Regarding the main log beam and why I didn’t just replace it - quite a few asking about this, and it’s a fair question that I should have talked about in the video since I did give it quite a bit of thought at the time. Ideally, would have replaced the beam with another log. I looked into it with my lumber supplier. The log itself would be relatively cheap but transporting it would be expensive, then would require a crane to put into place. Again, expensive. I then considered just using dimensional lumber (probably douglas fir), but due to the way it was joined, removing that beam would also mean I would likely have to replace the posts (which was something I also considered), and maybe even the whole thing. But again, it was a matter of cost, plus I liked the aesthetic look of the log beam (the damaged section would be barely visible once the roof was on). So after clearing out the ants and rot I decided to let it dry over winter and then make my final decision. I was pleasantly surprised at its condition. Also, the remaining solid wood was a similar thickness to the dimensional lumber I would have used, so decided to go ahead and repair the original beam…

@somethingelsehere8089

11 ай бұрын

You made a great choice.

@choppamull7502

11 ай бұрын

Done well bro keep up the good work! loving these videos

@TheIrishAmish

11 ай бұрын

With the cedar? lap siding/roofing, the weight on the beam is neglible, strength is *not* a problem. It looks wonderful.

@LaReynedEpee

11 ай бұрын

It was visible that the heartwood of the beam was intact and the overall percentage of what you had to remove wasn't too much - it didn't make too much of an impact on structural integrity and will probably still cope with a hurricane!

@tomypreach

11 ай бұрын

The amount of skill you've gathered over the years is nothing but wonderful. And don't forget the lessons you've past on to us !! Respect! Thanks is a just a small word in comparison to what you've shown us.

I can only admire the sheer determination required to tackle that huge project. I think the roof blends in quite well and from what I've seen from other vids, those kinds of roofs seem to be common enough in Japan.

@TokyoLlama

11 ай бұрын

Yes, common roofing style for houses here. I think it’s not too bad but matching tiles would have been nice!

@lawrencelimco

11 ай бұрын

Looks awesome.

@Zoidpilot1

11 ай бұрын

I agree

@christinamarie3598

11 ай бұрын

Well put ... absolutely. What an incredible project to tackle on his own.. and really... I think it really is beautiful.. a mix of old and new.

Watching the amount of skill you have learned since starting this channel is amazing! I am so glad you decided to buy this house and start this channel! I have enjoyed watching for a long time. The new roof looks great!

@TokyoLlama

11 ай бұрын

Thanks so much. It definitely has been a learning experience!

@Mindy56743

11 ай бұрын

@@TokyoLlama it has been amazing to watch all the different things you have learned. I could not imagine trying to cut those beams like you did! Just wow!

I can't believe you did this beautiful and complex job-- mostly alone it appears-- then had the gall to feel badly for not ALSO learning traditional joinery techniques. This job was massive! And you knocked it out of the park. I hope your kids take an interest in learning to diy with Dad! Such a gift

A Kura is a true treasure. Your DIY roof is a great addition and you will have many wonderful days using it as a work area. Congratulations on a job well done.

@TokyoLlama

11 ай бұрын

Thanks very much!

Half in and I'm so impressed. Really good problem-solving skills in action, close-up shots of details, succinct commentary, WELL DONE! Love watching you bring these beautiful old buildings back to good & useful life. Thanks for all your time/effort sharing with us. 👍👍

@TokyoLlama

11 ай бұрын

No worries, thanks for watching!

I’ve been really hoping we’d get another upload soon. Love watching the progress and the results are amazing. Top job on the roof and the editing is great too!

@TokyoLlama

11 ай бұрын

Thanks so much!

Your entire house and garden are beautiful. From when you started until now, the transformation is amazing, and you continue to improve it. Awesome work, and fascination to watch as you take on each project.

@TokyoLlama

11 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

Time has melted away; but the changes to the existing framework and the loving care extended to it have warmed this magnificent structure you now call your "home." Thank you for sharing the journey. I shall always remain appreciative.

