How Much Building a House in Japan Really Costs

Summary

In this video, the host takes viewers on a tour of a Japanese multigenerational house, explaining the costs and features of building a home in Japan. The house, designed for two families, includes distinct living areas and various functional spaces such as a kitchen, tatami room, living room, and multiple bathrooms. The construction cost is detailed, ranging from $560,000 to $593,000, depending on features like furniture and appliances. The video also covers the unique Japanese architectural aspects, such as sunken tables and automatic baths, while providing insights into building codes, heating systems, and timeframes for construction.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video showcases the cost and features of building a Japanese multigenerational house designed for two families, including grandparents.
• 😀 The base cost of the house is 88 million yen ($560,000), excluding land, with a total cost including furnishings reaching 93 million yen ($593,000).
• 😀 The house spans 316 square meters, with an estimated cost of 1,800 yen per square meter ($164 per square foot).
• 😀 The design of the house complies with Japan’s strict building codes, including M7 seismic level earthquake resistance.
• 😀 The house features an L-shaped couch and a fireplace, creating a comfortable living room with open space connected to the dining area.
• 😀 A standard kitchen setup costs around 2-3 million yen ($13,000 to $20,000), including appliances like an IH stove, fish grill, and dishwasher.
• 😀 The tatami room, traditionally for elderly family members or guests, costs 500,000 yen ($3,200) to build with a sunken table included.
• 😀 The home includes modern heating systems, with an estimated cost of 250,000 yen ($1,600) for floor heating in cold areas.
• 😀 Bathrooms have advanced features, including automatic bath temperature and water level adjustments, costing around 800,000 yen ($5,000).
• 😀 The total time for construction, including design and planning, is approximately 200 days, with the house itself taking 150 days to build.
• 😀 The house features a 50-year support agreement, ensuring ongoing maintenance and quality preservation for the homeowner.

Q & A

What is the total cost of building the Japanese house described in the video?

The total cost of building the Japanese house is 88 million yen (about $560,000) before tax and land, or 93 million yen (about $593,000) including furniture, appliances, and decorations.

What is the size of the house, and how does the cost break down per square meter?

The house is 316 square meters in size, and the cost works out to approximately $1,800 per square meter, or $164 per square foot.

How long does it typically take to construct this type of house in Japan?

It usually takes about 150 days to construct the house, with a total of around 200 days when including the time for planning and design.

What is the estimated cost of installing a floor heater in the house?

The estimated cost of installing a floor heater is around 250,000 yen ($1,600) for 12.5 square meters.

What is unique about the tatami room in the house?

The tatami room is a traditional Japanese space where the grandparents can rest and sleep. It features a sunken table and a raised floor for seating comfort. The cost to build a tatami room is around 500,000 yen ($3,200).

How does the house address Japan's strict building codes, particularly concerning earthquakes?

The house is designed to meet Japan's strict building codes, including an M7 seismic level earthquake, ensuring it can withstand significant earthquakes.

What makes the bath area in the house unique?

The bath area features an automatic system that adjusts the water temperature and level with the press of a button, ensuring a perfectly heated bath. The cost of installing this system is about 800,000 yen ($5,000).

What are the costs associated with building the kitchen in the house?

The cost of building the kitchen area, including appliances and cabinetry, ranges from 2 million yen to 3 million yen ($13,000 to $20,000), depending on the choice of materials and features.

What is the purpose of the 'Doma' space in the house?

The 'Doma' space is a traditional Japanese transition area that serves as a creative or flexible workspace in this modern house. It is often made with packed earth or stone.

How is central heating different in this house compared to typical Japanese homes?

Unlike most Japanese homes, which often have individual air conditioners or heaters in each room, this house features a central heating and cooling system, providing more efficient temperature control throughout the house.