Love your Boise bungalow but not sure which upgrades will actually boost value? You are not alone. Older homes inspire big dreams, yet the smartest projects blend preservation with practical updates. In this guide, you will learn which design choices buyers notice, how Boise’s historic rules affect your plans, and a step‑by‑step path to renovate with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Why Boise bungalows matter
Boise’s historic bungalows cluster in places like the North End, Warm Springs Avenue, and along the Harrison corridor. These areas are known for walkable blocks and period architecture that many buyers seek. Preserving that character while updating function is the winning formula.
Buyers tend to value original porches and woodwork, updated kitchens and baths, strong curb appeal, and reliable systems. National remodeling studies suggest exterior curb‑appeal projects and modest kitchen refreshes often recoup more than big‑ticket overhauls. See a concise rundown of high‑ROI projects in this remodeling ROI overview.
Know the rules first
If your home is in a Boise Historic Design Overlay or a registered district, exterior changes that are visible from the street often require a Certificate of Appropriateness. The City’s code explains design review, approvals, and what work triggers a COA. Review the City of Boise code page to understand the process.
Common COA triggers include additions, porch or entry changes, siding replacement, visible window replacement, new fences, and accessory structures. The North End neighborhood page offers helpful links and reminders for historic projects. Start with its historic resources and COA guidance.
Plan for extra time. Staff may approve some work, while other projects go to the Historic Preservation Commission. Photos, drawings, and material samples are typical submittals. Early contact with Planning & Development Services can save weeks later.
Exterior upgrades that pay off
Exterior improvements often deliver the strongest first impression and solid ROI. Here is where to focus.
Restore the porch
Porches define bungalow style. Repair rot, stabilize columns and railings, and match original details where feasible. Preservation guidance supports repair‑in‑kind and reversible methods that retain integrity. See the NPS sustainability guidelines for compatible approaches to repairs and energy work in historic homes: NPS sustainability guidance.
Refresh entry and landscaping
Small changes can go a long way. Consider a period‑appropriate front door, updated hardware, a sympathetic garage door, fresh paint, and simple landscaping that frames the façade. Exterior projects consistently rank well for cost recovery according to remodeling ROI summaries.
Respect siding and trim
Whenever possible, repair original wood siding and trim. If replacement is necessary, match profile and scale to maintain character. In historic districts, siding changes typically require review. Check Boise’s historic overlay rules before you order materials.
Repair windows first
Original wood windows are character‑defining. Weather‑stripping, sash repairs, and storm windows can improve comfort while preserving appearance. If replacement is unavoidable, match sightlines and muntin patterns. Learn why repair‑first methods often make sense in the NPS energy and sustainability guidance.
Replace the roof wisely
A sound roof is a basic buyer requirement. Choose materials compatible with the house’s style, such as architectural shingles or appropriate metal profiles. Roofs in poor condition can drag down offers, while a recent, well‑matched roof reassures buyers about maintenance.
Interior updates buyers love
Aim for upgrades that improve daily living without erasing what makes the home special.
Right‑sized kitchen update
Focus on durable countertops, refreshed or refaced cabinets, improved lighting, and efficient appliances. Modest kitchen refreshes often recoup a higher share than major gut remodels. Keep or lightly open the original footprint to preserve the bungalow’s proportions.
Practical bathroom upgrades
Improve layout, ventilation, and durability. A well‑designed second bath or an updated primary bath can help marketability. Avoid over‑customization that may not fit the home’s character.
Keep floors and built‑ins
Refinish existing hardwoods and preserve original trim and built‑ins where possible. These features are cost‑effective to restore and resonate with buyers of older homes. For technical tips that align with best practices, see the NPS sustainability resources.
Improve flow without gutting
You can open sightlines with selective, sensitive changes while retaining defining walls. This approach modernizes circulation and keeps the home’s scale intact.
Systems and energy performance
Strong systems reduce inspection surprises and increase buyer confidence.
- Electrical and plumbing. Update outdated wiring, panels, and corroded piping. These foundational fixes often matter more to buyers than cosmetic extras. See preservation‑minded guidance in the NPS sustainability resources.
