Siding Installation on the 1925 Bungalow Streets, Sunset Park & the Whitewater Corridor
1×6 cedar lap at 7-inch reveal restored on the bungalow streets between 27th and 33rd north of West State, post-war cedar refresh on Sunset Park and Veterans Park, James Hardie HZ5 matching the original profile — FEMA flood-zone aware on river-adjacent properties, EPA RRP universal across the corridor.
Siding work in Sunset operates inside a single tight constraint: the entire corridor predates 1978, which means EPA RRP applies to every address without exception, and the entire corridor predates 1980 on the substantial majority of stock, which means asbestos pre-screening on original siding products is non-negotiable on first-touch. Inside that constraint, the work splits into three distinct programs by sub-area. North of West State Street between 27th and 33rd — the original Sunset bungalow streets — original 1925 1×6 cedar lap at a 7-inch reveal sits behind the painted finish, and where it's restorable through aggressive surface prep, oil-based stain blocker primer, and premium acrylic, restoration is preferred because the period-correct cedar reveal carries resale weight in the corridor's $475K–$985K appreciation curve. Where the original cedar has rotted through to substrate, lost paint into raw wood across more than 30% of the elevation, or shows structural movement, replacement decisions split between James Hardie HardiePlank with cedar woodgrain texture matching the original profile (30-year material warranty, $75K–$118K) and real cedar replacement matching the original 1×6 reveal exactly (premium period-pure choice, $98K–$135K). On Sunset Park and Veterans Park (1925–1955 family-focused streets and 1940s–1960s post-war housing), the original cedar lap is generally in better condition than the bungalow streets — fewer years of weathering on south- and west-facing exposures and more recent paint cycles — and many properties are candidates for restoration repaint rather than full replacement. The Lower Bench transition adds a different substrate problem: T-111 plywood paneling on 1965–1980 splits is universally beyond restoration after 50+ years and warrants Hardie HZ5 replacement. Two layers of regulatory texture sit on top: FEMA flood-zone applies to river-adjacent properties west of 30th and south of West State Street near the Boise River corridor, affecting any siding scope that touches building elevation or substantial structure; and the 30th Street commercial corridor and parts of 27th Street fall within City of Boise transit-oriented development planning overlays in some areas, where mixed-use scope receives specific design review (pure residential renovation generally isn't affected). The Boise River Greenbelt easement occasionally affects rear-yard siding scope on properties backing to the river. The corridor is not within any City of Boise Historic District — there's no Historic Preservation Commission review, no Certificate of Appropriateness — but the period-correct expectation among neighbors and resale buyers approaches an HPC-equivalent informal standard on the bungalow streets, which is why James Hardie ColorPlus matching the original cedar palette holds up to neighbor scrutiny in a way generic Hardie installs don't. Iron Crest is James Hardie HZ5 climate-zone certified for the freeze-thaw and high-UV environment Boise sees, runs EPA RRP across every Sunset siding project, and pre-screens for asbestos in pre-1980 building paper, roofing felt, and original siding products before any demolition.
Siding strategy in Sunset varies sharply by sub-area because the original siding type, condition, and architectural-trim context are entirely different across the housing waves.
1925–1939 original Sunset bungalow streets (27th–33rd north of West State)
Original 1×6 cedar lap at 7-inch reveal or board-and-batten cedar, with substantial period architectural trim — corner boards, water tables, frieze boards, exposed rafter tails. Built before 1978, so pre-1978 lead paint is universal. Plaster-and-lath wall systems behind the siding affect any deeper scope that opens the wall cavity. Restoration preferred where viable; James Hardie matching original cedar profile and exposure for replacement. Period-correct detailing essential — corner boards, water tables, exposed rafter tails reproduced on any new work to maintain the bungalow streetscape's character.
1925–1955 Sunset Park and West State Street
Predominantly 1925–1955 single-family homes on 50'×110' to 60'×130' lots. 1×6 cedar lap with simpler architectural trim than the bungalow streets — typically modest corner boards and frieze boards, restrained eave details. Pre-1978 lead paint universal. Original cedar generally in better condition than bungalow streets because of less concentrated south- and west-facing UV exposure and more recent paint maintenance cycles. Restoration repaint a viable path on a higher fraction of stock here than on the bungalow streets.
