Its difficult to imagine modern lifewithout a smartphonein your pocket.
But were still surprisinglyphysicalabout certain aspects of our lives, resisting the drive towards abstraction and digitization.
But that doesnt mean your smartphone isnt very,veryuseful when doing projects around the house.
In fact, these days its an essential part of any toolbox when youre doing work around the house.
A stain on the ceiling that may or may not pre-date your ownership?
Take a photo of anything thatmightindicate a bigger problem ormightjust be a harmless blemish.
Then set a reminder and take another photo a few weeks or months later, and compare the two.
Is the crack getting bigger?
Is the stain spreading?
Documenting these things can keep the problem top of mind and give you more data to work with.
Snap pics of the mixing labels on your paint cans.
Opening a wall or ceiling to do some work?
Snap photos of the area for future reference after you close everything up again.
Reminders.The calendar on your phone is a powerful tool.
Every time you perform home maintenance, set a reminder there for the next time.
Change the batteries in your smoke detectors?
Set a reminder for a year from now.
Then set a reminder to replace the smoke detectors completely in a few years.
Investigating
Your smartphone camera is a sophisticated tool.
gesture will save you a lot of time and trouble.
Apps likeHousehappygather information about your home and help track maintenance schedules and suggest professionals for repair work.
Having that info at your fingertips in an emergency repair situation is priceless.
It also provides links to repair information and tracks replacement parts for you.
HomeSavvy.This app takes home maintenance a bit further.
Tools
There are so many apps for your smartphone, its easy to be overwhelmed.
Design assistance.Apps likeHomeStylercan help you figure out the design aspects of your renovation plans.
Flashlight.Its dumb, its simple, and it wears down your battery like nothing else.
