600 sq ft Detached ADU Build in North End Boise

The homeowners wanted a detached guest house for aging parents who visit frequently from out of state, with the future option to use it as rental income. The North End lot was 0.18 acres with a detached garage that limited placement options. Boise's ADU ordinance required strict setback compliance, and the historic neighborhood character meant the design needed to complement the 1940s craftsman main house. Underground utility connections had to route around mature tree root systems.

We designed a 600 sq ft single-story ADU with one bedroom, a full bathroom, an open-plan kitchen and living area, and a 60 sq ft covered front porch. The exterior used lap siding and trim profiles that match the main house's craftsman style, painted in a complementary palette. The footprint was positioned to meet the 5-foot side setback and 3-foot rear setback while preserving the largest backyard tree. A new 200-amp subpanel, dedicated water line, and sewer lateral were trenched from the main house connections, routing carefully around root zones. Mini-split HVAC provides efficient heating and cooling. The full kitchen includes a 30-inch range, dishwasher, and full-size refrigerator.

The ADU is fully self-contained and looks like it has always been part of the property. The homeowners' parents now visit for weeks at a time with complete independence and privacy. The unit appraised at $155,000 in added property value, and the homeowners plan to list it as a long-term rental generating $1,400-$1,600/month once the parents' visits become less frequent.