Tight urban lots
At 280 sq ft, the Goldfinch fits on lots where the larger plans (Kingfisher, Kestrel) would force a tear-down or hit setback violations. North End and Boise Bench lots in particular.
Type A · Boise Pre-Approved · Studio
The Goldfinch — 280 sqft Studio ADU
Updated May 18, 2026
Boise's smallest pre-approved ADU plan — 280 sq ft, fastest path to permitted, lowest entry cost.
- Footprint
- 280 sqft
- Bedrooms
- Studio
- Plan Type
- Type A
- Starting At
- From $115k
What is the Goldfinch?
The Goldfinch is the smallest of the City of Boise's six pre-approved ADU plans — a 280 sq ft studio with a full kitchen, full bath, and one open living space. It's the cheapest pre-approved path to a permitted ADU in Boise, with turnkey build cost from $115k and a typical permit timeline of 3-5 weeks. Best for tight lots, single-occupant rentals, or homeowners testing the rental market.
Compact, efficient, and pre-approved. The Goldfinch is the smallest of Boise's six city-approved ADU plans — a 280 sq ft studio with a full kitchen, full bath, and one bright living space. Built right, it's a turnkey rental, a long-term guest suite, or a quiet office steps from the main house.
How much does the Goldfinch cost in Boise?
The The Goldfinch starts at From $115k turnkey at Essential finish. Final price depends on finish level and lot conditions. The table below shows total build cost ranges at three finish tiers — same per-square-foot math used in our cost calculator.
| Finish Tier | Per sqft | 280 sqft Total Range |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | $340/sqft | $86k – $107k |
| Standard | $405/sqft | $102k – $127k |
| Premium | $480/sqft | $121k – $151k |
Methodology: ranges reflect 2026 BoiseADU.com active job pricing. Includes site work, foundation, framing, MEP rough-in, insulation, drywall, roofing, siding, finish carpentry, cabinets, counters, flooring, fixtures, and paint. Excludes furniture, premium appliances, landscaping, and fences.
When the Goldfinch is the right pick
Single-occupant rental
Studio configuration rents reliably to a single professional, traveling nurse at St. Luke's or Saint Al's, or a Boise State graduate student. Typical 1-bed rent ranges of $1,200-$1,500/mo apply slightly lower for studios.
Backyard office
A pre-approved permit + small footprint makes the Goldfinch the cheapest detached home office in Boise — and it converts to rentable square footage if the work-from-home situation changes.
Aging-parent guest suite (single occupant only)
Works for one parent who's still independent. Not the best pick if you need space for a caregiver visit or a partner's overnight stay — the Kingfisher's separate bedroom is usually a better aging-in-place fit.
When another plan is a better fit
If you want a real bedroom
The Goldfinch is open-plan studio. For a separate walled bedroom + living room, jump to the Kingfisher (491 sq ft, from $170k).
If you need a garage
Goldfinch is dwelling-only. The Sandpiper or Osprey pair a 376-396 sq ft studio with a single-car garage on the same pad.
Cities where the Goldfinch works well
Boise-metro cities where this plan is among our top recommendations based on local zoning, lot sizes, and rental demand.
The Goldfinch vs The Waxwing
The Waxwing is 116 sq ft larger (396 vs 280) for about $20k more. If your lot can take it and your budget allows, the Waxwing's defined sleeping zone and full eating bar are worth the upgrade for any longer-term occupant.
The other 5 pre-approved plans
Type B · 396 sqft
The Waxwing
A 396 sq ft studio with more breathing room — full living, kitchen, and bath in a thoughtfully laid-out single space.
From $135k →
Type C · 491 sqft
The Kingfisher
Boise's pre-approved 491 sq ft one-bedroom — separate bedroom, full kitchen, full living room, ready to permit.
From $170k →
Type D · 695 sqft
The Kestrel
The largest pre-approved Boise plan — a 695 sq ft two-bedroom that lives like a small house.
From $245k →
Type G-1 · 396 sqft
The Sandpiper
A 396 sq ft studio paired with a single-car garage — pre-approved, dual-purpose, builds your storage and your rental in one footprint.
From $145k →
Type G-2 · 376 sqft
The Osprey
Sister plan to the Sandpiper — 376 sq ft studio with garage, a different layout, same pre-approved status.
From $140k →
The Goldfinch — frequently asked questions
What's the cheapest pre-approved ADU plan in Boise?
The Goldfinch — 280 sq ft, from $115k turnkey at Essential finish. It's the smallest of Boise's six pre-approved plans and consistently the lowest-cost path to a permitted ADU on your lot.
Can the Goldfinch fit on a small Boise lot?
Usually yes — the 280 sq ft footprint and standard 5-foot side / 10-foot rear setbacks mean a Goldfinch fits on lots as small as 4,000-5,000 sq ft. We'll verify for your specific lot during the free site visit.
Is 280 sq ft enough for a long-term tenant?
For one person, yes. We've seen reliable long-term lease success with single professionals, traveling nurses, and graduate students. For couples or roommates, the Waxwing (396 sq ft) or Kingfisher (491 sq ft, separate bedroom) are better fits.
Can I Airbnb a Goldfinch in Boise?
Boise allows short-term rental of an ADU subject to a city permit and current owner-occupancy rules. The 2023 owner-occupancy change relaxed long-term rental rules, but short-term rentals still require an STR permit — confirm current requirements with City of Boise before counting on Airbnb income.
How long does a Goldfinch ADU take to build?
Typical contract-to-keys timeline for a Goldfinch is 5-7 months: 3-5 weeks of permitting (faster because it's pre-approved), then 4-5 months of construction. Smaller plans don't always build faster — site work, foundation, and inspections drive most of the schedule.
Ready to build the Goldfinch?
Free 24-hour estimate covering your lot, finish level, and final price for the The Goldfinch. Or call (208) 297-2036 to talk it through.