Your talents and ever expanding expertise never ceases to amaze me. It makes me ponder and reflect on how I have spent the past 32 years I have lived in Japan and how I will spend the upcoming years. You set the bar high.

@TokyoLlama

11 ай бұрын

Thanks! Never too late to start something!

such a long and tedious process but good on you for sticking with it and not taking shortcuts! it turned out amazing! looking forward to next video.

@TokyoLlama

11 ай бұрын

Thanks, yes, a lot of little things made it harder but happy to get it done now.

Awesome work man, honestly for being the cheapest option, that slate-like finish really compliments your home in the sense that it sort of blends into the background. Excited to see what awaits in the future!

@TokyoLlama

11 ай бұрын

Thanks, yes, it's unobtrusive.

That looks really good! A professional company couldn't have made it better.

@TokyoLlama

11 ай бұрын

Thanks very much!

I’ve missed your videos, Jaya. Aside from the chill atmosphere and educational aspect, I love how you leave your mistakes in - it really ads a ‘human’ dimension which I find refreshing. Anyway, the final result looked great! I really like the contrast between the light and dark stained wood. And as usual I found myself kind of nostalgic for construction work as my own new-house project wrapped up nearly two years ago. (By chance though, I was just talking to our carpenter about an hour ago. He was doing some work for my father-in-law today.) Keep up the beautiful work, man. 🍻

@TokyoLlama

11 ай бұрын

Thanks Jordan! I did leave a few mistakes out - other wise the video would have been an hour and 40 mins instead of 40!

@DoctorEbot

11 ай бұрын

A DIY video without mistakes wouldn’t be a really DIY video. I remember your carpenter, btw. (From your videos.)

@Jordan-inJapan

11 ай бұрын

@@DoctorEbot 🍻

The love, care and determination you put into this home is wonderful. I can only admire you and your family with all of this. (plus how calm you are facing a snake on the roof, don't care if it was a baby! Even Indiana Jones hated snakes!). It has been and continues to be a great journey to watch.

So impressed with how your carpentry skills have grown since you first bought the house! Your attention to detail & reverence for traditional methods & components is great - love that you were able to consult with the original builder of the property to get advice on how to approach your renos. Your place is beautiful & displays how much time, love & sweat you’ve put into it! Congratulations on a fabulous job 👍🏼❤

Sooo satisfying to see you finish a job. Very happy for you and your family, with a beautiful home you’re making for them.

@TokyoLlama

11 ай бұрын

Thanks 🙏 😊

I can't tell you how much I love this channel, lol. The wait for more videos is always the roughest, but the most exciting when I see a new one uploaded 😀

It turned out very pretty. The metal roof is still much nicer than the standard asphalt shingles I’m used to in the US. ❤

I have to tell you that I absolutely love your house, I've been following your videos since your first one, you really inspired me, and to tell you the truth I hope that sooner than later I can move to Japan, buy an old house, and restore it over time.

I applaud the patience you have for all these projects you've completed and I know you still have so much more to do. I could never do all of this. My dad was a carpenter and tried to teach me his ways and I couldn't be bothered to pay attention lol. My brothers were even more of a lost cause. I'm kind of sad now that I'm older seeing my father is old and can't do the things he wishes he can do, but watching you somewhat encourages me that it's not too late to learn. That snake thought, not for me. You reacted very calm. I would've been FREAKED.

So pleased for you that you were able to get it repaired and redone. It looks amazing and fits in fairly well with the rest of your buildings. Congratulations!

The imperfections in the work in this video in particular are inspiring. Mis-setting the saw depth, joints having some gaps against the decayed wood. the "crude" bolts. These are the things that I personally would do and notice on a project and I'd struggle to get beyond them. That you show your growth, mistakes and learnings is why I keep coming back here. You don't glamorize your projects and that's what makes your content special to me.

