Long-term tenant studio
The Waxwing's larger footprint commands stronger rent than the Goldfinch — typical 1-bed Boise rents apply ($1,500-$1,800/mo) because it lives more like a small one-bedroom than a true studio.
Type B · Boise Pre-Approved · Studio
The Waxwing — 396 sqft Studio ADU
Updated May 18, 2026
396 sq ft of pre-approved studio — defined sleeping + living, real cooking kitchen, single permit set.
- Footprint
- 396 sqft
- Bedrooms
- Studio
- Plan Type
- Type B
- Starting At
- From $135k
What is the Waxwing?
The Waxwing is Boise's 396 sq ft pre-approved Type B studio plan — 116 sq ft larger than the Goldfinch with a defined sleeping zone, a real kitchen with eating bar, and full bath. From $135k turnkey at Essential finish. Same fast pre-approved permit path as the Goldfinch (3-5 weeks). The most flexible studio for long-term tenants, multigenerational guests, or full-time home offices.
The Waxwing gives you 116 more square feet than the Goldfinch — enough for a defined sleeping area, a real living zone, and a kitchen that works for cooking actual meals. Still single-room, still pre-approved, still permits faster than a custom plan.
How much does the Waxwing cost in Boise?
The The Waxwing starts at From $135k 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 | 396 sqft Total Range |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | $340/sqft | $121k – $151k |
| Standard | $405/sqft | $144k – $180k |
| Premium | $480/sqft | $171k – $213k |
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 Waxwing is the right pick
Multigenerational guest suite
Comfortable for short-to-medium guest stays from family or visiting parents. The defined sleeping zone gives privacy without a walled-off bedroom.
Permanent home office
Big enough for a real desk + meeting area + kitchen for coffee and lunch. Cheaper than the Kingfisher and rents back to a tenant easily if work patterns change.
Single + occasional partner
The Waxwing handles a single full-time occupant plus visiting partners or family without feeling cramped — Goldfinch can feel tight in this scenario.
When another plan is a better fit
If you specifically want a separate bedroom
Waxwing is still studio (open-plan). For a walled-off bedroom + separate living room, the Kingfisher (491 sq ft, from $170k) is the right step up.
If your budget caps at $115-120k
The Goldfinch starts $20k lower and fits a single occupant well. Don't stretch for the Waxwing if it pushes you into Standard finish on the Goldfinch instead.
Cities where the Waxwing works well
Boise-metro cities where this plan is among our top recommendations based on local zoning, lot sizes, and rental demand.
The Waxwing vs The Goldfinch
The Goldfinch is 280 sq ft from $115k — $20k cheaper, but 116 sq ft smaller. If your lot can take the Waxwing's footprint, the upgrade is usually worth it for any long-term tenancy.
The other 5 pre-approved plans
Type A · 280 sqft
The Goldfinch
The smallest pre-approved Boise ADU plan — a 280 sq ft studio that fits the tightest lots and the cleanest budgets.
From $115k →
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 Waxwing — frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Waxwing and the Goldfinch?
The Waxwing is 116 sq ft larger (396 vs 280) for about $20k more. The extra space buys defined sleeping + living zones and a real eating bar in the kitchen. Same permit path, same finish tiers, same build window.
Is the Waxwing big enough for a couple?
For a low-key couple, yes — short-to-medium term. For long-term tenancy with two people sharing, the Kingfisher's separate bedroom holds up much better and reduces tenant turnover.
Why is it called the Waxwing?
All six City of Boise pre-approved ADU plans use Idaho native bird names — Goldfinch, Waxwing, Kingfisher, Kestrel, Sandpiper, Osprey. The naming was set when the plans were approved in 2026.
Can I customize the Waxwing's interior?
Finish-level customization (Essential/Standard/Premium) is straightforward. Structural changes (window placement, room layout) push the project out of the pre-approved track and back into custom permitting — losing the 4-8 week design review skip.
What's the rental yield on a Waxwing?
Typical 2026 Boise long-term rents for a Waxwing-sized studio are $1,500-$1,800/mo. On a $135k Essential build, that's roughly an 11-13% gross yield — among the strongest of the six pre-approved plans relative to build cost.
Ready to build the Waxwing?
Free 24-hour estimate covering your lot, finish level, and final price for the The Waxwing. Or call (208) 297-2036 to talk it through.