JANKEN: Luxury Hokkaido Renovation Fully Compliant with New Building/Energy Codes

2025-10-27 Press Release

Avoid Regulatory Risks & Slash Utility Bills with High Insulation! Boost Your Property’s Competitiveness.

Assured Compliance: JANKEN’s Renovation Strictly Adheres to the 2025 Revised Building and Energy Codes.

The April 1, 2025, revisions to the Building and Energy Conservation Acts mark a major turning point for guesthouse renovation in Hokkaido (Sapporo, Niseko, Furano, etc.).

In response, we are launching our fully compliant guesthouse renovation service on October 20, 2025.
This article provides an expert, practical analysis of the revisions and their impact, including our latest “Guesthouse Renovation” case studies.

Source Cited:
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), Housing Bureau: “Architectural Confirmation Procedures for Large-Scale Renovation of Wooden Detached Houses (As of February 21, Reiwa 7 [2025])”
https://www.mlit.go.jp/common/001766698.pdf

1. Core of the Revision: Expanded Scope for Building Confirmation and Mandatory Energy Efficiency Standards.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s key points are: a review of the building confirmation/inspection scope by reducing the “Exemption for Building Class 4 (4-Gō Tokurei),” and mandating energy efficiency compliance for all new construction and major additions/alterations.

Review of Building Confirmation/Inspection Scope (Reduction of the “4-Gō Tokurei” Exemption)

The revised Building Standards Act narrows the scope of the “4-Gō Tokurei” (an exemption where structural review is omitted for architect-designed buildings). Former Class 4 buildings—specifically two-story wooden houses or single-story wooden houses over 200m²—are now categorized as new Class 2 buildings, significantly expanding the scope of mandatory confirmation and inspection.

【Scale of Wooden Buildings Subject to Confirmation After Revision】

Outside of City Planning Areas, Quasi-City Planning Areas, Quasi-Scenic Districts, etc.

These new Class 2 buildings now require building confirmation even for large-scale repairs or alterations. Specifically, conducting “Large-Scale Repairs” or “Large-Scale Alterations” (commonly known as Major Renovations) under the Building Standards Act will newly mandate the building confirmation process.

Key Revision Points for Renovation

Definition of Major Renovation:
Refers to renovation covering the majority of one or more main structural elements (walls, columns, floors, beams, roofs, or stairs).

Mandatory Architect Supervision:
Major renovations on buildings exceeding 100m² require an architect for both design and construction supervision.

Revised Application Fees:
Applications submitted on or after April 1, 2025 (Reiwa 7), will be subject to revised fees (e.g., Sapporo City has amended ordinances to newly establish or revise confirmation application fees).

Mandatory Compliance with Energy Efficiency Standards

The revised Act on the Improvement of Energy Consumption Performance of Buildings mandates energy efficiency compliance for essentially all new construction, additions, and alterations.

Key Revision Points for Energy Efficiency Compliance

Conformity Review:
Energy efficiency conformity will be reviewed during the mandatory building confirmation process.

Scope for Additions/Alterations:
For additions/alterations, only the new portion must comply with energy standards (not the entire building, including existing parts). Also, “repairs/alterations” (renovations) as defined by the Building Standards Act are excluded from this scope.

Renovation Exemption:
Repairs/alterations (standard renovations) defined by the Building Standards Act are exempt from the mandatory energy efficiency compliance system.

2. Determining the Necessity of Building Confirmation for Wooden Detached House Renovation in Hokkaido

The following flowchart outlines how to determine if building confirmation is required for renovating a wooden detached house:

【Flowchart for Determining the Necessity of Building Confirmation Procedures for Wooden Detached House Renovation】

Primary Renovation Examples Not Classified as “Major Renovation” (Exempt from Building Confirmation)

The following repairs are generally exempt from the Building Confirmation process as they do not constitute a majority modification of the primary structural elements:

Wet Areas：
Replacement of kitchen, toilet, or bathroom (unit bath exchange).

Accessibility (Barrier-Free)：
Installation of handrails or ramps.

