As you prepare to put your home on the market, your list of home improvement projects only grows: smooth over that chipped paint in the hallway, call the plumber to check the bathroom faucet’s slow drip, and somehow stage the place to look like it’s straight out of a magazine. Shoot! Your only design experience is binging HGTV. There’s got to be a way to make things easier. Naturally, you head to the one true source of information — your smartphone. But a quick click over to the App Store reveals millions of options. You need the right needle from a very large haystack, and separating the 1-star duds from 5-star rockstars is a job unto itself. HomeLight combed home improvement best-of lists, consulted trusted tech blogs, tried out apps for ourselves, and talked to pros in real estate to winnow down that haystack. We can’t guarantee every app will be for you, but we divided our search into five main categories that track the greater home sale journey to offer recommendations for tools that can help you every step of the way. Here’s to finding what you need! Home maintenance isn’t nearly as exciting as renovations or design upgrades, but for every dollar you spend on preventive repairs, you’ll save nearly $100 in future repairs. With so much to keep up with in your home, it never hurts to have help. Apps can track the last time you had repairs, or save information on warranties, making home upkeep more manageable. Why we recommend it:
Endorsed by Better Homes and Gardens and the Washington Post for its robust offerings and user-friendliness, HomeZada helps you take great care of what’s likely your largest financial asset with tools to help you improve, protect, and maintain every aspect of your house. When you’ll need it:
Look to HomeZada for a little tech help with the routine upkeep of your home and to manage your costs related to homeownership. It’s so easy to put off maintenance, but HomeZada creates a preventive home maintenance schedule with regular reminders to swap out the air filter or flush the water heater when you need to. The app allows you to keep digital records of home improvement receipts, so you can stay organized and refer back to past expenses during tax season or when the time comes to sell. Finally, use the app to stay up to speed with the exciting part of homeownership: Building wealth and watching your home’s value grow. HomeZada’s finance app calculates how much equity you have in your home based on your outstanding mortgage balance and provides ongoing estimates of your home’s value. How to use it: With some information input upfront, HomeZada can work its magic. Each function is set up differently: Pricing: Available for: iOS and Android Why we recommend it:
Hailed by The New York Times as a “digital ribbon around your finger,” Centriq takes the guesswork out of the age-old question, “When did I last drain the water heater?” It ensures the upkeep and maintenance of electronics and appliances within your home, and can be the one-stop hub for manuals. When you’ll need it:
Centriq replaces the kitchen drawer that’s overflowing with warranties and appliance manuals. When it comes time to sell your home, you can digitally hand-off the manuals, as well as a catalogued repair history for each appliance, leading to peace of mind for the buyer. How to use it:
Download the app, then log the product labels of electronics and appliances in your home. Centriq can scan product labels and add product manuals for everything, as long as the brand and model number are visible. After a quick setup, everything will be saved for the next time you need a little help. In addition to information from the manufacturer, you can log notes around previous problems and maintenance issues. Pricing: Available for: iOS and Android Why we recommend it:
Home upkeep can take a village, so enlist yours with Todoist. More robust than a refrigerator to-do list, and less stressful than constantly nagging a spouse or family member to complete a task, Todoist makes it easy to share and delegate tasks. It’s also been ranked as the world’s best to-do list by The Verge, given an Exemplary rating by PC Magazine, and called “nothing short of stellar” by Tech Radar. When you’ll need it:
Plan tasks big and small with your housemates, so no one has to wonder, “Was the litter box cleaned?” before a showing. Todoist has collaborative to-do lists, reminders, and note functions that can keep everyone on the same page about what’s been done, and what still needs to be completed around the house. How to use it:
Create a list for your home, or lists for different categories like “Prepare for a Showing” or “To Complete Before Closing.” Invite stakeholders in the sale of your home, such as your spouse or real estate agent, to collaborate and add tasks. Set due dates and reminders for each task as they appear. Pricing: Free (for basic version) Available for: iOS and Android Why we recommend it: Houzz is a comprehensive platform for home design and renovation, connecting homeowners with professionals and offering a vast collection of ideas. It’s an excellent resource for visual inspiration, finding local experts, and managing projects from start to finish. The app allows you to browse millions of photos, save favorites, and even visualize them in your home using augmented reality (AR). It also features a marketplace for purchasing home goods. When you’ll need it: You’ll need Houzz when you’re planning any home improvement project, big or small. