Whole-Home Remodeling in Boise, ID
From outdated floor plans to modern open-concept living — we coordinate every trade, every finish, and every detail across your entire home renovation.
Reimagine your entire home with a unified remodeling plan built for how you actually live.
A whole-home remodel addresses every major system and finish in your house under a single project scope — framing and layout changes, electrical panel and circuit upgrades, plumbing updates, HVAC improvements, insulation, drywall, flooring, trim, paint, and fixture installation across every room. In the Treasure Valley, many homes built in the 1980s and 1990s have compartmentalized floor plans, outdated electrical systems, builder-grade finishes, and inefficient insulation that no longer meet modern standards for comfort, energy efficiency, or livability. A well-planned whole-home renovation transforms these properties into cohesive, modern spaces while addressing deferred maintenance and code compliance in a single mobilization. The key advantage of a whole-home approach is coordination — trades move efficiently through the house in sequence, finishes are consistent from room to room, and the homeowner avoids years of disruptive room-by-room projects.
Boise homeowners pursue whole-home remodeling for a variety of reasons. Here are the most common situations we see:
- ✓Homeowners who bought a dated home and want to modernize everything at once rather than room by room
- ✓Families who have outgrown their layout and need better flow between kitchen, living, and dining areas
- ✓Homeowners planning to age in place who need accessibility upgrades, single-level living improvements, and updated systems throughout
- ✓Investors or buyers who purchased a fixer-upper and need a comprehensive renovation before move-in
- ✓Homeowners who want consistent finishes — flooring, trim, paint, hardware — throughout the entire house
Not every whole-home remodel project is the same. Here are the most common project types we complete in Boise:
Complete Interior Renovation
Full gut and rebuild of every interior space including kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, and living areas. New flooring, drywall, trim, paint, lighting, and fixtures throughout. Layout changes and wall removals as needed.
Open-Concept Conversion
Remove interior walls between kitchen, dining, and living areas to create a modern open floor plan. Includes structural header installation, electrical and HVAC rerouting, flooring transitions, and finish work.
Main-Level Living Conversion
Reconfigure the main floor to include a primary bedroom suite, accessible bathroom, and laundry — allowing single-level living without using stairs. Ideal for aging-in-place planning.
Fixer-Upper Transformation
Comprehensive renovation of a recently purchased home that needs everything — updated electrical, new plumbing, insulation, drywall repair, flooring, kitchen, bathrooms, and cosmetic finishes throughout.
Phased Whole-Home Remodel
A planned multi-phase renovation that addresses the entire home over two or three stages, allowing homeowners to remain in the home during construction by completing one zone at a time.
Boise has over a century of residential construction, from 1900s Craftsman homes in the North End to 2020s new construction in West Boise and Southeast Boise. This diversity means remodeling contractors encounter a wide range of structural systems, plumbing types, electrical standards, and finish materials.
Pre-1940 (North End, Downtown)
Craftsman bungalows, Tudor revivals, and foursquare homes with plaster walls, old-growth fir floors, knob-and-tube wiring (in some), galvanized plumbing, and brick or stone foundations. Remodeling these homes requires sensitivity to historic character while updating systems.
1940s–1960s (Bench, Central Boise)
Post-war ranch homes and split-levels with hardwood floors, original tile bathrooms, copper plumbing, and 100-amp electrical panels. These homes often need kitchen and bathroom updates, electrical upgrades, and insulation improvements.
1970s–1990s (West Boise, South Boise)
Subdivision homes with drywall, builder-grade cabinets, laminate countertops, carpet throughout, and basic builder fixtures. Most plumbing is copper or early PEX. These are the most common candidates for kitchen and bathroom remodels.
2000s–present (SE Boise, Harris Ranch, West Boise)
Modern construction with PEX plumbing, 200-amp panels, energy-efficient windows, and open floor plans. Remodeling in these homes typically focuses on upgrading builder-grade finishes rather than updating systems.
Common issues in Boise homes
- •Galvanized plumbing in pre-1970 homes causing low water pressure and corrosion
- •Insufficient electrical capacity (100-amp panels) for modern kitchen and bathroom demands
- •Poor or missing bathroom ventilation leading to moisture and mold issues
- •Closed-off floor plans in 1970s-1990s homes that homeowners want opened up
- •Cracked or settling foundations in some older Bench and North End homes
- •Builder-grade materials reaching end of life in 1990s-2000s subdivision homes
Material selection affects the look, durability, and cost of your whole-home remodel. Here are the most popular options we install in Boise:
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
$4–$10 per sq ft installedThe most popular whole-home flooring choice in the Treasure Valley. LVP is waterproof, scratch-resistant, available in realistic wood-look patterns, and installs quickly over existing subfloors. It provides a consistent look from room to room.
