16 tips for using your smartphone for DIY projects

Homeowners already tend to have a smartphone within reach – so why not put it to use in your next home DIY projects? Here are the surprising ways that your smartphone can be one of the best tools for DIYers no matter what you have planned.

Need to buy a new part for your repair DIY projects? Take pictures of the old part, its serial numbers and any fixture that the part will be used in. It’s a lot easier than taking the old component with you to check dimensions and compatibility. This works well with piping, electrical sockets, wiring and much more.

Find an app that allows you to take photos and tag their dimensions in the photo. So you’ll know exactly what measurements you’re working with before making major purchase decisions. And his is particularly valuable during any renovation where you will be buying new furniture or appliances.

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All modern smartphones have a flashlight mode you can switch on from settings. Use this to inspect dark spaces, scout out your crawlspaces, look for attic insulation issues, or for a variety of other DIY projects. And it’s a lot easier than taking a flashlight with you, especially since you can snap a photo whenever you want.

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For more complex DIY projects, you may want to know the weight of metal components, how much concrete you need to fill a space, and other construction calculations that your phone can help with.

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Smartphones are equipped with useful gyrometers, which means they can replace traditional levels in many smaller levelling tasks. And all you need is an app such as Bubble Level, or if you have an i-Phone, you can use the in-built Measure app.

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For the perfect result, woodworking requires in-depth knowledge about the type of wood you are using, board volume, mitre cut adjustments and more. Today’s advanced woodworking apps can help you make key decisions and measurements as you work.

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Are you looking for the right soil or shade for a particular seedling? Do you need help adjusting irrigation times or planning for future growth? And do you want to find plants that are resistant to disease and unappetising to hungry animals? Landscape apps can help you find exactly what you need.

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Before and after photos serve two important purposes. First, if you are taking a complex appliance apart (gas heater, fridge, pool pump, etc) it helps to have a visual guide of where components went when you are reassembling. Second, you have evidence of just how much has changed to show your friends and potentially inspectors or home evaluators.

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Home renovation apps are advanced 3D simulations these days. You can use your phone to remodel and redesign your home as you walk around, making changes or choose furniture as you need. And it’s more useful than scribbling floor plans down on a sketch pad, and may even give you a few new ideas for future DIY projects.