Houzz Pro is designed for interior designers and contractors—homeowners only get a client portal add-on. RenoCanvas is a homeowner-centric command center where you manage the entire renovation lifecycle. You can still collaborate with your designer, but you're always in control of your project and data.
Understanding Houzz Pro
Houzz started as a marketplace connecting homeowners with professionals. Houzz Pro evolved as their software suite for design professionals—it's essentially business management software for interior designers and contractors.
As a homeowner, you might receive a Houzz Pro client portal link from your designer. This portal lets you view selections, approve items, and communicate. But you're a guest in your designer's workspace, not the owner.
The Fundamental Difference
Houzz Pro:
- Primary user: Design professional
- Homeowner access: Client portal (limited)
- Data ownership: Professional's account
- Focus: Running a design business
RenoCanvas:
- Primary user: Homeowner
- Professional access: Invited collaborators
- Data ownership: Your account
- Focus: Managing YOUR renovation
What You Get in Each
Houzz Pro Client Portal:
- View designer's selection boards
- Approve or reject items
- Message your designer
- View project schedule
- See invoices from your designer
RenoCanvas:
- Full project ownership and control
- AI-powered room visualization
- Complete budget tracking (all sources, not just designer fees)
- Document storage for ALL renovation files
- Quote comparison from multiple contractors
- Exportable renovation dossier
- Invite unlimited collaborators (designers, contractors, family)
The Budget Blind Spot
A significant limitation of relying on Houzz Pro: you only see your designer's invoices and selections. Your renovation budget includes much more:
- Contractor quotes and payments
- Permit fees
- Material purchases you make directly
- Fixtures from non-Houzz vendors
- Contingency spending
RenoCanvas tracks your COMPLETE budget, not just the slice visible through a designer's client portal.
Working with Houzz Pro Designers
If your designer uses Houzz Pro, you can absolutely use both:
- Use Houzz Pro client portal for approving designer selections
- Use RenoCanvas for comprehensive project management
This combination gives you the best of both worlds—smooth collaboration with your designer PLUS complete control over your project data.
When Houzz Pro Makes Sense
If your renovation is primarily design-focused and you're working closely with a designer who uses Houzz Pro, the client portal may be sufficient for design collaboration.
But for complete renovation management—budget tracking, contractor coordination, document organization, and building your renovation dossier—you need a homeowner-centric platform.
The Bottom Line
Houzz Pro is excellent software—for design professionals. As a homeowner, you deserve tools designed for YOU. RenoCanvas puts you in control of your renovation while still enabling seamless collaboration with designers and contractors.