Thinking about adding a new room, updating your kitchen, or giving your home a new look? If so, home improvement projects may be just what you’re looking for.
The home improvement industry continues to grow, year after year. In recent years, there has been a trend toward more do-it-yourself projects and away from hiring professionals for everything.
This is a great thing for many homeowners, leading to big savings and a sense of accomplishment. However, it also means numerous websites, apps, and tools are available to streamline the process of planning and completing DIY home improvements.
From budgeting tools to virtual design advisors and step-by-step instructions, these tools make tackling the projects on your home improvement list easy.
Length Calculator
Every homeowner has a different reason for attempting a home improvement project. Some want a larger living space, others want a better flow within the home, and others simply have a project that needs to be done.
Knowing how much room you have to work with is important regardless of why you’re tackling home improvement projects. Contractors and designers will often refer to this as “measurables, ” which can be an important factor when planning renovations. Thankfully, many online tools make measuring your home a breeze.
A length calculator is one of those tools. This tool converts different measurement units, which will be especially convenient for your understanding. It can help you plan and know what different decor pieces to buy and where you will place them within your living space.
Also Read: 4 Reasons You Should Get Your Home Interior Repainted
Home Renovation Cost Estimators
If you’re planning out a renovation project, you’ve probably already come across a renovation cost estimator.
These handy tools allow you to plug in the details of your project (such as square footage, the specific materials you plan to use, etc.) and receive an estimate for the costs associated with that project. They are a great way to determine how much your project will cost.
However, these estimators aren’t always accurate. If you’re planning a major renovation project with a significant budget, it’s a good idea to hire a contractor to do an on-the-ground assessment of the project.
While you can’t account for every potential issue that could arise, a contractor can help you account for the majority of potential issues that may arise during the renovation process.
But if you’re planning a small renovation project with a budget of a few thousand dollars, a renovation cost estimator may be all you need.
Make sure to take the time to read reviews of the various estimators to make sure you select one that is a good fit for your project.
Virtual Room Designer
A virtual room designer is a handy tool that allows you to create a virtual representation of your home.
You can search for and select items for your room and see them placed in the room as if they were really there. This can be helpful if you are not sure how to arrange items or if you are uncertain about what will really look good in your space.
You and your contractor can communicate and decide what will go in the room without having to actually stand in the room and move items around. You can decide what will go in the room, where it will be placed, and what it will look like.
These room designers are available for various room types, including bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and outdoor rooms. So, it can be especially helpful if you are working with a contractor on a room addition or planning a renovation project with multiple materials (such as a kitchen renovation that includes cabinets, countertops, and flooring).
Many of these room designers also have functionality that will let you save your designs and share them with contractors, family members, or other stakeholders in your project.
DIY Instruction Guide
If you’re tackling a DIY project, you’re probably looking for a step-by-step guide that will walk you through the project from start to finish. While many websites offer step-by-step guides for specific projects, many tools offer a DIY guide for all projects.
For example, Ikea has an online tool that allows you to plug in the details of your project (such as the size of the room and the specific item you want to purchase) and receive step-by-step instructions for completing the project. This great tool allows you to easily find instructions for any Ikea item you want to purchase.
Instruction guide tools can be great for the do-it-yourselfer who may be intimidated by the thought of tackling a larger project.
Also Read: Best Smart Home Devices
In Summary
As you consider the many possibilities and begin planning, these online tools can make it easier to get started and keep track of important details throughout the process.
These websites and apps can assist with everything from coming up with an original idea and finding the right contractor to monitoring costs and scheduling every step of the way. These tools also simplify researching potential renovations, so you know exactly what you’ll need to get started.
Even if you don’t have any particular project in mind, check out these sites as great starting points as you search for inspiration.
