Designing the exterior of your home can be an exciting and fulfilling project, but it’s not always easy to visualize what changes would look like. Fortunately, there are many free apps available that can help you experiment with different design options and see how they would look on your house. Whether you’re planning a complete exterior renovation or just want to give your home a little bit of a facelift, these apps offer a wide range of tools and features that can help you bring your vision to life. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best free apps for exterior home design and show you how they can help you transform your home.
What are Exterior Home Design Apps?
Exterior home design apps are software applications designed to assist homeowners in designing the exterior of their home virtually. These applications range from free to paid versions and are available on both Android and iOS platforms. By using this software, homeowners can experiment with different colors, textures, and designs to visualize how their home will look before even starting a project.
Benefits of Using Exterior Home Design Apps
The use of exterior home design apps offers several benefits, including:
- Cost savings: Traditionally, the process of designing a home’s exterior design would involve professional architects and designers which can come at a high cost. The use of home design apps eliminates these costs, saving homeowners huge sums of money.
- Time-saving: Without having to visit home improvement stores or work with designers, homeowners can create their dream home design almost instantly by using exterior home design apps.
- Visualized design: Home design apps offer homeowners the opportunity to see 3D models of their planned design. Homeowners can visualize multiple aspects of their home design, including texture, color, and layout.
- Informed decisions: With the help of exterior home design apps, homeowners can test out various design ideas on their homes virtually. This process helps homeowners make informed design decisions about their homes.
Top 5 Free Exterior Home Design Apps for Homeowners
| App Name | Description | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Houzz | This app allows homeowners to visualize exterior design ideas by taking a photo of their home and experimenting with different textures, colors, and designs. It also provides access to a massive library of products and materials. | Android and iOS |
| Planner 5D | This app is an easy-to-use, user-friendly 3D design software that allows homeowners to design their home’s exterior with just a few swipes and taps. | Android and iOS |
| Home Design 3D Outdoor/Garden | This app specifically caters to creating outdoor spaces such as gardens, swimming pools, terraces, and balconies. Homeowners can play with their outdoor space design before starting any project in real life. | Android and iOS |
| TaHomA Design Studio | This app allows homeowners to apply styles and themes to different parts of their home such as windows and doors. Users can also experiment with color combinations, creating a color palette for their dream outdoor space designs. | iOS |
| Backyard-Design Ideas | This app offers design inspiration for backyards and outdoor spaces. Users can browse through landscaping ideas, furniture design concepts, and other elements to improve their outdoor living experience. | Android and iOS |
Benefits of Using Exterior Home Design Apps
Designing a house’s exterior is a daunting task. Between finding the right color scheme, choosing the perfect textures, and visualizing overall design, it can be an overwhelming process. However, with the advent of exterior home design apps, this process has become much more manageable. Here are some benefits of using exterior home design apps.
Time-Saving
One of the most significant benefits of using exterior home design apps is the quality of work you get in less time. With these apps’ use, homeowners can visualize their exteriors in no time without actually having to construct them. This way, designing and redesigning becomes less stressful because you can view changes in real-time. Additionally, you can try out new options, mix and match colors and textures, and find a perfect look in less time than traditional methods.
Cost Savings
Being able to save money is a major advantage of exterior home design apps. Recently, homeowners who used these apps stated that it saved them money because they didn’t have to build different design elements physically. This saves money in the long run because you won’t have to replace anything that may not match with your current design quickly. Also, you can find alternative options that save money but still achieve your dream look. You have full control over the design process and ultimately will end up having a cost-effective project.
Stress Reduction
Designing a home’s exterior can be stressful, and it’s crucial to take control of the process as much as possible. Using an exterior home design app can significantly reduce the stress associated with designing. This is because homeowners can experiment with different design combinations, swap and change out elements, and make informed decisions. When you control the design process, it’s easy to see your vision come to life without any surprises. This results in fewer errors and lowers your anxiety.
Allows Visualization of Different Design Options
Exterior design apps allow homeowners to visualize what their homes will look like before committing to the project fully. This is important when considering different design options. Instead of guessing how colors and textures will look together, design apps allow you to see them in real-time, making it easier to make informed decisions. This also allows you to customize your design, swap out elements, and view different angles. In essence, exterior home design apps make designing interactive.
