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

For those considering renovation of used properties and vacant houses in Nakano-ku

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 also serves Aoba-ku, Yokohama, will clearly explain the points to check when considering renovations.

Get at least 3 estimates!

01Reasons for the Increase in Renovations of Used Properties and Vacant Houses in Aoba-ku, Yokohama

Aoba-ku, Yokohama, is a residential area with easy access to the Chuo Line and Seibu Shinjuku Line, featuring a mix of single-family homes and apartment buildings. While redevelopment is progressing around Aoba Station, there are also areas with narrow alleys and wooden houses remaining.

For older wooden houses, it is important to check the earthquake resistance and insulation based on the construction period and current condition. Therefore, purchasing a used wooden house and renovating it (renovation) while confirming the necessary performance is one option.

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 or refurbished used homes. 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 homes may have issues with the roof, exterior walls, or plumbing. By renovating and upgrading the facilities and interiors, you can create a more livable environment. Depending on the property price and scope of work, it is possible to aim for a home that suits your family’s lifestyle while keeping overall costs lower than new construction.

Reason 2 To Increase Asset Value for Sale

More people are purchasing and renovating used properties with the intention of selling them. Used homes are often undervalued in their current state, but renovations can improve both appearance and performance, thereby increasing the property’s value.

Reason 3 To Utilize as an Investment or Business

When purchasing for investment or business purposes, renovations may be necessary to match the condition of the building and the expected tenants. By transforming the property into rental housing or a share house, you can differentiate it from other properties, and depending on the location, acquisition costs, construction costs, and demand, there is potential for improved profitability. Depending on the use and scope of work, it may also qualify for subsidies or tax incentives.

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 with peace of mind. 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 your home, 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 in advance. Since the property has been lived in by someone else, internal damage is often not apparent without investigation. Conduct a current condition survey before starting construction to identify 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 homes built before that may not meet current standards. Additionally, 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 construction and be sure to check earthquake resistance and insulation.

Point 4 Check Subsidy Programs and Renovation Tax Reductions

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

04 Cost Estimates for Renovating Vacant Houses and Used Properties

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

1. Roof and Exterior Walls

2. Interior (Interior Finishing)

3. Water-related Equipment

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 the area and method. Please confirm the exact costs through a free on-site survey and estimate.

Please see the construction menu and price list for more details!

05[Latest 2026] Subsidies and Grants Available in Nakano-ku

*The following information is as of September 1, 2026. The content, duration, and budget of the systems change annually, and many will end once the budget limit is reached. Please check the latest information with the official contact points of each system before contracting or starting work. Kakeru Koumuten can assist with confirming systems and necessary documents, but the applicant and application methods vary by system.

National Program: Housing Energy Saving 2026 Campaign

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

Tokyo Metropolitan Program

Nakano Ward Programs

06Customer Feedback

Kakeru Koumuten’s Roof Renovation Case Studies

07How to Choose a Remodeling Contractor for Used Properties and Vacant Houses in Nakano-ku

There are many remodeling companies that serve Nakano-ku, and many may be unsure of which one to choose. When requesting a remodel, let’s check the following 5 points.

1. Rich 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 makes it easier to envision the outcome after the request, providing peace of mind. If you have concerns, choose a contractor with rich experience.

Google and review sites can also be helpful. It is important to check the content of low ratings, the company’s responses, and the timing of the posts. In particular, Google reviews are useful, but do not make your decision based solely on reviews; consider the construction results, estimates, and warranty details for a comprehensive judgment.

2. Confirm whether there is a warranty and aftercare 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 and paint type, but generally ranges from 1 to 10 years (emergency repairs and partial repairs are often not covered). Some contractors also provide aftercare services, so be sure to check that as well.

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. offers warranties for exterior renovations and sealing work. We also provide aftercare maintenance and send out annual notification DM for annual inspections.
Click here for more details on Kakeru Koumuten’s warranties 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 construction work, warranties, aftercare services, and prices can vary significantly. Having multiple estimates makes price negotiations easier.

When comparing estimates, it is important to look at not just the costs but also the “items in the estimate,” “check the undercoat materials, sealing materials, and paint for ancillary parts,” and “confirm the process” in detail. Lowering the rank of ancillary parts or skipping processes can reduce costs, so it is important not to judge solely based on price.
Click here to see detailed points for comparing estimates

4. Confirm whether the work is done in-house

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. conducts detailed hearings and investigations regarding the existing “condition,” “location,” “materials,” “desired durability,” and “design” to propose plans suitable for the building and your requests. While there is no inherent problem with the system of subcontractors performing the work, it is essential to confirm whether the contracting company understands the construction details and clearly defines the responsibilities for quality control and guarantees. If the work is done in-house, it becomes easier to coordinate with the site, allowing for a quicker response in case of any troubles.