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for a kitchen remodel, searching for a landscape designer, or simply want to refresh a single room, Houzz provides the tools and resources to help. It’s particularly useful for those who want to visualize changes before committing or who are seeking professional help. How to use it: Download the Houzz app and create an account. You can then browse by room, style, or project type. Save inspiring photos to your “Ideabooks” to create collections of your favorite designs. Use the “View in My Room” feature to see how furniture and decor look in your space. When you’re ready to find a professional, you can search for architects, contractors, interior designers, and more in your area, view their portfolios, read reviews, and contact them directly through the app. You can also shop for products directly from the app. Pricing: Many of its features, such as browsing photos, creating Ideabooks, and contacting professionals, are available without charge. However, costs will apply for any services hired through the platform or products purchased from the Houzz marketplace. Available for: iOS and Android Doing it yourself doesn’t mean you won’t ask for occasional help. The average American homeowner has 9 incomplete projects in their home at any given point, so most of us need all the help we can get. Don’t let those projects sit unfinished while you prepare to sell your home. Use the tools below to turn a do-it-yourself into a did-it-yourself. Why we recommend it: This app allows you to create floor plans simply by taking pictures. You can then furnish these plans with objects and even visualize them in 3D, making it an excellent tool for planning renovations or furniture placement. When you’ll need it: Perfect for homeowners planning a remodel, redecorating a room, or even just wanting to visualize their space better. It’s especially useful for quickly getting measurements and creating professional-looking floor plans without complex software. How to use it: Open the app and start by taking photos of your room. MagicPlan will automatically generate a floor plan. From there, you can add furniture, objects, and even estimate costs for your project. You can also export your plans in various formats. Pricing: The Starter Plan is free for basic use for up to two projects, with paid subscriptions available for additional features and export options. Available for: iOS and Android Why we recommend it: Photo Measures is an incredibly useful tool for anyone undertaking home improvement projects, big or small. It allows you to take photos of your spaces and directly add dimensions and notes onto the images. This eliminates the need for messy handwritten measurements or trying to recall specifics later. It’s especially handy for ensuring accurate material purchases and for communicating plans to contractors or designers. When you’ll need it: This app is essential whenever you’re measuring for new furniture, appliances, window treatments, or flooring. It’s also invaluable when planning renovations, sketching out potential layouts, or simply keeping track of dimensions for future reference. If you’re working with a contractor, sharing accurately measured photos can streamline the communication process significantly. How to use it: Simply open the app, take a photo of the area you want to measure, and then use the intuitive tools to draw lines and input measurements directly onto the image. You can add notes, angles, and even group related photos into projects for easy organization. The app allows you to export your measured photos as PDFs or JPEGs to share with others. Pricing: Photo Measures is available as a one-time purchase for $6.99, with no recurring subscriptions. Available for: iOS and Android Why we recommend it:
You might be skeptical of user-sourced articles, but on average, each wikiHow article is edited by 23 people and reviewed by 16 others. If an article has a green checkmark next to it, it means it’s been verified by a professional. The expert (and amatuer) advice from over 42 countries translated across 19 languages makes for comprehensive information and advice. When you’ll need it:
wikiHow can help you with just about anything, but could be the perfect tool for learning how to get those ketchup stains out of your couch before a showing, or cleaning your sun-bleached patio furniture. How to use it:
Search using related keywords or phrases in the app to find step by step guides to solve your problem or aid you in your home improvement project. Pricing: Free Available for: iOS and Android Why we recommend it: This app allows you to design and visualize your home improvement projects in 2D and 3D. You can create detailed floor plans, arrange furniture, and even walk through your virtual home to get a realistic sense of how your renovations will look and feel. It’s excellent for spatial planning and seeing your ideas come to life before committing to any physical changes. When you’ll need it: Live Home 3D is ideal for anyone planning a major home renovation, redecorating a room, or even designing a new home from scratch. It’s particularly useful when you need to visualize layout changes, test different furniture arrangements, or experiment with various design elements. How to use it: Start by creating a detailed floor plan of your existing or new space. Then, you can drag and drop furniture, appliances, and decorative items from the extensive library. The app also allows you to adjust wall colors, flooring, and other finishes. The 3D view lets you explore your design from any angle, and you can even generate photorealistic renderings to share with others. Pricing: Live Home 3D offers a free version with limited features. The full version is available as a one-time purchase or a subscription, with varying price points depending on the platform (macOS, iOS, Windows). Pro version is $149.99 with limited-time discounts available. Available for: iOS, AppleVision, Mac, and Windows Lots of us need help from time to time. In fact, 80% of homeowners hired a professional for one of their home maintenance projects last year. If a task is out of your skill set, don’t be afraid to call a pro and have it taken care of before it becomes a major issue. Why we recommend it:
