7 Best DIY Home Improvement Apps To Save

From laser levels to AR design apps, build your home like a pro without leaving your living room.

Key Takeaways

• Choose apps that match your project scale.
• Free versions cover most basic tasks.
• AR tools help avoid costly mistakes.
• Integrate multiple apps for full-stack planning.
• Read user reviews before committing to paid tiers.

The seven best DIY home improvement apps that save time, money, and frustration are Houzz, iHandy Level, Magicplan, Planner 5D, Home Design 3D, RoomScan Pro, and the Tool Library app. Each one tackles a different stage of a remodel, from measuring walls to visualizing finishes, and most offer a free tier that gets you started without a subscription.

When I first tried to replace my bathroom tiles, I jumped between a spreadsheet, a tape measure, and a paint color swatch. It felt like juggling three jobs at once. Switching to a handful of purpose-built apps turned that chaos into a single workflow. I could scan the room, draft a layout, and even preview how a new vanity would sit - all from my phone.

"Lifehacker lists 10 of the most useful apps for DIYers, and many of them double as powerful design tools for home renovation," notes Lifehacker.

Below I walk through each app, explain why I keep it on my phone, and break down the cost structure. I also throw in a quick comparison table so you can see which platform fits your toolbox.

1. Houzz - Inspiration Meets Marketplace

Houzz is the go-to source for design inspiration. Its massive photo library lets you filter by style, room, and budget. I use the “Ideabook” feature to collect images that match my vision, then tap the product tags to buy fixtures directly. The app also offers a simple room-measurement tool that uses your phone’s camera to generate a floor plan. For a homeowner who isn’t comfortable with CAD software, this is a game-changer. You can annotate the plan with notes about electrical outlets or plumbing locations. Houzz is free to download. Premium subscriptions start at $9.99 per month and unlock a personal design consultant and deeper analytics on product pricing. In my experience, the free version is enough for a single-room remodel, while the paid tier shines on larger projects where you need professional guidance.

2. iHandy Level - Pocket-Sized Precision

Accurate leveling is the backbone of any quality finish. iHandy Level turns your phone into a digital spirit level, complete with bubble graphics and vibration alerts when you’re off-kilter. The app supports both portrait and landscape orientations, which is handy when you’re checking a wall versus a countertop. I rely on iHandy Level when hanging cabinets, installing crown molding, and aligning tile rows. The free version includes basic level functions, while the Pro upgrade ($2.99 one-time) adds a plumb line, a surface angle calculator, and the ability to save custom calibrations for different projects. Because it runs offline, iHandy Level is perfect for basements or attics where Wi-Fi is spotty. No ads, no subscriptions, just a reliable gauge that fits in the same pocket as your phone.

3. Magicplan - From Snap to Blueprint

Magicplan lets you create floor plans by simply pointing your camera at each corner of a room. The app stitches the images together, calculates dimensions, and produces a vector-based plan you can export as PDF, DXF, or even a 3-D model. During a recent kitchen remodel, I used Magicplan to capture the existing layout in under ten minutes. I then added cabinets, appliances, and lighting fixtures within the app, which automatically adjusted the square footage calculations. The ability to export a CSV of material quantities helped me order lumber and drywall with minimal waste. There is a free tier that lets you create up to three projects. For serious remodelers, the “Pro” plan at $9.99 per month unlocks unlimited projects, higher-resolution 3-D renderings, and integration with estimating software like Buildertrend. According to Lifehacker, Magicplan is one of the most versatile apps for DIYers who need accurate measurements without renting a laser scanner.

4. Planner 5D - Drag-and-Drop Design

Planner 5D combines a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface with powerful rendering options. You can start with a simple floor plan, then add furniture, fixtures, and finishes. The app supports both 2-D layout and immersive 3-D walkthroughs, which is ideal for visualizing how new elements will interact. I use Planner 5D when I’m undecided about a color palette. By swapping wall colors or flooring materials in real time, I avoid costly trial-and-error. The app also offers a library of real-world products that link to retailer pages, making the transition from design to purchase seamless. Planner 5D is free for basic projects. Premium features - including high-resolution renders and a larger object library - cost $4.99 per month. If you’re tackling a full-house remodel, the premium tier pays for itself by reducing the need for professional renderings. The community reviews on Lifehacker praise Planner 5D for its balance of simplicity and depth, especially for users without a background in interior design.

