How DIY homeowners use AI in 2026

 El.kz / Marina Ruzmatova / ChatGPT
Фото: El.kz / Marina Ruzmatova / ChatGPT

Renovation no longer requires professional designers or massive budgets. An ordinary person with a smartphone and a computer is now capable of creating professional-grade projects, El.kz reports.

Modern neural networks have radically simplified the process. What used to cost hundreds of thousands of tenge and take weeks to complete can now be done in a single evening.

Previously, the average person faced one main problem: a lack of vision. What will the room look like after the renovation? Will this color work? AI removes this barrier. These tools generate realistic images, calculate materials, and provide clear instructions. The key is to formulate your prompts correctly.

How to start the preparation

First, take photos of your apartment or room from various angles. The more perspectives, the better. Upload the images to a neural network and ask it to analyze the space.

In ChatGPT-4o or Claude 3.5, you can upload a photo and receive a detailed breakdown.

Prompt Example: "Analyze these photos of the room. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the space, lighting issues, and suggest an optimal layout for a 35-square-meter studio apartment."

Generating design ideas

This is the most exciting stage, where neural networks truly shine.

Top tools for 2026:

  - Flux and Grok Imagine - for highly realistic images.

  - Midjourney (via Discord) - for stylish and artistic options.

  - Leonardo.AI - works excellently with interiors.

Example of a good prompt for Flux or Grok Imagine: "Modern Scandinavian style kitchen-living room, light tones, plenty of wood, large window, realistic photo, natural lighting, apartment in Almaty."

Add the words "realistic photo, 8k, highly detailed" to the end of your prompt - the result will improve significantly.

Planning and 3D Visualization

Want to see the room in 3D? Use PromeAI, RoomGPT, or ChatGPT with a 3D plugin.

Prompt Example for RoomGPT: "Transform this photo of an empty room into a modern minimalist bedroom. Add a bed, a wardrobe, a desk by the window, and warm parquet flooring."

After generating several options, pick the best one and show it to Claude or Gemini with a request to refine the details.

Material Calculations and Estimates

This is where AI saves real money. Upload your room plan and the chosen design using Claude 3.5 and GPT-4o.

Prompt Example: "Here is a plan for a 4x5 meter room and the chosen design. Calculate the exact amount of paint, wallpaper, laminate, baseboards, and power outlets needed. Write a detailed estimate with a 10 percent margin for waste."

Renovation Instructions

The most crucial part for those doing the work themselves. Grok and Claude provide the clearest and safest instructions.

Prompt Example: "Write a detailed step-by-step DIY kitchen renovation plan: demolition, electrical work, wall leveling, tiling, and kitchen cabinet installation. List the necessary tools and safety precautions."

Top AI Tools for Renovation in 2026

1.  Claude 3.5 - Best for complex calculations and instructions.

2.  ChatGPT-4o - The ultimate versatile assistant.

3.  Flux / Grok Imagine - For high-end image generation.

4.  PromeAI and RoomGPT - For redesigning real photos.

5.  Leonardo.AI - For stylization and quick iterations.

Main Mistakes to Avoid

Many people start generating images without a clear understanding of their needs. First, decide on your lifestyle, budget, and the colors that make you feel comfortable.

Do not take AI at its word for complex technical matters - electrical wiring and load-bearing walls should still be cleared with specialists. Use AI as a smart assistant, not a replacement for common sense.

Renovation with neural networks is no longer science fiction. Thousands of Kazakhstanis have successfully completed renovations this year using these tools: from the initial idea to the finished apartment. The main thing is to start small and move step-by-step.

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