- Insulation and air sealing. Add attic insulation and targeted air sealing. Paired with original‑window repairs or storms, you can improve comfort while keeping character.
- Efficient HVAC. Heat pump systems are appealing for efficiency and comfort. Place exterior equipment discreetly to protect the façade. Energy‑smart upgrades are drawing buyer interest, as noted in recent market discussions like this ROI perspective on efficient upgrades.
- Thoughtful solar. On historic roofs, locate arrays to minimize street visibility, such as rear slopes or ground mounts, and follow local review rules. The NPS offers practical guidance on siting renewables in historic contexts: NPS renewable energy guidance.
ADU potential in Boise
Boise’s updated zoning code has sparked a surge in ADU permits. A well‑designed ADU can add flexibility and potential income. On historic lots, scale, placement, and materials must be compatible, and design review may apply. Get context on recent trends in this overview of Boise’s ADU permitting increase, then confirm current standards with the City and check whether a COA is required.
Budgeting and hidden risks
Older homes can hide surprises. Plan a contingency for issues like knob‑and‑tube wiring, lead paint in pre‑1978 homes, or deteriorated porch members. Many problems can be solved with a preservation‑minded approach. The NPS sustainability guidance outlines methods that balance upgrades with historic fabric.
Hire pros with historic experience, especially if you need drawings or a COA. The North End page links to helpful local resources for navigating reviews: North End historic guidance.
Step‑by‑step project plan
- Confirm your status. Check if your home is in a historic overlay and whether work is visible from the street. Start with the City’s historic overlay rules and neighborhood resources.
- Document features. Photograph the porch, windows, trim, and built‑ins for planning and review records. The NPS sustainability resources can guide preservation‑minded documentation.
- Assemble the team. Consider an architect or contractor with Boise COA experience. For financial or tax questions, consult a CPA and the Idaho SHPO. Start with ISHS guidance on tax credits and easements.
- Sequence work for value.
- Fix critical systems: roof, structure, electrical, plumbing, HVAC.
- Improve performance: insulation, window repair or storms, efficient HVAC.
- Elevate curb appeal: porch repair, siding touch‑ups, paint, entry and garage doors, simple landscaping.
- Target interiors: minor kitchen refresh, practical bath upgrades, floor refinishing.
- Explore ADU feasibility if desired.
Incentives and tax credits
For owner‑occupied single‑family homes, the federal rehabilitation tax credit does not apply. It is limited to income‑producing certified historic structures. Learn more through the Idaho State Historical Society: ISHS tax credit and easement guidance. Idaho does not currently offer a broad state historic rehabilitation credit, as explained in this Primer from Preservation Idaho. For evolving programs and any easement considerations, contact ISHS and your tax professional.
Ready to plan your next move?
If you are renovating to sell or buying a historic home to make your own, the right plan adds value and protects character. For tailored guidance on which projects will pay off in your segment of the Boise market, connect with Naomi Simmons for a conversation about timing, strategy, and how to position your property with care.
FAQs
Do Boise historic districts require approval for window changes?
- If your bungalow sits in a local historic district, visible window replacements typically require design review and a Certificate of Appropriateness. Start with the City’s historic overlay rules, and use repair‑first approaches from the NPS guidance.
Which renovations add the most value to a Boise bungalow?
- Exterior curb appeal, porch restoration, a right‑sized kitchen refresh, practical bath updates, and strong systems tend to deliver. See this summary of high‑ROI projects and align work with NPS preservation best practices.
Are ADUs allowed with historic Boise homes?
- Boise’s updated zoning supports more ADUs, but design review and compatibility rules still apply in historic districts. Get background on the ADU permit surge and confirm COA requirements with the City and neighborhood resources like the North End historic page.
Can I get tax credits for an owner‑occupied historic bungalow?
- The federal rehabilitation tax credit applies only to income‑producing certified historic structures, not owner‑occupied homes. Review ISHS guidance on credits and easements and consult a tax professional.
How long does Boise’s design review take for historic projects?
- Timelines vary by scope. Some projects receive staff approval, while others require a Historic Preservation Commission meeting. Build in extra time and review the North End historic resources to prepare complete submittals.
