Comparison

If Required vs HouseCalls DIY

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

If Required

This app securely stores and shares vital personal information, instructions, and guidance with trusted contacts. It ensures that important details about accounts, documents, and even physical items are accessible when needed most, providing peace of mind for families.

Highlights
  • Store personal notes and guidance
  • Share account and document details
  • Provide location for physical items
  • Include pet care instructions
  • End-to-end encryption
  • Offline instruction support
Features
Read full description

Life happens. Leave nothing unsaid. If Required gives you a private place for the things your family may someday need to know — from the words you want to leave them to the everyday details only you know. Write a letter to your kids. Leave instructions for your family. Explain where important documents are kept. Tell someone where to find the spare keys, the safe, family photos, digital assets, or something tucked away that nobody else knows about. You don't have to put everything online. If something sensitive should stay offline, simply leave directions to where it can be found. You decide what to leave. You decide who receives it. You decide who you trust. Choose trusted confirmation contacts and require one, two, or three confirmations before your information is released. Your notes stay private until your conditions are met. And with Personal Follow-Up, there's another layer of reassurance: if receipt of your notes isn't confirmed, a real person — not AI — follows up with your chosen contact by email, text, and phone. Use If Required for: - Personal letters and messages - Things only you know - Important instructions - Locations of documents and valuables - Pet care details - Family photos and digital assets - Directions to information you prefer to keep offline You don't have to prepare everything today. Start with one thing they should know. Add the rest when you're ready. **For everything you know. For everyone you love.** Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

HouseCalls DIY

Features
Read full description

Ready to tackle your next home improvement project with confidence? The HouseCalls app is your go-to resource for expert advice and step-by-step guidance. With decades of trusted expertise and a passion for empowering homeowners, HouseCalls has become a leading resource in the industry. With HouseCalls, you can expect to get real-world advice on a wide range of tasks from simple repairs to bigger projects, and unconventional tips that will make your life easier. Discover creative ideas and innovative solutions to transform your home with easy-to-follow tutorials to complete projects on your own. Benefit from the legacy of Ron Hazelton, a pioneer in DIY home improvement, and the continued commitment to excellence that defines HouseCalls. Expert guidance, including renowned TV host Brian Kelsey brings years of expertise to every project. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or a beginner, the HouseCalls app empowers you to take on projects with confidence. Get access to detailed instructions and exclusive comprehensive project guides, discover the best tools and materials to get the job done right, watch informative videos, join Brian’s LIVE streaming, and connect with a community of fellow DIY enthusiasts. And, you will be able to enter exclusive contests and sweepstakes to fuel your passion! Download the HouseCalls app today and embark on your next DIY adventure. Let HouseCalls be your trusted companion as you bring your home improvement vision to life. -- ▷ Already a Member? Sign-In to access your subscription. ▷ New? Subscribe in the app to get instant access. HouseCalls offers auto-renewing subscriptions. You'll receive unlimited access to content on all your devices. Payment is charged to your Account at confirmation of purchase. Pricing varies by location and is confirmed prior to purchase. Subscription automatically renews each month unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current billing period, or the trial period (when offered). Cancel anytime in Account Settings. For more information see our: -Terms of Service: https://www.ronhazelton.com/terms -Privacy Policy: https://www.ronhazelton.com/privacy

Screenshots

If Required4 screens
HouseCalls DIY3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: If Required at every 9 days against HouseCalls DIY's monthly. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. If Required sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $12.99 per year and HouseCalls DIY sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

If Required ships an update every 9 days, HouseCalls DIY monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
If Required versus HouseCalls DIY: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterIf RequiredHouseCalls DIY
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 9 days — betterMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.114.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size33 MB75 MB
Age rating17+17+
Developermemhold incron hazelton productions inc.

In-app purchases

3 purchases

If Required

Subscriptions1
  • If Required$12.991 Year
One-time2
  • If Required$12.99
  • Premium features$34.99
3 purchases

HouseCalls DIY

Subscriptions3
  • Monthly Plan7 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Quarterly Plan7 Days trial$24.993 Months
  • Yearly Plan7 Days trial$99.991 Year

Questions

Is If Required free?
If Required is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is HouseCalls DIY free?
HouseCalls DIY is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do If Required or HouseCalls DIY have ads?
Neither If Required nor HouseCalls DIY shows ads.
Which is updated more often, If Required or HouseCalls DIY?
If Required ships an update every 9 days, and HouseCalls DIY monthly. Most recently, If Required was updated on October 7, 2026 and HouseCalls DIY on October 25, 2026.

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