Free Apps for House Exterior Design: Top Picks and Features

Choosing the right exterior design for your house can be both exciting and overwhelming. Fortunately, several free apps can help simplify the process, allowing homeowners to visualize different design options and make informed decisions without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best free apps available for house exterior design, highlighting their key features, pros and cons, and how they can help you achieve the look you desire for your home.

1. Houzz Houzz is a popular app that offers a wealth of design inspiration for both interior and exterior projects. It features a vast collection of photos, articles, and product recommendations. With Houzz, you can:

• Browse photos: Filter by style, room, and color to find ideas that match your vision.
• Use the "View in My Room" feature: Visualize how different products and design elements would look in your space.
• Connect with professionals: Find and hire local designers and contractors.

Pros:

• Extensive photo library
• Easy-to-use interface
• Integration with professionals for additional support

Cons:

• Limited design tools for customization
• Ads can be distracting

2. Home Design 3D Home Design 3D allows users to create detailed 3D models of their home’s exterior. It’s user-friendly and perfect for those who want a more hands-on approach to designing their home’s exterior. Key features include:

• 3D modeling: Build and view your house in three dimensions.
• Customization options: Adjust dimensions, colors, and materials.
• Export and share: Save and share your designs with others for feedback.

Pros:

• Intuitive drag-and-drop interface
• Comprehensive design tools
• Ability to export and share designs

Cons:

• Limited features in the free version
• Learning curve for advanced tools

3. ColorSnap Visualizer by Sherwin-Williams For those focused on choosing the right paint colors, the ColorSnap Visualizer is a fantastic tool. It’s specifically designed to help users experiment with paint colors on their home’s exterior. Features include:

• Color matching: Match colors from photos or scan physical paint swatches.
• Virtual painting: Apply different colors to your home’s exterior virtually.
• Color recommendations: Get suggestions based on current trends and personal preferences.

Pros:

• Easy color visualization
• Wide range of color options
• Integration with Sherwin-Williams products

Cons:

• Limited to paint color selection
• App may not support all devices

4. DreamPlan Home Design Software DreamPlan offers a simple way to create floor plans and visualize home exterior designs. It is suitable for beginners and those who want a straightforward tool to experiment with different design elements. Features include:

• Drag-and-drop interface: Easy placement of design elements.
• 3D visualization: See your design in both 2D and 3D.
• Flexible design options: Customize dimensions, materials, and landscaping.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• Versatile design capabilities
• Free version available

Cons:

• Limited advanced features in the free version
• May require a paid upgrade for additional functionalities

5. Planner 5D Planner 5D is another great app that provides a comprehensive platform for designing and visualizing home exteriors. It offers a wide range of design tools and features. Highlights include:

• High-quality 3D visuals: Detailed and realistic renderings.
• Customizable design elements: Choose from a variety of textures, colors, and materials.
• Community support: Access design ideas and advice from other users.

Pros:

• Detailed and realistic 3D renderings
• Extensive customization options
• Community support for ideas and feedback

Cons:

• Advanced features may require payment
• Some users may find the interface complex

Comparison Table of Key Features

App	3D Modeling	Color Visualization	Customization	Professional Connections	Free Version Limitations
Houzz	No	No	Limited	Yes	Ads and limited design tools
Home Design 3D	Yes	No	Extensive	No	Limited features
ColorSnap Visualizer	No	Yes	Limited	No	Limited to paint colors
DreamPlan	Yes	No	Flexible	No	Basic features
Planner 5D	Yes	No	Extensive	No	Advanced features paid

Choosing the right app depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for inspiration and professional connections, Houzz is a great choice. For those who want to dive into 3D modeling, Home Design 3D and Planner 5D offer robust tools. If paint color selection is your primary concern, ColorSnap Visualizer is ideal. Lastly, DreamPlan provides a good balance of simplicity and functionality.

By utilizing these free apps, you can enhance your home’s exterior design process, making it more enjoyable and less stressful. Whether you’re planning a major renovation or just exploring new ideas, these tools offer valuable resources to help you achieve your design goals.