Siding Installation on the Bungalow Streets, Sunset Park & Veterans Park
Cedar restoration on 1925 bungalows, T-111 replacement on Lower Bench, James Hardie matching cedar profile — period-correct detailing throughout the gentrification corridor.
Siding work in Sunset breaks into two distinct programs. North of West State on the bungalow streets, the original 1×8 cedar lap or board-and-batten cedar siding from 1925 is sometimes still restorable through aggressive surface preparation, spot replacement, and oil-based stain blocker primer — and where it's restorable, restoration is preferred because the original cedar profile and historical character carry resale weight. Where the original cedar is beyond restoration (rot through to substrate, paint failure into raw wood across more than 30% of the elevation, structural movement) the replacement decision is between real cedar matching ($95K-$135K) and James Hardie fiber cement matching cedar profile ($65K-$115K). South of West State on Sunset Park and Veterans Park, post-war wood lap is similar but with thinner architectural trim. T-111 plywood paneling on 1965-1980 Lower Bench splits is universally beyond restoration after 50+ years and warrants James Hardie replacement. Iron Crest is James Hardie certified and runs EPA RRP universally on every Sunset siding project.
Siding strategy in Sunset depends on era and existing material.
1920s–1939 cedar lap and board-and-batten (27th–33rd north of West State)
1×8 cedar lap or board-and-batten cedar with substantial period architectural trim (corner boards, water tables, frieze boards, exposed rafter tails). Pre-1978 lead paint always. Restoration preferred where viable; James Hardie matching cedar profile for replacement. Period-correct detailing essential — corner boards, water tables, exposed rafter tails reproduced on any new work.
1940s–1959 Sunset Park and Veterans Park wood lap
1×6 cedar or pine lap with simpler post-war trim. Pre-1978 lead paint. Modern replacement options center on James Hardie or real cedar.
1960s–1985 Lower Bench transition T-111 and brick
T-111 plywood paneling common on 1965-1980 splits. Often beyond restoration after 50+ years. Some homes have brick veneer. Aluminum siding occasional pre-1980 (asbestos backing testing required). Modern replacement scope.
2010+ townhomes and 30th Street infill
Modern construction with James Hardie fiber cement or stucco from original construction. Refresh practices.
Five recurring siding project shapes account for nearly every Sunset quote.
1. The 1925 Bungalow Cedar Restoration
Comprehensive restoration of original 1×8 cedar lap on a Sunset Craftsman bungalow. Spot replacement of rotted clapboards (typically ground-contact corners and around windows). Surface prep including aggressive scraping with HEPA collection (EPA RRP), oil-based stain blocker primer over clean cedar, two-coat premium acrylic paint. Period architectural trim restored. Cost-effective alternative to replacement when condition allows.
Target homes: Pre-1940 original Sunset Craftsman bungalows on 27th–33rd north of West State.
2. The Bungalow Cedar-to-Hardie Re-Skin (Period-Matched)
Removal of original 1×8 cedar lap and installation of James Hardie HardiePlank with cedar woodgrain texture matching original profile and exposure. Original architectural trim preserved or replicated in fiber cement (corner boards, water tables, frieze boards, exposed rafter tails reproduced). 30-year material warranty on Hardie. EPA RRP throughout demolition.
Target homes: Pre-1940 original Sunset bungalows where cedar is beyond restoration.
3. The Bungalow Cedar Replacement (Real Cedar Matching)
Full replacement with real 1×8 cedar matching original profile, exposure, butt joint pattern, and period architectural trim. More expensive than Hardie. Periodic maintenance painting required (every 7-10 years). Sometimes specified by owners prioritizing exact period authenticity.
Target homes: Pre-1940 original Sunset bungalows where real cedar matching is required.
4. The T-111-to-Hardie Re-Skin
Removal of original T-111 plywood paneling on 1965-1980 Lower Bench split-entry and installation of James Hardie HardiePlank or HardiePanel. New WRB and flashing. Often combined with window replacement for proper integration.
Target homes: 1965-1980 Lower Bench transition homes with T-111 paneling.
5. The Hardie Refresh
Repair, replacement, or repainting of existing James Hardie fiber cement (1990s-present Sunset infill). Sometimes specific board replacement for damaged areas. Repaint with premium product (Sherwin-Williams Duration). Caulking refresh.
Target homes: Newer Sunset homes with existing James Hardie.