Roof：
Modification of roofing materials only; or renovation using the cover method.

Walls：
Modification of exterior cladding only; interior insulation upgrades; or renovation using the cover method.

Floors：
Modification of floor finishes only; or covering existing finishes with new material.

Stairs：
Modification of steps (not the majority); or covering existing stairs with new finish material.

Primary Renovation Examples Requiring Building Confirmation (When Classified as Major Renovation)

Building confirmation is required if the scope of renovation covers the majority of the main structural elements (walls, columns, floors, beams, roofs, stairs).

①Walls, Roofs, Floors:
Majority Criteria: Exceeding half of the total area or total horizontal projection area.
Example Requiring Confirmation: Renovation reaching the main components of the walls, rafters, or joists, where the modified area exceeds the majority.
②Columns, Beams:
Majority Criteria: Exceeding half of the total number.
Example Requiring Confirmation: Modification of columns or beams where the number of modified units exceeds the majority of the total.

3. JANKEN Guesthouse Renovation & Remodeling: Service Details and Strengths

Utilizing expertise in these legal reforms, Kukan Inc. provides strategic support for renovating wooden detached houses in Hokkaido (focusing on Furano, Sapporo, Niseko-Kutchan, and Biei). We reduce risks and maximize returns for your guesthouse investment project.

JANKEN Service Site: Renovating Vacant Houses in Furano/Niseko/Biei into Guesthouses

Visit the website here.

Comprehensive Support in Procedures and Legal Compliance

Optimizing Administrative Procedures and Supporting Early ROI:
Wooden single-story buildings under 200m² (New Class 3) are exempt from building confirmation, even for major renovations. By analyzing the revised law from the planning stage, we utilize this exemption to achieve smoother construction timelines compared to standard projects, thus supporting the early return on your investment (ROI).

Streamlining Business Risk through Legal Compliance:
ven for projects requiring confirmation, we arrange architect-led design and supervision to guarantee full compliance with the Building Standards Act. We also offer comprehensive support for fire safety installations and licensing applications necessary for guesthouse operation, ensuring legal conformity and optimum business risk management via our team of experts.

JANKEN Guesthouse Renovation & Remodeling: Comprehensive Service Scope

JANKEN offers one-stop support for every essential process required for a successful guesthouse business:

Pre-Construction Site Inspection: Free pre-renovation survey to assess feasibility and propose the optimal plan tailored to the property condition.

Property Concept Development: Establishing a concept based on the area and target guests to maximize guest response and operational success.

Full Renovation Work: Seamless management of the entire renovation process in collaboration with partner companies, ensuring reliable, proven construction quality.

Furniture & Appliance Procurement (FFE): Coordination with interior designers for the selection and installation of FFE (Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment), sourcing high-quality items to prevent operational issues.

Fire Safety Compliance & Equipment: Support for checking compliance and installing necessary equipment to ensure smooth acquisition of operating permits.

Operation Setup: Assistance with pre-opening tasks (account setup, professional photography, house rules creation) to ensure a seamless business launch.

Guesthouse Renovation & Remodeling in Hokkaido

See more about JANKEN’s Renovation Services:　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Hokkaido Vacation Rental Investment Enters a New Stage: JANKEN Reform Strengthens Services to Create “Impossible-to-Book Popular Accommodations” Based on Furano and Kutchan Operating Results
https://kukanhokkaido.co.jp/pressrelease-en/2705/

Providing One-Stop Solutions through Partnership with Real Estate Brokerage

In addition to renovation, Kukan Inc. also operates a real estate brokerage, with a division specializing in guesthouse properties in resort areas like Furano and Niseko.

By considering guesthouse investment from the time of purchasing a used detached house, you can gain a clearer understanding of the cost-return and efficiently advance your project. We also handle property consignment and sales; please consult us if you are considering selling land or buildings in the Furano or Niseko areas due to inheritance or relocation.

Kukan Real Estate Official Website

JANKEN’s Core Strengths

JANKEN Supports Hokkaido Guesthouse Real Estate Investment, Focused on Furano and Niseko.