That turned out WONDERFUL!!!!! I thought you had the original tiles still on hand, so I was stressing on how you were gonna get the surface flat enough... (I would think the tiles require a flat roof to lock together properly) but it actually turned out A LOT more flat that I was expecting... It was GENIUS to use the shikkui to quickly dry out the rotted beam AND to use as a fill too! I didn't think you would be able to use the stain on it but I couldn't tell that it was there when it was all said and done - GREAT IDEA!!!! - - I did notice, however, that the area you used epoxy on the main length-wise beam (the rotted one you used the shikkui on) left it quite glossy in those areas. It looks to be a stark contrast between the glossy spots and the plain areas. You COULD paint the entire surface of that beam with epoxy to give it a VERY UNIQUE looks that is uniform throughout the entire beam... BUT it would probably look better if you just sand down the epoxy area to attempt to remove the shine from the surface/But that's all I think you'll be able to do because you can't put the stain over it, and I think paint won't stick to it. You could probably find a paint that7 does stick it, but it might be more expensive than typical stuff..... - Not sure what you would want to do with it, but personally I think it would look so much better if the entire beam had a uniform finish across the whole surface (personally I would go with multiple coats of epoxy and then sand it with increasingly finer grit sandpaper and then polish it to a mirror finish LOL - that's because I don't think ANYONE has ever done that before (ESPECIALLY not on a veranda LMAO) - BUT you could do this on just the one side of the beam so that you would only see the gloss when you're under the roof... And when looking at it from the back of your yard it would look0 like a plain, natural log LOL ... but that's just my opinion hahaaa :) - - GREAT WORK!!! It REALLY does look AMAZING!!!! I am SO PROUD of all the work you have done to this GORGEOUS HOME!!! You have done such FANTASTIC work on your home.. so when can you do mine??? lol :D jk

Wow, you're in real danger of no longer being a DIYer channel. Really turned out nice. And the grass yard is looking fantastic.

It looks great! A big project to be sure, it must feel great to finally have that off your to-do list. And a surprise cameo too! That snake was probably not expecting to be part of your video that day 😂

I forgot you only bought the house in 2019, it's crazy to see how much you achieved since then ! If you don't want to see the crude bolts and threaded rods you can countersink and bury the heads in the holes, it reduces the thickness held and doesn't perfectly hide it, but if you cover it with wood paste afterwards it does a good job at hiding it !

One thing is clear: you need a ton of patience to take on this kind of project. I admire your determination. I really think you should be using a mask and goggles when mixing the shikkui. My Mum was an Emergency Room nurse during a construction boom here in Edmonton in the 50s and she told us she saw a lot of eye injuries from workers getting lime from mortar in their eyes while mixing the powder. I love how methodical you are and how you find solutions for all of the unexpected problems that crop up with an older structure like this. It really came out well. I think it complements the the look of the Kura and provides a really excellent covered workspace for you. Well worth the effort both in appearance and utility.

@TokyoLlama

11 ай бұрын

Thanks very much. You’re right about the mask. I can be a bit slack with the safety gear sometimes but I’m trying to not cut corners there.

I love your videos. It's a great renovation. I made happy to see your attention to detail of staining the cut ends of the wood as you went. 😊

@TokyoLlama

11 ай бұрын

Thanks, yes, figured if I was going to the trouble to stain then may as well do it properly.

You did a great job! I'm always impressed how skilled and neat the work is done. The shed will be another big asset in the years to come. Looking forward to more videos. Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪

Since you are replacing the windows. There are so many things I can think those old windows can be used for, next to scrapping/selling. - Use the old windows to partially close the shed, on one off the sides (almost like a winter garden) - use them to make a simple greenhouse, where you can also collect extra water, and the bonus of cultivating some of your own food as a supplement - a partially enclosed summer garden, giving possibility to sit outside but at the same time inside. there is so many thing those old windows can be used for, so I would just hold on to them for some time (if you have space), and sett a time limit on how long you want to hold onto them. Meaning that if you can't find used for them, withing x-amount of time, you scrap/sell them.

