Best Home Renovation Apps - Kitchen Cabinets

Home renovation projects can be daunting, but the right apps can make the process smoother and more manageable. With the proliferation of smartphones and tablets, there are now hundreds of apps designed specifically for home renovation and improvement projects. These apps serve many purposes – from design and planning, to project management, budget tracking, and more.

Choosing the best home renovation apps depends on your needs and the scope of your project. Below we have compiled some of the top-rated and most useful home renovation apps on the market today. These apps can assist you whether you are doing a simple cosmetic upgrade or a major remodel.

Design and Planning Apps

Careful planning is crucial before starting any home renovation project. Design and planning apps allow you to conceptualize your project visually, create floorplans, design mood boards, and make material selections. Here are some of the best apps for the design phase:

Home Design 3D

Home Design 3D is one of the most fully-featured home design apps available. It provides sophisticated 3D rendering and visualization tools to help you design your remodel or new construction project.

With Home Design 3D you can:

Create detailed 2D and 3D floorplans with accurate dimensions
Design interior and exterior spaces
Add furniture, fixtures, appliances, and décor from a catalog of over 1,000 items
Customize furniture with a built-in editor
Choose from various materials like flooring, countertops, paint colors, etc.
View designs in real-time 3D walkthroughs and fly-throughs
Save and share designs as images or PDFs

The app offers an extensive library of pre-designed rooms and objects. Advanced features like the ability to import floorplans and assign custom materials make this one of the most capable home design apps.

Hutch

Hutch is an intuitive home design app tailored for iPad and iPhone. It makes the design process easy and enjoyable, with drag and drop features and smart recommendations.

Key features of Hutch:

Build 2D and 3D floorplans by dragging walls and adding doors/windows
Choose from over 1,500 pieces of furniture and décor
Let the app recommend furniture sizes and styles for each room
Customize furniture finishes, fabrics, and colors
View designs in 3D walkthroughs
Save room images and shopping lists
Works online and offline after initial download

Hutch is free to use with an optional premium subscription that provides more furniture choices and design ideas. It’s best for basic renovations and visualizing furniture arrangements.

Magicplan

For quick and easy floorplan creation, Magicplan is a top choice. This app uses your phone’s camera and AR technology to instantaneously generate measured floorplans.

To use Magicplan:

Walk around the interior space while filming with the camera
The app automatically maps out floor dimensions
Edit the floorplan and add doors, windows, walls, and labels
Export the finished floorplan as a PDF, JPG, or SVG file

Magicplan is faster than manually measuring and drawing a new space. It’s great for smaller renovation jobs like kitchens, bathrooms, and single rooms. The free version provides basic floorplan creation while a premium subscription unlocks advanced options.

Houzz

The Houzz app gives you access to a wealth of design inspiration and planning tools. Browse over 19 million photos to find your perfect renovation style. Save your favorite images to ideabooks and mood boards.

Other key features:

Over 2 million pieces of furniture and décor to browse
View products from local suppliers
Get free expert advice from the Houzz community
Find experienced home professionals and read reviews
Create floorplans with Houzz Room Planner
Access Houzz AR to preview furniture in your room

Whether you want design inspiration or help planning renovations, Houzz provides an invaluable library of ideas. Available free for Apple and Android devices.

Project Management Apps

Renovations involve coordinating contractors, managing budgets, scheduling tasks, and keeping everything on track. These project management apps help streamline the process.

Remodelmate

Remodelmate helps you manage your home renovation from start to finish. Designed exclusively for remodeling projects, it includes numerous features to keep you organized.

Remodelmate assists you to:

Create project task lists and schedule timelines
Assign tasks to contractors and suppliers
Track project documents like contracts and invoices
Maintain a budget with detailed spend tracking
Share project updates and photos with stakeholders
Identify and resolve issues and delays
Store all project data in a central hub

This app simplifies coordination, budgeting, and communication for remodeling projects. Available as a free mobile app or paid web version.

Plangrid

Plangrid is a robust project management platform made for construction. It excels at collaboration and documentation, with specialty features for renovations.

Notable Plangrid features:

Upload CAD files, PDF plans, and photos
Share plan markups and task lists with your team
Track project milestones, checklists, and daily logs
Capture on-site progress with photos and videos
Generate punch lists and project close-out reports
Store all project documents in one secure platform

While Plangrid offers more advanced functionality than most renovation apps, it comes at a steep price. Subscriptions start at $99/month with discounts for annual plans. Free trials are available.

Buildertrend

Buildertrend takes a streamlined approach to managing home renovation projects. It provides a centralized dashboard to coordinate everything from schedules to change orders.

Main features include:

Schedule projects with Gantt chart timelines
Distribute information via email and text messaging
Track budget vs. actuals down to the task level
Log daily construction progress
Generate customized reports and documents
Communicate with team members and clients

Buildertrend pricing starts at $69/month for their Pro package. Discounts are offered for annual subscriptions.