Through guesthouse renovation, JANKEN aims to be your partner in realizing both your ideal lifestyle and investment success. Utilizing deep market expertise in Hokkaido, including Furano and Niseko-Kutchan, we deliver spaces that combine profitability, comfort, and premium design. We maximize the value of your guesthouse property and are committed to supporting investors’ business success, ensuring you feel, “We made the right choice with JANKEN.”

4. Latest Renovation Case Study: Transforming a Nakafurano Used Detached House into an Ideal Villa

We introduce the home of an overseas couple—a used detached house in Nakafurano—whose renovation was completed and handed over in October.
The clients, residing overseas, purchased this property in the Nakafurano area with the specific intent of using it as both a private villa and a guesthouse. JANKEN was entrusted with executing the full renovation service for this dual-purpose project.

Hokkaido/Furano Area | Guesthouse Villa Renovation & Remodeling Project Summary

Renovation Plan | Used Detached House in Nakafurano

【Property Overview】
Location: 49-year-old two-story wooden detached house in Nakafurano Town.
Structure: Two-story wooden building with galvanized steel sheet roofing.
Year Built: June 1975 (Approx. 49 years old).
Total Floor Area: 113.95m² (34.47 tsubo) [1F: 74.33m², 2F: 39.62m²].

【Utilities】
Water: Public water supply.
Gas: LPG.
Wastewater/Sewage: Septic tank.

【Renovation Summary】
・Full interior remodel without affecting the main structural elements.
・Complete renewal of wet area facilities (kitchen, bathroom, toilet).
・Partial improvement of insulation performance (within the scope exempt from mandatory energy efficiency compliance).

【Selected Renovation Checklist Items】
・Reorganization of flow lines and insulation reinforcement for the entrance, rear door, and sunroom.
・Removal of a small bathtub and installation of a shower to enhance functionality.
・Replacement of piping and relocation of the washbasin around the second-floor toilet.
・Safety improvement and functional design proposal for the balcony.
・Deterioration countermeasures and waterproofing for the roof and exterior concrete.

Profit Strategy for Furano Guesthouse Renovation

By meticulously focusing on high-design renovations that fall outside the “Major Renovation” category under the Building Standards Act, we leveraged the exemption from building confirmation. This resulted in a smoother construction timeline compared to standard projects. Furthermore, we created a space tailored to the preferences of affluent overseas guests through premium design and furniture selection, enabling high-rate guesthouse operations.

For Guesthouse Real Estate in Hokkaido, Choose JANKEN.

JANKEN offers one-stop support, covering everything from property sales and design-driven renovations to stable guesthouse management. Given that inbound tourism is the core of this business, JANKEN—with its extensive network of international clientele—is uniquely positioned to transform your property into a “Winning Guesthouse” while fully adhering to the revised Building and Energy Acts.

Trust JANKEN, with our wealth of successful case studies, for your old house renovation and remodeling aimed at guesthouse investment!

JANKEN Renovation and Remodeling Services

Company Profile

Company Name:
Kukan Inc.
Established:
November 29, 2022
Capital:
¥1,000,000
Representative:
Kentaro Yamamoto

Locations:
Furano Office (Head Office)
4-7 Sakaemachi, Furano, Hokkaido 076-0023, Japan
Sapporo Office
1-1 Toyohira 4-jo 3-chome, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 062-0904, Japan

License Number
Real Estate Transaction Dealer Hokkaido Governor Kamikawa (1) No. 1316

Business Activities

1. Minpaku Investment Business – Planning and operation of JANKEN, support for minpaku investment projects in the Hokkaido area.
2.Creative Business – Business development, branding, planning support for marketing solutions.
3.Real Estate Services – Buying, selling, leasing, brokerage, purchase and revitalization, development, property management, detached housing/land subdivision, house/condominium construction and sales, interior construction, renovation work.
4.Web Services – Website planning, production, and operation, IT support services, online secretarial services, internet information provision.

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