The Sunset / 30th Street spans roughly two square miles with distinct sub-neighborhoods, each with its own remodeling personality.
30th Street commercial / Whitewater Park
The recently revitalized commercial-residential corridor along 30th Street between West State Street and the Boise River. Anchored by the Boise Whitewater Park (kayaking and surfing wave), Esther Simplot Park, the Greenbelt, and the 30th Street commercial district (Push & Pour, Local Cellular, Steelhead, breweries). Mix of original 1920s-40s bungalows undergoing gentrification, mid-century infill, and new 2010s-2020s townhomes and small apartment buildings. Walkable urban character. Home values $475K-$985K (single-family) with strong appreciation curve.
Sunset Park / West State Street
The neighborhood centered on Sunset Park along West State Street and surrounding residential streets. Predominantly 1925-1955 single-family homes (1,200-1,800 sq ft) on 50' × 110' to 60' × 130' lots. Quieter than 30th Street corridor, family-focused community character with mature street trees. Home values $475K-$785K.
Veterans Park
The neighborhood surrounding Veterans Memorial Park along Veterans Memorial Parkway, west of Sunset Park. Mix of 1940s-60s post-war housing and 1970s-80s infill. Lots typically 60' × 120'. Strong family-focused community with park access and Greenbelt proximity. Home values $475K-$785K.
Lower Bench transition (south side)
The southern edge of Sunset where the neighborhood transitions toward the geological Boise Bench. Mix of 1940s-60s post-war ranches and 1970s-80s splits. Slightly elevated terrain compared to the Whitewater Park flats. Home values $425K-$685K.
Original Sunset bungalow streets
The earliest Sunset streets, predating the 1940s-50s post-war wave. 1920s-30s Craftsman bungalows and minor revival styles, sometimes with substantial original architectural character. Pre-1940 construction occasional EPA RRP and asbestos considerations. Lots typically 50' × 110'. Home values $485K-$725K.
32nd Street / Esther Simplot Park area
The neighborhoods immediately north of Esther Simplot Park along 32nd Street and surrounding residential streets. Mix of 1930s-50s bungalows and ranches with significant recent investment. Walking distance to park amenities, Whitewater Park, downtown bridges. Home values $525K-$925K.
Sunset siding pricing reflects EPA RRP universal, period-correct detailing premium for pre-1940 bungalows, and the cost difference between cedar matching and Hardie alternative.
Sunset / 30th Street siding installation ranges
Hardie refresh (Repair and repaint existing fiber cement): $22,000–$45,000 / 3–5 weeks
1925 bungalow cedar restoration (Restoration of original cedar with prep and paint): $32,000–$58,000 / 3–5 weeks
T-111-to-Hardie re-skin (Replace T-111 plywood with James Hardie): $58,000–$95,000 / 8–12 weeks
Bungalow cedar-to-Hardie re-skin (period-matched) (Replace cedar with James Hardie matching original profile and trim): $75,000–$115,000 / 10–14 weeks
Bungalow cedar replacement (real cedar matching) (Full replacement with real cedar matching original): $95,000–$135,000 / 10–14 weeks
Pricing assumes Iron Crest's standard scope: EPA RRP throughout pre-1978 work, James Hardie certified installation where applicable, period-correct architectural trim detailing for pre-1940 bungalows, comprehensive WRB and flashing, and a 5-year workmanship warranty + 30-year material warranty on James Hardie.
Sunset / 30th Street is not within any City of Boise Historic District. There is no Historic Preservation Commission review for these neighborhoods. No HOAs for most Sunset streets — historically working-class to middle-class neighborhoods without modern HOA structure.
City of Boise standard permits apply for electrical, plumbing, structural, and mechanical work. Permit timelines are typically 2-4 weeks for over-the-counter scopes and 3-5 weeks for full plan review with structural drawings.
EPA Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Program applies to virtually every Sunset project given the universal pre-1978 construction. Iron Crest carries RRP certification and follows lead-safe work practices including HEPA containment, wet-paste paint scraping, lead-safe disposal.
Asbestos testing required for pre-1980 demolition work. Common in popcorn ceilings, vinyl asbestos floor tile, sheet flooring mastic, pipe insulation, and sometimes original siding products on pre-1980 Sunset homes. Pre-1940 original Sunset bungalows occasionally have plaster-and-lath walls (rather than later drywall) requiring different demolition practices.