Budgeting and Finance Apps

Keeping your renovation on budget is critical. These apps allow you to track spending, manage invoices, and monitor financials during your project.

Buildy

Buildy offers budget management tools designed for home renovation projects. It links invoices, payments, and change orders to your budget tracking.

With Buildy you can:

Create a master budget with line items
Import invoices and match to budget
Upload receipts via mobile and track spending
Log payments made to contractors
Track budget vs. actual costs in real-time
Run financial reports showing cash flow and more

The ability to match invoices and payments to budget line items makes Buildy a standout for remodeling financials. Subscription plans start at $12/month.

Wave

For managing income, expenses, and accounting, Wave provides a full-featured free option. This easy-to-use financial platform is great for home renovation budgets and financing.

Wave lets you:

Create budgets and forecasts
Send professional invoices
Scan receipts to track expenses
Reconcile bank & credit card accounts
Generate income and expense reports
Import data from Excel, Dropbox, etc.
Track payments received
Set up automated reminders and notifications

With free unlimited invoicing and accounting, Wave appeals to most renovators. Paid subscriptions provide credit card processing and payroll options.

HomeKeepr

HomeKeepr combines finance tracking with general home management tools. For renovations, it offers handy budgeting and expense features.

Notable functions include:

Create a renovation budget
Log expenses with photos of receipts
Match expenses to budget categories
Generate handy expense reports
Track mortgage, insurance, utilities, and other household expenses
Maintain home inventory with photos
Store appliance specs, warranties, manuals

While not as robust for accounting as some alternatives, HomeKeepr provides a wallet-friendly option starting at $3.99/month.

Home Monitoring and Security

When renovating a home, monitoring job sites remotely and securing your property are likely priorities. These apps provide live views and enhanced security for peace of mind.

Alfred

Alfred is an award-winning home monitoring system that integrates with your existing home security setup. It adds features like live video feeds, smart notifications, and remote access.

Key features for renovations:

View live and recorded security camera feeds
Get alerts for activity like doors opening
Talk through cameras via two-way audio
Control security system remotely
Share access with contractors if needed
Monitor deliveries and service providers
Ensure workers are on-site at scheduled times

Alfred starts at $19.99/month for basic connectivity features.

Ring Alarm

For affordable smart security, the Ring Alarm system connects wirelessly to your mobile devices. It’s DIY-friendly and integrates with Ring’s video doorbells and cameras.

Main features:

Professional monitoring available for $10/month
Customizable alarm with optional 24/7 monitoring
Live views from Ring cameras around property
Notifications if sensors detect activity
Allows remote arming, disarming, and more
Works with or without Wi-Fi/cellular
Add-on options like smoke, CO monitors and flood sensors

Ring Alarm starter kits start at about $200. Sensors, cameras, etc. range from $30-$250 each.

Canary

The Canary system offers flexible home security with advanced monitoring capabilities. It features live streaming, smart notifications to detect activity, and automation options.

Canary lets you:

View live feeds from Canary cameras
Get push notifications if movement or sound detected
Integrate door, window, motion and temperature sensors
Record 30-second video clips triggered by activity
Remotely control security system and other smart devices
Works via Wi-Fi so no landline required

Canary hardware starts at $99. The most affordable monitoring plan is $4.99/month.

AR-Driven Apps

Augmented reality (AR) apps use your mobile device’s camera to visualize your space. See how paint colors, countertops, flooring, and more would look in your actual room before purchasing.

Lowe’s

The Lowe’s app features an augmented reality toolkit designed with renovations in mind. You can digitally view products to scale in your home.

AR features let you:

Try different cabinet styles in your kitchen
See countertop and backsplash samples applied to your counters
Visualize appliances in your actual layout
Preview paint colors, carpet swatches, and tile on your walls/floors
View patio furniture on your deck or plants in your garden
Measure distances to get accurate dimensions

Lowe’s AR tool is free to use for inspiration or making final product selections.

Home Depot

Similar to Lowe’s, Home Depot’s mobile app offers an augmented reality component. You can digitally preview products in your rooms, measure spaces, and experience finishes.

Key features:

Virtually place furniture like sofas or beds in your room
Try cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and tile samples
Visualize paint colors on your walls before painting
Use floor planner to arrange furniture digitally
Take measurements with AR powers
Access design ideas and inspiration

The Home Depot app is available for free. It provides robust project planning features alongside AR functionality.

Wayfair

Through their View in Room tool, Wayfair lets you see 3D models of furnishings in your actual room. You can adjust sizing and move items around to create your ideal layout.

Ways to use it:

Add virtual models of chairs, sofas, beds, and tables
Play with arrangements until space feels right
View multiple color and fabric options for furniture
See how lighting fixtures would look installed
Get a sense of sizing – is that rug too small?
Plan furniture for new room additions and renovations

The Wayfair app is free and has a massive furniture catalog. View in Room brings your designs to life.