Top Free Exterior Home Design Apps Available
The process of designing and planning the exterior of your home can be quite challenging, even for experienced homeowners and designers. However, technology has made it easier than ever to visualize and experiment with different designs without having to engage professional help. With the right app, you can easily try out different designs, see how they look in real life and modify as needed. Here are some of the top free apps for exterior home design.
Houzz
Houzz is an excellent home design app that comes packed with tools and features that make designing the exterior of your home easy and intuitive. The app has a wide range of design ideas and photos that you can draw inspiration from. It also features tools that allow you to visualize different designs in realistic 3D formats, which makes the design process more interesting and engaging. With Houzz, you can experiment with different designs and see how they look before making final decisions.
Home Design 3D Outdoor & Garden
Home Design 3D Outdoor & Garden is another great app that you can use to design the exterior of your home. The app has a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy for beginners and experienced users alike to design and modify different aspects of their home’s exterior. The app has a wide range of design tools and features that allow you to choose the right colors, textures, and materials for your project. You can also experiment with different lighting, shading, and landscaping ideas that can add elegance and beauty to your home. With this app, you can create an exterior design that aligns with your personal preferences and lifestyle.
RoomSketcher
RoomSketcher is a powerful 3D visualization tool that you can use to design and plan your home’s exterior. The app comes packed with several design templates and themes that you can use as a starting point for your design. You can modify the templates to create unique and personalized designs that meet your specific needs. The app allows you to experiment with different colors, materials, and textures to create a final design that aligns with your vision. You can also use the app to add landscaping, outdoor furniture, and lighting, which helps you create a complete and attractive exterior design.
Summary
| App | Features | Pros |
|---|---|---|
| Houzz | Realistic 3D visualization, a wide range of design ideas and tools. | Simple, intuitive, and engaging. |
| Home Design 3D Outdoor & Garden | Simple and intuitive interface, a wide range of design tools and features. | Allows you to experiment with different lighting, shading, and landscaping ideas. |
| RoomSketcher | Powerful 3D visualization, comes packed with several design templates and themes. | Allows you to add landscaping, outdoor furniture, and lighting, which helps you create a complete and attractive exterior design. |
How to Use Exterior Home Design Apps
Exterior home design apps are becoming increasingly popular due to their ease of use and vast design options. With just a photo of your home, you can start playing around with different exterior design options to see what suits your taste and style. Here are some simple steps to follow when using these apps:
Step 1: Choose a Reliable App
Start by choosing a reliable exterior home design app. You can do this by conducting some online research to find the best and most widely used apps. Pay attention to user reviews and ratings to gauge the reliability and overall performance of the app.
Step 2: Take a Photo of Your Home
The next step is to take a clear and high-quality photo of your home’s exterior. This picture will serve as the starting point for your design exploration. Make sure you take a photo that shows the entire house and is taken in good lighting conditions.
Step 3: Upload the Photo to the App
Once you have your photo, upload it to the app by following the prompts. Some apps might require you to create an account or log in before uploading your photo.
Step 4: Start Exploring Design Options
The most exciting and enjoyable step is exploring the various design options offered by the app. You can play around with different colors, textures, materials, and styles to see how they would look on your home. The app will give you suggestions, and you can make changes to these suggestions to fit your design preferences.
- Experiment with Colors: Change the color of the roof, walls, doors, and windows of your home to see how different color schemes would look on your house. You can try out bright, bold colors or more subdued and neutral tones.
- Try Different Materials: You can also experiment with different materials such as brick, stone, wood, and siding to see how they would look on your home. You can combine different materials to create a unique and attractive look.
- Add Landscaping: Landscaping is an essential part of the exterior design of any home. The app will allow you to add trees, bushes, flowers, and other landscaping elements to your photo to see how they would blend in with your design.
- Save Your Designs: Once you have completed your design experimentations, you can save your designs to compare them later or show them to an exterior design contractor or builder.
Using exterior home design apps is an excellent way to explore different design options before committing to a specific design. Follow the above steps to make the most of your exterior home design app experience.
Factors to Consider When Using Exterior Home Design Apps
Exterior home design apps are a fantastic way to visualize the changes you can make to the exterior of your house without renovating it first. These apps allow you to experiment with different colors, textures, and materials and determine which ones work best for your particular home. They can save you time and money by allowing you to make informed decisions before you start the renovation process.