Sunset lots are typically smaller than West Boise or Northwest Boise (50'-60' frontage with 110'-130' depth, often 0.13-0.18 acre) but generally accommodate additions and deck work. Setback compliance occasionally constrains larger detached ADU siting on smaller bungalow streets.
Some Sunset properties along the Boise River corridor are subject to flood plain considerations. FEMA flood zone verification required for any work that affects building elevation, foundation, or substantial scope. Iron Crest reviews flood zone status during pre-construction for river-adjacent properties.
30th Street and 27th Street commercial corridors are within City of Boise transit-oriented development planning overlays in some areas. Mixed-use and small multi-family projects subject to specific design review. Pure residential renovation generally not affected.
Boise River Greenbelt easements occasionally affect rear-yard work on properties backing to the river. Iron Crest verifies Greenbelt easement status during pre-construction.
Siding material specification for Sunset balances period authenticity for pre-1940 bungalows with cost-effectiveness and durability for the broader corridor.
James Hardie fiber cement matching cedar profile
HardiePlank lap siding with cedar woodgrain texture replicates original 1925 cedar lap aesthetic. 30-year material warranty. ColorPlus pre-finished or field-painted. Cost: $14–$22 per square foot installed.
Real cedar matching original profile
Real 1×8 cedar lap matching original profile, exposure, butt joint pattern. Premium grade clear or A-grade cedar. Stainless fasteners. Cost: $35–$55 per square foot installed. Period-correct detailing in cedar — corner boards, water tables, frieze boards, exposed rafter tails.
T-111 plywood (when retained)
Sometimes T-111 in good condition is repainted instead of replaced. Wood filler for damaged areas, two-coat acrylic.
Cedar restoration materials
Spot replacement clapboards in matching profile. Oil-based stain blocker primer (Kilz Original or Zinsser Cover Stain). Premium acrylic body paint (Sherwin-Williams Duration or Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior). Stainless fasteners.
Period-correct architectural trim (pre-1940 bungalows)
Corner boards (1×6 typical), water tables at base of wall, frieze boards under eaves, exposed rafter tails (decorative or structural). Iron Crest fabricates or sources matching profiles. Cedar trim sometimes preferred over fiber cement for visual continuity.
WRB and flashing details
Tyvek HomeWrap or premium WRB. Proper flashing tape at all transitions, window/door rough openings, penetrations. Z-flashing at horizontal transitions. Pan flashing at all rough openings.
Color and aesthetic strategy
Bungalow streets: warm earthtones, sage greens, deep reds for body, cream or warm white trim, saturated accent (sash and door). Sunset Park / Lower Bench: warm whites with charcoal trim, monochromatic warm gray, modern palettes that support the gentrification value curve.
EPA RRP lead-safe demolition
Universal in pre-1978 Sunset siding work. HEPA containment, wet-paste paint scraping, lead-safe disposal. Cost addition: $4,500–$15,500 depending on scope.
Sunset siding projects surface specific issues during demolition.
- •Universal pre-1978 lead-paint requiring EPA RRP protocols. Cost addition: $4,500–$15,500.
- •Cedar lap rot or weathering requiring spot replacement (1925 bungalows). Common on ground-contact clapboards and around windows. Spot replacement: $35–$95 per linear foot.
- •Failed sheathing requiring replacement. Original 1×8 board sheathing on 1925 bungalows sometimes shows water damage. Replacement: $8–$15 per square foot of sheathing.
- •Failed WRB requiring complete replacement. Original WRB (typically asphalt felt) has likely failed. Replacement standard with full re-skin: $1.20–$2.20 per square foot of wall surface.
- •Window and door integration issues. Original window flashing often inadequate. Sometimes warrants window replacement during siding work. Window replacement: $1,200–$3,800 per window.
- •Asbestos in pre-1980 building paper, roofing felt, or aluminum siding backing. Some pre-1980 homes have asbestos in original construction materials. Testing required ($300–$700 per sample). Abatement: $4,500–$15,500.
- •Termite or wood-destroying organism damage. Less common in Boise but occasional. Repair: $2,500–$15,000.
- •Foundation transition and capillary break. Original construction sometimes lacks proper capillary break at foundation-to-wall transition. Detailing addition: $1,800–$4,500.
- •Original architectural trim worth preserving on bungalows. Corner boards, water tables, frieze boards often have substantial period character. Restoration preferred: $25–$95 per linear foot.
