Exterior house design apps – Are you looking to enhance the curb appeal of your home or create a stunning exterior design but don’t know where to start? The good news is that there are plenty of exterior house design apps available today to help you visualize and plan the perfect outdoor spaces. These apps make it easier than ever to experiment with different styles, colors, materials, and landscaping features before committing to any changes.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the best exterior house design apps available in 2024. You’ll learn about the benefits of using these tools, the features they offer, and how they can help you bring your vision to life. We’ll also discuss where to buy these apps and how they can solve common design challenges.
Why Use Exterior House Design Apps?
When it comes to designing the exterior of your house, it’s essential to make sure the final product looks cohesive and stylish. Traditional methods of planning, such as hand-drawn sketches or hiring professional designers, can be costly and time-consuming. Here are a few reasons why exterior house design apps have become a popular solution:
- Visualize Your Ideas: You can instantly see how different design choices will look without having to purchase expensive materials or hire an architect.
- Save Time & Money: Rather than guessing and making costly mistakes, these apps help you refine your designs and make informed decisions.
- Design Flexibility: Whether you’re remodeling or building from scratch, these apps offer the flexibility to experiment with a wide range of colors, materials, and landscaping features.
Top 5 Exterior House Design Apps in 2024
We’ve researched and reviewed the best exterior house design apps available this year, so you don’t have to. Here’s a breakdown of five top-rated apps that can help you transform your home.
1. Home Design 3D Exterior & Garden
Home Design 3D Exterior & Garden is one of the most popular apps for exterior home design, allowing users to visualize their ideas in 3D. It’s suitable for both beginners and experienced designers alike.
Key Features:
- Real-Time 3D Visualization: Offers realistic 3D views of your home’s exterior.
- Landscaping Tools: Create detailed outdoor spaces, including lawns, gardens, pools, and patios.
- Customizable Exterior: Easily change roofing, windows, doors, and other elements.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Intuitive drag-and-drop functionality
- Ability to import and export projects
Cons:
- Requires a high-end device for optimal performance
- Free version has limited features
Price: Free with premium options starting at $9.99/month.
Use Case: Perfect for homeowners wanting to plan their landscaping and exterior renovations. It’s ideal for anyone looking to visualize changes to their home’s exterior in a realistic 3D environment.
2. Houzz
Houzz is a renowned app for home design and renovation. Although it’s typically used for interior design, it offers powerful tools for exterior house design as well.
Key Features:
- Thousands of Photos for Inspiration: Browse through millions of design ideas to spark inspiration.
- Product Marketplace: Buy furniture, outdoor decor, and materials directly from the app.
- Visual Match Tool: Find products that match your chosen styles.
Pros:
- Extensive photo library for inspiration
- Wide selection of products available for purchase
- Ability to connect with professionals for advice
Cons:
- Doesn’t provide as many customization options for exterior design as other apps
- Some features are locked behind a paywall
Price: Free with in-app purchases for additional features.
Use Case: Ideal for people who are seeking inspiration or want to buy products for their home’s exterior. The marketplace also lets you find professional services and products for your exterior project.
3. SketchUp
SketchUp is a well-known app for professional designers, and it’s widely used for architecture and exterior house design.
Key Features:
- 3D Modeling: Create intricate 3D models of your home’s exterior with detailed precision.
- Extensive Library: Access to a huge library of textures and materials.
- Real-World Accuracy: Designed to scale, SketchUp ensures that your models are true-to-life.
Pros:
- Extremely customizable
- Great for advanced users and professionals
- Free version available
Cons:
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Premium version required for advanced features
Price: Free for basic use, premium versions start at $119/year.
Use Case: Best for professional architects or advanced DIYers who want to create detailed, custom 3D models of their home’s exterior. It’s great for users who need a high level of accuracy in their designs.
4. iScape
iScape is a landscaping-focused app that helps homeowners visualize their exterior design with a focus on gardens and outdoor spaces.
Key Features:
- Landscape Planning: Design gardens, lawns, and hardscapes using virtual tools.
- Photo Realistic: Visualize your exterior in real life with augmented reality (AR).