Your Budget
Your budget is an essential factor to consider when using an exterior home design app. Before you start planning any significant changes, you need to know how much you can spend. Many exterior home design apps will allow you to input your budget and suggest design options that are within your means. However, you must keep in mind that the prices in these apps are estimates, and the actual cost of the renovation could be higher.
Your Location
Your location is another factor to keep in mind when using an exterior home design app. Different areas have different architectural styles, and you must ensure that your design choices complement the style of your neighborhood. This is especially important if you intend to sell the house in the future. Potential buyers may be put off by a house that stands out too much from the surrounding homes. If you are unsure, it may be beneficial to consult with a professional designer.
Your Personal Preferences
Your personal preferences are an essential factor to consider when using an exterior home design app. The app can only offer suggestions based on the information you input. It is up to you to decide which colors, textures, and materials work best for your personal taste. You must also take into account how the design choices will make you feel. Do you want a design that is modern and minimalist, or one that is more ornate and decorative? Your preferences should be the guiding force behind any design decisions you make.
Climate and Weather
The climate and weather of your location are factors that you should consider when using an exterior home design app. Your design choices must be suited to the weather extremes of your area. For example, if you live in a region with heavy rainfall, you should select materials and textures that can withstand water damage. Similarly, if you live in an area with harsh winters, you must consider insulation in your design plans to prevent heat loss. These factors can impact the cost of the renovation, and it is essential to consider them when planning your budget.
Existing Structures and Landscapes
Existing structures and landscapes on your property are important factors to consider when using an exterior home design app. The app can help you visualize how the changes you plan to make will impact the existing elements of your backyard. For example, if you plan to install a pool, you must consider how it will fit in with the existing trees and gardens. You must also ensure that your renovation plans do not violate any zoning or building code regulations in your area.
FAQs
If you’re thinking of renovating your home, exterior design apps can help you plan and visualize your ideas before making any changes. Here are some frequently asked questions about free apps for exterior home design:
Can you use exterior home design apps for commercial properties?
Yes, some exterior home design apps offer tools to design commercial properties such as offices, storefronts, and restaurants. These apps usually have a variety of features like color customization, measurements, and 3D or AR visualizations that can help you plan the perfect look for your business or commercial space.
Are exterior home design apps easy to use?
Most exterior home design apps are designed to be user-friendly, even for beginners. These apps have intuitive interfaces, easy-to-use tools, and step-by-step guides to help you through the design process. Some apps even offer tutorials and instructional videos to ensure that you can create professional-looking designs in no time.
Yes, sharing your design with others is possible with exterior home design apps. Once you’ve created your design, you can share it with others through a variety of methods such as email, social media, or by exporting the design to a file. Some apps even offer cloud storage options where you can save your designs and access them from any device with an internet connection.
Do exterior home design apps allow you to design landscapes?
Yes, many exterior home design apps offer tools to design landscapes. These tools may include features like the ability to add trees, plants, and other natural elements to the design, as well as the ability to adjust the terrain and lighting to create a realistic and visually appealing appearance. With the help of these features, you can create a beautiful outdoor space that matches your vision.
How accurate are the design options in exterior home design apps?
The accuracy of design options in exterior home design apps depends on the app you choose to use. However, most apps use advanced technologies like 3D visualization and augmented reality to provide you with realistic and accurate representations of your design. You can also usually customize the size, color, materials, and other details to match your actual property, providing you with an even more precise representation of the final product.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Exterior Home Design App
- Interface: Choose an app with an intuitive and easy-to-use interface.
- Features: Select an app that offers the features and tools that are essential for your project.
- Compatibility: Ensure that the app is compatible with your device.
- User Reviews: Check user reviews to see the experiences of other users with the app.
- Price: Determine your budget and choose an app that fits your needs and budget.
Happy designing with Free Apps for Exterior Home Design!
We hope this article about free apps for exterior home design has been interesting and helpful to you. Now that you know some of the best apps available for designing the exterior of your home, it’s time to let your creativity flow and give your home the curb appeal it deserves. Thank you for reading and make sure to visit again for more tips and ideas on home design and improvement. Stay inspired!