best app for renovation design

Embarking on a home renovation project is no easy feat, but thanks to today's advances in internet technology, there is probably a stellar app out there ready to assist with every part of the process.

Below, we rounded up 18 standouts across three categories—plan, design, and expert help—available on iOS and/or Android, many of which are free to download. And if you need to declutter first, check out our roundup of the best apps and sites for selling old stuff around the house.

Apps that help you plan

1. Home Design 3D: For drawing rooms, testing out furniture all in one app (some features like saving designs and 3D-viewing require upgrades.)

Free on iOS, Android

2. Roomscan Pro: For creating floor plans just by touching your phone to each wall or by scanning the floor with your phone camera.

Free on iOS

3. Magicplan: For creating floor plans from photos of a room.

Free on iOS, Android

The interior of a living area. There are measurements of the walls and other surfaces on the image along with a box with the words: Access to garden. — Photo Measures

4. Photo Measures: For saving measurements directly on your own photos.

$6.99 on iOS, $4.99 on Android

Apps that help you design your space

5. Paint Tester: For visualizing paint colors (from major brands like Benjamin Moore, Behr, Sherwin Williams, and more) on interior spaces.

Free on iOS

Woman looking at a phone. — Houzz's "View in My Room 3D" feature.

6. Houzz: For access to over 20 million high-resolution photos of design ideas, plus features like "View in My Room 3D" (virtually try out over 1 million products in your own home); you can also research and hire home improvement professionals and shop for products and materials on the platform.

Free on iOS, Android

7. Pinterest: For discovering and organizing design and decor ideas.

Free on iOS, Android

8. Color911: For generating color palettes for decorating projects.

$4 on iOS

9. Chairish: For buying and selling pre-loved home decor, vintage furniture, art, and more; a "preview" feature lets you see items in your space.

Free on iOS

10. Palette Cam: For creating color palettes from phone camera photos.

Free on iOS

11. Hutch: For seeing what potential furniture might look like in your space. Hutch virtually outfits rooms from photos uploaded by users

Free on Android

The best DIY tools apps

A painting in a frame on a wall. Next to the painting is a hand holding a cellphone up to the side of the painting. There is an image of a level on the cellphone with various measurements. — iHandy Level.

12. iHandy Level: For a general purpose level right in your pocket.

Free on iOS and Android

13. Home Improvement Calcs: For over 250 home improvement calculations and unit conversions in one app.

$1.99 on iOS

14. Handyman Calculator: For all kinds of construction calculators and conversions.

Free on Android

Apps that provide expert help

An image of pages in the app HomeAdvisor. — HomeAdvisor.

15. HomeAdvisor: For discovering and comparing contractors and instant bookings.

Free on iOS, Android

16. Angie's List: For viewing reviews and comparing quotes for top-rated local pros.

Free on iOS, Android

17. Thumbtack: For recommendations on contractors for all sorts of home-related jobs.

Free on iOS, Android

18. Havenly: For working with a professional interior designer on your project; chat with a design expert and get curated product picks when you book a package (starting at $79).

Free on iOS

Did we miss something? Share your favorites in the comments below.