The Future of Home Visualization is Hover

Imagine a time when having a 3D model of your home becomes the norm. Thanks to Hover, that time is coming.

Hover is quickly becoming the ultimate solution in Home Visualization, and I’m a fanboy. Let me explain.

In early 2015 after the success of the AZEK Augmented Reality (AR) app, I was building out a 3-5 year plan for the future of visualization. I was looking at opportunities to continue pushing the boundaries with AR and 3D visualization.

I wanted to provide our customer’s with a 3D model of their home and turn them into customers for life. You see, AZEK sold porch, decking, railing, pavers, trim and moulding. They were also working to launch siding. I imagined the following scenario.

A homeowner wants to add a deck to their house, but they want to see how it will look. So we offer them a 3D model of their home and they visualize their deck. They hire a fantastic contractor to bring their deck to life. Five years goes by, and they want to redo the trim and moulding on their home. Where do they go to visualize that? Oh wait - we have a 3D model of our home on AZEK’s website! The rest is history.

That’s when I came across Hover. At that time, they allowed users to take multiple photos of their house, and they would provide a 3D model with accurate measurements and had the ability to visualize different roofing.

I had a few calls with their small team, but the technology wasn’t mature enough at the time. Well, that’s changed now.

Hover now offers accurate measurements and the ability to visualize roofing, siding and windows/doors. It’s so simple, a contractor or homeowner simply takes a few photos and their AI Technology does the rest.

Take a look.

Silicon Valley agrees that Hover is the future of home visualization.

I don’t know the future plans of Hover, but I can imagine having my home and yard in a tool that allows me to visualize it all.

I want a pool in the backyard or a paver patio - visualize with Hover.
I want to do some landscaping and gardening - visualize with Hover.
I want to add a porch or deck to my home - visualize with Hover.

I get goosebumps just thinking about it. So do others. In 2018, Home Depot invested in Hover. In 2019, they raised another $25 Million lead by Menlo Ventures. Menlo Ventures has invested in companies like Warby Parker, Uber and many more. It’s a big deal, and shows that Hover has the support of Silicon Valley to become the leader in Home Visualization.

Let’s do some simple Math

In 2018, 30% of households had incomes of over $100,000. I believe this demographic would be willing to spend a few hundred to visualize their home.
There are over 90 million single-family homes in the United States
We will use $50 as the average for visualization on Hover. (trying to stay on the low end)

If only 1% of homeowners with incomes over $100,000 use Hover, that’s 27 million homes spending $50 with Hover. That’s $1.3 Billion in sales. Let’s say that’s over 10 years, so on average $135 Million a year. Hover is tech company, so they would at least get 3x Multiple (keeping it low) - that’s over a $400 Million business! Since they are in San Francisco (Silicon Valley), I believe you automatically add a 0 to the end (sort of joking). So that would make Hover a $4 Billion company.

I’m sure my math is flawed, but this simple activity shows the opportunity is incredibly massive for Hover.

Why is this important for building product manufacturers?

Hover allows manufactures to add their product to the Hover App. That means every pro or homeowner who uses the app has the opportunity to visualize your products on their home. Typically manufacturers have to drive consumers to their website to visualize their product. Hover is going to increase eyeballs significantly.

It’s also a major benefit for your contractors and builders. I’ve talked to many of our sales reps, and they have pro customers who use Hover on a regular basis.

If you have questions about Hover and what assets you need to become a Hover Partner, we can help.

Let's Chat

Updated: January 2, 2020

Hover App Review

We like to test and review different technologies and apps within the building products industry. We’ve built the five-point START Rating System based off 4 key factors for a successful app.

If you would like to see the review, check out our Instagram Story reviewing the Hover App!

Simplicity - 5

The Hover app is incredibly simple. They utilize mini tutorials when needed, and there is no confusion on what to do next. I was easily able to accomplish the main goal of the app, which was to upload 8 photos of my home.

Timely - 4

The app performed well, and was quick to upload my images. I gave it a 4, because I was expecting to see measurements (which they promote on website), but the app doesn’t tell you how to access them. You must go online and they provide the option to upgrade your plan and download measurements. Fantastic app that met me where I was in the buying process.

Added Value - 5

Hover provides you with a 3D model of your home that you can customize and design with different building products. Need I say more? incredible valuable.

Realism - 4

The accuracy of the 3D rendering is absolutely incredible. 100 points for that! I was hoping for an option to increase the quality of the product renderings. Still a fantastic experience and the realism was high-enough quality that I didn’t walk away disappointed. It still helps narrow down my design choices.

Total - 4.5

This app is incredible, and as you can see by this post - I am a big fan of Hover. I look forward to seeing future versions of the app. Go download it now, and get your first 3D model of your home for free!