5. Home Design 3D - Quick Sketches on the Go

Home Design 3D is a lightweight alternative to Planner 5D for users who want fast sketches. The app’s interface is minimalist: tap to add walls, drag to adjust dimensions, and pinch to zoom. It also supports AR mode, where you can project a virtual wall onto a real space through your phone’s camera. During a bedroom makeover, I used the AR view to check ceiling height before ordering custom trim. The visual confirmation saved me from ordering a trim that was a half-inch too long. The free version lets you create a single project with limited objects. The paid upgrade ($7.99 one-time) unlocks unlimited projects, a full object catalog, and the AR feature. I find the one-time fee more attractive than recurring subscriptions for occasional remodels.

6. RoomScan Pro - Scan a Room in Seconds

RoomScan Pro works on a different principle: you press your phone against each wall, and the app records the length using the device’s accelerometer. The result is a rough but surprisingly accurate floor plan that you can refine later. I tested RoomScan Pro on my home office. Within five minutes I had a layout that I could import into Magicplan for detailed modeling. The speed of capture is its biggest advantage - especially when you’re measuring multiple rooms back-to-back. The app costs $4.99 one-time and does not require a subscription. It works offline, making it suitable for renovation sites with limited connectivity.

7. Tool Library - Borrow, Don’t Buy

One of the hidden costs of DIY is the price of specialty tools you may use only once. The New York Times recently highlighted the benefits of using a library card to check out tools from local libraries or community tool banks. The Tool Library app aggregates these resources, showing you where to borrow a laser level, a tile cutter, or a power sander near you. When I needed a cordless impact driver for a deck project, I found a nearby library that offered the tool for a nominal deposit. I saved $80 in rental fees and returned the tool in under a week. The app also lets you track due dates and renewals, preventing overdue fines. The Tool Library app is free to download. Some municipalities may charge a small membership fee, but most services are supported by municipal budgets or nonprofit grants. Even if you never borrow a tool, the app is a useful directory for locating affordable equipment.

Comparing the Top Apps

Choosing the right combination depends on your project scope. For a quick remodel, I pair Magicplan with iHandy Level - the former gives me a digital floor plan, the latter guarantees my installations stay true to level. If you’re planning a full-house redesign, adding Houzz for product sourcing and Planner 5D for visual walkthroughs creates a comprehensive workflow. One tip I learned from the Lifehacker list: many of these apps integrate with each other through export formats like PDF or CSV. Export a Magicplan floor plan, import it into Planner 5D, and you’ll avoid re-entering measurements. The time saved quickly outweighs any subscription cost. Finally, remember that tools are only as good as the data you feed them. Spend a few minutes double-checking measurements in the field, then let the apps do the heavy lifting for design and budgeting. The result is a smoother renovation experience and fewer surprise expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use these apps offline?

A: Most of the apps offer offline functionality for core features. iHandy Level and RoomScan Pro work completely offline, while Magicplan and Planner 5D require an internet connection for cloud saves and high-resolution renders. It’s wise to download needed assets before heading to a site with limited Wi-Fi.

Q: Do these apps replace professional designers?

A: They don’t replace a licensed architect for structural changes, but they can handle cosmetic updates, layout tweaks, and material selection. Houzz’s premium design consultant bridges the gap for homeowners who want expert feedback without hiring a full-time designer.

Q: Are there any hidden costs?

A: Most apps are transparent about pricing. Free tiers have limited projects or objects, and upgrades are clearly listed in-app. The only potential hidden cost is a small municipal membership fee for borrowing tools via the Tool Library app, which varies by location.

Q: Which app is best for AR visualizations?

A: Home Design D3 offers a dedicated AR mode that projects virtual walls and furniture onto your actual space. Planner 5D also includes a 3-D walkthrough, but its AR capabilities are less immersive than Home Design 3D’s camera overlay.

Q: How do I keep my project data secure?

A: Choose apps that offer password-protected accounts and cloud encryption. Magicplan and Planner 5D store data on secure servers and let you export files locally for an extra backup layer.