The Akron Legal News

Considering a remodeling project? There's an app for that

KEITH ARNOLD
Special to the Legal News
Published: June 23, 2016

In a culture accustomed to apps that manage everything from home security to adjusting the thermostat, of course there exist multiple online applications to assists the average homeowner in a renovation or remodel of the home.

The trick is to find the best rated apps that match the needs of the remodeler, which can include apps that already may be among one’s favorites.

Houzz Interior Design Ideas was awarded Google’s Best App of 2016. It’s equal parts Angie’s List, Pinterest and Amazon: app users can get inspired by the photos, buy the essential elements for the planned remodel and find the contractor to do it.

The app is comprehensive in style, with examples of finely appointed rooms in a modern, rustic, Scandinavian, Craftsman, shabby chic and traditional styles, among others. A listing of five subsections representing the different rooms of the house and outdoor living open up into menus that further winnow a user’s choices.

Sign up, though free, is a little more involved than simply subscribing to a new website or app. Once a password is entered, a new subscriber goes through a three-step process — Houzz calls this “introducing yourself” — that enables the application to learn the decorating tastes and the projects a new subscriber has in mind.

Houzz asks for a subscriber’s first and last name, but notes clearly that the name provided can be seen publicly. The app also asks for a subscriber’s ZIP code to assist with local pricing and connecting subscribers with contractors.

Houzz lists 10 million downloads with a 4.6 overall rating on Google Play.

Another free app — HomeAdvisor — makes its primary function matching homeowners with a project to pre-screened, available contractors. The company has been around since 1998, providing its proprietary service of linking consumers to service professionals. The application is a more recent development, but boasts 100,000 downloads with an overall rating of 4.1.

HomeAdvisor differs from the more well known Angie’s List in that there is no subscription fee. In addition to its matching service, the company provides more than 1,200 home-related articles on its companion website.

Again, the app wants to know the type of project, location and other specifics. HomeAdvisor calls this part the interview. Users are prompted to select a project category, matching the home repair or improvement need. The app will ask a few more questions to assist in matching the more than 100,000 service professionals, who specialize in more than 500 categories.

Next, a user will receive information for up to four pre-screened, local home improvement pros who are available right now. The timeliness factor cannot be stressed enough. A survey of reviews of the app, indicated that some users, who were only “window shopping” or considering projects six months in the future, were bothered by the immediacy of the call from a contractor.

The app description specifies, “As soon as your request is processed, we send your information to your recommended pros. Shortly after receiving your service request, they'll contact you to discuss your project (or) if you prefer, you can contact them at your convenience.”

Another app for remodeling is the Bubble Level or some IOS variant of it. iPhone 5 and 6 models come equipped with a level app paired with the phone’s compass. With more than a million downloads and a 4.7 rating, it is billed as the “best leveling tool for your Android device.”

The free app indicates whether horizontal items are level or vertical items are plumb. There’s also a bull’s eye level, which is used to level a surface across a plane. An image in the app store demonstrates Bubble Level being used to rack billiard balls on the pool table.

A new device most likely has been calibrated by the manufacturer and will not need adjustment, but the app allows for the fix if needed.

Both IKEA and Home Depot have retail-linked apps and the online real estate website, Zillow, promotes Zillow Digs, which is said to provide home shoppers and homeowners the opportunity to find visual inspiration and understand the estimated cost of remodeling.

Here is a breakdown of the aforementioned apps:

• Home Depot boasts 1 million downloads and an overall rating of 4.3; the app can be used to find and purchase the items needed for any renovation or remodel.

• Home Planner for IKEA lists 100,000 downloads with a 3.8 overall rating; the app allows the user to plan and furnish the home with IKEA products.

• Zillow boasts 10 million downloads with an overall rating of 4.4; the home-design aspects of Zillow Digs are similar to Pinterest and Houzz and requires the user to choose room, cost, color and style.

The best advice for homeowners who want to start their planned project on their mobile device: Take some time. Scroll through the app store. Find an easy-to-use app with plenty of good reviews and start planning.

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