Siding Installation in Boise's North End
James Hardie fiber cement and engineered wood siding installations on Craftsman, Tudor, and post-war ranch homes — period-correct lap profiles, sympathetic colors, Historic District compliance.
Replacing siding on a Boise North End home is one of the highest-impact and longest-lasting exterior investments a homeowner can make. The original wood siding on pre-1960 homes is often 80–120 years old; many homes still have the original siding (which can sometimes be preserved with careful repair and repaint), but many others have failing siding that's beyond economic repair and warrants replacement. Modern fiber cement (James Hardie) and engineered wood (LP SmartSide) siding products outperform original wood for moisture resistance, paint adhesion, and dimensional stability — but only when installed in profiles, colors, and details that read as period-correct in a North End context. Within the Historic District, exterior siding changes are reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission for compatibility with neighborhood character. Iron Crest has installed siding on dozens of North End homes and brings the specific competence required for both technical performance and architectural authenticity.
Siding strategy varies by era because original siding type, trim profiles, and architectural conventions differ across the North End's housing waves.
1900–1925: Original Craftsman bungalows
Original 7-inch reveal cedar or fir lap siding with painted trim, exposed rafter tails, tapered porch columns, cedar shingle accents on gables. Original siding profiles: simple beveled lap with thin reveal. Replacement siding must match these specifications closely to read as authentic.
1925–1940: Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival
Tudor: stucco panels with painted half-timbering accents. Stucco rarely needs full replacement — typically just patching of damaged areas plus repaint. Colonial Revival: painted lap siding with formal trim and corner boards. Replacement siding here can use modern fiber cement matched to original profile.
1945–1965: Post-war ranch and minimal traditional
Original lap siding (often wood; some homes received aluminum siding in 1960s–1980s updates that's now showing age). Replacement strategy: remove existing siding back to sheathing, install modern fiber cement or engineered wood lap, integrate with existing brick veneer or trim accents.
1985–present: Infill and renovated homes
Modern siding from original construction or recent updates. Standard siding replacement applies with no era-specific considerations.
North End siding projects fall into recognizable shapes based on what you're replacing and the home's architectural era.
1. The Full-House Replacement — Craftsman bungalow lap siding
Remove original wood lap siding, install James Hardie or LP SmartSide lap siding matched to original 7-inch reveal, painted to period-correct color scheme. Includes housewrap (modern weather barrier — significantly better than original tarpaper), corner boards, trim integration, and rafter tail painting. For homes with cedar shingle gable accents, includes shingle replacement or preservation.
Target homes: 1900–1935 Craftsman bungalows with original wood siding beyond economic repair. Permit: building permit; Historic Preservation Commission Certificate of Appropriateness if in Historic District.
2. The Selective Replacement — failing elevations only
Replace siding on specific elevations that have failed (often south or west exposures from sun damage, or north elevations from moisture) while preserving siding on other elevations. More complex installation because new siding must integrate at corners with existing siding. Cost-effective when most of the house is in good shape.
Target homes: Homes with localized siding failure on specific exposures. Permit: building permit if more than 25% of one elevation; HPC review if exterior visible from public way.
3. The Stucco Repair + Repaint — Tudor exterior
Patching damaged areas of original stucco (cracks, water damage, loose sections), re-skim coating where major repair occurred, painting half-timbering accents, repainting overall. Less expensive than full siding replacement; preserves the original stucco that defines Tudor architecture.
Target homes: Tudor Revival homes with intact stucco showing typical age-related damage. Permit: minor repair, no permit; major scope, building permit.
4. The Aluminum Siding Removal + Replace — exposing original wood
Remove 1960s–1980s aluminum siding (often installed over original wood), assess underlying original wood condition, repair or supplement original wood with matching profile, repaint. Restores the home's original Craftsman character while addressing the failing aluminum.
Target homes: Pre-1960 North End homes with aluminum siding additions that owners want removed. Permit: building permit; HPC review if exterior visible from public way.