1940s–1960s Veterans Park post-war
1940s–1960s post-war housing surrounding Veterans Memorial Park, with 1970s–1980s infill mixed in. Cedar lap dominant, typically 1×6 at 7-inch reveal. Smaller architectural-trim package than Craftsman bungalow streets. Pre-1980 asbestos pre-screen applies on original siding products and building paper. Many properties here are candidates for restoration repaint with selective board replacement on south- and west-facing exposures rather than full re-side.
1960s–1985 Lower Bench transition T-111 and brick
T-111 plywood paneling common on 1965–1980 split-entry homes on the southern Sunset edge transitioning toward the geological Boise Bench. Beyond restoration after 50+ years universally. Some properties have brick veneer on lower portions. Aluminum siding occasional pre-1980 (asbestos-backing testing required before demolition). Modern replacement scope — Hardie HZ5 lap or LP SmartSide value alternative.
2010+ townhomes and 30th Street infill near Whitewater Park / Esther Simplot
Modern construction with James Hardie fiber cement or stucco from original construction. Refresh practices apply — repaint, selective board replacement, no full re-side typically warranted at this age. Some 30th Street commercial corridor properties may fall within the TOD planning overlay where any structural scope receives specific design review.
Five recurring siding shapes account for nearly every Sunset quote. Sub-area, era, and existing-substrate condition all drive which shape applies.
1. The 1925 Bungalow Cedar Restoration (Period-Preserved)
Comprehensive restoration of original 1×6 cedar lap at 7-inch reveal on a Sunset Craftsman bungalow north of West State between 27th and 33rd. Spot replacement of rotted clapboards (typically ground-contact corners, around windows, and on south- and west-facing exposures). Aggressive surface prep with HEPA-collected scraping (EPA RRP universal). Oil-based stain blocker primer (Kilz Original or Zinsser Cover Stain) over clean cedar. Two-coat premium acrylic exterior paint. Period architectural trim — corner boards, water tables, frieze boards, exposed rafter tails — restored or replicated in matching cedar profile. Cost-effective alternative to replacement when condition allows; preserves the irreplaceable period-correct cedar reveal.
Target homes: Pre-1940 original Sunset Craftsman bungalows on the streets between 27th and 33rd north of West State. Permit: building permit for substantial scope; EPA RRP universal.
2. The 1925 Bungalow Cedar-to-Hardie Re-Skin (HZ5 Period-Matched)
Removal of original 1×8 or 1×6 cedar lap and installation of James Hardie HardiePlank HZ5 climate-zone product with cedar woodgrain texture matching original profile and exposure (7-inch reveal). Original architectural trim package — corner boards (typically 1×6), water tables, frieze boards, exposed rafter tails — preserved in real cedar where condition allows or replicated in fiber cement to match original profile. Self-adhered flashing tape at all openings. Drainage-plane housewrap (Tyvek CommercialWrap or Henry Blueskin VP100). 30-year material warranty on Hardie. EPA RRP universal throughout demolition. Pre-1980 asbestos pre-screen on original siding products and building paper.
Target homes: Pre-1940 original Sunset bungalows on 27th–33rd north of West State where cedar is beyond restoration (rot through to substrate, paint failure into raw wood across 30%+ of elevation, or structural movement). Permit: building permit; EPA RRP universal.
3. The Bungalow Real-Cedar Replacement (Period-Pure)
Full replacement with real 1×6 cedar at original 7-inch reveal, matching original butt-joint pattern and period architectural trim. Premium grade clear or A-grade cedar. Stainless fasteners. Periodic maintenance painting required every 7–10 years. Specified by owners prioritizing exact period authenticity over the longer-warranty Hardie alternative — the choice often made on bungalow streets where neighboring properties are also period-pure cedar.
Target homes: Pre-1940 original Sunset bungalows on 27th–33rd north of West State where real-cedar matching is required for period authenticity or neighborhood streetscape consistency. Permit: building permit; EPA RRP universal.
4. The Sunset Park / Veterans Park Restoration Repaint
Comprehensive restoration repaint of original 1×6 cedar lap on a 1925–1965 Sunset Park, West State Street, or Veterans Park home. Less aggressive than full replacement — power-wash, scraping with HEPA collection (EPA RRP universal), sanding to feather edges, spot replacement on weather-checked or rotted boards (typically 5–15% of total siding area on south- and west-facing exposures), oil-based primer on bare wood, two-coat premium acrylic finish. Preserves original cedar substrate where condition allows. Most cost-effective Sunset siding scope by visual-impact-per-dollar.