@TokyoLlama

11 ай бұрын

Your first suggestion is actually what I’m planning to use some of them for. I’m thinking to enclose the far end. The rest I’m thinking to use the other side of the Kura when I rebuild the carport.

Sir, you are an amazing man. You did not repair the shed roof, you created a beautiful addition to your gorgeous home. Sincere appreciation from Louisiana, U.S.A.

That roof looks incredible! Seriously impressive dedication and skill to get that done.

Amazing work. This whole housing project has me captivated as it is such a work of love and I am so happy to see you working to save as much as you can. Looking forward to more videos!

The entire video was immensely impressive, but using that sled to slowly lift the wood up was truly a 200 IQ play

It's rare for me to watch through a whole video of long duration on youtube. But yours get me immersed

Always impressive to see you work your carpentry and as usual nice work on the editing. Very inspiring !

@TokyoLlama

11 ай бұрын

Thanks a lot!

Impressive work, as always. Very admirable to tackle big jobs like this yourself.

@TokyoLlama

11 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Man that roof is *chef's kiss. Can't imagine a sweeter feeling than seeing the fruit of your labour last for decades to come! Plus the added bonus of skills you have acquired with this project. Kudos to you man! I bet that roof would see your grandchildren.

I didn't know there were carpenter bees in Japan-they have been quite an aggravation to me here in Michigan, and I can only imagine what a problem they are with a mainly wood house!

Everything is looking really good. Excellent job on the roof.

@TokyoLlama

11 ай бұрын

🙏

Glad to see the shed is finally being worked on! The new Sim City style music is a much better fit for the videos.

@TokyoLlama

11 ай бұрын

I was thinking minecraft.

@nixnowt

11 ай бұрын

@@TokyoLlama did get a minecraft vibe so it was pretty close lol. I really loved the video, thank you for all your work!

Don't sell yourself too short about not being able to use traditional Japanese joinery. I really appreciate how much you try to preserve as much of the structures original construction methods, but sometimes it comes down to practicality over aesthetics. That said, the fact that you are doing your own carpentry is a major props to you. Most people can't do what you are doing so be proud, it looks great.

Great job Jaya, as usual. The fake slate looks good and doesnt detract from the aesthetics of the kura. Love your dedication to this lovely old house.

Good to see you back 🙂 Always admire your hard work and determination but in Awe of all the amazing original design and workmanship 👏🏻💖

I've been watching since you got the house, and I'm so happy to see the beauty coming back into this home because of your hard work! I one day want to buy a home in Japan, more so after I got to visit for a month earlier this year. I'm looking into getting an Akiya, one that requires less work hopefully haha Much love from Arizona 💜💜

A work of love. Those of us who do get to renovate their house will most probably do it once only, and pour their soul into it. I know that feeling of satisfaction when you look at your house, and you know that each brick, tile, electric wiring, wooden beam was placed there by you. Excellent project! Good on ya!!

Thanks for sharing, Jaya. You have really transformed that old farmstead into a modern family home.

Another job well done TL , great to see you back ,love your determination in these projects

@TokyoLlama

11 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Congratulations on completing this project! What a stellar effort you put in! It looks terrific! I have much more admiration for carpenters now and realize that what may seem expensive for a job, most likely isn't. So much labor apart from the materials. Nice to see your mum in this too!

That first beam you pulled out is the most straight piece of wood I've seen in twenty years. The quality of materials in the US pales in comparison. Man that is some straight lumber.

Most impressive shed roof that I’ve ever seen. Beautifully done given the constraints that existed.

I feel bad for being impatient, waiting for an update hehe. This was huge! Great job 👍 If you have any of the fake slate roofing left, you could put it on the small roof over the firewood stack, seen at 41:14 It's been so much fun following your journey with the house. You continue to make me want to live in Japan again 😁

@TokyoLlama

11 ай бұрын

Thanks! I’ve only got one panel left but I think I will upgrade the firewood rack roofs to the same roofing at some point.

