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Having seen quite a few wood frame houses under construction in Japan, at least the framing seems much higher quality than in Canada. Studs are thicker, cut mor
by hinoki 5y ago
Having seen quite a few wood frame houses under construction in Japan, at least the framing seems much higher quality than in Canada. Studs are thicker, cut more precisely, and spaced closer together with more cross bracing than I have ever seen in Canada.
The insulation and other fittings are of course not at the same level. But winter is much milder and earthquakes much worse.
- seanmcdirmid 5y agoThe winters aren’t really more mild in Japan. They invented the kotatsu to get around poor insulation (I’ve stayed in low quality housing in Japan in the winter and it wasn’t fun). Japanese rebuild their structures much more often than in Canada and the USA and so don’t overbuild accordingly. The result is that housing quality appears better simply because the structures are newer. See https://japanpropertycentral.com/2014/02/understanding-the-lifespan-of-a-japanese-home-or-apartment/ https://japanpropertycentral.com/2014/02/understanding-the-l...
- Aeolun 5y agoFittings are getting there now. We’re not quite at triple paned glass, but the house which I bought 2 years ago (in Japan) is very well isolated, and incredibly easy to keep comfortable with help from the aircon units installed. The house feels extremely solid, though that’s not an experts opinion.
- pezezin 5y agoWinters in Hokkaido and Tohoku are not mild at all. Sure, maybe it won't be as cold as Canada, but still fucking cold, and the poor insulation and heating makes it painful.
- seanmcdirmid 5y agoEven Nagoya (or in my case Gifu) gets somewhat cold. Cold enough that poor insulation is noticed.