Hailed as the “Uber for handyman tasks,” Handy connects you with vetted, background-checked professionals to help you complete your list of small fixes and to-dos around the house. You can connect with cleaning professionals, furniture assemblers, and more on the app. When you’ll need it:
Need last minute electrical assistance before an open house? Or perhaps a cleaning before an unexpected showing? Handy makes it easy to get home services on demand so you won’t have to search Google for an hour to find someone you can trust. How to use it:
Search for the services you need, and the app will match you with Handy professionals in the area. Browse by availability, rates, and reviews, then book them on the same day in under 60 seconds. Pricing: Pricing varies per service and market. Available for: iOS and Android Why we recommend it:
TaskRabbit has a database of background-checked “Taskers” who are willing to do whatever you need around the house at a moment’s notice. While not as specialized as other apps, Taskers can take care of simple projects when you don’t have time. When you’ll need it:
Need someone to run errands for you while you’re busy prepping for an open house? Or somebody to drop off donations while you’re knee-deep in paperwork? Taskers can do it. If you’re overwhelmed with things to do around your home, you can outsource big and small tasks on TaskRabbit. How to use it:
Describe the task you need. Include details about how quickly it needs to be completed and when you’re available. Choose a Tasker based on qualifications, reviews, and rates. Wait for the Tasker to arrive and complete the project, then pay and rate them through the app. Pricing: App is free, rates vary by project. Available for: iOS and Android Why we recommend it: Formerly known as Angie’s List, Angi is a comprehensive platform connecting homeowners with local service professionals for a wide range of home improvement projects. We recommend it for its extensive network of vetted professionals, transparent customer reviews, and project management tools. When you’ll need it: HomeAdvisor powered by Angi is useful for any homeowner planning a home improvement project, from small repairs and maintenance to large-scale renovations. You’ll find it particularly helpful when you need to: How to use it: Pricing: Angi offers a tiered pricing structure. While browsing professionals and requesting quotes is generally free, some premium features or service bookings may involve fees or subscriptions. Always check the specific terms and conditions for each service. Available for: iOS and Android Why we recommend it:
If you need a dog walker on demand, Rover has the largest network of pet professionals in the country. Each walker is vetted with a background check and has been approved by the team at Rover. When you’ll need it:
You love your pet, but they won’t help sell your home. If you need your furry friend out of the house due to a last-minute showing (and shoot, you’re at work!), you can find a walker or pet-sitter on demand. How to use it:
Create a profile for you and your pet on the app, then find candidates filtered through availability, pricing, distance, and reviews. Once you’ve selected a sitter or walker, you can communicate through the app, which means sharing adorable pictures of your pet while they’re out on a walk. Pricing: App is free, cost of walks or pet sitting varies. Available for: iOS and Android A few buckets of paint can dramatically change the look of your home to entice sellers. Top agents surveyed by HomeLight say a fresh coat of paint adds an average of $10,184 to the resale value of your home. The thing is, paint can be fickle, and what might’ve looked great on a small swatch can be headache-inducing across a whole room. Paint apps can help save time by identifying the best colors and virtually simulating a new coat of paint. Why we recommend it:
ColorSnap Match uses virtual tools and precision tech to make sure colors match. In tech site LifeWire’s review of the related Visualizer app, the only complaint was that the app almost had too many colors to choose from. With ColorSnap, you can virtually repaint rooms using your smartphone, taking the guesswork out of that new coat of paint for the kitchen. ColorSnap’s technology can match colors to specific paints — so if you love the white of a backyard peony on your bathroom walls, all it takes is the snap of a picture to find the matching shade. When you’ll need it:
When you think the blue shade of a napkin at a restaurant might be perfect for your bathroom walls, or you’re debating between three different beiges for the living room. How to use it:
