Custom Homes & Renovations
While we're renowned for our award-winning work in Boise's historic neighborhoods, our passion and expertise extend far beyond preservation projects. We're equally excited about bringing ambitious new construction to life throughout the entire Treasure Valley. Whether you're dreaming of a custom-built home or planning a significant modern renovation, we bring the same seasoned dedication to quality, meticulous attention to detail, and collaborative design process to these larger-scale projects.
Your home should tell your story. Let's create something distinctly yours—crafted with precision, inspired by design, and built to endure.
ADUs & Guest Houses
Accessory Dwelling Units are transforming how Boise families live, work, and invest in their properties. Whether you're looking to house aging parents, create rental income, or build a dedicated home office space, ADUs offer an elegant solution that maximizes your lot's potential while respecting neighborhood character.
We understand Boise's ADU regulations inside and out, from size restrictions to setback requirements, and we know which neighborhoods offer the best opportunities. ADUs add functional living space that blends seamlessly with your property's existing style while potentially covering their construction costs through rental income.
The ADU Advantage
From detached studios perfect for creative work to full-sized guest houses complete with kitchens and private entrances, we design ADUs that feel intentional and integrated, not like afterthoughts. Our approach ensures your new structure enhances both your property value and your daily life.
Ready to explore what's possible on your lot? Let's discuss how an ADU could work for you.
Historic District Lifts & Remodels
Living in one of Boise's beautiful historic homes is a unique privilege, but you might be wishing for more space or modern comforts. At Kai, we specialize in transforming historic properties respectfully and innovatively, working as seasoned experts within Boise's historic district preservation regulations to unlock your home's hidden potential.
The North End Challenge
As you may have already learned, if you want more space in your North End home, you can't go up or out - the only way is down. We're one of the few Boise builders who can safely lift, excavate, and reset your home within historic guidelines, effectively doubling your square footage with a fully-finished daylight basement featuring nine-foot ceilings.
Our Signature "Lift and Dig" Process
Our proven method involves inserting steel beams above your existing floor, jacking the house up onto crib stacks, excavating and pouring a new basement and foundation, then lowering the structure back down and reconnecting all services. The result? Historic integrity on the outside, modern comfort and technology on the inside.
Navigating the Regulations
We have deep knowledge of Boise Historic Preservation rules and work closely with local architects who understand the process. From staff approvals to commission hearings to City Hall appeals, we know the system inside and out. We also handle EPA-certified lead abatement, ensuring all renovations meet the highest safety and environmental standards.
Are you looking to transform your historic property? Let's double your square footage!
Smart & Energy-Efficient Homes
At Kai, we're passionate about building homes that are future-ready. We refuse to be stagnant, constantly exploring advanced materials and cutting-edge technologies to create living spaces that work in harmony with their environment. Whether you're interested in geothermal systems that heat your entire home with the ground's steady temperature, solar arrays paired with battery storage that keep your bills low, or smart home integration that works seamlessly with what you already use, we engineer these innovations into every build for comfort that lasts and utility costs that keep shrinking.
Energy Performance
Our signature approach combines passive-house thinking with modern technology. Super-insulated ICF walls up to 16 inches thick paired with triple-pane windows dramatically reduce your HVAC needs - we've cut loads from 6 tons to just 1.5 tons in past projects. Add geothermal heating for radiant floors and solar panels tied to smart electrical systems, and you get a home that's as comfortable as it is efficient.
Smart Integration
We design smart homes from the studs out, pre-wiring for everything from simple Lutron lighting controls to comprehensive Control4 automation. Your new systems work with what you already use - Apple Home, Google Home, or Alexa - while adding features like leak sensors in wet zones and under-cabinet LEDs for seamless daily living.
Want to see how we can make your home more intelligent, performant, and efficient? We're eager to make homes comfortable and sustainable.