Best for: Main living areas, hallways, bedrooms, and kitchens
Engineered Hardwood
$8–$16 per sq ft installedA premium flooring option that provides real wood appearance and feel with better dimensional stability than solid hardwood. Available in oak, hickory, maple, and walnut species with various stain options.
Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms in climate-controlled environments
Quartz Countertops
$50–$120 per sq ft fabricated and installedEngineered quartz is the go-to countertop surface for kitchen and bathroom renovations. Non-porous, stain-resistant, and available in hundreds of colors and patterns. Consistent appearance across multiple rooms.
Best for: Kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and laundry surfaces
Semi-Custom Cabinetry
$250–$600 per linear foot installedSemi-custom cabinets offer the best balance of quality, options, and value for whole-home projects. More door styles, finishes, and sizing flexibility than stock cabinets, with 4-8 week lead times.
Best for: Kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and built-in storage throughout the home
Interior Paint — Premium Grade
$3–$6 per sq ft of wall area (labor and material)High-quality interior paints from brands like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, or PPG provide better coverage, durability, and washability than builder-grade paint. Consistent sheen and color throughout the home.
Best for: Every wall and ceiling surface in the home
Here is how a typical whole-home remodel project works from first contact to final walkthrough:
Whole-Home Assessment and Goal Setting
We walk every room with you, documenting what works and what does not. We discuss your vision for layout, flow, finishes, and function — then establish a realistic budget range and phasing strategy if needed. You receive a preliminary scope and conceptual plan within one to two weeks.
Design Development and Finish Selection
We develop a comprehensive design plan covering layout changes, flooring selections, cabinet and countertop choices, paint colors, lighting plans, fixture selections, and hardware finishes for every room. Consistency across the home is a primary focus at this stage.
Permitting and Trade Coordination
We pull all required permits through Ada County or Canyon County — structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical as needed. We schedule and sequence every trade so work flows efficiently from demolition through finish.
Demolition and Structural Work
Controlled demolition begins zone by zone. Wall removals, structural headers, framing modifications, subfloor repairs, and any foundation or crawlspace work are completed first. Rough inspections are scheduled before closing walls.
Systems Rough-In: Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC
All wiring, plumbing lines, HVAC ductwork, and insulation are installed or updated throughout the home. Panel upgrades, new circuits for kitchens and bathrooms, and updated supply and drain lines are completed during this phase.
Finish Installation: Floors, Walls, Trim, Fixtures
Drywall, tape, and texture are completed. Flooring is installed throughout, followed by trim, doors, cabinetry, countertops, tile, fixtures, lighting, and hardware. Paint is applied after trim and before final fixture installation.
Final Inspections and Comprehensive Walkthrough
We complete all final inspections, address every punch list item, test all systems and fixtures, and conduct a thorough room-by-room walkthrough with you to confirm everything meets the agreed-upon scope and quality standards.
Here is what to expect for project duration when planning a whole-home remodel in Boise:
| Phase | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Planning and Design | 4–8 weeks | Comprehensive home assessment, design development, material selections, trade scheduling, and contract finalization. Larger homes with more complex scopes require longer planning. |
| Permitting | 2–4 weeks | Permit applications for structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work through Ada County or Canyon County. Multiple permits may be required for whole-home projects. |
| Demolition and Structural Work | 1–3 weeks | Controlled demolition, wall removals, structural modifications, subfloor repair, and framing. Scope depends on how much of the existing structure is being modified. |
| Systems Rough-In | 2–4 weeks | Electrical rewiring, plumbing rough-in, HVAC modifications, and insulation installation throughout the home. Rough inspections are scheduled before closing walls. |
| Finish Work | 4–8 weeks | Drywall, flooring, trim, cabinetry, countertops, tile, paint, fixtures, and hardware installation across every room. This is the longest active construction phase. |
| Final Inspections and Walkthrough | 1–2 weeks | Punch list completion, final inspections, systems testing, and room-by-room walkthrough with the homeowner. |
Typical range: $75,000 – $300,000+
Most projects: $120,000–$200,000
The final cost of your whole-home remodel in Boise depends on several factors. Here are the biggest cost drivers:
Square Footage and Number of Rooms
high impactThe size of the home and the number of rooms being renovated is the primary cost driver. A 1,500 sq ft home costs significantly less than a 3,000 sq ft home with the same scope of work per room.
Structural and Layout Changes
high impactRemoving load-bearing walls, adding structural headers, modifying the floor plan, or opening up rooms requires engineering, permits, and additional framing labor that adds significant cost.
Kitchen and Bathroom Scope
high impactKitchens and bathrooms are the most expensive rooms to renovate per square foot due to cabinetry, countertops, plumbing, tile, and specialized labor. The number and scope of kitchen and bath renovations heavily influences total project cost.