Take a picture of the room you want to repaint, then use the app to select a new shade. Or, upload an image to the app, and use it to identify the closest shade in Sherwin-Williams’ paint library. Save colors by name and number in the app, making finding the shade in the store easy. Pricing: Free Available for: iOS, Android, and web visualizer Why we recommend it: This app allows you to explore the full spectrum of Benjamin Moore colors, visualize them in your own space, and even match existing colors. Its intuitive interface and accurate color rendering make it an invaluable tool for anyone planning a painting project. When you’ll need it: You’ll find this app indispensable when choosing paint colors for any room in your home, especially if you’re trying to coordinate with existing furnishings or create a specific mood. It’s also great for experimenting with different color schemes before committing to a choice. How to use it: Simply open the app and use its “Photo Visualizer” to take a picture of your room. Then, browse through the extensive Benjamin Moore color palette and “paint” your walls virtually to see how different shades look in your space. You can also use the “Color Capture” feature to identify colors from photos or real-life objects. Pricing: Free Available for: iOS and Android15. Paint AI – Color Visualizer Why we recommend it: This app makes it easy to visualize different paint colors on your walls before you commit. It uses augmented reality to show you how a color will look in your actual room, taking the guesswork out of choosing the right shade. When you’ll need it: Perfect for anyone planning to repaint a room, whether it’s a small refresh or a major renovation. It’s especially useful if you’re indecisive about colors or want to see how different lighting affects a shade. How to use it: Simply open the app and point your phone’s camera at the wall you want to paint. Then, select a color from their extensive palette or even upload a photo of a color you like. The app will instantly display the wall in that new color, allowing you to try out countless options without ever opening a paint can. You can also save your favorite options to compare later. Pricing: Free to download with in-app purchases for additional features or larger color libraries. Available for: iOS and Android Why we recommend it: ColorSmart by BEHR is an excellent tool for visualizing paint colors in your home before you commit to a purchase. It takes the guesswork out of choosing the right shade by allowing you to virtually “paint” your walls with thousands of BEHR colors. This app also helps you find coordinating colors, browse popular palettes, and locate nearby retailers. When you’ll need it: This app is essential when you’re planning a painting project, whether it’s a single room or your entire home. It’s particularly useful if you struggle with color selection or want to experiment with different schemes without the mess and expense of actual paint samples. How to use it: Simply upload a photo of your room, or use the app’s live camera feature. Then, select a BEHR paint color, and the app will apply it to your walls, allowing you to see how it looks in your space. You can also save your favorite colors, create custom palettes, and share your designs with others. Pricing: Free Available for: web and Android You could spend an afternoon shuffling furniture around, or you could use an app to visualize a room redesign without throwing your back out lifting the couch. 38% of real estate agents say taking the additional step of staging the house can help sell it even in a difficult market. Some of the services provided by the apps below can help offset or eliminate the costs of a professional stager. Staging and design apps come in handy as you get your home ready to show. Why we recommend it: RoomScan Pro LIDAR Floor Plans simplifies the daunting task of creating accurate floor plans. Using the advanced LIDAR technology available on newer iPhones and iPads, it generates precise room dimensions and layouts with remarkable speed. This app is perfect for homeowners planning renovations, furniture arrangements, or simply wanting a detailed overview of their property. It eliminates the need for manual measurements, saving time and reducing the risk of errors. When you’ll need it: You’ll find RoomScan Pro indispensable when you’re: How to use it: Simply open the app and walk around the perimeter of your room. The LIDAR scanner automatically detects walls and calculates dimensions. For more complex spaces, you can tap on walls or corners to refine the scan. The app can even detect doors and windows. Once scanned, you can view, edit, and export your floor plans in various formats, including PDF, DXF, and PNG. Pricing: RoomScan Pro LIDAR Floor Plans offers a free basic version with limited features. For full access to LIDAR scanning, advanced editing tools, and export options, a paid subscription is available. Pricing details are provided within the app. Available for: iOS (iPhone and iPad models with LIDAR capability) Why we recommend it:
As far as reference boards go, Pinterest is an amateur home designer’s dream. Imagine an endless scroll of impeccably designed entryways and bathrooms that include directions to make the projects on your own. Save “pins” of projects, such as a wooden pallet coffee table or a custom pantry designs, to stay organized. When you’ll need it:
Looking to add value, or redesign a room before putting your home on the market? Pinterest can be the perfect starting point for undertaking home improvement projects or reimagining a room. Use it to save reference images for your bathroom update, and start DIY projects on the app around your home. How to use it:
