When building a custom home, it's easy to get absorbed in choosing kitchens, flooring, and wallpapers. As a result, many buyers fall into a classic trap: spending their entire budget on the building and leaving almost nothing for the **Exterior (Gaikou)**—the garden, fences, and approach. The Face of Your Home The exterior is more than just decoration; it drastically changes the home's image and value. More importantly, it is crucial for privacy. Without a properly designed f

One of the most common dilemmas for homebuyers in Japan is choosing who will build their house. The industry is broadly divided into two camps: Major House Makers  and Design Offices (or Local Builders/Komuten).  Both have distinct advantages and disadvantages. The Safety of Standards vs. The Freedom of Design Major House Makers offer an undeniable sense of security. They build thousands of homes annually, offering streamlined processes, robust warranties, and proven earthqua

Finding a plot of land that feels "right" is an emotional moment. However, in the complex world of Japanese custom home building, buying land before  narrowing down your potential builders or architects is a significant risk. The Method vs. Environment Problem Every piece of land has strict legal constraints, but it also has physical ones. Crucially, every builder has their own preferred construction methods. Some of these methods may be impossible to execute depending on the

When buying land in a residential area in Japan, many envision maximizing the space with a large, box-shaped house. However, the reality often involves a strict rule known as the "North-side Sloping Line Restriction. (北側斜線制限)" Simply put, to ensure sunlight for neighbors to your north, the law mandates a height limit for the northern side of your building. Depending on the plan, this might make a 3-story house impossible, or significantly reduce living space on the 2nd floor,