[Aikawa Town, Kanagawa Prefecture] Renovation of Vacant Houses and Used Properties | Costs, Subsidies, and Case Studies

For those considering renovation of used properties and vacant houses in Aikawa Town

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 in Aikawa Town, will clearly explain the key points for a successful renovation.

Be sure to obtain estimates from at least 3 companies!

01Reasons for the Increase in Renovations of Used Properties and Vacant Houses in Aikawa Town

Aikawa Town is a central town in the prefecture where nature and industrial parks coexist, close to Nakatsugawa and Lake Miyagase. It boasts a calm living environment surrounded by hills and rural areas while accommodating an inland industrial park.

Residential areas developed during the Showa era are now entering a generational transition period, reaching 40 to 50 years of age, and are gaining attention as a destination for relocation and dual residences. This is why the option of “buying a used house and renovating (or refurbishing) it to fit one’s lifestyle” is expanding in Aikawa Town.

02Reasons for Renovating Vacant Houses and Used Properties

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

Reason 1 To Live Comfortably as Your Own Home

The most common reason for purchasing and renovating a used property is “to live comfortably.” Older houses often have issues with the roof, 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, by changing the layout and refreshing the interior, you can achieve a home that suits your family’s lifestyle while keeping 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 houses tend to be 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 construction, and depending on the use and conditions, there may be opportunities for subsidies and tax incentives, leading to an increase in those utilizing vacant houses for business.

03Precautions When Renovating Vacant Houses and Used Properties

Point 1 Choose a Trustworthy Contractor

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 Condition 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, internal damage is often not apparent 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 homes 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 performance.

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 mortgage, as well as systems that allow for deductions on certain construction costs even with personal funds. These can sometimes be used in combination, so it is essential to check in advance and plan to utilize them strategically for a successful 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 depending on the degree of damage and the scope of work. First, please familiarize yourself with 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 the area and method. Please confirm the exact costs with 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 Aikawa Town

*The following information is as of September 7, 2026. The details, duration, and budget of the systems change each fiscal year, and many will end once the budget limit is reached. Please check with our company or the respective offices for the latest information before applying. Kakeru Koumuten can assist with confirming the systems and providing necessary documents, but the applicant and application methods may differ depending on the 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 for insulation, windows, and water heaters may be eligible for these subsidies.

Aikawa Town Program

06Customer Feedback

Exterior Renovation Case Studies Near Aikawa Town

07How to Choose a Remodeling Contractor for Used Properties and Vacant Houses in Aikawa Town

There are many remodeling companies that serve Aikawa Town, and it can be confusing to decide which one to choose. When requesting a remodel, be sure to check the following 5 points.

1. Experience in Remodeling Work

Many remodeling contractors showcase their project results 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 feeling uncertain, choose a contractor with ample 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 project results, estimates, and warranty details to make a comprehensive judgment.

2. Check for Warranties and Aftercare Services

When selecting a contractor, be sure to check for warranties. Repairs may be free within the warranty period. The duration varies by contractor and paint type, but typically ranges from 1 to 10 years (emergency repairs and partial fixes are often not covered). Some contractors also offer aftercare services separate from warranties, so be sure to check that as well.

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. provides warranties for exterior remodeling and sealing work. We also conduct aftercare services, sending out annual reminder DMs to ensure annual inspections are possible.
Click here for more details on Kakeru Koumuten’s warranties and aftercare services

3. Obtain Estimates from Multiple Contractors (at least 3 companies)

When requesting a renovation, be sure to obtain estimates from multiple contractors. Even for the same work, warranties, after-sales service, and prices can vary significantly. Having multiple estimates makes price negotiations easier.

When comparing estimates, not only the cost but also the “items in the estimate,” “checking the undercoat materials, sealing materials, and paint for auxiliary parts,” and “confirming the process” should be carefully compared. Lowering the rank of auxiliary parts or skipping steps can reduce costs, so it is important not to judge solely by price.
Learn more about the points to compare estimates

4. Confirm whether the company performs renovations in-house

At Kakeru Koumuten, we conduct detailed hearings and investigations regarding the existing “condition,” “location,” “base materials,” “desired durability,” and “design,” and 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 scope of work and clearly defines the responsibilities for quality control and warranties. If the work is done in-house, it becomes easier to coordinate with the site, allowing for quicker responses in case of any issues.