5. The Detail Reconstruction — accent and trim restoration
Focused on restoring or replacing specific architectural details: cedar shingle gable, decorative trim brackets, exposed rafter tail replacement, porch column rebuild, decorative half-timbering. Often combined with painting project. Higher craft, lower square footage.
Target homes: Pre-1940 North End homes whose details have been damaged or removed during prior poor renovations. Permit: depending on scope.
The North End spans roughly two square miles with distinct sub-neighborhoods, each with its own remodeling personality.
13th Street & Hyde Park
The cultural and commercial heart of the North End — boutique shops and restaurants along 13th between Brumback and Eastman, with the densest concentration of original Craftsman bungalows on the surrounding blocks. Lots are tight (typically 50' frontage), alley access is common, and the neighborhood is heavily walked. Most homes here are 1905–1925 Craftsman.
Camel's Back & Heron Streets
The streets immediately around Camel's Back Park, climbing slightly into the lower foothills. Mostly Craftsman bungalows with some Tudor Revival mixed in. Lots get larger toward the park edge, and some homes back to the Foothills Reserve with significant trees. Project budgets here tend to be higher — these are some of the most coveted blocks in the city.
Harrison Boulevard corridor
The grand divided boulevard running south-to-north through the heart of the North End, lined with the neighborhood's largest historic homes. Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival, and a few notable Prairie-style houses sit on deep lots with mature plantings. Projects here lean toward sympathetic upgrade rather than reconfiguration — these homes already have generous floor plans.
Fort Boise & Capitol-area North End
The streets around Fort Boise Park and stretching toward the State Capitol grounds — a mix of original Craftsman bungalows, larger 1920s and 1930s homes, and a higher proportion of post-war infill. Lots vary widely. Project scopes span the full range depending on house age and homeowner intent.
North of Hill Road / new infill
The northern fringe of the historic North End, where construction continued through the 1950s and where modern infill has been most active. Newer (1945–present), larger, less constrained by historic-district considerations. Projects here look more like SE Boise or Harris Ranch in scope and material strategy.
Lower-numbered streets (3rd–9th)
The streets between the State Capitol grounds and Fort Boise — traditionally a more working-class section of the North End, with a mix of smaller Craftsman bungalows, post-war houses, and some converted multi-family. Increasingly being renovated as North End demand pushes outward from the 13th Street core. Excellent value if you can find an unrenovated home here.
Siding installation pricing in the North End reflects James Hardie/LP SmartSide material cost (premium products), proper underlayment (housewrap and weather barrier), period-correct profile selection, and the careful trim integration these homes require.
North End siding installation ranges
Detail reconstruction (specific architectural feature restoration): $8,500–$18,000 / 2–4 weeks
Selective elevation replacement (1–2 specific elevations replaced): $12,000–$26,000 / 2–5 weeks
Stucco repair + repaint (Tudor stucco maintenance, no full replacement): $14,000–$28,000 / 3–5 weeks
Full-house Hardie or LP SmartSide (comprehensive siding replacement on Craftsman or post-war ranch): $32,000–$48,000 / 4–7 weeks
Aluminum removal + replacement + detail restoration (removing prior aluminum, restoring original wood character): $28,000–$58,000 / 5–8 weeks
Pricing assumes Iron Crest's standard scope: full City of Boise building permit, Historic Preservation Commission Certificate of Appropriateness where required, comprehensive siding removal and disposal, weather-resistant barrier (Tyvek or equivalent), proper trim and corner board integration, painted-finish (factory-primed siding painted on-site to selected color), and a 30-year material warranty (James Hardie) plus 5-year workmanship warranty. EPA RRP-certified work practices for any pre-1978 home.
The North End Historic District boundary covers most — but not all — of the North End. The district is administered by the City of Boise Historic Preservation Commission, which reviews exterior modifications within the district boundary. Interior work, including comprehensive remodels, is exempt from Historic Preservation review. This is the single most important permitting fact to internalize: your interior work doesn't need historic review, regardless of how aggressive the scope.
