[Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama] Renovation of Used Properties and Vacant Houses | Costs, Subsidies, and Case Studies

For those considering renovations of used properties and vacant houses in Kanagawa Ward

I bought a used property, but I’m not sure if the renovation estimate I received is reasonable.

This is my first full renovation, and I’m worried about making mistakes.

I want to make the most of subsidies and grants.

For such concerns, Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd., which has numerous achievements and serves the Kanagawa Ward, will clearly explain the key points for a successful renovation.

Obtain estimates from at least 3 companies!

01Reasons for the Increase in Renovations of Used Properties and Vacant Houses in Kanagawa Ward

Kanagawa Ward in Yokohama is located north of Yokohama Station, featuring residential areas close to the city center such as Higashi-Kanagawa, Shirakawa, and Rokkakubashi, as well as the coastal areas of Koyasu and Shin-Koyasu. It is well-connected by JR, Keikyu, Tokyu Toyoko Line, and Yokohama Municipal Subway, providing good access to both Yokohama and the city center.

In residential areas on hills like Taimachi and Saito-buncho, you can find older wooden houses, and the generational transition of aging homes is progressing. This is why the option of “buying a used house and renovating (renovation) it to fit your lifestyle” is expanding in Kanagawa Ward.

02Reasons for Renovating Vacant Houses and Used Properties

In recent years, the Japanese housing market has expanded options not only for new constructions but also for renovating used properties. There is a growing interest in living in renovated used houses. Here, we explain the typical reasons for renovating vacant houses and used properties.

Reason 1 To Live Comfortably as Your Own Home

One of the main reasons for purchasing and renovating a used property is “to live comfortably.” Older houses often have issues with roofs, exterior walls, and plumbing, making them difficult to live in as they are. By renovating and upgrading the facilities and interiors, you can create a comfortable living environment. Additionally, with changes to the layout and refreshing the interiors, depending on the renovation work, you can achieve a home that suits your family’s lifestyle while keeping costs lower than a new build.

Reason 2 To Increase Asset Value for Sale

More people are purchasing and renovating used properties with the intention of selling them. Used houses are often valued low as they are, but renovations can enhance their appearance and performance, increasing their value as properties.

Reason 3 To Utilize as Investment or Business

For purchases made for investment or business purposes, renovations are essential. By transforming them into stylish rentals or share houses, you can differentiate them from other properties, and depending on the location and planning, you can also expect improved profitability. Initial costs can be lower than new constructions, and depending on the usage and conditions, they may also qualify for subsidies or tax incentives, leading to an increase in the number of people utilizing vacant houses for business.

03Points to Consider When Renovating Vacant Houses and Used Properties

Point 1 Choose a Reliable Construction Company

First and foremost, it is essential to select a contractor you can trust to handle your renovation. Since used properties have had previous occupants, the internal structure and condition are often not clear until you actually see them. Choose a contractor who can carry out the work thoroughly according to your wishes, the structure of the house, and the surrounding environment, and who also provides aftercare following the construction.

Point 2 Always Check the Deterioration of the Building

For used properties and vacant houses, it is crucial to check which parts have deteriorated and to what extent beforehand. Since the property has been lived in by someone else, many internal damages may go unnoticed without investigation. Conduct a current condition survey before starting work to understand any hidden deterioration.

Point 3 Review Earthquake Resistance and Insulation Performance

Particularly important in the renovation of used and vacant houses is the review of earthquake resistance and insulation. The earthquake resistance standards were significantly revised in 1981, and houses built before that may not meet current standards. Furthermore, in 2000, regulations regarding joints and foundations were strengthened, making older buildings more likely to lack earthquake resistance. Check the condition of the building before starting work and be sure to check earthquake resistance and insulation.

Point 4 Check Subsidy Programs and Renovation Tax Deductions

To keep construction costs down, it is important to check for subsidies and renovation tax deductions. Subsidies are provided by the national and local governments, supporting part of the costs for earthquake retrofitting, energy-saving construction, and barrier-free renovations. Tax deductions include the “housing loan tax deduction” when using a housing loan, and there are systems that allow for deductions on certain costs even with personal funds. These can sometimes be combined, so it is essential to check in advance and use them strategically as a key to successful renovation (for the latest information, see this subsidy section).