Estimating and Materials Apps

Calculating an accurate renovation estimate yourself can be challenging. These apps provide DIY estimating tools and price guides for common home improvement projects.

HomeAdvisor True Cost Guide

HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide offers a database of cost estimates for hundreds of home projects. All estimates are localized based on zip code.

Features include:

Cost guides for 400+ remodeling projects
Adjust costs higher or lower based on quality
Factor in your location for accurate estimates
Add details like size, materials, finish level
Get total costs and per unit pricing
Save customized projects to track actual spend
Access average hourly rates for trades

While not as comprehensive as pro estimation tools, the HomeAdvisor True Cost Guide provides homeowners with solid starting estimates.

UCalc Home Improvement Estimator

For DIYers, UCalc provides a handy mobile estimating app. Input your project details to get estimated costs, required tools, and materials lists.

UCalc offers estimators for:

Kitchen and bathroom remodels
Additions, garages, and accessory dwellings
Decks, fences, retaining walls
Flooring installation
Interior and exterior paint
Windows, doors, siding, roofing
Electrical, plumbing, concrete projects
Many more common home upgrades

Pricing estimates factor in your location. The app is free with premium estimators available.

RSMeans Data Online

RSMeans Data Online is the leading professional cost estimating tool. It details construction costs for nearly any residential or commercial renovation project imaginable.

Features of RSMeans Data:

Granular cost data for thousands of renovation tasks
Localized estimates using zip code-level adjustment factors
Generate detailed project estimates with materials and labor
Compare costs for alternative materials and finishes
View live cost trends with quarterly data updates
Get accurate crew size requirements
Export estimates to Excel or PDF

RSMeans Data offers the most robust estimates but requires an expensive annual subscription starting around $600/year.

Inspiration Apps

If you need a spark of inspiration for your remodeling project, these apps offer a wealth of ideas and visual examples. Browse through millions of home design photos and connect with top designers in your area.

Pinterest provides endless inspiration for home renovations, interior design, landscaping, and more. Browse pins or search for specific styles, rooms, projects, etc.

Ideal for:

Finding style inspiration from saved idea boards
Discovering DIY project tutorials and instructions
Searching for decor and furnishings by type or color
Exploring thematic concepts like “small bathrooms”
Gaining insights from other’s remodeling successes and trials

The Pinterest app is free, easy to navigate, and offers more home inspiration than any other platform.

Instagram

On Instagram, follow hashtags like #renovation, #remodel, #beforeandafter, and #interiordesign to discover photos from real renovators.

Use Instagram to:

Get a peek inside renovated homes for inspiration
Find accounts focused on your preferred style
See how real people undertake DIY projects
Discover talented designers and contractors
Ask for recommendations in local area hashtags
Share your own project photos and videos

Instagram homes in on visual inspiration from both pros and amateurs. The app is free.

Houzz

Mentioned previously, the Houzz app features over 19 million photos of beautifully designed and renovated spaces. Ideal for:

Browsing photos in your preferred style
Finding inspiration by room or project type
Getting ideas for furniture layouts and use of space
Downloading inspirational images to an ideabook
Connecting with Houzz-certified architects and builders
Following the Houzz blog about home topics

Houzz brings professional and DIY ideas together in their robust ideabook library and renovator community. Download the app for free.

Shopping Apps

Once your renovation plans are underway, you’ll need to purchase materials, fixtures, furniture and more. These shopping apps make finding renovation products and deals more convenient.

Amazon

The Amazon shopping app grants access to a vast array of home improvement products, all with fast free shipping for Prime members.

Amazon offers:

Brand name tools, building materials, hardware, etc.
In-house home furnishings and decor from brands like Stone & Beam
Products in all styles from modern to farmhouse
Designer lighting, fixtures, sinks, faucets, and more
Smart home electronics and security devices
Amazon Home Services for contractor hiring

Amazon’s everyday low prices and fast shipping make it a go-to for renovators. The mobile app makes browsing, comparing, and buying a breeze.

eBay

Discount deals abound on eBay, making it a top resource for buying on a budget. Many sellers offer new and used home renovation products.

Find on eBay:

Lighting, plumbing fixtures, appliances marked down significantly
Budget-friendly flooring, tile, doors, windows
Cheaper new kitchen cabinets and hardware
Overstock tools, materials, decor at a fraction of retail
Unique vintage items like salvaged furniture
Brand name supplies discounted in bulk quantities

eBay takes hunting for bargains to the next level. Download the app to search deals and get notifications when desired items go on sale.

OfferUp

OfferUp connects local buyers and sellers for secondhand sales. It’s perfect for finding discount home renovation items nearby.

Use OfferUp to:

Save on barely used tools, ladders, and hardware
Buy appliances, sinks, lights, fans from remodeling upgrades
Find doors, windows, flooring leftover from projects
Negotiate deals for furniture and decor
Search by keyword or browse local listings