If you’re in the process of designing your home’s exterior, it can be challenging to know where to start. Luckily, with today’s technology, there are a variety of exterior home design apps available for smartphones and tablets that can help make the planning process much easier. From selecting the perfect color palette to visualizing landscaping options, these apps provide homeowners with the tools they need to create their dream homes with ease. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best exterior home design apps on the market and explore how they can streamline the design process for your home’s exterior.
What are Exterior Home Design Apps?
When it comes to home design, it’s not just what’s on the inside that counts. The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior. It’s the first thing visitors see when they approach your home, and it can say a lot about you as a homeowner. That’s why exterior home design apps have become such a popular tool for homeowners looking to make changes or renovations to the exterior of their home.
Essentially, exterior home design apps are software programs that allow homeowners to visualize home exteriors before making any changes or renovations. These apps typically use augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) technology to give users a realistic, 3D view of what their home could look like after changes have been made. Users can try out different colors, textures, and styles of siding, roofing, windows, doors, and other features to see what works best for their home. Here are some of the key benefits of using exterior home design apps:
Benefits of Using Exterior Home Design Apps
- Save Time and Money: With an exterior home design app, you can experiment with different design options and get a sense of what your home will look like before making any actual changes. This can save you time and money that you might have spent on costly mistakes or changes during the renovation process.
- Try Out Different Ideas: Whether you have a specific design idea in mind or you’re looking for inspiration, exterior home design apps allow you to try out different styles, colors, and textures without committing to anything.
- Collaborate with Professionals: If you’re working with a contractor or architect on your home renovation project, an exterior home design app can be a great collaboration tool. You can share your design ideas with your team and get their input before making any final decisions.
- Increase Home Value: By using an exterior home design app to create a stunning façade, you can increase the curb appeal and overall value of your home. This can be especially important if you plan to sell your home in the future.
The Benefits of Using Exterior Home Design Apps
Are you looking to redesign your home’s exterior but don’t know where to start? Exterior home design apps can be a game-changer. Not only do they save you time and money, but they also help alleviate stress by allowing you to preview various designs and color schemes before making any final decisions. Here are some of the benefits of using exterior home design apps:
Saving Time
Before the rise of exterior home design apps, homeowners would need to spend countless hours researching and visiting hardware stores to find the perfect design for their home. Now, with exterior home design apps, everything is possible in just a few clicks. The apps allow you to see how your home will look with different materials, textures, and colors without ever leaving your home. This can save you a lot of precious time and energy.
Saving Money
When planning for an exterior home renovation, many homeowners worry about the cost of materials and installation. Using exterior home design apps, however, can help you save money. By being able to see a 3D rendering of your home’s exterior before the work even begins, you can make smarter and more informed decisions about the materials and finishes to use. This not only saves money in the long run by reducing the risk of costly mistakes, but it also helps you budget more effectively.
Reducing Stress
Renovations can be a stressful process, but exterior home design apps can help alleviate some of that stress. Being able to visualize different options for your home’s exterior helps you make more informed decisions that you can feel confident about. This, in turn, reduces stress, anxiety, and uncertainty associated with the renovation process. You can take your time trying out different designs and finish options, without feeling the pressure to make a decision right away.
Getting a Preview of Your Home
Perhaps the most significant benefit of all is that exterior home design apps allow you to preview how different designs and finishes will look on your home. By uploading a photo of your home to the app, you can experiment with different styles, materials, and finishes, allowing you to see your home’s new look before you even begin any work. This helps you avoid costly mistakes and gives you the peace of mind knowing that you’ll love the final result.
Top Exterior Home Design Apps
If you’re embarking on a home renovation or simply want to imagine what your house would look like with a new paint color or updated landscaping, exterior home design apps can be a valuable tool. Here are three of the top apps available today:
1. Houzz
Houzz is a well-known interior design app, but it also includes exterior design features. The app allows users to take a photo of their house and experiment with different design elements, such as adding a new roof or changing the color of the front door. Houzz also includes a large collection of exterior design photos and inspiration, as well as the ability to connect with local professionals for help with your project.
- Cost: Free
- Features: 3D design tools, large inspiration gallery, ability to connect with local professionals
2. Home Outside
Home Outside is a landscape design app that includes features for designing the exterior of your home as well. The app allows users to create a 2D site plan of their property and experiment with different design elements, such as adding a patio or outdoor kitchen. Home Outside also includes a variety of plant and material options for landscaping design.
- Cost: Free with in-app purchases
- Features: 2D design tools, plant and material options, landscaping design
3. iScape
iScape is a comprehensive landscape design app that includes features for designing the exterior of your home as well. The app allows users to take a photo of their property and create a 3D design of their house and outdoor space. iScape also includes a variety of features for adding different design elements, such as lighting or a fountain, as well as a large library of plant and material options.
| Cost | Features | Extras |
|---|---|---|
| $9.99/month or $59.99/year | 3D design tools, plant and material options, ability to share design with others | Ability to create multiple designs |
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to update your house’s exterior or a professional designer working with clients, these top exterior home design apps can help you bring your ideas to life.
How to Choose the Best Exterior Home Design App for Your Needs
Designing the exterior of your home can be an exciting project and can help you visualize your dream home. With so many exterior home design apps available in the market, it can be tricky to choose the right app for your needs. Here are some factors to consider:
Budget
When it comes to choosing any design app, including an exterior home design app, budget is a crucial factor. Some apps are free, and some come at a premium price. Determine your budget and see which app you can afford. When choosing a premium app, check if it offers any useful features that free apps do not provide. Consider if the app provides value for the money paid.
Design Options
The perfect exterior home design app should offer limitless design options, from the layout to the color options. Some apps only offer limited options, making it challenging to create a unique design. Choose an app that offers various design options, including different house styles, paint colors, materials, and landscaping options. If you already have some ideas in your mind, check if the app can help you bring them to life.