Target homes: 1925–1965 Sunset Park, West State Street, and Veterans Park homes with intact but weathered original cedar lap. Permit: usually no permit required for paint scope; building permit if board replacement is structural.
5. The Lower Bench T-111-to-Hardie HZ5 Re-Skin
Removal of original T-111 plywood paneling on a 1965–1980 Lower Bench split-entry and installation of James Hardie HardiePlank HZ5 lap or HardiePanel where vertical accent is original. New drainage-plane WRB and self-adhered flashing tape at all openings. Often combined with window replacement for proper integration of new flashing. Pre-1980 asbestos pre-screen on building paper before demolition.
Target homes: 1965–1980 Lower Bench transition homes south of Veterans Memorial Parkway with T-111 plywood paneling. Permit: building permit.
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 three corridor realities: EPA RRP universal across every address, period-correct architectural-trim premium for pre-1940 bungalow streets, and the cost difference between cedar matching and Hardie HZ5 alternative across the replacement decision.
Sunset / 30th Street siding installation ranges
Sunset Park / Veterans Park restoration repaint (Restoration of original cedar with prep, primer, and two-coat finish): $26,000–$48,000 / 3–5 weeks
1925 bungalow cedar restoration (Period-preserved restoration of original 1×6 cedar lap with EPA RRP throughout): $32,000–$58,000 / 3–5 weeks
Lower Bench T-111-to-Hardie HZ5 re-skin (Replace T-111 plywood with James Hardie HZ5 lap): $58,000–$98,000 / 8–12 weeks
Bungalow cedar-to-Hardie HZ5 re-skin (period-matched) (Replace cedar with Hardie HZ5 matching original profile, exposure, and trim): $78,000–$118,000 / 10–14 weeks
Bungalow real-cedar replacement (period-pure) (Full replacement with real 1×6 cedar at original 7-inch reveal): $98,000–$135,000 / 10–14 weeks
Pricing assumes Iron Crest's standard Sunset scope: EPA RRP universal across every pre-1978 address, James Hardie HZ5 climate-zone certified installation where applicable (required for warranty in Boise's freeze-thaw and high-UV environment), period-correct architectural trim detailing for pre-1940 bungalow streets (corner boards, water tables, frieze boards, exposed rafter tails), comprehensive drainage-plane WRB (Tyvek CommercialWrap or Henry Blueskin VP100), self-adhered flashing tape at every opening, FEMA flood-zone FIRMette pull at no charge for river-adjacent properties west of 30th and south of West State, City of Boise 30th Street TOD overlay coordination where applicable, Boise River Greenbelt easement verification on rear-yard scope, and our 5-year workmanship warranty layered on top of Hardie's 30-year material warranty (or LP SmartSide's 50-year, where the value alternative is chosen). Sunset is not within any City of Boise Historic District, so there's no Historic Preservation Commission review or Certificate of Appropriateness — but the period-correct expectation among neighbors and resale buyers on the bungalow streets between 27th and 33rd approaches an HPC-equivalent informal standard.
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 bungalow streets with cost-effectiveness and durability for the broader corridor — and accommodates Boise's freeze-thaw and high-UV climate that demands HZ5-certified product across any fiber cement specification.
James Hardie HZ5 fiber cement matching original cedar profile
HardiePlank lap siding with cedar woodgrain texture replicates original 1925 1×6 cedar lap aesthetic at original 7-inch reveal. HZ5 climate-zone certification non-negotiable in Boise — required for the 30-year material warranty given the freeze-thaw and high-UV environment. ColorPlus pre-finished or field-painted (most Sunset projects use field-paint for color flexibility). Cost: $14–$22 per square foot installed. Period-correct architectural trim package preserved in real cedar or replicated in fiber cement.
Real cedar matching original 1925 profile and exposure
Real 1×6 cedar lap at original 7-inch reveal, matching original profile, butt-joint pattern, and period architectural trim. Premium grade clear or A-grade cedar. Stainless fasteners. Cost: $35–$55 per square foot installed. Period-correct detailing in matching cedar — corner boards (typically 1×6), water tables, frieze boards, exposed rafter tails. Periodic maintenance painting required every 7–10 years; that maintenance overhead is the tradeoff against Hardie's longer warranty.