- Collaboration Features: Share your designs with family, friends, or contractors.
Pros:
- User-friendly AR technology
- Wide selection of plants, trees, and outdoor decor
- Can easily compare different design ideas
Cons:
- Limited to landscaping and gardening
- Some tools are only available in the paid version
Price: Free basic version with premium options starting at $9.99/month.
Use Case: Ideal for homeowners looking to redesign their garden or outdoor spaces. It’s especially useful for those who want to try out different landscaping elements before making a decision.
5. Roomstyler 3D Home Planner
Roomstyler 3D Home Planner is a versatile home design app that includes a variety of features for both interior and exterior design.
Key Features:
- Customizable House Facades: Easily modify your house’s exterior and test different styles.
- 3D Visualization: See how your designs come to life with realistic 3D renderings.
- Pre-made Templates: Start your design with ready-to-use templates for faster results.
Pros:
- Free to use with a variety of templates
- Easy-to-use interface
- Great for quick design mockups
Cons:
- Lacks depth in terms of advanced features
- Limited outdoor features compared to other apps
Price: Free with premium features available for purchase.
Use Case: Ideal for quick, simple exterior design mockups and visualization, especially for beginners who don’t need advanced tools.
Comparison Table of Top 5 Exterior House Design Apps
| Feature | Home Design 3D | Houzz | SketchUp | iScape | Roomstyler |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3D Visualization | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Landscaping Tools | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
| Product Marketplace | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Augmented Reality | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Pricing | Free + Premium | Free + In-App | Free + Premium | Free + Premium | Free |
| Best For | DIYers, Homeowners | Inspiration, Shopping | Professionals | Gardeners, Homeowners | Quick Mockups |
| Pros | Realistic 3D, Easy to use | Extensive Ideas, Product Purchasing | Highly Customizable | AR Design, Great for Landscaping | Simple Interface, Free |
| Cons | Device Dependent | Limited Customization | Steep Learning Curve | Limited to Landscaping | Lacks Advanced Tools |
Benefits of Using Exterior House Design Apps
- Save Time & Money: The ability to experiment with different designs and materials before making a commitment saves you from costly mistakes and time-consuming trial-and-error.
- Enhanced Creativity: These apps provide a wide range of design options, giving you more freedom to explore unique styles and features for your home’s exterior.
- Increased Confidence: Once you’ve visualized your design, you’ll feel more confident moving forward with your renovations, knowing that you’ve made the right choices.
- Professional Quality: Many of these apps provide professional-level design tools, even for beginners, helping you create high-quality results without hiring a designer.
How to Buy These Apps & Where to Purchase
Most of these exterior house design apps are available for download directly from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Some apps offer a free version with limited features, while others provide premium options for more advanced tools. You can also find these apps on their official websites, where you might be able to access exclusive discounts or extended trials.
For example, you can purchase Home Design 3D directly from their official website or download it from the app store. For SketchUp, visit their website to explore subscription options.
FAQs ❓
Q1: Are these exterior house design apps easy to use for beginners?
A1: Yes! Most of the apps mentioned, like Home Design 3D and Roomstyler, have user-friendly interfaces designed for beginners. They also offer tutorials and guides to help you get started.
Q2: Can I use these apps for landscaping?
A2: Absolutely! Apps like iScape are specifically designed for landscaping, while others like Home Design 3D offer landscaping tools as part of their overall exterior design package.
Q3: Do I need professional experience to use these apps?
A3: Not at all! These apps cater to both amateurs and professionals. While advanced features may require more learning, the basic tools are accessible for anyone.
Q4: Can I share my designs with others?
A4: Yes, many of these apps offer sharing features. For instance, iScape allows you to share your designs with friends or contractors.
Q5: Are there free versions of these apps?
A5: Yes, most of the apps offer free versions with limited features. You can usually upgrade to a premium version for access to more advanced tools.
By using the right exterior house design app, you can easily bring your home’s exterior vision to life with precision, confidence, and creativity. Whether you’re tackling a complete renovation or just refreshing your curb appeal, these apps provide all the tools you need to succeed. Happy designing!
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