Best Free Exterior House Design Apps: Transform Your Home with Innovative Tools

Designing the exterior of your house can be both exciting and daunting. Fortunately, there are several free apps available that make the process easier and more enjoyable. These tools allow homeowners to visualize different design options, experiment with colors, and get a sense of how various elements will look together. Here, we explore some of the best free exterior house design apps, detailing their features, benefits, and how they can help you achieve your dream home.

1. Houzz

Houzz is a comprehensive platform that offers inspiration, products, and a community of design professionals. Its exterior design feature allows users to browse through millions of high-resolution photos of home exteriors, save their favorites, and get recommendations based on their preferences. The app also includes a “Sketch” feature, which lets you annotate images and experiment with different design elements.

• Features:
  • Extensive photo gallery of home exteriors
  • Ability to save and organize favorite designs
  • “Sketch” tool for annotating images
  • Connect with design professionals

2. Home Design 3D

Home Design 3D is a versatile app that allows users to create detailed 3D models of their homes. With its easy-to-use interface, you can design both the interior and exterior of your house, customize colors, textures, and materials, and view your design from different angles. The app also includes a virtual reality (VR) mode for an immersive design experience.

• Features:
  • 3D modeling of home interiors and exteriors
  • Customization of colors, textures, and materials
  • Virtual reality (VR) mode
  • Easy-to-use interface

3. Planner 5D

Planner 5D offers a user-friendly platform for designing both interiors and exteriors. It features a drag-and-drop interface that simplifies the design process, allowing users to place furniture, adjust layouts, and apply finishes. The app includes a wide range of design elements and materials, and you can view your design in 2D and 3D modes.

• Features:
  • Drag-and-drop design interface
  • Extensive library of design elements and materials
  • 2D and 3D viewing modes
  • Ability to share designs with others

4. Roomstyler 3D Home Planner

Roomstyler 3D Home Planner provides an intuitive platform for designing home exteriors. Users can create a custom design by dragging and dropping items from a large catalog of products and materials. The app allows for easy experimentation with different design elements, and you can view your design in 3D to get a realistic sense of how it will look.

• Features:
  • Drag-and-drop design functionality
  • Large catalog of products and materials
  • 3D visualization of designs
  • Easy experimentation with design elements

5. iScape

iScape is specifically designed for outdoor and landscaping projects. It allows users to take a photo of their current outdoor space and overlay different design elements such as plants, furniture, and pathways. The app provides a realistic preview of how new elements will look in your space, helping you make informed decisions about your outdoor design.

• Features:
  • Overlay design elements onto photos of your space
  • Realistic preview of outdoor design changes
  • Extensive library of plants, furniture, and landscaping elements
  • Easy-to-use interface

6. Magicplan

Magicplan is a unique app that allows users to create floor plans and 3D models by taking photos of their space. While it is more focused on interior design, it can be used to plan exterior elements as well. The app generates accurate measurements and helps users visualize different design options, making it a valuable tool for comprehensive home design.

• Features:
  • Create floor plans and 3D models from photos
  • Accurate measurements and design visualization
  • Useful for both interior and exterior design
  • Easy integration with other design tools

Comparison Table

App Name	Key Features	Best For
Houzz	Photo gallery, Sketch tool, Design professional connections	Inspiration and professional connections
Home Design 3D	3D modeling, VR mode, Customization options	Detailed 3D modeling and immersive experience
Planner 5D	Drag-and-drop interface, Extensive library, 2D/3D modes	Simple design process and sharing
Roomstyler 3D	Drag-and-drop functionality, Large catalog, 3D visualization	Easy experimentation and visualization
iScape	Overlay elements on photos, Realistic preview	Outdoor and landscaping projects
Magicplan	Floor plans from photos, Accurate measurements	Comprehensive home design planning

Conclusion

Choosing the right exterior house design app depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for inspiration, detailed 3D modeling, or tools to visualize outdoor spaces, there's a free app available to help you achieve your design goals. By leveraging these apps, you can explore different design options, experiment with colors and materials, and ultimately create an exterior that enhances the beauty and functionality of your home.