Renoworks Software (RW-X) has launched an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered version of its home visualization software, allowing homeowners to see how products and design choices would look in their homes before committing to a renovation or new build.

“Now with renoworks.ai, we’re really expanding that experience, making things not only look a lot more realistic but it’s opened the door to be able to do a lot more with interiors; with cabinets, countertops, flooring,” Jenni McMorran, contractor channel partner manager with Renoworks told TechNX in an interview.

“We’re just building on years of experience in the space and combining that with modern AI to make the entire design process faster, more intuitive and more realistic.”

The company creates photorealistic renderings that allow home builders to show buyers how new homes or renovations could look with specific products and finishes.

How it all began

Renoworks grew out of a simple idea more than 20 years ago, McMorran said.

Greg Martineau founded the company in 2000, and served as chief executive officer from 2002 to 2006. He is currently chair of the firm’s board of directors.

“It’s difficult for people to make decisions about their homes when they can’t picture what that finished result will look like. So our founder back then, he recognized the potential of digital imaging to help homeowners visualize changes before committing to a renovation or a new build, and that idea grew into a technology company here in Calgary.”

Renoworks has partnered with more than 350 suppliers to incorporate images of their actual products into its visualizations, rather than relying on generic representations.

“It showcases the manufacturer’s products in more of a realistic way, and you’re able to put the whole thing together if you’re doing multiple elements on the exterior of the home and with interior as well. We’re able to expand a little bit more,” McMorran said.

For users, the software “starts with the photograph or a blueprint image of the home or the space that they want to change, and renoworks.ai interprets the image and its features, and then it allows the homeowner to explore different products on that image,” she said.

The software generates 3D visualizations to help buyers assess design options. Its AI capabilities also enhance lighting and shadows to create more realistic renderings, according to the company.

For example, users can compare roofing options and other exterior features.

“And same thing for the interior. Upload an image of the kitchen, and you’ll be able to put in new cabinet styles, put in new door handles, knobs, and then into landscaping as well, to upload a picture and then show new sidewalks, new retaining walls, that kind of thing,” McMorran said.

Visualizing actual products

Partnerships with manufacturers help ensure that the visualizations accurately represent the products being considered.

“The manufacturers work with us closely to provide the specs and the names and the colours and images of what their product looks like in real life, so that we can create a true representation in a digital format in the program.”

Seeing how actual products will look in their homes can help customers make more confident design decisions.

“So traditionally, homeowners, they’ve had to imagine and piece together all of the pieces with brochures or samples and inspiration photos, and then try and imagine it together on their own house and so by offering what those real-world products will look like on their own house, we’re filling up that gap.”

“We’re helping to even make it look more realistic: they don’t have to use their imagination in seeing the rendering,” she said.

Renoworks provides the software to businesses who will then deploy it for customers looking to buy new or upgrade an existing home.

“We provide visualization technology to businesses across home improvement and building products industries, so manufacturers, distributors, retailers, contractors, and builders,” McMorran said.

Renoworks offers pricing options based on usage and plans to introduce a credit-based payment model, McMorran said.

“We’ll also be pivoting into offering credits — just like many of the other technology companies now are starting to offer — where you can purchase credits, and that allows you to create a certain number of designs, and you just fill up your tokens.”

By offering a modern AI tool, the firm is hoping to capitalize on changing consumer behaviour.

“They’re starting to get used to things being quick and easy, and being able to see all of the options in every sense, and now we’re able to provide a tool that manufacturers and contractors can use to fill that expectation that homeowners have.”