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. Having simulations 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 recommended to choose a company that can accommodate flexible simulations.

08Reasons why Kakeru Koumuten is chosen for renovations of used houses in Aikawa Town

One reason is that “Kakeru Koumuten also serves Aikawa Town,” but
we have initiatives in “renovations of vacant houses and used properties that cannot be imitated by other companies,”
which have received high praise from many customers.

1. Equipment Specialized for In-House Renovations

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. has organized warehouses and material storage to provide high-quality renovations at low costs. We have 5 bases in Kanagawa and Tokyo, including Aoba-ku, Yokohama and Machida City, Tokyo.

In-House Scaffolding Materials

We can construct temporary scaffolding, which is essential for exterior renovations, using our own scaffolding materials and in-house scaffolding team. This eliminates outsourcing, leading to cost reductions in scaffolding work. We own scaffolding materials for approximately 50 detached houses.

Storage of Materials in Our Large Warehouse

We store roofing materials and paints. By placing bulk orders, we can procure materials at lower prices, and we always have stock available, allowing us to respond quickly in emergencies. We also have various tools, such as compressors and cleaning machines, to handle a wide range of construction tasks.

In-House Waste Sorting

In exterior renovations, various waste materials such as paint, wood, and metal are generated. Our company strives to reduce environmental impact and disposal costs by properly sorting waste materials and recycling those that can be reused.

Showroom Dedicated to Exterior Renovations

In the showroom, you can not only have meetings but also check the actual paint colors and a wide range of catalogs. Color simulations and tests for heat-reflective paint can also be conducted. The showroom is a 3-minute walk from Eda Station in Aoba-ku, Yokohama.

2. In-house Construction Focused on Exterior Work

A major strength of Kakeru Koumuten is our in-house construction focused on exterior work. By maintaining a consistent system from inquiry to project completion, we can provide high-quality renovations at a reduced cost. A single representative will handle everything from the estimate to project completion, ensuring smooth communication without changes in the sales or construction management teams. We carry out the work with our own craftsmen, from temporary scaffolding setup to exterior wall painting and roof renovations. We are confident in our plans and costs, so we welcome competitive estimates.

3. Various Permits Obtained & Skilled Workers on Staff

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

4. Warranty and Aftercare

Exterior wall 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 we cannot access the roof at height, we can use a drone. For leak investigations, we also utilize a thermal imaging camera. We respond according to our customers’ wishes and can also provide emergency measures for sudden leaks.

6. Human Resource Development

To enhance skills, we create various models and conduct practical training. Since exterior renovations differ in construction methods and materials based on existing materials and shapes, we regularly conduct technical skill enhancement training to ensure each staff member can adapt to various sites.
Click here for company information

7. Flexible Simulations for Both Exterior and Interior!

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

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 propose several color patterns using our recommended color schemes. We also accommodate “test painting” and “paint board arrangements” to confirm actual color tones.

7-2. Interior Renovation Simulation

We also provide simulations and perspective drawings for interior renovations. Based on your preferred style, such as modern, we suggest recommended simulations. We create realistic perspectives based on actual floor plans.

8. Solar Panel and Storage Battery Installation Work Available!

More customers are introducing solar power systems, which have generous subsidies, in conjunction with renovations of used properties. Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. also handles solar power system installations and proposes solar panels tailored to the shape of your roof. We can also accept requests for estimates and power generation simulations only.

09Renovation of Used Properties and Vacant Houses in Aikawa Town | Frequently Asked Questions

We answer the most frequently asked questions from those considering renovations of used properties and vacant houses in Aikawa Town.

View Kakeru Koumuten’s project examples
View our service menu and price list

10Features of Aikawa Town

Aikawa Town is a central town where nature and industrial parks coexist, located near the Nakatsukawa River and Lake Miyagase. While it has an inland industrial park, it is surrounded by hills and rural areas, providing a calm living environment.

As the post-war single-family housing areas reach a generational transition, there is a growing demand for used homes and renovations, including relocation and dual residences. Kakeru Koumuten is headquartered in Aoba-ku, Yokohama, and offers a wide range of exterior and interior renovations throughout Kanagawa Prefecture. We can perform in-house construction mainly focused on exterior work such as roofs and exterior walls.

Areas We Can Serve for Renovations

Kakeru Koumuten accepts requests throughout Kanagawa and Tokyo.

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