04Cost Estimates for Renovating Vacant Houses and Used Properties

The renovation costs for used properties and vacant houses vary significantly depending on the extent of damage and the scope of work. First, please understand the approximate costs by area to use as a guideline for your financial planning (the table below provides general estimates for single-family homes. The interior is based on a room of about 6 tatami mats, and the exterior is based on the indicated scope of work. Actual estimates will be provided after a site survey).

1. Roof and Exterior Walls

2. Interior (Interior Finishing)

3. Water Facilities

4. Equipment and Infrastructure

5. Waterproofing and Earthquake Resistance

6. Exterior Works

*The above are general estimates. Costs may vary depending on the presence of scaffolding, the condition, grade, and area of the building. Waterproofing of rooftops and updates to plumbing and wiring for the entire house may exceed the above estimates depending on area and method. Please confirm the exact costs through a free on-site survey and estimate.

For more details, please check our construction menu and price list!

05[Latest 2026] Subsidies and Grants Available in Kanagawa Ward

*The following information is as of September 3, 2026. The content, duration, and budget of the systems change annually, and many will end once the budget limit is reached. Please check for the latest information with our company or the respective offices before applying. Kakeru Koumuten can assist with confirming the systems and necessary documents, but the applicant and application methods vary by system.

National Program: Housing Energy Saving 2026 Campaign

The government is implementing several subsidy projects targeting energy-saving renovations under the “Housing Energy Saving 2026 Campaign.” Construction for insulation, windows, and water heaters may be eligible for these subsidies.

Yokohama City Program

06Customer Voices

Roof Replacement Construction Case Studies in Kanagawa Ward

07How to Choose a Remodeling Contractor for Used Properties and Vacant Houses in Kanagawa Ward

There are many remodeling companies that serve Kanagawa Ward, and it can be confusing to decide which one to choose. When requesting a remodel, be sure to check the following five points.

1. Experience in Remodeling Work

Many remodeling contractors publish their construction achievements on their websites. If a contractor provides detailed explanations of the process with photos, it can help you visualize the outcome after the request, giving you peace of mind. If you’re unsure, choose a contractor with extensive experience.

Google and review sites can also be helpful. It’s important to check the content of low ratings, the company’s responses, and the timing of the posts. Google reviews are particularly useful, but don’t make your decision based solely on reviews; consider the construction achievements, estimates, and warranty details for a comprehensive assessment.

2. Check for Warranties and After-Service Maintenance

When choosing a contractor, be sure to check for warranties. If repairs are needed within the warranty period, they may be done for free. The duration varies by contractor, type of work, and materials used, but it is often set between 1 to 10 years (emergency repairs and partial fixes are often not covered). Some contractors also offer after-service maintenance in addition to warranties, so be sure to check that as well.

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. provides a warranty for all exterior renovations and sealing work. We also conduct aftercare maintenance and send out annual notification DM to ensure annual inspections are possible.
Click here for more details about Kakeru Koumuten’s warranty and aftercare maintenance

3. Obtain estimates from multiple contractors (at least 3 companies)

When requesting renovations, be sure to obtain estimates from multiple contractors. Even for the same work, warranties, aftercare services, and prices can vary significantly. Having multiple estimates makes price negotiations easier.

When comparing estimates, it’s important to look at not just the cost but also the “items in the estimate,” “check the undercoat materials, sealing materials, and paint for auxiliary parts,” and “confirm the process.” Lowering the rank of auxiliary parts or skipping steps can reduce costs, so it’s crucial to not judge solely based on price.
Learn more about points to compare estimates

4. Confirm whether the company performs renovations in-house

At Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd., we conduct detailed hearings and investigations regarding the existing “condition,” “location,” “base materials,” “desired durability,” and “design” to propose the optimal plan. While there is nothing inherently wrong with a system where partner companies perform the work, it is important to confirm whether the contracting company understands the work details and has clear responsibilities for quality control and warranties. If the work is done in-house, it is easier to coordinate with the site, and in case of any trouble, it can be addressed quickly.

5. Check if they offer color simulations and perspective drawings

Choosing colors and visualizing the image after construction can be challenging for both exterior and interior work. With simulations, you can reduce the risk of mistakes like “it turned out differently than I imagined.” Since it is difficult to redo once the work is done, it is advisable to choose a company that can provide flexible simulations.

