Extensions and Other Large Scale Construction (Q& A)

Q: Are extensions and other large-scale construction possible? 

Even if the building is an existing unqualified building, various regulations apply to extensions, large-scale repairs, large-scale remodeling, and changes in use. 
While the Building Standard Law is applied retroactively, it is relatively easy to extend, repair, remodel, and change the use of a building under certain conditions. There are also relatively easy methods to build a new Kyo-Machiya house.

Large-Scale Repair and Remodeling: Most of the exterior walls are damaged, but is it easy to repair them? 

Change of Use: ​I would like to turn my Kyo-Machiya house into a Japanese inn, but is it easy to change the use? 

Extensions: I would like to build an extension as my house is not spacious enough, but is it easy to do so? 

New Construction: I would like to build a new house with the design and structure of a traditional wooden Kyo-Machiya, but is it easy to do so?

A: Yes, they are possible in certain instances.

Large-Scale Repair and Remodeling:
⇒ Can be done easily

• Full repair of exterior walls from the substrate 
• Full repair of the roof from the substrate

⇒ The above repairs fall under the category of large-scale repairs. 
The Building Standard Law is applied retroactively, but there are some mitigation clauses. 
For details, please refer to "Examples of Large-Scale Repairs and Remodeling."

Change of Use:
⇒It is easy to change the use. 

• A change of use of a Kyo-Machiya house to an inn, etc. 

⇒The above change of use is possible without major renovation (Provided that it does not involve renovation that falls under the category of large-scale repair or remodeling. )
 For details, see "Examples of Change of Use." 

Extensions:
⇒ An existing building can be easily extended.

• Building an annex on the site 

⇒ ​Some of the individual and collective regulations do not apply retroactively to the existing building for the above extensions. 
For details, please refer to "Examples of Separate Building Extensions." 

New Construction:
⇒ New construction is possible.

• New construction of a building with a design such as a Kyo-Machiya using the traditional framework construction method. 

⇒ New construction using the traditional framework construction method is possible if safety is confirmed by advanced verification methods. 
For details, please refer to "Examples of New Construction."