Where Historic Preservation review enters the picture is when your project includes any exterior change. Examples we encounter regularly: enlarging a window, relocating an exterior door, adding an exterior-vented hood that requires a new wall penetration, building a small addition or bump-out, or replacing a side-yard window with a different style. Any of these requires a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission, which adds 4–8 weeks to the permit timeline and typically requires architectural drawings showing the proposed change in context.
For interior-only projects, the standard City of Boise permits apply: a building permit for structural work (wall removal, beam installation), an electrical permit for new circuits or panel work, a plumbing permit for fixture relocation or new water lines, and a mechanical permit for ducting or HVAC modifications. Permit fees for a typical mid-range project run several hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on scope. Processing times: electrical and plumbing permits are often same-day or next-day; building permits with structural drawings take 3–5 weeks for full review.
One North End-specific permit consideration: parking and right-of-way. Placing a dumpster on the street or parking a construction trailer at the curb requires a City of Boise right-of-way permit ($75–$250 depending on duration and footprint). Some North End streets have additional restrictions related to the historic neighborhood designation. Iron Crest pulls all required right-of-way permits as part of project setup.
Siding material selection for North End homes balances modern performance with period-authentic aesthetics. The right product depends on home era, exterior detail complexity, and budget.
James Hardie fiber cement
Industry-leading fiber cement siding. Excellent moisture resistance, excellent paint adhesion (factory-primed; field-painted to any color), excellent fire resistance, 30-year material warranty. Comes in lap (5″ to 8″ reveal), shingle (cedar shingle look in 6″ x 18″), and panel formats. Cost: ~$2.50–$4.50 per square foot installed. Best choice for full-house replacements on Craftsman bungalows where matching original 7-inch reveal lap is the goal.
LP SmartSide engineered wood
Engineered wood siding (treated wood strands compressed and resin-bonded). Lighter than fiber cement, easier to install and cut on-site, factory-primed and finished. 50-year material warranty (longer than Hardie's 30). Slightly more wood-like aesthetic than fiber cement. Cost: ~$2.00–$4.00 per square foot installed. Excellent alternative to Hardie, particularly for homes where exterior carpentry is more complex and on-site cutting flexibility matters.
Cedar shingle accents
Original Craftsman bungalows often have cedar shingle accents on gables and dormers — a defining architectural detail. Replacement cedar shingles are available from local lumber suppliers. Hand-cut cedar shingles ($600–$1,200 per gable), painted or stained to match the surrounding home, are the period-correct choice. Hardie's shingle product (4″ exposure pre-finished panels) is an acceptable alternative when budget or maintenance preference favors fiber cement.
Trim and corner boards
Period-correct trim profile is essential — modern siding installed with modern trim profiles reads as wrong even at a glance. Custom-milled fir trim or stock fiber cement trim (Hardie Trim) painted to match. Corner boards, frieze board (top of wall, just below soffit), water table (bottom of wall, just above foundation), window casing, door casing all need careful selection. Iron Crest documents original profile dimensions and replicates accordingly.
Weather-resistant barrier
Modern installations use Tyvek (DuPont) or equivalent weather-resistant barrier behind the siding — far better water and air resistance than original tarpaper. Comes in HomeWrap (standard) and CommercialWrap (premium with built-in drainage plane). For North End homes that have had moisture issues, the premium drainage-plane product is worth the upcharge ($300–$800 incremental).
Color and finish
Hardie and LP both offer factory-finish products (ColorPlus for Hardie, pre-finished for LP) in limited color palettes. For Craftsman color schemes, on-site painting after installation provides much wider color choice. Premium acrylic paint for fiber cement (Sherwin Williams Loxon, Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior) holds 15+ years on factory-primed Hardie. Color choice subject to HPC review for in-Historic-District properties.
Siding replacement in older North End homes routinely surfaces issues that need addressing before new siding goes on. Knowing these in advance allows budget planning.
- •Sheathing damage from long-term moisture infiltration. Removing siding sometimes reveals sheathing damage or rot from years of leaks. Sheathing replacement: $1.50–$3.00 per square foot of damaged area. Comprehensive replacement on a wall: $1,500–$5,000.