5. Do they support color simulations and perspective drawings?

Choosing colors and envisioning the appearance after construction can be challenging for both exterior and interior projects. 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 Nakano-ku

One reason is that “Kakeru Koumuten also serves Nakano-ku,” but
we have established a system specialized in exterior renovations such as roofs and walls
to provide proposals tailored to your inquiries.

1. Equipment specialized for in-house renovations

Kakeru Koumuten has organized warehouses and material storage areas to facilitate smooth execution of exterior renovations and material management. We have established five bases including our headquarters, material storage, and Machida branch in Aoba-ku and Asahi-ku in Yokohama, as well as Machida City in Tokyo.

In-house ownership of scaffolding materials

For exterior renovations, temporary scaffolding is essential, and we can construct it using our own scaffolding materials and in-house scaffolding team. By not outsourcing, this leads to cost reductions in scaffolding work. We have scaffolding materials for approximately 50 detached houses.

Materials stored in our large in-house warehouse

We store roofing materials, paints, and tools used for construction. By ordering and managing materials in bulk, we streamline procurement and arrangements for the job site. We also have tools suitable for exterior work, such as compressors and cleaning machines.

In-house waste separation

In exterior renovations, various waste materials such as paint, wood, and metal are generated. At Kakeru Koumuten, we separate waste by type and facilitate proper disposal and recycling.

Exterior renovation dedicated showroom

In our showroom, you can not only have meetings but also check the actual paint colors and a wide variety of catalogs. You can also confirm heat insulation properties using a heat insulation paint testing machine and color simulation. The showroom is a 3-minute walk from Eda Station in Aoba-ku, Yokohama. It is also accessible from within Tokyo.

2. In-house Construction System for Exterior Renovation

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. conducts in-house construction for exterior renovations, including temporary scaffolding, roof work, and exterior wall painting. From inquiries to project completion, we coordinate internally, and as a general rule, one representative serves as the point of contact from the estimate to the completion of the work, making it easy to share information with the site. For construction that includes interior work and water areas, we will provide a tailored construction system based on the content. We also welcome comparative estimates.

3. Obtaining 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 technicians, 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 Maintenance

For roofing work, exterior wall painting, and joint sealing work, there are guarantees based on the type of work and materials used. We conduct inspections at appropriate times after the work is completed. The guarantee period and coverage vary for each project, so please check the details from the image above.

5. Flexible and Prompt Response

We are equipped to handle various exterior troubles and situations. Even if we cannot access the roof at high places, 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 only.

6. Human Resource Development

To improve skills, we create various models and conduct practical training. Since the construction methods and materials used for exterior renovations differ based on existing materials and shapes, we regularly conduct technical improvement training so that each staff member can respond to various sites.
Click here for company information

7. Flexible Simulations for Both Exterior and Interior!

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. is dedicated to helping you choose colors and designs for your important building renovations, both for the exterior and interior, to ensure your satisfaction.

7-1. Exterior Renovation Simulation

We can create color simulations for exterior wall painting, as well as simulations for metal siding and roof overlays. We can create simulations from actual photos of your building and propose several patterns with our recommended color schemes. We also accommodate “test painting” and “arranging paint boards” to confirm the actual color tones.

7-2. Interior Renovation Simulation

We also support simulations and perspective drawings for interior renovations. Based on your preferred style, such as modern, we will propose recommended simulations. We create realistic perspectives from actual floor plans.

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

In conjunction with renovations of used properties, there are ways to consider solar equipment while checking subsidy systems. Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. also handles solar equipment installation, proposing solar panels after confirming the shape and condition of the roof. It is also possible to request only estimates or the creation of power generation simulations.

09Renovation of Used Properties and Vacant Houses in Nakano-ku | Frequently Asked Questions

We will answer the most frequently asked questions from those considering renovations of used properties and vacant houses in Nakano-ku.

See Kakeru Koumuten’s construction examples
See construction menu and price list

10Features of Nakano-ku

Nakano-ku, Tokyo, is a residential city with easy access to the city center via the Chuo Line, Sobu Line, and Seibu Shinjuku Line. While redevelopment is progressing around Nakano Station, there are also areas lined with wooden single-family homes and apartment buildings.

For older wooden houses, it is important to check seismic resistance and insulation performance according to the construction period and state of deterioration. Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. is headquartered in Aoba-ku, Yokohama, and we accept renovation consultations across a wide area including Nakano-ku in Kanagawa and Tokyo. Our exterior renovations such as temporary scaffolding, roofing, exterior wall painting, and exterior wall covering are performed in-house.

Areas We Can Serve for Renovations

Kakeru Koumuten accepts requests from a wide area including Nakano-ku in Kanagawa and Tokyo. Since the conditions for service may vary depending on the construction content and local situation, please contact us first.

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