Long time, first time... These videos are an absolute treat! Seeing the progression of both the house and production quality has been incredibly satisfying, keep up the great work!

@TokyoLlama

11 ай бұрын

Thanks very much! 🙏

This was the most interesting project to date (for me). Wood carpentry far above my skills but still fun to watch your DIY decisions like epoxy that beam, very cool. Long time watcher: your editing skills are so good now, really engaging video.

I am so amazed how you blended modern materials and techniques with traditional materials and techniques to come up with something beautiful and cost effective. Also impressed that you didn't fall off the roof when confronted with a snake -- ANY snake!

Great to see you Tokyo! It seems like a very long time. You have been working very hard and your veranda looks amazing!!

There was so much to do to prepare it to be roofed and you did such a great job of working with what was there and replacing what needed to be replaced. It turned out looking great! 👌If you don't want the bolts that you used for the beams to stand out, you could color them. They look fine the way they are though. 😊

You are unbelievable.I could not even think about doing this project even when I was younger ( 80 now ).I love your videos and hope you keep making them.

Thank you for the great video. It was nice seeing all the beautiful joinery that originally went into building the shed and your great work restoring it. Always amazes me how you brought so much life back into this beautiful home, it's like out of a Ghibli movie :) 😍😍😍

11:57 Holy Crap that looks like a postcard image! Amazing. Tokyo Llama's version of Kintsugi!

Your garden and yard look really nice as well. I hope we could to see a bit more of it next time❤

@TokyoLlama

11 ай бұрын

Yes, plan to do a video on the garden at some point.

The roof looks magnificent and you did and wonderful job with it. I love the bolts. The bolts give it great industrial vibe and shows off your great use of the original timbers instead off scraping the whole thing. I have been with since your very first video. You showed such great courage and intestinal fortitude in taking on this abandoned place. You have spent thousands of hours dragging this into a livable warm home for your family. It's a great pleasure to witness that you are finally able to finally use and enjoy this place as you originally hoped for. The lifetime achievement award goes to you.

I love the look of the rafters. It shows it was abandoned and then loved. ❤ amazing job!

Lovely. Great shot at 18:35 with fitting music and natural sounds! Thank you for your hard work! :)

@TokyoLlama

11 ай бұрын

Thank you! 🙏

Well done. Always amazed how you get that much done on your own mostly! 😊 thanks for the episode!

@TokyoLlama

11 ай бұрын

No worries, thanks for watching!

My whole family is watching your channel for years, and we're really happy to see updates on your project as it is our own one! We wish you all the best!

I've been watching from the start and I just realized that you gave these buildings a new life or spirit in a way in terms of their purpose. Good to see owners trying to restore abandoned or old buildings. If the store house could only speak I'm sure it would reciprocate what you did to it. ❤

Desde México felicitaciones 🎉, tus videos me han impulsado a iniciar procesos de restauración nuevos

I think it turned out about as perfect as possible given the circumstances! Oof, what a saga. You must be so relieved! Question: what did you cover the shikkui with around 33:00? Won't it trap the moisture in?

@TokyoLlama

11 ай бұрын

Thanks Nynke! I just covered it with the same wood stain I was using for the wood. I'm hoping it's breathable like on the wood! But anyway, it didn't really take to the shikkui particularly well so there are quite a few gaps in it.

With that knowledge and precision you do not need to hire a carpenter...I'm always impressed by your own carpenter skills

We always enjoy your videos. Absolutely amazing work and dedication. Thanks for including us in your project ☺️ Cheers and greetings from Denmark 🇩🇰

Kura = Shed, Workshop = ManCave!

@TokyoLlama

11 ай бұрын

Exactly!

I never much think I missed out growing up (and getting close to old) in an age without social media but when I watch things like this Iknow I would have dreamed bigger and known the world to be filled with more space.