- •T-111 panel damage requiring substrate repair. Wood filler, panel replacement, or spot substrate replacement: $15–$45 per square foot of repair.
Discovery and design (Weeks 1–3)
On-site walkthrough including substrate condition assessment. Lead and asbestos pre-screening. Material direction (cedar restoration vs. cedar-to-Hardie vs. real cedar replacement). Period-correct detail planning for bungalow scope.
Permitting and ordering (Weeks 3–8)
City of Boise building permit submittal where structural changes. Material ordering 4–8 weeks lead time on premium materials.
Site preparation (Day 1 of work)
Plant and outdoor space protection. Site logistics. Owner property access protocols.
Demolition or restoration prep (Days 1–7)
EPA RRP lead-safe containment. For restoration: pressure wash, scraping with HEPA collection, sanding. For replacement: existing siding removal. Substrate inspection.
WRB and flashing (Days 7–14)
WRB installation. Flashing detail at all penetrations, transitions, and rough openings. Inspection.
Siding install (Days 14–55)
Cedar restoration repaint or new James Hardie / cedar installation. Period-appropriate detailing throughout for bungalow scope. Trim install.
Trim, painting, and finishing (Days 55–75)
Trim installation. Caulking. Field painting (if not factory-pre-finished or for cedar restoration). Final flashing details.
Punch and walkthrough (Days 75–95)
Final inspection. Owner walkthrough. Punch list resolution. Site cleanup. 5-year workmanship warranty begins.
Sunset siding installation requires James Hardie certification, period-correct detailing expertise for pre-1940 bungalows, EPA RRP certification universal, and cedar restoration skill.
- City of Boise Planning & Development Services — Building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical permits.
- EPA Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Program — Required certification for pre-1978 paint disturbance work — applies to virtually every Sunset project.
- City of Boise Parks — Boise River Greenbelt — Greenbelt easement information for river-adjacent Sunset properties.
- Idaho Power Energy Efficiency Programs — Rebates and incentives for insulation, window replacement, HVAC upgrades. Strong ROI for energy retrofits on 1920s-60s Sunset homes.
- Idaho DEQ Air Quality (Asbestos) — Testing and abatement guidance for pre-1980 homes.
- Idaho Division of Building Safety — Contractor Search — Verify contractor RCE license, bonding, and insurance through the official Idaho database.
How much does whole-house siding cost in Sunset?
$22,000-$45,000 for Hardie refresh; $32,000-$58,000 for 1925 bungalow cedar restoration; $58,000-$95,000 for T-111-to-Hardie re-skin; $75,000-$115,000 for bungalow cedar-to-Hardie re-skin (period-matched); $95,000-$135,000 for bungalow cedar replacement (real cedar matching).
Should I restore original cedar or replace with James Hardie?
Restoration preferred where condition allows — preserves period character, more cost-effective ($32K-$58K vs $75K-$115K). Restoration addresses spot rot, failing paint, weathered finish. Replacement justified when remaining cedar surface has rot through to substrate, paint failure into raw wood across more than 30% of the elevation, or structural movement.
Can James Hardie match the original 1925 cedar profile?
Yes. HardiePlank with cedar woodgrain texture replicates original cedar lap. Period-correct architectural trim (corner boards, water tables, frieze boards, exposed rafter tails) reproduced in fiber cement or retained in cedar. Iron Crest's bungalow Hardie work is specifically detailed for period authenticity.
How long does siding work take?
3-5 weeks for Hardie refresh or cedar restoration; 8-12 weeks for T-111-to-Hardie re-skin; 10-14 weeks for cedar-to-Hardie re-skin or real cedar replacement.
Do you handle EPA RRP?
Yes — universally required in Sunset given pre-1978 construction.
Should I do real cedar replacement or Hardie matching?
Hardie matching is more cost-effective ($75,000-$115,000) and has 30-year warranty. Real cedar replacement ($95,000-$135,000) provides exact period authenticity but requires periodic maintenance painting every 7-10 years. Iron Crest provides specific recommendations during walkthrough.
What about asbestos-backed aluminum siding?
Some pre-1980 aluminum siding has asbestos backing. Iron Crest tests before demolition. Abatement: $4,500-$15,500.
Can you preserve original architectural trim?
Yes. Original corner boards, water tables, frieze boards, exposed rafter tails often have substantial period character. Restoration preferred where viable: $25-$95 per linear foot.
Ready to start your Sunset / 30th Street 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.
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