The Best Free Exterior House Design App for Homeowners: No Experience Needed
Why Every Homeowner Needs an Exterior Design App
According to a 2023 report from the American Institute of Architects (AIA), 67% of homeowners prioritize exterior upgrades during renovations. Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) confirms that exterior improvements consistently top home improvement spending in the U.S.
Yet here’s the frustrating reality:
- You can’t upload a photo of your real home and test changes
- Tools are clunky or too “professional” to understand
- You waste hours trying to preview what a simple wall color update will look like
This guide reviews the top-rated free tools in 2025 to help you avoid those headaches—and actually enjoy redesigning your home's exterior.
Top 10 Pain Points Homeowners Face in Exterior Design
No. | Pain Point | Description |
1 | Can't upload real house photo | Many tools use generic models, not your own home's image |
2 | Poor rendering quality | Blurry visuals and unrealistic textures lead to confusion |
3 | Too complex to use | Steep learning curves turn simple ideas into frustration |
4 | No mobile-friendly options | Limited or clunky on phones and tablets |
5 | No way to export/share design | No high-res downloads or links for contractors/family |
6 | Lacks regional architectural style | Doesn’t reflect local house types or materials |
7 | No AI guidance | You're left guessing with endless color/material choices |
8 | No side-by-side comparisons | Can’t easily A/B test design options |
9 | No construction feasibility tips | No materials list or implementation insights |
10 | Hidden costs | Key features locked behind paywalls or limited trials |
Best Free Exterior Home Design Apps of 2025 (with G2 Ratings)
1. Planner 5D – Simple, Smart, and Beginner-Friendly
If you're looking to test front elevations or simple layouts, Planner 5D is a fantastic starting point. Its 2D and 3D views make it easy to sketch out ideas.
- G2 Rating: 4.6/5
- User feedback: “Perfect for beginners—easy to use with lots of customization options.”
✅ Pros: Drag-and-drop interface, great for quick facades
❌ Cons: Limited texture realism, better for drafts than final visuals
2. Coohom – Best for AI-Driven, Photorealistic Exterior Design
If you need true-to-life renderings and fast AI suggestions, Coohom excels. It provides exterior templates, smart material suggestions, and 4K-level visuals—all in a browser.
- G2 Rating: 4.6/5
- User feedback: “By far the best platform I’ve used. The exterior visuals are incredibly realistic. The lighting and video output are amazing for client use.”
✅ Pros: Ultra-realistic renders, AI-guided templates, fast exports
❌ Cons: Learning curve may require 5–10 minutes on first use
3. Roomstyler – Drag-and-Drop Tool to Build From Scratch
Whether you're designing your dream house or testing structure layouts, Roomstyler’s easy interface makes it a go-to for creative homeowners.
- G2 Rating: 4.3/5 (per TechRadar)
- User feedback: “Extremely user-friendly and perfect for creating both real and imagined homes.”
✅ Pros: Intuitive layout, perfect for conceptual builds
❌ Cons: Material options may feel limited compared to other tools
4. HomeByMe – Upload Your House Photo and Let AI Redesign It
Want to repaint your home or test new siding without lifting a brush? Upload a photo, and AI will simulate lighting, landscaping, and material updates.
- G2 Rating: 3.7/5
- User feedback: “Quick and intuitive. A great way to bring ideas to life visually.”
✅ Pros: Real-image simulation, great for renovation previews
❌ Cons: Requires high-resolution images for best results
5. Home Depot VisualizeColor – Quick Paint Tests With Real Brands
Want to try Sherwin-Williams or Behr paint on your home digitally? Upload a picture and instantly see how hundreds of paint shades will look.
✅ Pros: Super lightweight and easy for color changes
❌ Cons: No structural editing or 3D viewing
Color Decisions in 7 Days
Jane, a homeowner in Austin, Texas, wanted to repaint her Craftsman-style home. She uploaded her photo into HomeByMe, tested 7 color schemes, and chose a soft white with sage green trim. She finalized the design with her contractor—all in just one week.
“The visual overlay made it so easy. No more trying to describe a ‘warm white’ over the phone. One picture solved it all.”
Expert Comparison: Which Tool Is Best for You?
Need | Best Tool |
Beginner-friendly layout sketches | Planner 5D |
Real photo-based AI design | HomeByMe, Coohom |
Build-from-scratch dream homes | Roomstyler, Coohom |
Fast, lightweight color testing | Home Depot VisualizeColor |
Pro-level rendering with AI | Coohom |
What to Look for in an Exterior Home Design Tool
A great tool should offer:
- Real photo upload and edit options
- Pre-built templates for facades and landscaping
- AI-based material/color suggestions
- Export options for contractors and sharing
- Lighting simulation to mimic real conditions
FAQs
Q: What is the best free app to design a house exterior?
A: Coohom, Planner 5D, and HomeByMe are top-rated by G2 and design professionals.
Q: Can I upload a photo of my house and redesign it?
A: Yes! Try HomeByMe or Home Depot VisualizeColor.
Q: Is there a tool for building a house from scratch?
A: Yes. Roomstyler and Coohom let you construct full exterior layouts.
Q: Which free tools support AI exterior design?
A: Coohom, Planner 5D, and HomeByMe all support AI-assisted planning.
Q: Do these tools work on mobile?
A: Planner 5D and HomeByMe offer solid mobile support.
(Source: JCHS Remodeling Futures Program)
(Source: AIA Home Design Trends Survey)
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