Browse the site or app, and place a pin on any images you like. From there, you can organize pins into different boards. For example, you might organize boards by room, pinning a retiling project to your bathroom board. With Pinterest’s web browser plug-in, you can pin any image from any site and add it to your boards, making it easy to access from anywhere on the web. Pricing: Free Available for: iOS and Android Why we recommend it: Home Design 3D is a versatile app that allows you to design, furnish, and decorate your home in 3D. It’s a great tool for visualizing renovation projects, rearranging furniture, or planning an entirely new space. The intuitive interface makes it easy to create detailed floor plans and experiment with different design elements. When you’ll need it: This app is perfect for anyone undertaking a home improvement project. Whether you’re planning a full renovation, considering a room makeover, or simply want to see how new furniture would look, Home Design 3D provides a realistic preview before you commit to any changes. How to use it: You can start by drawing out your floor plan or importing an existing one. Then, drag and drop furniture and decor items from the extensive library into your design. Experiment with colors, textures, and lighting to see your vision come to life in 3D. You can also save and share your projects with others for feedback. Pricing: There is a free version with limited features, and a premium version available for a one-time purchase that unlocks all features and content. Available for: iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows. Why we recommend it: This app allows you to design your dream home from scratch or choose from a gallery of existing projects. It’s user-friendly, offering both 2D and 3D modes to visualize your space with realistic textures and furniture. When you’ll need it: Perfect for anyone planning a renovation, redecorating before selling, or even building a new home. It helps you experiment with layouts, furniture placement, and design styles before committing to any physical changes. How to use it: Start by drawing your floor plan in 2D, then add walls, windows, and doors. Switch to 3D mode to furnish your space with items from a vast catalog, customize materials, and even add landscaping to your outdoor areas. Pricing: Offers a free version with basic features. Premium features and a larger item catalog are available through in-app purchases or a subscription. Available for: iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and web Why we recommend it: Yes, this is a game, but hear us out. This app allows you to visualize furniture and decor in your own home using augmented reality. You can virtually try out thousands of products from popular retailers before you buy, ensuring they fit your space and style. It also offers design challenges and a community forum for inspiration and advice. When you’ll need it: Perfect for anyone planning a home redecoration project, whether it’s a single room or an entire house. It’s especially useful if you struggle to visualize how furniture will look in your space or want to avoid costly purchasing mistakes. How to use it: Simply open the app, use your phone’s camera to scan your room, and then browse the extensive catalog of furniture and decor. You can drag and drop items into your virtual space, rotate them, and even walk around them to get a realistic sense of scale and placement. Save your favorite designs and share them with others. Pricing: Free to download and use with in-app purchases for additional features or premium content. Available for: iOS and Android devices. Why we recommend it: This app is another game that allows you to design virtual rooms using realistic furniture and decor items from real brands. It’s a playful way to visualize different styles and layouts before committing to actual purchases. When you’ll need it: If you’ve been dreaming of a room renovation, looking for design inspiration, or looking for ways to experiment with different furniture arrangements without moving heavy objects, this game is for you. How to use it: You’ll be given daily design challenges for various rooms. Select furniture, decor, and wall/floor coverings from a vast catalog to create your ideal space. Other users then vote on your designs, and you can earn rewards to unlock new items. Pricing: Free to download with in-app purchases for additional diamonds and cash, which can be used to buy furniture and decor. Available for: iOS and Android devices. The world of smartphones surely makes things easier, but finding the right home improvement app can take more time than the task itself. This list should help direct you toward some of the best options to complete projects faster and with fewer hassles, remove stress from preparations and staging, and make it that much easier to bring your home to the market. Once you’re ready to sell your home, connect with top real estate agents in your area (who might have additional apps to suggest!) to get the process started. Home maintenance and upkeep
1. HomeZada
2. Centriq
3. Todoist
4. Houzz
DIY helpers
5. MagicPlan
6. Photo Measures
7. wikiHow
8. Live Home 3D
Call a pro
9. Handy
10. TaskRabbit
11. Angi (HomeAdvisor)
12. Rover
Paint and color swatches
13. ColorSnap Match by Sherwin-Williams
14. Benjamin Moore Color Portfolio
16. ColorSmart by BEHR
Staging, furniture, and design
17. RoomScan Pro LiDAR Floor Plans
18. Pinterest
19. Home Design 3D
20. Planner 5D
21. DecorMatters
22. Design Home: House Makeover
An app can make all the difference
