Type B · 396 sqft studio · Star, ID
The Waxwing ADU in Star
A Waxwing studio ADU in Star starts at $135k turnkey and estimates to $1,100–$1,275/mo in rent — about 7.3–10.6% gross yield on a $144k–$180k Standard build. Here's how the 396 sq ft Type B plan fits Star lots, what it costs, and how fast it permits.
- Footprint
- 396 sqft
- From (Essential)
- $135k
- Est. Star rent
- $1,100–$1,275
- Gross yield
- 7.3–10.6%
Why the Waxwing fits Star lots
The Waxwing is a 396 sq ft studio — a single open dwelling on one pre-approved footprint. Whether it's the right plan for your Star lot comes down to how it sits against the local lot pattern below.
Star lots skew big — 1/2-acre and full-acre lots are common in older sections of town, with newer subdivisions building closer to 80-100' wide. The acreage profile means Star is where homeowners most often build a custom ADU larger than the pre-approved cap (still subject to City of Star code, which caps similarly to Boise). Lots adjacent to Star Road and the Highway 44 corridor are the most utility-ready.
Detached vs. garage in Star: Detached almost always wins in Star. Lots are large enough that any pre-approved plan fits without setback gymnastics. Garage conversions are less common because newer Star construction lacks the detached garages that make conversions natural, and the homeowners on older Star lots typically want a separate accessory dwelling rather than to give up garage space. The Kestrel is a frequent Star pick because the rural-fringe rental market supports larger units well.
What does a Waxwing cost to build in Star?
The Waxwing starts at $135k turnkey at Essential finish. Most Star owners build at Standard finish — $144k–$180k. Star's half-acre-to-two-acre lots along Beacon Light and Highway 44 give the most siting flexibility in the metro. Rent runs mid-pack; the win is space, not rent ceiling.
| Finish Tier | Per sqft | 396 sqft in Star |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | $340/sqft | $121k – $151k |
| Standard | $405/sqft | $144k – $180k |
| Premium | $480/sqft | $171k – $213k |
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 Star cost breakdown →
What rent and return does a Waxwing earn in Star?
A studio ADU like the Waxwing estimates to $1,100–$1,275/month in Star. Against a Standard-finish build of $144k–$180k, that's roughly 7.3–10.6% gross yield — about $14,250 a year in gross rent at the midpoint, before expenses and financing.
Monthly rent (est.)
$1,100–$1,275
studio · Star
Annual gross (mid)
$14,250
12 × midpoint rent
Gross yield
7.3–10.6%
rent ÷ Standard build
Rent is scaled from Star's sourced 1-bedroom median (Apartment List / Zillow Star ID, 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 Waxwing in Star
Star is Ada County's fastest-growing small city. Large lots make plan placement easy, but confirm well/septic vs. city service for your specific parcel.
Star's UDC permits accessory dwellings on most residential lots, with rules pulled largely from Ada County's accessory-dwelling base code. Larger lots get more flexibility; in-town lots and design-review subdivisions get tighter scrutiny. Septic and well placement drive the site plan more than zoning does on most acreages.
The Waxwing 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 Star (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 Star
Each pre-approved plan carries its own cost, rent, and lot fit in Star. Compare the full set for this city.
Type A · 280 sqft
Goldfinch in Star
The smallest pre-approved Boise ADU plan — a 280 sq ft studio that fits the tightest lots and the cleanest budgets.
$115k · est. $1,100–$1,275/mo →
Type C · 491 sqft
Kingfisher in Star
Boise's pre-approved 491 sq ft one-bedroom — separate bedroom, full kitchen, full living room, ready to permit.
$170k · est. $1,300–$1,500/mo →
Type D · 695 sqft
Kestrel in Star
The largest pre-approved Boise plan — a 695 sq ft two-bedroom that lives like a small house.
$245k · est. $1,675–$1,925/mo →
Type G-1 · 396 sqft
Sandpiper in Star
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. $1,100–$1,275/mo →
Type G-2 · 376 sqft
Osprey in Star
Sister plan to the Sandpiper — 376 sq ft studio with garage, a different layout, same pre-approved status.
$140k · est. $1,100–$1,275/mo →
The Waxwing in nearby Treasure Valley cities
Same plan, different local rent, cost, and zoning. See how the Waxwing pencils out a short drive away.
Waxwing in Star — frequently asked
How much does a Waxwing ADU cost in Star?
The Waxwing (396 sq ft, Type B) starts around $135k turnkey at Essential finish in Star. Most Star owners build at Standard finish — roughly $144k to $180k. Per-square-foot build cost is close to the Boise baseline; star's half-acre-to-two-acre lots along Beacon Light and Highway 44 give the most siting flexibility in the metro. Rent runs mid-pack; the win is space, not rent ceiling.
What can you rent a Waxwing for in Star?
A studio ADU like the Waxwing in Star estimates to about $1,100–$1,275 per month, scaled from Star's sourced 1-bedroom rent (Apartment List / Zillow Star ID, 2026). On a Standard-finish build that's roughly 7.3–10.6% gross yield. These are estimates, not a rent guarantee — confirm with a local property manager.
How long does it take to permit a Waxwing in Star?
Star is Ada County's fastest-growing small city. Large lots make plan placement easy, but confirm well/septic vs. city service for your specific parcel. The Waxwing 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 Waxwing fit Star's ADU size limit?
Almost always. At 396 sq ft the Waxwing 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 Waxwing sits well under the typical cap, so in Star size is rarely the constraint — lot dimensions, setbacks, and access usually decide placement. We confirm Star's exact size rule for your parcel during the free lot check.
Star, Idaho · Type B
Build the Waxwing in Star
Free 24-hour lot check covering plan fit, your Star zoning, cost, and the rent it could carry. Or call (208) 297-2036.