LP SmartSide engineered wood — value alternative
LP SmartSide engineered wood with treated wood fiber and resin construction. Lighter than fiber cement, easier to install (lower labor cost), 50-year material warranty (longer than Hardie's 30). Slightly more wood-like aesthetic in person but reads identical to Hardie from the curb. Cost: $11–$19 per square foot installed. Appropriate value-tier choice for Lower Bench T-111 replacement scope or budget-constrained restoration alternatives. Less common on the bungalow streets where period-match drives cedar or fiber cement specification.
Cedar restoration materials
Spot-replacement clapboards in matching profile and reveal. Oil-based stain blocker primer (Kilz Original or Zinsser Cover Stain) — required to block tannin bleed from cedar. Premium acrylic body paint (Sherwin-Williams Duration or Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior). Stainless fasteners throughout. EPA RRP-compliant scraping and sanding with HEPA collection.
Period-correct architectural trim (pre-1940 bungalow streets)
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 with adjacent bungalow streetscape. The 30th Street corridor's appreciation curve and the period-correct expectation among bungalow-street neighbors make this trim package non-negotiable on resale-aware scope.
Drainage-plane WRB and self-adhered flashing
Tyvek CommercialWrap or Henry Blueskin VP100 drainage-plane housewrap as standard on every full re-side. Provides positive drainage behind the siding and substantially improves moisture management on Boise's high-driving-rain west-facing exposures and on FEMA flood-zone-edge properties west of 30th and south of West State. Self-adhered flashing tape at all window and door openings, all corner boards, the bottom course, and any horizontal transition (Z-flashing on horizontal joints).
Color and aesthetic strategy by sub-area
Bungalow streets (27th–33rd north of State): warm earthtones, sage greens, deep reds for body, cream or warm white trim, saturated accent on sash and door — period-correct palette that supports the corridor's appreciation curve. Sunset Park / Veterans Park: warm whites with charcoal trim, monochromatic warm gray, modern palettes that signal recent investment. Lower Bench transition: contemporary palettes calibrated to the 1965–1980 split-entry architectural context.
EPA RRP and asbestos protocols
EPA RRP 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 and disturbed surface area. Pre-1980 asbestos pre-screen on original siding products, building paper, and roofing felt before any demolition. Testing $300–$700 per sample. Licensed abatement when triggered: $4,500–$15,500.
Sunset siding projects surface a recurring set of conditions during demolition. We pre-screen them at the consultation walkthrough so the budget reflects them up front rather than as change orders mid-project.
- •Universal pre-1978 lead-paint requiring EPA RRP protocols Universal across every Sunset address. HEPA containment, wet-paste paint scraping, lead-safe disposal. Cost addition: $4,500–$15,500 depending on disturbed surface area.
- •Pre-1980 asbestos in original siding products, building paper, or roofing felt Some pre-1980 homes have asbestos in original construction materials — building paper, roofing felt, or aluminum-siding backing. Testing required ($300–$700 per sample) before disturbance. Licensed abatement when triggered: $4,500–$15,500.
- •Cedar lap rot or weathering requiring spot replacement (1925 bungalows) Common on ground-contact clapboards, around windows, and on south- and west-facing exposures. Spot replacement: $35–$95 per linear foot of replacement clapboard.
- •Failed sheathing requiring replacement Original 1×8 board sheathing on 1925 bungalows sometimes shows water damage. Replacement: $8–$15 per square foot of sheathing affected.
- •Failed WRB requiring complete replacement Original WRB (typically asphalt felt) has likely failed after 60–100 years. Replacement standard with full re-skin — drainage-plane upgrade to Tyvek CommercialWrap or Blueskin VP100 included. $1.20–$2.20 per square foot of wall surface.
- •Window and door integration with inadequate original flashing Original window flashing on pre-1965 Sunset homes is often inadequate. Re-side is the right time to add self-adhered flashing tape at every opening. Sometimes warrants window replacement during siding work for proper integration: $1,400–$4,200 per window.
