If you already own an iPhone, there are a plethora of tools available to help you with your green home improvement projects, and many of them are free. Download apps to help you choose the right shade of eco-friendly paint, efficiently plan a place and even simulate tools like a level. After all, it is pretty 'green' to use the tools that are already at your fingertips.
1. Ben Color Capture
Benjamin Moore & Co.
It's no longer necessary to schlepp paint samples from the store and spend hours trying to choose the perfect shade. The Ben Color Capture app allows you to take a picture with your phone and instantly matches the color within the Benjamin Moore Library. Ideally, you should choose paint from the Aura line of low-VOC paints, but at the very least, this app will save you a trip or two to the store. Sherwin Williams' ColorSnap™ for iPhone works in a similar way.
2. Home Sizer
Matt Galloway, Armchair Design
Plan your remodel more efficiently using the Home Sizer app. It allows you to estimate square footages room by room and even calculate wall surface areas (which is also useful if you're planning to buy paint).
3. iHandy Level Free
iHandySoft Inc.
No need to buy a level in order to hang those paintings straight. The free iHandy Level app works just like the real thing with a simulated air bubble. Take a few minutes to calibrate it and it's ready to go.
4. Mark on Call
M.O.C. Interior Designer
Is it possible to hire an interior designer for less than $3? It is if you download designer Mark Lewinson's Mark on Call app for the iPhone. Save a library of finish selections (green, of course) and use the app to "skin" them onto the surfaces of your virtual room. If you have trouble visualizing a space, this app takes the guess work out of your renovation.
5. MeterRead
mark barton