Electrical and Plumbing System Updates
medium impactOlder homes may need panel upgrades, rewiring, new circuits, updated plumbing supply lines, or drain modifications. These system-level updates add cost but are essential for safety and code compliance.
Finish Level and Material Selections
medium impactThe gap between builder-grade and mid-range finishes can add 30-50% to material costs. Premium flooring, quartz countertops, semi-custom cabinets, and quality fixtures all contribute to the overall finish budget.
Phasing and Temporary Living Arrangements
low impactIf the project is large enough to require temporary relocation, housing costs add to the overall budget. Phased projects that allow you to live in part of the home during construction may take longer but avoid relocation costs.
Problem: Compartmentalized floor plan with poor flow between rooms
Solution: We remove or modify interior walls to create open-concept living areas, install structural headers where needed, and unify flooring and finishes across the connected spaces.
Problem: Inconsistent finishes from years of piecemeal updates
Solution: A whole-home remodel ensures consistent flooring, trim profiles, paint colors, door hardware, and fixture finishes throughout — eliminating the patchwork look of decades of small projects.
Problem: Outdated electrical system that cannot support modern loads
Solution: We upgrade the electrical panel, add dedicated circuits for kitchens and bathrooms, install GFCI and AFCI protection where required by code, and add outlets and lighting throughout the home.
Problem: Poor insulation and energy inefficiency
Solution: During the renovation, we upgrade insulation in walls, attics, and crawlspaces — improving comfort and reducing heating and cooling costs in Boise's hot summers and cold winters.
Problem: Deferred maintenance hidden behind walls and under floors
Solution: A whole-home renovation exposes framing, plumbing, and wiring that may have been hidden for decades. We identify and repair water damage, pest damage, improper wiring, and failing plumbing during the demolition phase.
Boise has a semi-arid, four-season climate with hot, dry summers (90-105°F), cold winters (15-35°F), and low annual precipitation. This climate directly affects material choices, construction scheduling, and long-term durability of remodeling work.
Temperature Extremes (15°F to 105°F range)
Exterior materials must handle dramatic temperature swings. Windows need strong thermal performance. Interior comfort depends on insulation quality and HVAC sizing.
Low Humidity and Dry Air
Wood materials can dry, shrink, and crack. Hardwood floors may develop gaps in winter. Bathroom ventilation is still critical because bathrooms create localized high-humidity environments.
Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Exterior tile, concrete, and masonry must handle freezing and thawing without cracking. Foundation work has specific frost-depth requirements in the Boise area.
UV Exposure (300+ sunny days)
Exterior paint, siding, and stain fade faster under constant UV. South-facing and west-facing surfaces require UV-resistant materials and more frequent maintenance.
Construction Season
Foundation and exterior work is best scheduled March through November. Interior remodeling can happen year-round. Winter concrete pours require special cold-weather precautions.
North End
Boise's most historic and walkable neighborhood, with tree-lined streets, Craftsman bungalows, Tudor revivals, and mid-century homes dating from 1900 to 1960. The North End Historic District adds design review requirements for exterior work.
Common projects in North End:
- •Kitchen remodels in older homes with small, closed-off layouts
- •Bathroom updates in homes with original 1920s-1950s plumbing
- •ADU construction in larger lots for rental income
- •Home additions for growing families who love the neighborhood
Southeast Boise / Harris Ranch
A mix of established 1970s-1990s homes and newer master-planned developments like Harris Ranch. Homes range from mid-century ranch-style to modern custom builds with foothills views.
Common projects in Southeast Boise / Harris Ranch:
- •Full kitchen renovations upgrading builder-grade finishes
- •Primary suite additions in older ranch homes
- •Deck and patio construction for outdoor living
- •Whole-home remodels bringing 1970s-1980s homes to modern standards
Boise Bench
An elevated neighborhood south of downtown with a mix of post-war homes from the 1940s-1970s and newer infill construction. Known for its views and access to the Greenbelt.
Common projects in Boise Bench:
- •Bathroom remodels updating 1950s-1970s fixtures and tile
- •Kitchen updates in compact post-war floor plans
- •Basement remodels adding usable living space
- •Energy efficiency upgrades in older homes with poor insulation
West Boise
A large area with subdivisions spanning from the 1980s through the 2010s. Many homes are builder-grade with standard finishes that homeowners upgrade as the homes age.
