Remodeling a Boise Mid-Century Home? Here’s Where to Spend Your Money
Mid-century homes continue to be some of the most sought-after properties in Boise, especially in neighborhoods like Hillcrest, Depot Bench, Central Rim, Randolph Robertson, and so on. Their solid construction, mature landscaping, and unique architectural details are hard to find in newer homes. The key is updating them without removing the character that makes them special.
If your home was built in the 1960s or earlier, here are the improvements that typically provide the best return on investment.
Inside a Boise Mid-Century Home
Preserve the Charm
Original brick, built-ins, wood accents, flagstone fireplace, and other mid-century details are often what buyers love most. Mid-Century Modern is a huge trend, and there are entire groups all over the US following the best-kept MCM properties. Think twice before covering up or replacing those vintage items with trendy finishes. Flooring is a great example of one of the best mid-century features in a home. On the Boise Bench, where many mid-century homes are found, it’s common to find beautiful oak floors under that shag carpet. Back in the 50’s real hardwood was often used as a sub floor, and then in the 60s-80s, when carpet was all the rage, they were often covered over. Underneath, once that old glue is sanded off and they are refinished, they are simply gorgeous. Often with hues of rose, beige, gold peeking through. But not all things should stay vintage.
Kitchens and Bathrooms
Depending on the state of the cupboards and counters, you may be able to work with them. You don’t always need a complete remodel. New countertops, updated lighting, modern fixtures, fresh cabinet hardware, and paint can completely change the look without overspending. Check out this beautiful home on Normandie Drive in Boise’s Hillcrest Neighborhood that I recently listed, and its older cabinets. The home was clean, full of charm, and still kept buyers intrigued even with the older cupboards.
Below is another example of mid-century charm in a home I listed in Boise’s Central Rim neighborhood. True avocado green vintage counters and original cabinets and hardware. This home received multiple offers and sold substantially over the list price for those looking for the trendy MCM look.
Don’t Ignore the Less Trendy Items
Mechanicals – Mid-Century is a popular trend, but 50- to 70-year-old mechanicals systems are not. Buyers look more closely at older homes and the mechanical systems, such as electrical panels, plumbing systems, water heaters, and HVAC systems. These aren’t glamorous upgrades, but they can prevent inspection issues and give buyers confidence in the home, giving the home a more modern feel.
Many mid-century neighborhoods are known for their beautiful, mature trees, but those large root systems can eventually find their way into older sewer lines. A sewer scope typically costs $150–$300 and can identify root intrusion, cracks, or other issues before they become major problems. Minor repairs are often far less expensive than waiting for a sewer line failure, which can easily cost several thousand dollars to repair or replace.
Basement Egress Windows – If you are one of the fortunate (depending on how you look at it) to have a Mid-Century home with a basement, having at least one window that meets egress requirements is worth the cost. An egress window provides a safe emergency exit, brings in natural light, and can make a dark basement feel much more inviting. In most cases, a bedroom must have an egress window that meets building code requirements for size and accessibility to be considered a legal bedroom. If you’re planning to sell, finishing your basement, or regularly hosting guests, it’s worth finding out whether your windows meet today’s standards. It’s an upgrade that improves both safety and marketability.
Upgrading the Exterior of a Boise Mid-Century Home
Fresh Paint Goes a Long Way
You can refresh an older home’s exterior without losing its character, and paint is one of the easiest ways to do so. Mid-century homes often feature natural brick, stone, slate, or wood accents that give them timeless appeal. Whenever possible, consider preserving these original materials rather than covering them up. A fresh coat of paint in a warm white, soft greige, charcoal, or muted sage can modernize the home while still complementing its architecture. One of my favorite ways to add personality is with the front door. A classic wood door always looks beautiful, but if you want to embrace mid-century style, don’t be afraid to choose a bold color like teal, mustard yellow, burnt orange, olive green, or deep turquoise. It’s an inexpensive update that creates instant curb appeal and makes your home memorable. If your home already has beautiful brick or slate, letting those natural materials shine while adding a fun pop of color at the front door can create the perfect balance of classic and modern. Take a look at two homes that were both updated Mid-century homes I listed. One kept the natural stone/brick, while the other added a more modern approach. Both looked great and the homes sold quickly.
Improve Curb Appeal
A welcoming front door, well-maintained landscaping, trimmed shrubs, and a healthy lawn create a great first impression before buyers even walk inside. Often in Boise, Mid-Century neighborhoods have larger lots, so a great way to make them shine and add in curb appeal is to add colorful shrubs, trees, and landscaping using sod or rocks to line garden beds. Garden sheds painted the same color as the home add a lot of appeal and bring value to homes for extra storage outside. Another important feature of the exterior is the fence. Having a fence in good condition, not falling over, and stained and protected from Boise’s UV rays can make the home look timeless and well-kept.
The Best Return Isn’t Always the Most Expensive
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that homeowners need to spend tens of thousands of dollars before selling. In many cases, that’s simply not true.
One final piece of advice: don’t over-improve your home for the neighborhood. The highest return usually comes from making your home clean, updated, and well-maintained while preserving the features that make a mid-century home unique. Before starting a major remodel, it’s always worth getting advice on which improvements are most likely to add value in your specific neighborhood. It’s important to talk with a Realtor who understands your local market. Every neighborhood is different, and the renovations that produce the highest return in one area may not make financial sense in another.
The goal isn’t to spend the most money. It’s to invest in the improvements that today’s buyers value most while protecting your home’s long-term resale value.
Need Relocation Guidance? I’m Here to Help.
Whether you’re moving to Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, Star, or Caldwell, I specialize in relocation to Idaho and can break down costs by neighborhood, school district, or commute pattern.
I’ve helped numerous families and individuals move to the Treasure Valley, and I’d love to guide you, too.
Click here to schedule your Boise Relocation Consultation or explore homes across the valley.