This is BY FAR the best restoration that I have ever seen on KZread! This was not your average slapping on paint and using box store cabinets. It was meticulously working with wood (massive pieces of wood) and show-casing the beauty of it. This was craftsmanship, artistic perfection and attention to detail that far surpasses the run-of-the-mill restorations that I have seen in the past…AND the best part is that the architecture and history of the building has been preserved for many years to come. I am looking forward to your future projects…you are very creative, talented and industrious!!

The low cost is astonishing...You did great with what you had, and are left with knowledge from the journey that is worth even more.

Maybe this has been talked about before. But how does it feel for the carpenter who built the house to go from building it, living next to it for years with people inside, to it being neglected, abandoned and hopeless, to finding new owners and building it up again and talking through all the craftmanship, construction and history. If it were me it would feel pretty good I think.

There is nothing better than a new Tokyo lama vid. Nothing

"Doesn't look too bad". My man, it looks AMAZING !! Very well done hats off to you sir.

Something about building shelter always lifts my spirits. Thanks for the good vibes!

You jumped, I jumped then the snake jumped! Great to see this project through to the end - always a treat to see your work. Thanks!

That was a brilliant episode, documenting a long-term effort, paying off in the end. I'ts a bit like a compilation of tutorials on repairing a roof structure, but in this peculiar Japanese setting. I have watched many said tutoriaals, but this project video is much more interesting, entertaining and well-made. Awesome job on many levels!

Jeez. That is a big project! The wood was so soft! It's amazing to think any of it was salvageable. But once again, resourcefulness and taking a measured approach (no pun intended) wins the day.

I think some years into the future, a Japanese carpenter might look at some of your joints and think they were done by a blind carpenter, but what the hell, they are functional. The final result looks good and blends in nicely with the rest of the buildings. I really love the roof on your house, by the way.

The roof of the kura is excellent, your skills have improved so you have made beautiful work, I hope you are proud, well done, lovely home

@TokyoLlama

11 ай бұрын

Thanks very much!

The new roof looks fantastic! Your lawn also looks great!

Working with power tools overhead is exhausting and you are more than up to the task! Now I see why you have all those manly tools. Terrific job!

@TokyoLlama

11 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Wow that was a very time consuming and difficult project that you did an amazing job completing. It looks awesome and blends nicely with the existing tiled roofs.

i cant wait til im at a place where i can start doing projects like this myself. im 28 now and i miss fixing houses w my dad. reminds me of how much time we would spend just looking at problems and thinking before we got to actually working.

Handy having the builder of the house local and give advice on the repairs..👍👍

Okay, Tokyo you are clearly "out of your mind" but in such a beautiful and inspiring way...Such a joy watching a human being in action...the snake was also delightful...bravo mate!

Really enjoyed the video. Thanks so much for taking the extra time to bring us along!

Impressive. This turned out fantastic. Thanks for taking us along for the ride!

For a non carpenter you did ok. Your video work is much better... I love the place, lucky you.

@TokyoLlama

11 ай бұрын

Thank you!

That old roof was just shot, but at least you were able to save the main beam as much as possible. The amount of work and detail that you put into making the notches for the support beams was amazing, as well as retaining the traditional Japanese style as much as possible. The new roof looks amazing!!!

You sir … are a master carpenter … I’m impressed … and I’ve been renovating houses for more than a decade :)

Your dedication to giving an old structure new life and putting new skills into practice is inspiring! Wonderful job on the roof and the video! My family and I jumped up and cheered with each major step you finished! Bravo!!

I exercise regularly but I'm exhausted after watching your video. Your DIY skills are impressive!

I love how informative these videos are. Either from the little annotation in the video (like the fungus answer) or supplying more info in the comments. This is the only channel i've kepy up with consistently for years and the videos just keep getting better. Keep up the good work!

I so enjoy these videos of your work on your family home. I admire your determination and craftsmanship. Cheers!