1. I'm not fluent in Japanese. Can Chalk Lane manage everything on my behalf?

Absolutely. We’re a bilingual team, and part of our job is making the renovation process in Japan feel easy and transparent for expats. From council paperwork and permit applications to contractor coordination and sourcing, we handle it all in both languages so you don’t have to worry about things getting lost in translation.

2. Can you help me assess a property before I purchase it, to see if it’s worth renovating?

Yes, we often work with clients in the pre-purchase phase. We can walk through the property with you (or on your behalf) and provide insight into its renovation potential, likely costs, and any red flags. This kind of due diligence often saves clients lots of time and stress down the track.

3. How much should I budget for a renovation in Japan?

For the kind of work we do—high-quality, design-driven renovations—you should expect to budget anywhere from ¥15 million to ¥35 million, depending on the size and complexity. We’ll give you a clear breakdown during the early stages, so you know exactly where your money is going and what to expect.

4. What makes Chalk Lane different from other renovation firms in Japan?

We bring an international design sensibility with a deep respect for Japanese craftsmanship and cultural context. Sophie, our lead designer, has a background in interior architecture from Australia, while Benjy manages the project flow, translation, and client communication. We are a small, responsive, and highly detail-focused team - clients appreciate that we genuinely care.

5. I don’t live in Japan full-time. Can we do the entire process remotely?

Yes, many of our clients are based overseas. We are experienced in remote collaboration, with regular Zoom calls, digital design presentations, photo updates, and cloud-based project management. We’ve renovated entire homes for overseas clients without them needing to set foot on site (but we’d love to have you here).

6. Do you only work in certain areas of Japan?

Our main focus is on Kyoto, Shiga, Osaka, and Tokyo, but we can occasionally take on projects outside these areas, depending on scope and schedule. If you have a specific location in mind, reach out, and we’ll let you know what’s feasible.

7. Do you help with finding reliable contractors and artisans?

Yes, and this is one of the biggest advantages of working with us. We’ve built strong relationships with trusted local builders, carpenters, plasterers, and craftsmen who understand the level of finish we expect. We also personally manage the quality and schedule throughout the build.

8. Can you help me restore a traditional machiya or kominka?

We love working with heritage buildings. Whether it’s a Kyoto machiya or a rural kominka, we understand the structural and cultural nuances involved in restoring these spaces. We’ll help you strike the right balance between preserving character and modernising for comfort.

9. Do you charge for an initial consultation?

Yes, we charge ¥38,000 + tax for a one-hour consultation, which includes a site or Zoom meeting, followed by a return brief, fee proposal, and basic schedule. This fee is credited toward your project when you choose to move forward with us.

10. I’m nervous about navigating Japan’s building regulations. Can you help with that?

That’s part of what we’re here for. We’re experienced with local zoning rules, earthquake codes, renovation restrictions, and even the more obscure parts of the Japanese permit system. We make sure everything is compliant, so there are no surprises along the way.