The Future of Home Remodeling: Practical Uses of AI in Design

Curious how AI can help you design your remodel?

Artificial intelligence is changing how homeowners approach remodeling, and not by replacing designers or builders, but by making the early stages of planning easier and more effective.

At Custom Built, we’ve seen firsthand how AI tools can help homeowners gather inspiration, clarify their vision, and make confident decisions even before working with a designer. From generating room layouts to experimenting with material palettes, AI can help you explore possibilities quickly and visually.

It’s not about cutting corners. It’s about entering the design process with clarity, creativity, and a stronger sense of direction.

In this article, we’ll explore practical ways you can use AI to support your remodeling journey, especially in the early design and planning stages:

1. Use AI to Organize Your Design Vision
2. Sketch Floor Plans and Get Layout Feedback
3. Generate and Refine 3D Renderings
4. Ask for Material Recommendations and Research Support
5. Experiment with Mood Boards and Design Cohesion
6. The Limits of AI (and Why the Human Element Still Matters)

Header PC: ChatGPT

1. Use AI to Organize Your Design Vision

PC: ChatGPT

AI tools are helping homeowners turn vague ideas into visual direction, before they even meet with a designer.

One of the simplest, most effective ways to use AI is by uploading a photo of your existing space and asking for suggestions. Tools like Canva’s AI image generator or ChatGPT with image input can give you quick, cohesive feedback (like the photo above).

You input a prompt to say:

• “Take my current kitchen (photo attached) and generate a realistic photo modernizing my space with colors and finishes.”

PC: ChatGPT

• “Using this picture, create an image that replaces my cabinet pulls with knobs. Keep everything else as it is.” 

PC: ChatGPT

• “Using this picture as a reference, create an image showing what cabinet paint color would coordinate well with this backsplash?”

PC: ChatGPT

These tools can help you visualize small changes, generate layout ideas, and identify styles you’re drawn to, especially if you’re struggling to describe your vision out loud.

Using AI this way isn’t about replacing the designer. It’s about helping you build clarity and confidence. The more direction you have going into your remodel, the more productive your early planning conversations will be.

2. Sketch Floor Plans and Get Layout Feedback

Don’t have design software? No problem. You can sketch a simple layout on graph paper, take a picture, and upload it to ChatGPT or other tools like Planner 5D.

Include context in your prompt:

“We’re remodeling our basement with this floor plan. Using this sketch for reference, can you add a home gym?”

PC: ChatGPT

From there, you can ask for changes or explore options like adding built-in shelving, changing traffic flow, or reimagining furniture placement. This helps you test out ideas before bringing them to your remodeling team.

While we wouldn’t recommend building directly from this plan, it’s a helpful tool for sparking ideas and imagining possibilities beyond what you might picture on your own. In the example above, AI generated wasted framing space in the existing bathroom and placed the gym where a wet bar currently exists, not the most practical use of space.

3. Generate and Refine 3D Renderings

You can now use AI to clean up photos of your home and suggest visual changes. Want to update the curb appeal of your ranch?

Upload a photo and ask:

“Can you reimagine this home with a farmhouse style, keep the existing roofline, update the landscaping, and include dark trim?”

PC: ChatGPT

Renderings done in ChatGPT often turn out best with the first prompt. We’ve found that multiple design changes to the same image create incongruent details. But as AI continues to become better, multiple refinements will become possible.

Be aware that AI renderings are often not structurally accurate. They’re best used for inspiration, not architectural plans.

4. Ask for Material Recommendations and Research Support

AI is also a helpful tool for researching materials, especially if you’re aiming for a specific aesthetic.

Here’s a prompt to try:

“I’m remodeling a colonial-style kitchen and want to use brass hardware, white cabinetry, and oak flooring. What type of quartz countertop materials would complement this style?”

PC: ChatGPT

You can also use it to generate shopping lists for design elements. For example:

“I want an exterior palette with black siding, natural wood, and copper accents. What material types would you recommend?”

ChatGPT Output:

Material Options:

• Fiber cement board. Durable, paintable, and available in factory-finished black. Popular brands include Hardie Panel.
• Engineered wood siding, such as LP SmartSide. Comes prefinished in black or can be painted.
• Black metal panels. Standing seam metal can add a modern edge for siding or roof accents.
• Painted brick or stucco. If your exterior is already brick or stucco, painting it black can deliver a bold look.