08Reasons why Kakeru Koumuten is chosen for renovations of used houses in Kanagawa Ward

One reason is that Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. serves the Kanagawa Ward, but
our unique approach to vacant house and used property renovations that cannot be imitated by other companies
has received high praise from many customers.

1. Equipment Specialized for In-House Renovations

At Kakeru Koumuten, we have organized warehouses and material storage areas to provide high-quality renovations at low cost. We have 5 bases for material storage and showrooms within Yokohama City.

In-House Scaffolding Materials

We can construct the temporary scaffolding required for exterior renovations using our own scaffolding materials and in-house scaffolding team. By not outsourcing, we achieve cost reductions on scaffolding work. We own scaffolding materials for approximately 50 houses.

Storage of Materials in Our Large In-House Warehouse

We store roofing materials and paints. By placing large orders at once, we can procure materials at lower prices, and since we always have stock available, we can respond quickly in emergencies. We also have a variety of tools ready for different types of construction, including compressors and cleaning machines.

In-house waste separation

In exterior renovations, various waste materials such as paint, wood, and metal are generated. While many contractors dispose of them all together, our company significantly reduces waste disposal costs by separating and recycling waste materials.

Exterior renovation dedicated showroom

In the showroom, you can not only have meetings but also check the actual paint colors and a wide range of catalogs. You can also confirm heat resistance using color simulations and heat-resistant paint testing machines. The showroom is a 3-minute walk from Eda Station in Aoba-ku, Yokohama. It has good access from within Yokohama city.

2. Complete in-house construction

A major strength of Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. is our complete in-house construction. By maintaining a consistent system from inquiry to project completion, we can keep costs down while providing high-quality renovations. A single representative handles everything from the estimate to the completion of the work, ensuring smooth communication without changes in sales or project management. All work, from temporary scaffolding installation to exterior painting and roof renovations, is carried out by our own skilled craftsmen. We are confident in our plans and costs, so we welcome competitive estimates.

3. Various Permits and Skilled Workers

We have obtained permits for the construction industry and for the collection and transportation of industrial waste. We also have nationally certified sheet metal workers and painting specialists, ensuring confidence in our construction techniques. We are capable of handling large-scale painting projects for factories and apartment complexes as well.

4. Warranty and Aftercare

Exterior painting and joint sealing work come with a warranty. Aftercare is available annually, and we send out notification DM each year. If you have concerns about the warranty, please click the image above for more information.

5. Flexible and Prompt Response

We are equipped to handle various exterior troubles and situations. If you cannot access the roof at height, we can respond using a drone. For leak investigations, we also use a thermal imaging camera. We respond according to our customers’ wishes and also accept emergency measures for sudden leaks from exterior walls.

6. Human Resource Development

We create various models to enhance skills and conduct practical training. Since the construction methods and materials used for exterior renovations vary depending on the existing materials and shapes, we conduct regular technical training to ensure that each staff member can respond to various sites.
Click here for company information

7. Flexible simulations for both exterior and interior renovations!

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. is dedicated to helping our customers choose colors and designs for their important building renovations, both exterior and interior, to ensure their satisfaction.

7-1. Exterior Renovation Simulation

We offer color simulations for exterior wall painting, as well as simulations for metal siding and roof overlays. We can create simulations based on actual photos of your building and suggest several color patterns using our recommended color schemes. We also accommodate “test painting” and “sample board arrangements” to confirm the actual color tones.

7-2. Interior Renovation Simulation

We also provide simulations and perspective drawings for interior renovations. We suggest recommended simulations based on your preferred style, such as modern designs. Realistic perspectives are created from actual floor plans.

8. We also handle solar panel and battery installation work!

As part of renovations for used properties, more customers are introducing solar power systems, which have generous subsidies available. Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. also handles solar power system installations and can propose solar panels tailored to the shape of your roof. We can also accept requests for estimates and the creation of power generation simulations only.

空き家を放置すると、劣化や損傷が進行しやすく、最終的には大規模な修繕が必要になることがあります。また、周囲の環境にも悪影響を及ぼす可能性があり、治安の悪化や資産価値の低下を招くこともあります。定期的な点検やメンテナンスを行うことで、これらのリスクを軽減できますので、ぜひご相談ください。