User-Friendly Interface
No one wants to spend hours learning how to use a complex app. A user-friendly interface is essential to avoid frustration while designing. Look for an app that offers easy navigation, drag and drop features, and clear icons. Check if the app offers tutorials or help files to make the app easier to use. Consider your level of skill with computers and apps and ensure the app is within your range of expertise.
3D Visualization
3D visualization is an essential feature of an exterior home design app that allows you to see your design in real-time. A 3D visualization offers a better view than 2D plans and blueprints and can give a better idea of the final product. This feature can help you make better decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Some 3D visualization apps offer a virtual reality experience, making it easier to see the design from different angles.
Community and Support
The app community and support features are also crucial when choosing an exterior home design app. Check if the app has an online community or offers support features like a customer service team. An active community can help you find new design ideas, get feedback, and troubleshoot any issues. Having access to a support team can give you the necessary assistance when you face any technical issues, making it a smoother experience.
The Future of Exterior Home Design Apps
Exterior home design apps have been gaining popularity over the years, and with technology continuing to advance, the future of these apps looks exciting and promising. Here are some potential new features and capabilities that exterior home design apps may hold:
1. Augmented Reality
Augmented reality (AR) has become increasingly popular, and it’s no surprise that exterior home design apps may incorporate this technology in the future. AR can allow users to virtually see how their homes would look like with different design features in place, such as different window styles or paint colors. With AR, users can walk around their homes with their phones and see the changes in real time, providing a more realistic and immersive experience.
2. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) can help exterior home design apps become more intuitive and provide personalized recommendations. AI can analyze user preferences and recommend colors or designs based on their previous choices. It can also gather data from different sources and provide suggestions based on the user’s location or weather patterns. With AI, users can have an easier time selecting the perfect design for their homes.
3. Integration with Home Automation Systems
Home automation systems have become increasingly popular, and exterior home design apps may integrate with these systems in the future. These apps can work alongside automation systems to control outdoor lighting, irrigation, and other outdoor features. With this integration, users can have complete control of their home’s exterior features and design.
4. 3D Printing
As 3D printing technology improves, exterior home design apps may allow users to print 3D models of their home’s exterior features. This can help homeowners visualize their designs better and make changes before committing to any expensive changes. 3D printing can also be used for creating intricate outdoor fixtures such as fountains or statues that can be placed around the home’s exterior.
5. Collaborative Design
Exterior home design apps may become more collaborative and social in the future. Users may be able to connect with other homeowners to share ideas, get feedback, and collaborate on design projects. This can help users gain inspiration and insight from others and create a sense of community among homeowners interested in exterior design.
- This collaborative feature can help homeowners hire professionals to work on their exterior designs. As the community keeps uploading their designs and engaging with each other, people can observe specialized technicians, artists, and designers. In turn, professionals can learn about what customers want and tailor their services based on the target audience’s tastes.
- Moreover, the app can allow users to book appointments with local designers, architects, or landscape artists, streamlining their communication and making the process more comfortable and effective. This feature can come in handy to homeowners who are not sure what they want and need an expert’s assistance in creating a design concept.
FAQs
Exterior home design apps have become increasingly popular among homeowners who want to visualize their dream exteriors. While these apps are user-friendly and allow even non-professionals to create designs, many questions arise regarding their accuracy and ability to provide realistic visualizations.
Can I use an exterior home design app on my phone?
Yes, most exterior home design apps are available for download on mobile phones. These apps allow users to take photos of their current exteriors, upload them onto the app, and create designs on the go. Some apps provide more advanced features on desktop versions, but you can still get a decent result on your phone.
How accurate are the color visualizations provided by these apps?
Color is one of the most crucial factors to consider when designing your home’s exterior. Fortunately, most exterior home design apps provide a diverse range of colors, textures, and finishes that allow you to simulate different scenarios and find the perfect match. However, many of these apps use AI color recognition and algorithms to create a visualization of your design, which may not accurately reflect how the actual color will appear in real life.
How useful are exterior home design apps for landscaping?
Exterior home design apps can be beneficial for landscaping, especially for those who have little knowledge or experience with it. These apps offer features such as customizing outdoor lighting, adding greenery, and placing outdoor decor to provide an all-around exterior design. Moreover, some apps can simulate seasonal changes and offer plant suggestions based on location and weather conditions.
Are these apps helpful for visualizing the final result?
Visualizing the final result of exterior design is one of the most significant benefits of using an exterior home design app. These apps provide detailed 3D models of your design, which allow you to see how the colors, textures, and materials will work together. Additionally, most apps provide different angles of the design, allowing you to see what your exterior will look like from various viewpoints.
Do these apps require technical skills?
Most exterior home design apps do not require technical skills to handle them. These apps are designed to be user-friendly, with easy-to-use interfaces and step-by-step instructions. Additionally, many apps offer drag-and-drop features for items such as furniture and greenery, making it accessible to anyone with basic computer or mobile phone knowledge.
Are these apps accurate for budgeting and planning?
Exterior home design apps can be useful for budgeting and planning. Most apps allow you to input the dimensions and scope of the design, providing a detailed cost estimate for the project. Some apps also use local material and labor prices, giving you an accurate idea of how much each aspect of your design will cost. However, it is important to keep in mind that the estimates provided are not always 100% accurate and may vary depending on several factors.
Thank You for Reading and Happy Designing!
We hope this article has given you some inspiration for your next exterior home design project. With the help of these amazing apps, you can easily bring your ideas to life and create the home of your dreams. Remember to take your time and experiment with different colors, textures, and styles until you find the perfect combination that reflects your unique personality. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. And don’t forget to visit us again soon for more home design tips and tricks!