Type A · 280 sqft studio · Boise, ID
The Goldfinch ADU in Boise
A Goldfinch studio ADU in Boise starts at $115k turnkey and estimates to $1,275–$1,525/mo in rent — about 12–17.9% gross yield on a $102k–$127k Standard build. Here's how the 280 sq ft Type A plan fits Boise lots, what it costs, and how fast it permits.
- Footprint
- 280 sqft
- From (Essential)
- $115k
- Est. Boise rent
- $1,275–$1,525
- Gross yield
- 12–17.9%
Why the Goldfinch fits Boise lots
The Goldfinch is a 280 sq ft studio — a single open dwelling on one pre-approved footprint. Whether it's the right plan for your Boise lot comes down to how it sits against the local lot pattern below.
Three common Boise lot shapes: (1) 50' × 120' grid lots in the Bench, Vista, and Collister — easy detached fit; (2) deeper, narrower lots in the North End with alley access — perfect for garage conversions or alley-loaded detached ADUs; (3) larger 70'+ wide lots in the East End and West Boise subdivisions — accommodate the larger Kestrel and custom plans without trouble.
Detached vs. garage in Boise: Detached wins in Boise when the lot is wide enough and you want rent ceiling (Kingfisher/Kestrel rents in established Boise neighborhoods are strong). Garage conversion wins in older Boise neighborhoods (North End, East End, Boise Bench) where alley-loaded 2-car detached garages already exist and homeowners want a fast, lower-cost ADU. We've built both at scale; the lot check tells you which is your honest best path.
What does a Goldfinch cost to build in Boise?
The Goldfinch starts at $115k turnkey at Essential finish. Most Boise owners build at Standard finish — $102k–$127k. Boise is the valley's build-cost baseline. Land is the priciest in the metro, but rent ceilings and resale are the strongest, so a well-placed Boise ADU carries the highest absolute rent.
| Finish Tier | Per sqft | 280 sqft in Boise |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | $340/sqft | $86k – $107k |
| Standard | $405/sqft | $102k – $127k |
| Premium | $480/sqft | $121k – $151k |
Methodology: per-sqft rates match our cost calculator (Essential $340, Standard $405, Premium $480) with a 0.9–1.12 range factor for lot conditions. Build cost is roughly uniform across the Treasure Valley; what changes city-to-city is land, fees, the size cap, and the rent ceiling. See the full Boise cost breakdown →
What rent and return does a Goldfinch earn in Boise?
A studio ADU like the Goldfinch estimates to $1,275–$1,525/month in Boise. Against a Standard-finish build of $102k–$127k, that's roughly 12–17.9% gross yield — about $16,800 a year in gross rent at the midpoint, before expenses and financing.
Monthly rent (est.)
$1,275–$1,525
studio · Boise
Annual gross (mid)
$16,800
12 × midpoint rent
Gross yield
12–17.9%
rent ÷ Standard build
Rent is scaled from Boise's sourced 1-bedroom median (Apartment List Boise rent report, 2026) by unit size — a disclosed estimate, not a measured comp for this exact plan. Gross yield ignores vacancy, expenses, and debt service. This is information, not financial advice; validate with a local property manager before you build.
Permits and timeline for a Goldfinch in Boise
City of Boise reviews pre-approved plans in roughly 3-5 weeks under its published ADU program — the fastest path in the metro because the plan set is already city-approved.
Boise allows accessory dwelling units in most R-1, R-2, and R-3 zones. The City removed strict owner-occupancy rules in 2023, so a pre-approved ADU on a conforming Boise lot can be built and rented as a standalone unit. Pre-approved plans skip design review and head straight to permit.
The Goldfinch is part of the City of Boise's pre-approved plan set, so it comes as a complete, already-engineered set of construction documents. That gives you a running start on review in Boise (Ada County) — each city applies its own process, but a finished plan set clears review faster than a custom design.
The other 5 pre-approved plans in Boise
Each pre-approved plan carries its own cost, rent, and lot fit in Boise. Compare the full set for this city.
Type B · 396 sqft
Waxwing in Boise
A 396 sq ft studio with more breathing room — full living, kitchen, and bath in a thoughtfully laid-out single space.
$135k · est. $1,275–$1,525/mo →
Type C · 491 sqft
Kingfisher in Boise
Boise's pre-approved 491 sq ft one-bedroom — separate bedroom, full kitchen, full living room, ready to permit.
$170k · est. $1,500–$1,800/mo →
Type D · 695 sqft
Kestrel in Boise
The largest pre-approved Boise plan — a 695 sq ft two-bedroom that lives like a small house.
$245k · est. $1,925–$2,300/mo →
Type G-1 · 396 sqft
Sandpiper in Boise
A 396 sq ft studio paired with a single-car garage — pre-approved, dual-purpose, builds your storage and your rental in one footprint.
$145k · est. $1,275–$1,525/mo →
Type G-2 · 376 sqft
Osprey in Boise
Sister plan to the Sandpiper — 376 sq ft studio with garage, a different layout, same pre-approved status.
$140k · est. $1,275–$1,525/mo →
The Goldfinch in nearby Treasure Valley cities
Same plan, different local rent, cost, and zoning. See how the Goldfinch pencils out a short drive away.
Goldfinch in Boise — frequently asked
How much does a Goldfinch ADU cost in Boise?
The Goldfinch (280 sq ft, Type A) starts around $115k turnkey at Essential finish in Boise. Most Boise owners build at Standard finish — roughly $102k to $127k. Per-square-foot build cost is close to the Boise baseline; boise is the valley's build-cost baseline. Land is the priciest in the metro, but rent ceilings and resale are the strongest, so a well-placed Boise ADU carries the highest absolute rent.
What can you rent a Goldfinch for in Boise?
A studio ADU like the Goldfinch in Boise estimates to about $1,275–$1,525 per month, scaled from Boise's sourced 1-bedroom rent (Apartment List Boise rent report, 2026). On a Standard-finish build that's roughly 12–17.9% gross yield. These are estimates, not a rent guarantee — confirm with a local property manager.
How long does it take to permit a Goldfinch in Boise?
City of Boise reviews pre-approved plans in roughly 3-5 weeks under its published ADU program — the fastest path in the metro because the plan set is already city-approved. The Goldfinch is a complete City of Boise pre-approved plan set, so you start with finished, already-engineered construction documents — that shortens review in every Treasure Valley city versus a custom design, even though each city applies its own process.
Does the Goldfinch fit Boise's ADU size limit?
Almost always. At 280 sq ft the Goldfinch is a compact footprint — Boise caps ADUs at 900 sq ft, and most Treasure Valley cities set their own limit (often a share of the primary home's floor area). The Goldfinch sits well under the typical cap, so in Boise size is rarely the constraint — lot dimensions, setbacks, and access usually decide placement. We confirm Boise's exact size rule for your parcel during the free lot check.
Boise, Idaho · Type A
Build the Goldfinch in Boise
Free 24-hour lot check covering plan fit, your Boise zoning, cost, and the rent it could carry. Or call (208) 297-2036.