- •Plaster-and-lath connection on pre-1940 bungalow streets Where new siding work meets the pre-1940 plaster-and-lath wall system at deeper structural scope — soffit replacement, fascia tie-in, structural sheathing repair — the plaster-and-lath connection requires different demolition than drywall homes. Adds 2–4 days to scope. Plaster repair: $35–$85 per square foot.
- •FEMA flood zone (river-adjacent properties west of 30th and south of West State) Some Sunset properties west of 30th and south of West State Street are within FEMA's Boise River flood mapping. Affects any siding scope that touches building elevation or substantial structure. Iron Crest pulls the FIRMette during pre-construction at no charge to verify before design is finalized.
- •Boise River Greenbelt easement on rear-yard scope Greenbelt easements occasionally affect rear-yard siding scope on properties backing to the river. We verify with City of Boise Parks during the design phase.
- •30th Street transit-oriented development overlay (commercial corridor) Properties immediately fronting or adjacent to the 30th Street commercial strip may fall within the City's TOD planning overlay. Pure residential siding work generally isn't affected, but mixed-use scope receives specific design review. We verify zoning at consultation.
- •Foundation transition and capillary break detail Original construction sometimes lacks proper capillary break at foundation-to-wall transition. Detailing addition during re-side: $1,800–$4,500.
- •Original architectural trim worth preserving on bungalow streets Corner boards, water tables, frieze boards, and exposed rafter tails on 1925 bungalow streets often have substantial period character. Restoration preferred where viable: $25–$95 per linear foot. Replacement in matching cedar profile when restoration isn't viable: $35–$120 per linear foot.
Discovery and design (Weeks 1–3)
On-site walkthrough including substrate condition assessment elevation by elevation. EPA RRP lead pre-screen and pre-1980 asbestos test sample on original siding products, building paper, and roofing felt. FEMA FIRMette pull on river-adjacent properties west of 30th and south of West State. Material direction conversation (cedar restoration vs. cedar-to-Hardie HZ5 vs. real-cedar replacement). Period-correct architectural-trim planning for bungalow scope.
Permitting and ordering (Weeks 3–8)
City of Boise building permit submittal where structural changes are in scope. 30th Street TOD overlay coordination if applicable. Boise River Greenbelt easement verification on rear-yard scope. Hardie HZ5 or LP SmartSide material order (typical 4–8 week lead time on premium colors). Real cedar order from premium millwork suppliers (4–6 weeks).
Site preparation (Day 1 of work)
Plant and outdoor space protection (foam-padded ladders, drop cloths over landscape). Walkway and driveway protection. Lift or scaffolding setup for two-story scope. Material staging on driveway or street with right-of-way permit. Dumpster placement for old-siding disposal.
Demolition or restoration prep (Days 1–7)
EPA RRP lead-safe containment up. For restoration: pressure wash, scraping with HEPA collection, sanding to feather edges. For replacement: existing siding removal elevation by elevation. Pre-1980 asbestos abatement by licensed contractor when pre-screen returned positive. Substrate inspection.
Sheathing inspection and repair (Days 7–10)
Sheathing condition assessment, repair or replacement of damaged areas, framing repair if needed. Pre-screen for moisture damage at the bottom course where original siding may have had compromised flashing.
Drainage-plane WRB and flashing (Days 10–14)
Tyvek CommercialWrap or Henry Blueskin VP100 drainage-plane housewrap. Self-adhered flashing tape at all window and door openings, all corner boards, the bottom course. Z-flashing at horizontal transitions. Pan flashing at all rough openings.
Siding install (Days 14–55)
Cedar restoration repaint or new James Hardie HZ5 / real-cedar installation course by course. Period-appropriate architectural detailing throughout for bungalow scope — corner boards, water tables, frieze boards, exposed rafter tails. Proper fastening per Hardie or LP specification on fiber cement scope; stainless fasteners on real cedar.
Trim, painting, and finishing (Days 55–75)
Trim installation. Caulking at all trim-to-siding junctions, around windows, at corner boards. Field painting where on-site finish was specified. Final flashing details. EPA RRP cleanup verification.
Punch and walkthrough (Days 75–95)
Final inspection by City of Boise. Owner walkthrough. Punch list resolution. Site cleanup. 5-year Iron Crest workmanship warranty + 30-year Hardie HZ5 material warranty (or 50-year LP SmartSide) begin.
