15 Tips for Using Your Smartphone for DIY Projects

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.

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.

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.

Smartphones are equipped with useful gyrometers, which means they can replace traditional levels in many smaller leveling tasks. And all you need is the right app to start with.

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

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 unappetizing to hungry animals? Powerful landscape apps can help you find exactly what you need.

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.

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.

Trying to match paint colors can be a struggle if you don't have any of the original paint left, or if the paint has faded over time. And your smartphone can help with color capture apps that help you pinpoint your current colors for later reference at the store.

If your DIY projects need to go beyond basic tools, your phone can still help with careful measurements. Today's apps include plumb bobs, protractors and even expandable rulers to help calculate with greater precision and nuance when required.

Instead of bringing out an extra device for your stud detector, pull out your smartphone. Stud detector apps (there are many versions available for various platforms) help you locate studs, pipes and wire when working on your walls.

If you are running into interior or exterior paint issues and want to find the source to prevent future issues, apps can help out with that. Use them to compare types of damage and narrow down causes.

If you are planning on buying new furniture from places like Ikea, try out a shopping app that helps you plan your purchases, stay in budget and find what you need. And don't forget to get help moving furniture if you need it.

Everyone needs a little inspiration from time to time. Apps from sites like Houzz or Pinterest are ideal for scanning through themes and layouts to pick up ideas for your new project.