I walked into an antique store this weekend and was shocked to see a crusty old mobile phone in one of the main display cabinets (not cheap, either). I'm not old enough to concede that any mobile counts as an antique, but it's definitely a reminder of how much this technology's improved...

Modern 'phones' contain gyroscopes, accelerometers, GPS systems, internet and high res cameras. We barely even use them as phones anymore, and with the right software, smartphones and tablets are ridiculously useful for building and renovating - no matter how hands-on (or hands-off) you choose to be.

This month we've sifted through the app store to bring you a selection of great iPhone and iPad apps for building, renovation and design - and included a few of our own web tools. Tell us about your own favourites on our Facebook page.

Darcy Wilson
Editor - Build
www.build.com.au