Stay, Expand, or Relocate? How Treasure Valley Homeowners Are Protecting Value
Finding the best path forward when your home no longer fits your life
Across the Treasure Valley, many homeowners are facing the same challenge: their homes no longer fit their lives, but they’re holding onto mortgage rates under 4%. With today’s 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 6.26%, selling and buying again can feel financially unrealistic.
That’s why families in Boise, Meridian, Eagle, and Nampa are weighing their choices carefully. For some, the answer is remodeling the home they already love. Others are exploring the flexibility of accessory dwelling units (ADUs). And for some, the right move really is relocating entirely. Each path comes with trade-offs, both financial and lifestyle.
Multigenerational Living in Boise: A Growing Trend
Multigenerational living has moved from a niche option to a mainstream solution. The
National Association of Realtors reported that
17% of all home purchases in 2024 were multigenerational, the highest in over a decade.
Pew
Research notes that nearly one in five Americans now live in multigenerational households.
Locally, costs and population growth are fueling the trend:
Here in the Treasure Valley, families are making creative choices:
- Daylight basements converted into apartments.
- Detached cottages designed for parents.
- Garage conversions turned into suites for young adults.
Key takeaway: If you’re planning for parents, adult children, or both, you’re part of a major shift in how Boise-area families are living — and it’s directly tied to long-term housing value.
ADUs in Boise: Flexible Solutions With Long-Term Payoff
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are booming in Boise. Whether it’s a basement apartment, garage conversion, or backyard cottage, they give families options.
Why ADUs are gaining ground:
- Boise has updated its zoning rules to make building accessory dwelling units (ADUs) more accessible, with clarified standards and a defined approval process for homeowners.
- Recent Idaho state law prevents HOAs from enforcing blanket bans on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in owner-occupied homes, though they may still apply reasonable rules for things like size, design, or parking.
- According to the National Association ofREALTORS®, homes with ADUs are often priced 20–35% higher than comparable properties without them, especially in markets where ADUs are in high demand.
Common ADU uses in the Treasure Valley:
- Independent housing for aging parents
- Rental income units
- Guest houses
- Flex spaces for hobbies, offices, or studios
Building one isn’t cheap — most range from $75,000 to $200,000+, and projects can take several months. But for many homeowners, the payoff comes in the form of family flexibility and long-term value.
- Learn more about PURE DBR’s design and build services.
Remodeling in Boise: Maximizing the Home You Already Love
Remodeling is still the most common choice for families who want to keep their low rate but improve their home. PURE DBR has worked on everything from kitchen expansions in Boise’s North End to basement conversions in Nampa and primary suite additions in Eagle.
Popular remodel trends in the Treasure Valley include:
- Kitchens and bathrooms - One of the most popular upgrades, often returning 60–75% of their cost at resale depending on scope and finishes.
- Basement conversions – Turning unused square footage into rental units or family living areas.
- Energy efficiency upgrades – From insulation to smart HVAC systems.
Costs vary: a kitchen remodel in Boise may start around $40,000, while full additions often exceed $100,000. Timelines range from a few months for smaller projects to nearly a year for major additions.
Why it works: Remodeling lets you keep your low rate, your neighborhood, and your lifestyle — while still gaining the modern features buyers want.
Moving in the Treasure Valley: When It’s the Right Choice
Sometimes, remodeling or adding an ADU isn’t enough. Maybe you want acreage in Kuna, a brand-new subdivision in Meridian, or walkability in Downtown Boise. In these cases, moving is the best option.
Recent trends show the market is still strong:
- Ada County closed 855 sales in July 2025, up 17% from the year before.
- Canyon County closed 488 sales, a 21% increase.
- Ada County’s supply has climbed to 2.94 months, offering more choices than in recent years.
For some, the appeal is new construction with modern layouts. For others, it’s established Boise neighborhoods where charm and location outweigh square footage.
What this means for you: Moving often means taking on a higher rate, but if your home simply cannot deliver what you need, it may be the right long-term play.
How to Decide: Remodel, ADU, or Move?
When PURE DBR works with clients, we encourage them to weigh three main factors:
- Finances – Can you afford an ADU or remodel versus a new mortgage?
- Timeline – How quickly do you need the change?
- Future fit – Will your current location and layout still work in 5–10 years?
Quick guide:
- Love your location but need more space? → Remodeling or an ADU may be best.
- Want a totally different lifestyle or location? → Moving might be the smarter choice.
- Planning for extended family? → Consider an ADU or in-law suite remodel.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Value in Boise
The Treasure Valley housing market is competitive, and buying an existing home often means settling. Custom home building gives you an alternative: a home designed around your lifestyle today that holds value for years to come.
At PURE Design Build & Remodel, we make the process simple and stress-free — from design through build. Whether it’s a foothills retreat in Boise, a family home in Meridian, or acreage living in Eagle, we’ll bring it to life.
Is remodeling or an ADU the right solution for you?
Take the first step toward creating your custom home in the Treasure Valley today!
Contact Us