Sunset siding installation needs a contractor fluent in three distinct vocabularies — pre-1940 bungalow-street period restoration, post-war Sunset Park / Veterans Park restoration repaint, and Lower Bench T-111 replacement — plus the regulatory texture: EPA RRP universal, pre-1980 asbestos pre-screen, FEMA flood-zone coordination on river-adjacent properties, and 30th Street TOD overlay awareness on the commercial corridor.
- 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?
$26,000–$48,000 for Sunset Park / Veterans Park restoration repaint of original cedar; $32,000–$58,000 for 1925 bungalow cedar restoration on the streets between 27th and 33rd; $58,000–$98,000 for Lower Bench T-111-to-Hardie HZ5 re-skin; $78,000–$118,000 for bungalow cedar-to-Hardie HZ5 re-skin (period-matched); $98,000–$135,000 for bungalow real-cedar replacement (period-pure). Final number depends on sub-area, era, condition of original substrate, and discovery work surfaced during demolition.
Should I restore original cedar or replace with James Hardie HZ5?
Restoration preferred where condition allows — preserves the period-correct cedar reveal, more cost-effective ($32K–$58K vs. $78K–$118K), and maintains the bungalow streetscape character that supports the 30th Street corridor's $475K–$985K appreciation curve. 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 — conditions we assess during the consultation walkthrough.
Can James Hardie HZ5 match my original 1925 cedar profile?
Yes. HardiePlank with cedar woodgrain texture replicates the original 1×6 cedar lap at 7-inch reveal. Period-correct architectural trim (corner boards, water tables, frieze boards, exposed rafter tails) reproduced in fiber cement or retained in real cedar where condition allows. Iron Crest's bungalow-street Hardie work is specifically detailed for period authenticity to clear the informal HPC-equivalent expectation among neighbors and resale buyers on the streets between 27th and 33rd north of West State.
Why is HZ5 climate-zone certification important?
HZ5 is the climate-zone product specification required for Boise's freeze-thaw and high-UV environment. Standard Hardie product without HZ5 certification voids the 30-year material warranty in Boise. Iron Crest is HZ5 certified — non-negotiable on every Sunset siding project that uses Hardie product.
How long does siding work take in Sunset?
3–5 weeks for Sunset Park / Veterans Park restoration repaint or 1925 bungalow cedar restoration; 8–12 weeks for Lower Bench T-111-to-Hardie HZ5 re-skin; 10–14 weeks for bungalow cedar-to-Hardie HZ5 re-skin or real-cedar replacement.
Is my property in the FEMA flood zone?
Some Sunset properties west of 30th and south of West State Street are within FEMA's Boise River flood mapping. Affects any siding scope that touches building elevation or substantial structure. We pull the FIRMette during pre-construction at no charge to verify before design is finalized.
Do you handle EPA RRP?
Yes — universally required across every Sunset address given the entire corridor predates 1978. HEPA containment, wet-paste paint scraping, lead-safe disposal. Built into Iron Crest's standard Sunset pricing rather than added as a discovery surprise.
What about asbestos in pre-1980 building paper or original siding?
Some pre-1980 Sunset homes have asbestos in building paper, roofing felt, or aluminum-siding backing. Testing first ($300–$700 per sample). Licensed abatement when triggered: $4,500–$15,500. Iron Crest pre-screens all suspect substrates before disturbance.
Should I do real-cedar replacement or Hardie HZ5 matching?
Hardie HZ5 matching is more cost-effective ($78K–$118K) and carries the longer 30-year material warranty. Real-cedar replacement ($98K–$135K) provides exact period authenticity and the maintenance overhead of repaint cycles every 7–10 years. Real cedar is often the right answer on bungalow streets where neighboring properties are also period-pure cedar; Hardie HZ5 matching is often the right answer where the corridor context tolerates fiber cement or where the longer warranty is worth more than the period-pure substrate. Iron Crest provides specific recommendations during the walkthrough.
Can you preserve original architectural trim?
Yes. Original corner boards, water tables, frieze boards, and exposed rafter tails on the bungalow streets often have substantial period character. Restoration preferred where viable: $25–$95 per linear foot. Replacement in matching cedar profile when restoration isn't viable: $35–$120 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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