Finish Tip: Choose a matte or satin finish to avoid glare and add depth to the black color.

2. Natural Wood Accents

Material Options:

• Cedar or redwood. Warm color, visible grain, and good for soffits, porch ceilings, or feature walls.
• Thermally modified wood. More stable and weather-resistant than untreated softwoods, and keeps a rich tone.
• Ipe or other hardwoods. Ideal for decks or dramatic accent walls because of natural durability.

Finish Tip: Use a clear or lightly tinted exterior wood sealer to protect from UV rays and moisture while keeping the wood’s natural look.

3. Copper Accents

Material Options:

• Copper flashing and gutters. A classic way to bring in real copper that develops a natural patina over time.
• Copper light fixtures. Wall sconces or lanterns near the entry are a subtle but strong design statement.
• Copper roof elements. Small roof sections, awnings, or cupolas for added character.
• Copper house numbers or mailbox. Small touches like these can tie the look together.
  
  

Finish Tip: Copper will naturally age to a greenish tone over time. If you want to keep the warm shine, use pre-sealed copper or maintain it with occasional cleaning and sealing.

Additional Tips

• Use dark trim in black or charcoal to frame the siding and create a clean look.
• Choose a warm wood front door stained to match any wood details.
• Keep pathways and hardscaping neutral to let the siding, wood, and copper be the focus.

***

AI can give you a helpful framework, but you’ll still want to confirm suggestions with what’s available in your region. Ask it to adjust results for Michigan climate needs or material availability, and always validate with your remodeler.

5. Experiment with Mood Boards and Design Cohesion

PC: ChatGPT

Sometimes it’s hard to know if the materials you’ve selected will actually look good together. Using AI to generate mood boards can give you an idea of how finishes, colors, and textures interact visually. This is helpful if you’re working toward a theme like modern farmhouse, traditional colonial, or lakefront cottage.

You can refine selections by adjusting prompts like:

“Show me light fixtures that pair well with antique brass hardware and navy cabinets.”
“Generate five options for vanity sinks that go with a white oak cabinet base and marble-look quartz top.”

This can be very useful in between meetings with your design team to stay inspired and make progress on all of the material decisions.

6. The Limits of AI (and Why the Human Element Still Matters)

PC: ChatGPT; The above sunroom roofing is not properly connected, which can cause a build-up of snow and debris in Michigan's harsh weather conditions.

AI can save you time, help you sort through ideas, and bring new possibilities to light. 

But it is not perfect:

• It can return inaccurate or unrealistic results
• It cannot assess structural details or verify code requirements with certainty
• It doesn’t know your personal story or how you actually live in your space
• It hallucinates, meaning it will generate images that blend elements together or even misspell requested captions

Your remodel deserves more than a one-size-fits-all solution. Tools like ChatGPT are helpful, but they’re just that: tools. The creativity and insight that come from working with a professional designer are what bring your vision to life in a way that works for your home.

Next Steps to Remodeling Your Home

AI tools can help you start your remodeling journey with confidence, clarity, and creative direction.

Use them to spark ideas, organize your goals, and prepare for meaningful conversations with your remodeler.

At Custom Built, we blend human insight with technology to help Michigan homeowners create spaces that truly reflect their needs and style.

Ready to start planning your remodel with confidence? Let’s talk about what your dream space could look like.

Now that you know more about the practical uses of AI in design and planning, let’s explore our official virtual design services page, how to create an open-concept kitchen, the top bathroom remodeling designs, and design elements that never go out of style:

• Custom Built’s Virtual Design Services - Get a wider snapshot of our virtual design services, comprehensive packages, and how to get started on your consultation.
• 9 Design Strategies to Create an Open-Concept Kitchen - Explore exciting ways to design your open-concept kitchen for hosting and year-round enjoyment.
• The Best Bathroom Remodeling Designs for 2025 - You deserve a comfortable and functional bathroom that complements your home. Discover the year’s best project designs.
• 5 Timeless Home Design Elements That Never Go Out of Style - From neutral color palettes to natural materials, these design elements continue to elevate all home remodels.