Common projects in West Boise:
- •Kitchen and bathroom remodels replacing builder-grade finishes
- •Open-concept conversions in 1990s closed-layout homes
- •Flooring replacement throughout the home
- •Exterior painting and siding updates
Permit authority: City of Boise Planning and Development Services
Online portal: https://pds.cityofboise.org
- ✓Residential remodeling permits are required for plumbing, electrical, structural, and mechanical changes
- ✓The North End Historic District requires design review for exterior modifications
- ✓ADU permits follow specific zoning criteria — lot size, setbacks, parking, and owner-occupancy rules apply
- ✓Online permit portal allows digital submission and tracking
- ✓Inspections can be scheduled online with 24-hour advance notice
- ✓Typical permit processing is 1-2 weeks for standard residential remodels
- ●Floor plan flow — ensure natural traffic patterns between kitchen, dining, living, and bedrooms without bottlenecks or wasted hallway space
- ●Flooring continuity — using the same flooring material throughout main living areas creates a seamless, spacious feel and simplifies transitions
- ●Lighting plan — layer ambient, task, and accent lighting in every room; use consistent fixture finishes and consider smart lighting controls
- ●Storage strategy — plan built-in storage, closet systems, and cabinetry for every room to reduce clutter and maximize function
- ●Color palette — select a cohesive whole-home color scheme with complementary tones that flow naturally from room to room
- ●Mechanical system placement — plan HVAC returns, electrical panels, and plumbing access points so they do not conflict with the finished design
Here are the design trends we see most often in Boise whole-home remodel projects:
- →Modern farmhouse and transitional styles blending clean lines with warm textures
- →Open-concept kitchen conversions removing walls between kitchen and living areas
- →Walk-in showers replacing bathtubs in primary bathrooms
- →Matte black and brushed gold fixture finishes replacing brushed nickel
- →Large-format tile (12x24+) in bathrooms for a modern, minimal-grout look
- →Quartz countertops overtaking granite as the primary kitchen surface
- →LVP (luxury vinyl plank) replacing carpet throughout main living areas
- →Smart home integration — lighting, thermostats, and security systems
Boise's housing market has appreciated significantly over the past decade, with median home values rising from approximately $180,000 in 2015 to over $450,000 in recent years. This appreciation makes remodeling an increasingly attractive investment — homeowners can invest $30,000-80,000 in a kitchen or bathroom remodel and see it reflected in their property value. The competitive market also means that updated, well-maintained homes sell faster and for higher prices than comparable homes with outdated finishes.
How long does a whole-home remodel take?
A typical whole-home remodel takes 3 to 6 months of active construction, depending on the size of the home and scope of work. Including planning, design, permitting, and material lead times, the total project timeline is usually 5 to 9 months from first meeting to final walkthrough.
Can I live in my home during a whole-home remodel?
It depends on the scope. Some projects can be phased so you live in one part of the home while another is under construction. Full gut renovations typically require temporary relocation for 2-4 months. We help plan the phasing strategy during the design phase.
Is it cheaper to remodel all at once or room by room?
Remodeling all at once is almost always more cost-effective. You save on mobilization costs, trade scheduling, and material purchases. Flooring, paint, and trim installed throughout the house in one project cost less per unit than the same work done in five separate projects over five years.
Do whole-home remodels require permits?
Yes. Most whole-home remodels involve structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work that requires permits in Ada County and Canyon County. We manage all permit applications, inspections, and code compliance as part of our scope.
What is the ROI on a whole-home remodel?
A well-executed whole-home remodel in the Boise market typically recoups 50-70% of its cost at resale, depending on the neighborhood, scope, and finish level. More importantly, it transforms your daily living experience and can add 15-25 years of usable life to an aging home.
How do you handle design consistency across rooms?
We develop a whole-home design package before construction begins — selecting flooring, trim profiles, door hardware, paint colors, lighting fixtures, and plumbing finishes that work together across every room. This ensures a cohesive result rather than a collection of disconnected renovations.
What is included in a whole-home remodel?
A comprehensive whole-home remodel typically includes flooring throughout, kitchen renovation, bathroom renovations, paint and trim, lighting and electrical updates, plumbing updates, HVAC improvements, and any layout or structural changes. The exact scope is customized to your goals and budget.
Do you offer financing for whole-home remodels?
We can provide guidance on financing options including home equity loans, HELOCs, and renovation loans. We also work with phased payment schedules tied to project milestones so you are never paying ahead of completed work.
Do you work on older homes in Boise?
Yes. We have extensive experience remodeling homes from every era of Boise construction — from 1900s Craftsman homes in the North End to 1970s ranch homes on the Bench to 2000s builder-grade homes in West Boise. Each era presents different structural, plumbing, and electrical considerations that we plan for during the design phase.
Are permits required for remodeling in Boise?
Yes, most remodeling projects that involve plumbing, electrical, structural, or mechanical changes require permits from the City of Boise Planning and Development Services. We handle the entire permit process including application, submission, and inspection coordination.
Start your whole-home remodel in Boise
Get a free, no-obligation estimate for whole-home remodeling in Boise, ID. We handle design, permits, and every detail of construction.
Get Your Free Estimate