As a DIY enthusiast, I always strive to improve my living space without breaking the bank. Home improvement can seem daunting, but it becomes manageable with the right tools at your disposal. Over the years, I have discovered several apps that make home renovations, repairs, and design projects easier, more efficient, and even enjoyable. In this article, I’ll walk you through the top 10 apps I recommend for DIY home improvements, explaining their features, pros, and cons. I’ll also provide comparison tables to help you understand which ones are best suited to your needs.
Table of Contents
1. Houzz
Houzz is an essential app for anyone looking to remodel or redecorate their home. It’s a one-stop-shop for home improvement ideas, design inspiration, and a marketplace for products. Whether you’re renovating a single room or tackling a full home makeover, Houzz is packed with resources.
Key Features:
- Browse millions of photos for design inspiration.
- Shop for furniture, decor, and renovation materials directly from the app.
- Connect with professionals like architects and interior designers for advice.
- Read product reviews to make informed purchasing decisions.
- Use the “Sketch” feature to visualize changes to your space before making decisions.
Pros:
- Huge library of images for every style and taste.
- Simple and intuitive interface.
- Direct purchase options for furniture and materials.
Cons:
- Some features require paid subscriptions for full access.
- It can be overwhelming due to the sheer volume of options.
2. Pinterest
Pinterest has become a go-to platform for inspiration, and when it comes to DIY projects, it’s no different. The app is ideal for discovering new ideas, gathering resources, and organizing your vision for home improvement.
Key Features:
- Create mood boards to save design ideas.
- Discover step-by-step tutorials and project plans.
- Access a variety of DIY projects, from simple crafts to major renovations.
- Search for specific styles, themes, or types of home improvements.
Pros:
- Easy to use and highly visual.
- Huge community of DIY enthusiasts who share their ideas and experiences.
- Free to use.
Cons:
- Some project ideas may be unrealistic without professional help.
- You can easily get sidetracked with unrelated pins.
3. Home Depot
For anyone working on a DIY project, Home Depot’s app is a lifesaver. It offers access to all the products and tools you could possibly need, with the added benefit of helpful guides and tutorials.
Key Features:
- Shop for building materials, tools, and home improvement products.
- Access project guides and how-to videos.
- Check product availability at nearby stores.
- Track your order history and delivery status.
Pros:
- Comprehensive selection of tools and materials.
- Useful how-to videos for various projects.
- Convenient store locator and stock checking.
Cons:
- Some users report that navigating the app can be cumbersome.
- Prices may be higher compared to other retailers.
4. IKEA Home Planner
If you’re considering updating your furniture or redesigning your space, the IKEA Home Planner app is perfect for visualizing how IKEA products will fit into your home. It allows you to plan your layout and see how different products will look in your space.
Key Features:
- Plan and customize rooms using a virtual layout.
- Preview how IKEA furniture fits into your space.
- View detailed product specifications and prices.
- Create shopping lists for easy in-store or online purchases.
Pros:
- Accurate 3D layout designs.
- Easy-to-use interface.
- Helps with space optimization.
Cons:
- Limited to IKEA products only.
- You need to have a clear idea of your space measurements.
5. MagicPlan
MagicPlan is an incredibly useful app for creating floor plans and 3D models. It allows you to scan your room using your phone’s camera, then generate a digital floor plan to help you with renovations or design changes.
Key Features:
- Create floor plans with your phone’s camera.
- Add dimensions, doors, and windows to your plans.
- Share floor plans with professionals for advice or help.
- Create 3D models for better visualization.
Pros:
- Fast and accurate scanning process.
- Great for both small and large-scale renovations.
- Free to use for basic features.
Cons:
- Premium features are behind a paywall.
- Requires a steady hand for accurate measurements.
6. Handy
When I don’t have the time or expertise to handle a particular home improvement project myself, I turn to Handy. It’s an app that connects you with vetted professionals for tasks like furniture assembly, cleaning, or even electrical work.
Key Features:
- Find skilled professionals for home projects.
- Browse reviews and ratings to find the best contractors.
- Book services directly through the app.
