Frequently Asked Questions

Cost per square foot for the frame of the house is a combination of multiple factors including: modifications to standard designs; complexity; raw material costs for wood cement; and labor costs for the construction of the home. To that, we need to add the fit out and interior design costs – bathrooms, kitchen, flooring, lights, etc. Overall, we typically see mid level finishes costed at US$ 3,500-5,000 per square meter though this comes with caveats around exchange rates (US dollar for cost of frame and Japanese yen for constrution work and finishes) and raw material price fluctuations.

Absolutely. All Lindal designs are flexible and customizable to meet local Japanese standards, including earthquake resistance, insulation values, and snow load. We coordinate all necessary adaptations with local professionals.

Our design phase takes 1–3 months, depending on project scope and decision-making speed. Lindal homes are manufactured and shipped from the U.S., typically arriving in 3–6 months. In Hokkaido, construction season runs from April to November. We aim to complete builds within a single season when possible. Pouring the foundation the prior year can accelerate timelines. Outside construction season in Hokkaido is shortened by the winter snow. We aim for construction to start after the snow melt – around April / May – and complete by November the same year though this might take longer depending on size and complexity of build. Time can be saved by pouring foundations the year before if we have agreed and signed off the plan.

Your custom home package is packed at Lindal’s facility in the U.S. and shipped directly to your site in Japan. Delivery is included in the pricing and carefully coordinated to ensure a smooth handoff to your local builder.

We go beyond home delivery. Our services include: Project management Coordination with local contractors Assistance with land prep and permits Ongoing build supervision We help foreign clients navigate the entire build process in Japan with confidence.

No visa or residency is required to own land or build a home. However, if you plan to live in Japan long-term, you’ll need the appropriate visa. Property ownership alone does not grant residency.

Yes, Lindal homes can be built across Japan. We specialize in Hokkaido locations like Niseko and Rusutsu, but will ensure your project complies with local building codes, snow load requirements, and zoning laws.

Yes. Foreigners can legally own land and property in Japan (excluding agricultural land). There are no residency or visa requirements. However, most banks do not offer mortgages to non-residents, especially outside Tokyo, so expect to purchase with cash. Owning property can also make it easier to register a vehicle in your name. ​ Construction rules vary around the Niseko and Rusutsu area, but you should expect to be able to build on 40-50% of your land area with a floor area ratio of 200-300% and height restriction of 13m. This means if your land is 250sqm, your house footprint can be 100sqm and size of up to 200sqm.

Yes. Lindal homes are engineered to meet or exceed local building codes, including seismic requirements in Japan. Our post-and-beam system is particularly well-suited for structural strength and flexibility in earthquake-prone areas.

Buyers should plan for: Acquisition tax Registration & license tax Stamp duty Annual fixed asset (property) tax Our team helps estimate and plan for these costs during the land acquisition process.

Yes. Many of our clients build Lindal homes in popular resort areas like Niseko and Rusutsu for personal use and vacation rental income. Be sure to check local zoning and rental regulations, as they vary by municipality. We can help you navigate those details during the planning process.

We guide you every step of the way—from finalizing blueprints and placing your order to working with your local builder during construction. Our team in Japan is available to ensure smooth coordination between Lindal’s specifications and Japanese building practices.

ou’ll need access to: Water and sewage (or septic) Electricity An accessible road for deliveries We’ll help evaluate and prepare your site before materials are shipped.

​​1-year construction warranty for any build issues Lindal’s Lifetime Structural Warranty (unique in the industry) 10-year window warranty (shipping not included) Lindal’s post-and-beam system has never experienced a structural failure since its inception.

Lindal supplies: Signed architectural blueprints Structural frame, insulation, siding, doors, windows, trim, nails, floorboards Optional interior packages Shipping is included. ​ You can choose to source finishes and interiors locally or use Lindal’s offerings.

Absolutely. Many sites around Niseko and Rusutsu are on hillsides or sloped terrain. Lindal’s flexible post-and-beam system adapts well to elevation changes and unique building sites. We can help you select or modify a plan to work with your lot’s topograph

Winter access is limited due to snow accumulation, so construction typically halts from December through March. To avoid delays, we plan materials delivery and major work for the warmer months and aim to complete projects before the first major snowfall.

Yes. Steep roof pitches help shed snow, while durable cedar siding and triple-glazed windows enhance weather resistance and energy efficiency. We also recommend orienting the home to maximize sunlight exposure during shorter winter days.

Yes, but they're usually straightforward. Most areas allow you to build on up to 40–50% of your land, with a floor area ratio of 200–300% and a height limit of 13 meters. We’ll work with you to ensure your design complies with local zoning and development regulations.

Yes, building permits are required, and regulations can vary between municipalities. We work closely with local professionals to ensure your project complies with Japanese planning laws, snow load requirements, and other regional restrictions.

Yes. Lindal homes are engineered to handle extreme weather and heavy snow loads. We tailor each design to local conditions, ensuring excellent thermal insulation, weather resistance, and structural strength.

Yes. Lindal homes are engineered for durability in all environments, including heavy snow regions like Hokkaido. Roof pitch, snow load capacity, and insulation standards are all designed to meet local requirements. We work with local contractors to ensure your home is fully winter-ready.

We recommend underfloor heating, high-efficiency heat pumps, or modern pellet stoves. Our design team can help you choose the most suitable system based on your lifestyle and budget. Lindal homes are well-insulated, making them efficient and comfortable year-round.

Construction season in Hokkaido typically begins in late April or May after the snow has melted and runs until November. To save time, we often pour foundations in the autumn before construction begins, which allows us to begin framing as soon as the site is accessible in spring.

It depends on your site, but many clients install snow guards, heated driveways, or roof snow melt systems. Our team can advise on practical snow management solutions for your location.