- •Insulation deficiency in exterior walls. Pre-1980 North End homes often have minimal or no wall insulation. Siding replacement is the only convenient time to add wall insulation by drilling and blowing into wall cavities (or removing interior surfaces, which is more disruptive). Blown cellulose: $1.00–$2.00 per square foot.
- •Failed window flashing requiring replacement. Original window flashing (often just tar paper) has typically failed by the time siding is replaced. New self-adhered flashing tape integrated with the new weather barrier: $80–$200 per window above standard scope.
- •Rotted framing at sill plates or studs. Long-term water infiltration can damage framing members behind siding. Repair or sister of framing: $400–$2,500 depending on extent.
- •Lead paint contamination on adjacent surfaces. Removing pre-1978 painted siding generates significant lead-paint debris. EPA RRP-compliant containment, lead-safe disposal, and adjacent-surface protection are required. Built into Iron Crest's pricing for pre-1978 homes.
- •Asbestos-containing original siding (1940s–1970s installations). Some 1940s–1970s North End homes had asbestos-cement siding installed (sometimes over original wood). Required testing identifies. Asbestos abatement before removal: $4,500–$12,000.
- •Foundation cap or water table detail in poor condition. The water table (horizontal trim where siding meets foundation) often shows rot from years of splash-back. Replacement of water table: $400–$1,200 per side of house.
- •Inadequate eave overhang or drip edge. Some original installations have minimal drip edge at the bottom of siding, allowing water to wick back into the wall. New installation includes proper drip edge ($100–$300 per side).
- •Historic Preservation Commission required modifications. If in Historic District, HPC review of siding profile, color, and trim details. Iron Crest pre-meets to minimize redesign risk. Modifications typically cost $1,500–$8,000 in additional design and material adjustment.
Consultation and exterior assessment (Week 1)
On-site walkthrough, existing siding condition assessment, profile and color discussion, identification of trim integration challenges, HPC pre-application discussion if applicable.
Estimate and HPC review (Weeks 1–8)
Detailed line-item estimate. If HPC review required, formal Certificate of Appropriateness application (typically 2–4 month process). Material orders placed with appropriate lead time.
Permitting and material delivery (Weeks 8–12)
Building permit application to City of Boise. Hardie or LP SmartSide delivery (typical 2–3 week lead). Trim material delivery. Weather-resistant barrier and accessories.
Site setup and protection (Day 1 of work)
Plant and walkway protection. Containment for lead-safe practices on pre-1978 homes. Lift or scaffolding setup. Material staging.
Demolition (Days 2–7)
Existing siding removal, careful preservation of any architectural details to be reused (cedar shingle gables, exposed rafter tails, decorative trim). EPA RRP cleanup and disposal of pre-1978 materials.
Sheathing inspection and repair (Days 5–10)
Sheathing condition assessment, repair or replacement of damaged areas, framing repair if needed, addition of insulation if scope.
Weather barrier installation (Days 10–13)
Tyvek or equivalent housewrap install with proper integration at windows, doors, corners, and penetrations. Self-adhered flashing tape at all openings.
Siding installation (Days 13–24)
New siding install starting at corners and working across each elevation. Proper fastening, expansion gaps, and integration with trim. Corner boards, water table, frieze board, window and door casings.
Painting, detail, walkthrough (Days 24–35)
On-site painting of factory-primed siding to selected color (multiple coats). Touch-up of trim. Detail finish work (rafter tail painting, porch column integration). Final walkthrough. 5-year workmanship + 30-year material warranties begin.
Siding replacement on older North End homes requires the combined skills of a fiber cement installer, a carpenter capable of replicating period-correct trim profiles, and a contractor familiar with the City of Boise Historic Preservation process.
- City of Boise Historic Preservation Commission — Design review information, district maps, and Certificate of Appropriateness application.
- City of Boise Planning & Development Services — Building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits. Online portal and in-person plan check.
- Idaho DEQ Asbestos Program — Testing and abatement requirements for pre-1980 homes.