- Pay securely through the platform.
Pros:
- Saves time by connecting you with qualified professionals.
- Transparent pricing.
- Easy booking and payment process.
Cons:
- Costs can add up quickly for larger projects.
- Limited service availability in some areas.
7. Lowe’s
Similar to Home Depot, Lowe’s offers an app that helps you shop for products and tools for home improvement projects. But what sets Lowe’s apart is its user-friendly interface and in-app support for DIYers.
Key Features:
- Browse and purchase tools, materials, and decor.
- Access DIY project instructions and tutorials.
- Scan barcodes in-store for more information on products.
- Get personalized recommendations based on your projects.
Pros:
- Wide range of tools and materials available.
- Offers DIY project ideas and support.
- Free to use.
Cons:
- Delivery times can be slower compared to other retailers.
- Limited selection compared to other home improvement stores.
8. Roomstyler 3D Home Planner
Roomstyler 3D Home Planner lets you create a 3D model of your room, including walls, windows, and furniture, to help you plan your home improvement projects visually. It’s excellent for design-oriented DIYers who want to experiment with different layouts.
Key Features:
- Create detailed room layouts with 3D models.
- Browse through a wide selection of furniture and decor.
- Customize colors, textures, and finishes for a realistic look.
- Share your designs with others for feedback.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use interface with lots of customization options.
- Helpful for visualizing design changes.
- Free to use with no subscription required.
Cons:
- Limited to interior design; lacks tools for major renovations.
- Requires a good understanding of design principles.
9. TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit is another service-based app that allows you to hire people to help with your home projects. Unlike Handy, which focuses on professional services, TaskRabbit connects you with independent contractors for more casual tasks.
Key Features:
- Hire professionals for a variety of home improvement tasks.
- Set your price and negotiate with contractors.
- Review profiles and ratings to choose the best helper.
- Book services directly through the app.
Pros:
- Flexible pricing based on your budget.
- Wide variety of tasks available.
- Can handle both simple and complex projects.
Cons:
- Quality of service can vary depending on the contractor.
- Limited service availability in rural areas.
10. BHG (Better Homes and Gardens)
If you’re after classic DIY home improvement ideas with a focus on style and comfort, Better Homes and Gardens is a great app to explore. The app offers expert advice on design, organization, and small improvements.
Key Features:
- Browse thousands of DIY projects, home decor ideas, and renovations.
- Access detailed how-to guides and expert tips.
- Organize your home improvement tasks into easy-to-follow steps.
- Shop for supplies and products directly through the app.
Pros:
- High-quality, expert-driven content.
- Great for smaller DIY projects and home decor.
- Free to use.
Cons:
- Lacks advanced tools for larger renovations.
- The app can sometimes be slow to load.
Comparison Table
| App Name | Best For | Key Features | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houzz | Design inspiration, shopping | Photos, shopping, professional advice | Free, paid options |
| Idea gathering, inspiration | Mood boards, tutorials, project plans | Free | |
| Home Depot | Home improvement shopping | Shopping, how-to videos | Free |
| IKEA Home Planner | Furniture planning, redesign | Room layout, 3D preview | Free |
| MagicPlan | Floor plan design | Scanning rooms, 3D models | Free, paid options |
| Handy | Hiring professionals | Booking services, contractor ratings | Free |
| Lowe’s | Shopping and DIY support | Shopping, project ideas | Free |
| Roomstyler 3D Planner | Room layout design | 3D room planning, furniture selection | Free |
| TaskRabbit | Hiring help for various tasks | Booking helpers, flexible pricing | Free |
| BHG | Home improvement ideas and decor | Guides, tips, and product shopping | Free |
Conclusion
Choosing the right app for your DIY project depends on the specific tasks you want to accomplish. For inspiration and planning, Pinterest, Houzz, and Roomstyler 3D Home Planner are excellent choices. If you need to buy materials or tools, Home Depot and Lowe’s are convenient options. For those looking to hire professionals, Handy and TaskRabbit are great platforms. Whatever your home improvement goals may be, the apps listed here are sure to provide the resources and support you need to make your project a success.
