Ada County

Home permits and project costs in Boise, ID

Fast population growth has tightened contractor availability, and wildfire-adjacent foothill neighborhoods carry additional material expectations.

Model reviewed August 2026

Local cost index

+0%

vs national average

Permit fee index

+0%

vs national baseline

Population

235,684

Homeownership

60%

Do you need a permit in Boise?

For most structural work, yes

Boise enforces idaho residential code, based on the irc through Ada County. Roofing, electrical, plumbing, structural, pools and most exterior additions require a permit and inspection. Cosmetic work — paint, flooring, cabinet swaps — generally does not.

Project costs in Boise

National baselines adjusted by the local labor and materials index.

Project	Typical cost	Permit	Deep pages
Roof Replacement	$9,800 – $33,000	required	Cost·Permit
AC Replacement	$5,300 – $15,800	required	Cost·Permit
Fence Installation	$2,400 – $11,100	usually required	Cost·Permit
Water Heater Replacement	$1,200 – $5,500	required	Cost·Permit
Pool Installation	$38,800 – $117,500	required	Cost·Permit
Window Replacement	$7,700 – $34,900	required	Cost·Permit
Electrical Panel Replacement	$1,900 – $6,900	required	Cost·Permit
Generator Installation	$6,600 – $22,400	required	Cost·Permit
Solar Panel Installation	$15,300 – $48,900	required	Cost·Permit
Kitchen Remodel	$18,100 – $92,600	conditional	Cost·Permit
Bathroom Remodel	$9,100 – $42,300	conditional	Cost·Permit
Driveway Replacement	$4,300 – $19,200	usually required	Cost·Permit
Paver Patio & Walkway	$3,500 – $16,100	conditional	Cost·Permit
Deck Construction	$5,600 – $28,500	required	Cost·Permit
Shed Installation	$1,800 – $12,100	conditional	Cost·Permit
Whole-House Repipe	$4,600 – $16,300	required	Cost·Permit
EV Charger Installation	$800 – $4,300	required	Cost·Permit
Hurricane Shutter Installation	$3,300 – $18,500	required	Cost·Permit
Pool Enclosure / Screen Cage	$9,200 – $43,000	required	Cost·Permit
Septic System Replacement	$7,700 – $28,700	required	Cost·Permit
Impact Window Installation	$9,300 – $43,300	required	Cost·Permit
Exterior Door Replacement	$900 – $6,600	usually required	Cost·Permit
Garage Door Replacement	$1,400 – $7,700	required	Cost·Permit
Siding Installation	$8,200 – $38,700	usually required	Cost·Permit
Stucco Repair	$900 – $16,100	conditional	Cost·Permit
Soffit & Fascia Replacement	$1,800 – $11,200	conditional	Cost·Permit
Gutter Installation	$900 – $6,500	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Roof Repair	$400 – $4,900	conditional	Cost·Permit
Flat Roof Replacement	$6,200 – $28,800	required	Cost·Permit
Attic Insulation	$1,200 – $7,500	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Ductwork Replacement	$2,500 – $12,200	required	Cost·Permit
Mini Split Installation	$2,400 – $12,700	required	Cost·Permit
Flooring Installation	$2,500 – $20,000	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Tile Installation	$1,800 – $16,000	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Interior Painting	$1,500 – $9,500	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Exterior Painting	$2,800 – $15,000	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Drywall Repair	$400 – $4,500	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Kitchen Cabinet Refacing	$4,500 – $20,000	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Countertop Replacement	$2,200 – $12,000	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Tub to Shower Conversion	$3,500 – $16,200	usually required	Cost·Permit
Sod Installation	$900 – $7,000	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Irrigation System Installation	$2,200 – $10,100	conditional	Cost·Permit
Tree Removal	$500 – $5,500	conditional	Cost·Permit
Outdoor Kitchen	$6,100 – $45,500	usually required	Cost·Permit
Seawall Repair	$8,200 – $97,700	required	Cost·Permit
Dock Construction	$9,300 – $87,400	required	Cost·Permit
Well Installation	$5,600 – $25,600	required	Cost·Permit
Mold Remediation	$1,500 – $15,100	conditional	Cost·Permit
Water Softener Installation	$1,200 – $6,600	usually required	Cost·Permit
Home Addition	$46,300 – $287,800	required	Cost·Permit
Heat Pump Replacement	$6,600 – $22,400	required	Cost·Permit
Furnace Replacement	$3,300 – $11,700	required	Cost·Permit
Foundation Repair	$2,800 – $32,400	usually required	Cost·Permit
Basement Waterproofing	$3,000 – $18,100	conditional	Cost·Permit
Drain Field Replacement	$6,100 – $25,400	required	Cost·Permit
Toilet Installation	$300 – $1,100	rarely required	Cost·Permit
Hot Tub Installation	$5,600 – $22,300	usually required	Cost·Permit

Boise permitting basics

Jurisdiction	Boise, Ada County
Building department	Official site
Permit portal	Apply online
Owner-builder permits	Owner-builder permits allowed on owner-occupied property
Contractor verification	Verify any license with Idaho Division of Building Safety before signing

Sources

Sources & verification

Model vintage August 2026. The links above are the issuing agencies' own pages — we publish them so you can confirm the current rule yourself, not as evidence that each fact on this page was re-checked with them today. Cost figures are modeled estimates based on national baselines adjusted for local labor and material pricing, not quotes. Permit rules change; confirm with the building department before starting work.