- EPA Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Program — Required certification and work practices for renovation in lead-paint homes.
- Preservation Idaho — Statewide nonprofit advocating for historic preservation. Resources and educational events.
Should I replace my original North End wood siding or repair and repaint?
Depends on condition. Original wood siding 80–120 years old that's largely intact (no rot, secure fastening, paintable surface) can often be repaired and repainted for a tenth of replacement cost — and the original old-growth wood is irreplaceable. Original wood with widespread rot, severe paint failure, or that's been previously damaged by insects or moisture warrants replacement. Iron Crest assesses condition during consultation and recommends accordingly.
Will my siding replacement need Historic Preservation Commission approval?
If your property is within the North End Historic District boundary and the new siding profile, color, or material differs from original, yes. HPC reviews siding for compatibility — primarily the profile (lap reveal, trim details, corner board configuration) and color. Iron Crest pre-meets with HPC staff before formal application. Adds 2–4 months to project timeline if formal review required. Like-for-like replacement (same profile, same color) is sometimes approved through expedited staff review.
What's the right siding product for a North End Craftsman bungalow?
James Hardie or LP SmartSide lap siding in 7-inch reveal, factory-primed, painted to period-correct color on-site. Both products outperform original wood for moisture resistance, paint adhesion, and dimensional stability. Hardie has a slight edge in fire resistance and 30-year material warranty (vs LP SmartSide's 50-year). LP is slightly easier to cut and install on-site, which can matter on complex Craftsman exterior with many trim integration points. For most North End Craftsman projects, Hardie is the default choice.
How long does a full-house siding replacement take?
4–7 weeks for a typical North End Craftsman bungalow (1,200–1,800 sq ft, single-story). Larger Tudor or Colonial Revival homes (2,500+ sq ft) take 6–8 weeks. The actual installation is 2–3 weeks; the rest is permit processing (2–4 weeks for building permit, plus 2–4 months for HPC review if applicable), material lead time (2–3 weeks for Hardie or LP), and site setup/cleanup.
What about insulation while the siding is off?
Siding replacement is the most convenient time to add insulation to your exterior walls. We can drill small holes in the exterior sheathing and blow cellulose insulation into the wall cavities (the holes get filled and re-sided, leaving no visible mark). Adds R-13 or higher to walls that previously had little or no insulation. Cost: $1.00–$2.00 per square foot of wall area. Excellent ROI through reduced heating and cooling costs.
Can you preserve my original cedar shingle gable accents?
When the existing cedar shingle gables are in good condition, yes — we work around them and integrate the new lap siding cleanly. When the existing shingles are failing (which is common after 80–120 years), we replace them with hand-cut cedar shingles or Hardie shingle product. Hand-cut cedar is more period-authentic and beautiful but requires repainting every 8–12 years. Hardie shingle is lower maintenance but slightly less authentic in close inspection.
What about the factory-finish vs on-site painting decision?
Hardie ColorPlus and LP pre-finished products are factory-painted in limited color palettes. The factory finish is excellent — uniformly applied under controlled conditions — and includes a longer paint warranty than field-applied paint. For period-correct Craftsman colors, the factory color palettes don't always include the muted greens, deep browns, and historic palettes North End homes need. On-site painting after installation provides full color flexibility and is the right choice for most North End projects.
Will siding replacement affect my home's resale value?
Yes, substantially. New siding (especially fiber cement with 30-year warranty) is a major positive signal to buyers — eliminates the largest single maintenance worry on an older home. North End homes with new Hardie or LP siding typically appraise 80–110% of cost recovery. The actual sale-price impact in this neighborhood often exceeds appraisal-based recovery because siding replacement removes a buyer-side concern about deferred maintenance.
Ready to start your North End siding installation project?
Free in-home consultation, honest contingency-based budgeting, and the experience these older Boise homes require. Iron Crest Remodel — Idaho RCE #6681702, EPA RRP lead-safe certified, $2M general liability, 5-year workmanship warranty.
Get Your Free Estimate