Apps to Redesign the Outside of Your House: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction
The exterior of your home is the first thing people see, and it plays a significant role in making a lasting impression. Whether you're planning to sell your property or simply want to freshen up your living space, redesigning the outside of your house can drastically enhance its curb appeal. However, finding the right inspiration and ideas for this task can be challenging. Luckily, in today’s digital age, several apps can help homeowners visualize and plan their exterior redesigns with ease. These apps provide a convenient and often cost-effective way to experiment with different styles, colors, and materials without committing to a decision prematurely.

This article explores the best apps available for redesigning the outside of your house, their key features, and how they can assist in making your home the envy of your neighborhood. We’ll delve into how these apps work, their benefits, and tips on choosing the right one for your needs.

Why Redesign Your Home’s Exterior?
Before diving into the apps, it's important to understand why redesigning your home’s exterior is a worthwhile investment. The reasons may vary from increasing property value to personal satisfaction. According to real estate experts, a well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing exterior can boost a home's market value by up to 10%. Beyond financial benefits, a fresh exterior design can also increase energy efficiency through better insulation, modern windows, and other improvements that can lead to long-term savings on utility bills.

Types of Exterior Redesign Apps
There are generally two types of apps that can assist with exterior home redesigns: Design and Visualization Apps and Augmented Reality (AR) Apps. Both have their unique features and benefits, and choosing the right one depends on your specific needs.

1. Design and Visualization Apps
   These apps allow you to create a digital model of your home’s exterior and apply different design elements such as paint colors, roofing materials, and landscaping. Some popular apps in this category include:

   • Home Design 3D Outdoor & Garden: This app lets you design the outdoor spaces of your home, including the garden, patio, and other exterior features. It has a user-friendly interface that allows you to visualize your ideas in 3D.

   • Houzz: Known primarily as an interior design app, Houzz also offers extensive tools for exterior redesign. With millions of high-quality images, you can browse through different styles and get inspired by what other homeowners have done.

   • RoomSketcher: While this app is more commonly used for interior design, it also provides powerful tools for exterior design. You can draw floor plans, furnish and decorate, and visualize your design in 3D, making it an excellent tool for comprehensive home redesigns.

2. Augmented Reality (AR) Apps
   AR apps take exterior redesign to the next level by allowing you to see how different elements would look on your actual house. Using your phone’s camera, these apps superimpose virtual objects onto your home’s exterior in real-time. Key AR apps include:

   • IKEA Place: Although primarily designed for interior spaces, IKEA Place can be used creatively for exterior furniture and décor. The app lets you place virtual furniture and accessories in your outdoor spaces, giving you a real-time view of how your selections will look.

   • TapPainter: This app specializes in helping users choose the right paint color for their home’s exterior. Using AR, TapPainter shows how different paint colors will look on your house in various lighting conditions, making it easier to make confident decisions.

   • Sherwin-Williams ColorSnap® Visualizer: A specialized app for painting, the ColorSnap Visualizer allows you to see how over 1,500 Sherwin-Williams colors will look on your home’s exterior. The app uses AR to overlay color samples directly onto your house, helping you avoid the guesswork involved in selecting paint colors.

Key Features to Look For in Exterior Redesign Apps
When choosing an app for your exterior home redesign, consider the following key features:

• Ease of Use: The app should be intuitive and easy to navigate, even for those without a background in design. Look for apps with drag-and-drop functionality and simple interfaces.

• Customization Options: The ability to customize every detail of your exterior design, from the color of your siding to the type of landscaping, is crucial. Apps with extensive libraries of materials and textures are ideal.

• 3D Visualization: Being able to see your design in 3D can make a significant difference in understanding how your ideas will translate into reality. Apps that offer 3D visualization give you a more accurate depiction of the final result.

• AR Capabilities: For the most immersive experience, AR capabilities allow you to visualize changes directly on your home’s exterior in real-time. This feature can be particularly useful for making final decisions.

• Cost and Accessibility: While some apps are free, others may require a purchase or subscription. Consider your budget and how much you’re willing to invest in an app. Additionally, check whether the app is available on your device’s operating system.

Top Apps for Exterior Redesign
Here’s a detailed look at some of the best apps for exterior home redesign available today:

1. Home Design 3D Outdoor & Garden

   • Platform: iOS, Android
   • Cost: Free with in-app purchases
   • Features: This app allows users to design and visualize outdoor spaces in 3D. You can customize elements like gardens, patios, and exterior structures. The drag-and-drop interface is user-friendly, making it accessible for beginners.

2. Houzz

   • Platform: iOS, Android, Web
   • Cost: Free
   • Features: Houzz is a comprehensive design app with a vast library of exterior design ideas. The app also connects users with professionals, allowing you to consult with experts directly through the platform. Houzz’s extensive photo collection is perfect for gathering inspiration.

3. RoomSketcher

   • Platform: iOS, Android, Web
   • Cost: Free with premium options
   • Features: RoomSketcher offers robust tools for both interior and exterior design. The app allows users to create detailed floor plans and 3D visualizations, making it a versatile tool for full home redesigns.

4. IKEA Place

   • Platform: iOS, Android
   • Cost: Free
   • Features: While focused on interior furnishings, IKEA Place’s AR capabilities can be used creatively for exterior design as well. The app lets you place virtual furniture in your outdoor spaces, helping you visualize your design choices in real-time.

5. TapPainter

   • Platform: iOS
   • Cost: Paid
   • Features: TapPainter is an AR app designed to help users select the perfect exterior paint color. By using your phone’s camera, the app overlays color samples onto your home, allowing you to see how different shades will look in natural light.

6. Sherwin-Williams ColorSnap® Visualizer

   • Platform: iOS, Android
   • Cost: Free
   • Features: This app specializes in exterior paint selection, using AR to visualize how over 1,500 colors will appear on your home. It’s an excellent tool for homeowners looking to refresh their exterior with new paint.

How to Use These Apps for Your Exterior Redesign
To get the most out of these apps, follow these steps:

1. Assess Your Needs: Before choosing an app, consider what aspects of your home’s exterior you want to redesign. Are you focusing on landscaping, painting, or the overall architectural style? This will help you select the most suitable app.

2. Experiment with Different Styles: Use the app to try out various styles, colors, and materials. Don’t be afraid to explore options you wouldn’t normally consider—sometimes the most unexpected choices lead to the best results.

3. Consult Professionals if Necessary: While these apps provide a great starting point, consulting with a professional can offer valuable insights and ensure your redesign is both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound.

4. Finalize Your Design: Once you’re satisfied with your design, use the app’s features to finalize your plans. This may include generating a shopping list, contacting contractors, or saving your design for future reference.

5. Implement the Design: With your plan in hand, start making the changes to your home’s exterior. Depending on the scope of your redesign, this could be a DIY project or require professional help.

Conclusion
Redesigning the exterior of your house is a significant undertaking, but with the right tools, it can be a rewarding and even enjoyable process. The apps discussed in this article provide a range of features that cater to different aspects of exterior design, from simple paint changes to complete architectural overhauls. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or planning to hire professionals, these apps can help you visualize your ideas, experiment with different options, and make informed decisions that enhance the beauty and value of your home.