Top Exterior House Design Apps for iPhone

In today’s digital age, homeowners and architects alike are turning to technology to visualize and plan exterior house designs. With a plethora of apps available for iPhone users, finding the right tool to suit your needs can significantly enhance the design process. This article delves into the best exterior house design apps for iPhone, offering an in-depth review of their features, usability, and unique advantages.

1. Houzz
Houzz is a top contender in the world of home design apps. Renowned for its extensive database of home design photos, Houzz allows users to browse millions of high-resolution images to inspire their projects. The app includes a robust set of tools for creating mood boards and virtual ideabooks.

Features:

• Photo Inspiration: Browse millions of photos and filter by style, room, or location.
• Augmented Reality (AR): Visualize how different design elements will look in your space.
• Professional Directory: Connect with designers, contractors, and other professionals.

Usability:
Houzz is user-friendly and perfect for homeowners looking to get inspiration and connect with industry professionals. Its AR feature makes it easy to see how design changes might look in your own space.

2. MagicPlan
For a more hands-on approach to exterior design, MagicPlan is a versatile tool that allows users to create floor plans and 3D models directly from their iPhone camera. It’s especially useful for those who want to plan out changes to their home’s exterior and visualize them in a detailed and accurate manner.

Features:

• Floor Plan Creation: Generate detailed floor plans using your phone’s camera.
• 3D Modeling: Convert 2D plans into 3D models to get a better sense of space.
• Measurement Tools: Accurate measurement capabilities to ensure precise planning.

Usability:
MagicPlan is ideal for users who need detailed plans and visualizations. The app’s ability to use your camera for measurements and planning makes it a powerful tool for those undertaking significant exterior modifications.

3. Home Design 3D
Home Design 3D offers a comprehensive solution for creating and visualizing exterior designs. The app provides a user-friendly interface that allows for easy manipulation of 3D models and design elements.

Features:

• 3D Visualization: View your design in a realistic 3D environment.
• Customizable Templates: Use pre-made templates or create your own designs from scratch.
• Exterior Design Tools: Focus specifically on outdoor areas and architectural features.

Usability:
With its intuitive drag-and-drop functionality and extensive customization options, Home Design 3D is well-suited for users who want to experiment with different design ideas and see them come to life in three dimensions.

4. Planner 5D
Planner 5D is another powerful tool for exterior house design that offers both simplicity and depth. It allows users to create detailed 2D and 3D floor plans and customize every aspect of their designs.

Features:

• Design Flexibility: Customize every detail of your exterior design, from landscaping to architectural elements.
• High-Quality 3D Renderings: Generate high-resolution images of your designs.
• Interactive Interface: Easily adjust and modify designs with a user-friendly interface.

Usability:
Planner 5D is great for both beginners and experienced designers. Its flexibility and detailed rendering capabilities make it a valuable tool for anyone looking to create a polished and professional exterior design.

5. Autodesk SketchBook
For those who prefer a more hands-on, artistic approach to design, Autodesk SketchBook provides a platform for sketching and drafting exterior house designs. While not specifically tailored for architectural design, its powerful drawing tools can be used to create detailed and imaginative designs.

Features:

• Drawing Tools: Use a wide range of brushes and tools for detailed sketching.
• Layer Management: Organize your sketches with multiple layers.
• Customizable Interface: Adjust the workspace to fit your design needs.

Usability:
Autodesk SketchBook is ideal for users who want to create custom, artistic representations of their exterior design ideas. Its versatility and extensive drawing tools offer a unique approach to visualizing home designs.

6. ArchiMate
ArchiMate is a specialized app for those who want to delve into more technical aspects of exterior design. It provides advanced tools for creating architectural plans and visualizing structural changes.

Features:

• Architectural Tools: Detailed tools for drafting and planning.
• Structural Visualization: Tools for visualizing structural changes and impacts.
• Professional Integration: Useful for architects and professional designers.

Usability:
ArchiMate is best suited for users with a background in architecture or those looking for advanced design capabilities. Its technical tools offer a high level of precision and detail for complex design projects.

7. iScape
iScape is designed specifically for landscaping and exterior design. It provides a range of tools to help users visualize how different plants, materials, and design elements will look in their outdoor spaces.

Features:

• Landscaping Tools: Design and visualize garden layouts and outdoor spaces.
• Material Library: Access to a wide range of landscaping materials and plants.
• AR Integration: See how different elements will look in your actual outdoor space using AR.

Usability:
iScape is perfect for homeowners looking to design and enhance their outdoor spaces. Its focus on landscaping and easy-to-use AR features make it a valuable tool for creating beautiful and functional exteriors.

Conclusion
Selecting the right exterior house design app for your iPhone depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, detailed planning tools, or artistic flexibility, there’s an app that can meet your requirements. From Houzz’s extensive design database to MagicPlan’s precise measurement tools, each app offers unique features that can help you bring your exterior design vision to life. Experiment with different apps to find the one that best aligns with your design goals and preferences.