to add outdoor furniture, lighting fixtures, and other outdoor décor. The app has a user-friendly interface and various tools that make the design process more comfortable and more accessible.
RoomSketcher
RoomSketcher is a design app that enables you to create a 3D model of your home’s exterior and interior. The app allows you to add details such as furniture, flooring, walls, windows, and doors, and it has a wide range of design tools and features that allow you to create a personalized design for your home. The app has a virtual reality feature that enables you to experience your design in 3D and make changes to it in real-time.
Features to Look for in an Exterior Home Design App
Designing the exterior of your home can be exciting yet daunting. Whether you are building a new home or updating the current one, using an exterior home design app can be a helpful and fun tool. However, with countless apps available in the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Before downloading an app, it is important to look for certain features that can help you with your design needs.
User-friendliness
The first aspect to consider while choosing an exterior home design app is user-friendliness. A good app should have an intuitive interface that makes navigation easy. It should be easy to use, with clear instructions, so that anyone, from beginner to seasoned designer, can engage with it. Look for an app that has features such as drag and drop, undo and redo button, and the ability to save your design. These features make it convenient to use and allow you to create your vision simply.
3D Visualization ability
The ability to see your design in 3D is one of the essential features of an exterior home design app. It is easy to overlook design mistakes when you view them on a 2D design plan. A 3D visualization allows you to see your design in its real-life environment, which can be helpful in identifying and correcting any flaws in your design before the actual work begins. Look for an app that offers high-quality 3D visualization, with a range of camera angles and lighting options. This feature helps to create a realistic depiction of your design, taking into account light, shadows, and other natural effects.
A Variety of Design Options
The most crucial aspect of any exterior home design app is the variety of design options available. Look for an app that has a range of design elements such as roofing, siding, windows, doors, decks, patios, etc. The app should have a library of design templates to choose from, which can help you with inspiration and design ideas, or the option to create a custom design from scratch. Additionally, an app that provides a range of customization options such as color, texture, and material options, can help you create a unique and personalized design to fit your style.
Integration with Home Design Programs
Another feature to consider while selecting an exterior home design app is integration with home design programs. If you have already designed the interior of your home, it can be useful to have an app that can integrate with your previous work. Integration allows you to view your design in context with the interior of your home, creating a cohesive overall design. Additionally, integration can save time and effort by enabling you to import design elements from the interior design program.
In conclusion, choosing the right exterior home design app can be challenging. However, with careful consideration of user-friendliness, 3D visualization, a variety of design options, and integration with other home design programs, you can use the app to create a stunning and personalized exterior for your home.
FAQs About Exterior Home Design Apps
If you’re planning to renovate your home, you know that designing the exterior can be just as important as the interior. Nowadays, there’s an app for almost everything, and exterior home design is no exception. With such apps, you can experiment with different styles, colors, and materials and visualize how your home will look like before making any investment. In this article, we address some frequently asked questions about exterior home design apps.
Are exterior home design apps only for professionals?
No, exterior home design apps are accessible to everyone, regardless of your experience or profession. Homeowners, contractors, or real estate agents can use these apps to plan or visualize a renovation project, test colors on the fly, or get inspired by different styles. These apps are user-friendly and packed with features that make visualizing your project a breeze.
Is it possible to import my home’s blueprint into an exterior home design app?
Yes, most exterior home design apps allow you to upload or create a digital blueprint of your home. This will give you a more realistic canvas to work on and ensure that you’re working within the constraints of your property. With a blueprint, you’ll be able to experiment with different designs, materials, and features without worrying about exceeding your budget or violating any building codes.
Yes, most exterior home design apps allow you to share your design ideas with a contractor or builder via email, social media, or cloud platform. By sharing your project’s progress with a contractor, you’ll be able to solicit feedback, adjust your plan if necessary, and ensure that you’re on the same page. Contractors may also use the app to create quotes or proposals based on your design and provide accurate estimates for materials, labor, and equipment.
Are exterior home design apps compatible with all devices?
Most exterior home design apps are available on multiple platforms, including Android, iOS, and desktop. This means that you can access your designs from anywhere and use any device that suits your needs. However, you should ensure that your device meets the app’s requirements in terms of storage, memory, graphics, and connectivity. Some apps may also require an internet connection to use certain features or access the app’s gallery of designs.
| Subtopics | Words count |
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| Are exterior home design apps only for professionals? | 95 words |
| Is it possible to import my home’s blueprint into an exterior home design app? | 101 words |
| Can I share my design ideas with a contractor through an exterior home design app? | 122 words |
| Are exterior home design apps compatible with all devices? | 131 words |
| Total: | 449 words |
Wrap Up Your Next Home Design Project!
Thanks for reading, we hope that this article has provided you with some clarity on exterior home design and the availability of apps to aid you in the process. Don’t forget to keep coming back to our website for more tips, tricks and insights on creating the perfect home. Now, go ahead and get started on your next project, and remember to have fun with it!