Top Apps for Designing Your Dream House Exterior

When it comes to designing the exterior of your home, the process can be both exciting and daunting. With the rise of digital tools and apps, homeowners and designers alike now have access to powerful software that simplifies this task. These apps offer a range of features, from 3D rendering to real-time material visualization, making it easier than ever to create a stunning exterior design. In this article, we'll explore some of the best apps available for designing house exteriors, focusing on their unique features, user-friendliness, and overall effectiveness.

Home Design 3D Outdoor & Garden

One of the most popular apps in this category is Home Design 3D Outdoor & Garden. This app allows users to create detailed exterior designs, including gardens, patios, and outdoor furniture. The drag-and-drop interface is intuitive, making it accessible for users with varying levels of experience. You can experiment with different materials, colors, and layouts to see how they affect the overall look of your home's exterior. The app also offers a 3D walkthrough feature, allowing you to visualize your design from every angle.

Houzz

Houzz is another excellent app that provides a comprehensive platform for both interior and exterior design. What sets Houzz apart is its extensive database of real-life photos, which can serve as inspiration for your project. The app allows you to browse through thousands of exterior designs, save your favorites, and even connect with professionals who can help bring your vision to life. Houzz also offers a sketch feature, enabling users to draw directly on photos to experiment with different design ideas.

RoomSketcher

For those looking for more advanced design tools, RoomSketcher offers professional-grade software that caters to both amateurs and experts. With RoomSketcher, you can create detailed floor plans and 3D models of your home's exterior. The app is particularly useful for visualizing how different architectural elements, such as windows and doors, will look in your design. RoomSketcher also allows you to import existing floor plans, making it easier to redesign or renovate an existing space.

Planner 5D

Planner 5D is a user-friendly app that offers a wide range of customization options for designing house exteriors. The app features a large library of materials and objects that you can use to create your design. Whether you're planning a simple renovation or a complete overhaul, Planner 5D makes it easy to see how different elements will work together. The app also supports VR, allowing you to experience your design in an immersive 3D environment.

SketchUp

SketchUp is a powerful design tool favored by professionals in the architecture and construction industries. While it has a steeper learning curve compared to other apps on this list, SketchUp offers unmatched flexibility and precision. Users can create highly detailed 3D models of their home's exterior, complete with accurate measurements and textures. SketchUp also has a large online community, where users can share their designs and download pre-made models.

Cedreo

Cedreo is a 3D home design software that specializes in creating exterior designs. It’s particularly useful for professionals who need to present detailed designs to clients. Cedreo allows you to quickly create 2D floor plans and convert them into 3D models with a few clicks. The app also offers a wide range of customization options, including different roof styles, siding materials, and landscaping features. Cedreo’s real-time rendering feature ensures that your designs look as realistic as possible.

iScape

If you're specifically focused on landscaping, iScape is the app for you. iScape is designed to help users create detailed landscape designs that complement their home's exterior. The app offers a large library of plants, trees, and other landscaping elements, which you can place in your design to see how they’ll look in real life. iScape also has an augmented reality feature, allowing you to visualize your design in your actual yard.

Morpholio Board

Morpholio Board is a unique app that combines mood boards with design tools, making it ideal for those who want to visualize the overall aesthetic of their home’s exterior. Users can create boards with different materials, colors, and textures to see how they will look together. The app also offers a "Perspective Finder" tool that helps you align your design with the actual perspective of your house.

TapGlance

TapGlance is another advanced design app that offers photorealistic rendering capabilities. With TapGlance, you can create stunning 3D models of your home’s exterior and see how different design elements will look under various lighting conditions. The app’s interface is user-friendly, making it easy for beginners to create professional-quality designs.

Magicplan

Magicplan is a versatile app that combines floor planning with exterior design. It allows users to create detailed 2D and 3D floor plans, complete with measurements and annotations. Magicplan also offers a wide range of exterior design options, including different siding materials, roofing styles, and landscaping elements. The app’s augmented reality feature allows you to walk through your design and make adjustments in real-time.

In conclusion, these apps offer a wide range of features that cater to different needs and skill levels. Whether you're a homeowner looking to renovate your exterior or a professional designer seeking advanced tools, there's an app on this list that can help you achieve your goals. The key is to experiment with different apps to find the one that best suits your needs.