[Arakawa-ku, Tokyo] Vacant & Used Homes: Renovation Costs, Grants & Projects

For those considering renovations of used properties and vacant houses in Arakawa-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.

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd., which serves Arakawa-ku, Tokyo, will clearly explain the points to consider when planning a renovation for such concerns.

Let’s compare estimates, guarantees, and proposals from multiple companies

01Reasons for the Increase in Renovations of Used Properties and Vacant Houses in Arakawa-ku

Arakawa-ku, Tokyo, is known for areas like Nippori, Machiya, and Minami-Senju, and is characterized as a traditional downtown area. Narrow alleys are lined with wooden single-family homes and mixed-use buildings, preserving the nostalgic streetscape where the Arakawa tram runs.

Many wooden houses in the downtown area are older, so it is important to consider renovations after confirming their seismic, fire prevention, and insulation performance. When purchasing a used wooden house in Arakawa-ku, plan your renovation (renovation) while checking the building’s condition and legal requirements.

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 utilizing renovated 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, making them difficult to live in as they are. By renovating and upgrading the facilities and interior, and possibly changing the layout, you can create a home that suits your family’s lifestyle. Costs vary depending on the property’s condition and the scope of renovations, so it’s important to compare the purchase price and construction costs together.

Reason 2 To Increase Asset Value for Sale

There are cases where used properties are purchased and renovated for the purpose of resale. Renovations can enhance the appearance and performance, but the selling price and ease of sale are also influenced by location, demand, and the scope of work. Since you cannot always recover the construction costs, it’s advisable to decide on the renovation scope in consultation with a real estate company.

Reason 3 To Utilize as an Investment or Business

There are methods to renovate used properties for investment or business purposes, such as converting them into rental housing or share houses. Consider the income and expenses, including acquisition costs, renovation costs, maintenance costs, and expected rent, and also check for compliance with zoning laws and fire regulations. Depending on the use and conditions, there may be opportunities 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 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 construction 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 mortgage, and there are systems that allow for deductions on certain construction costs even with personal funds. These can sometimes be used in combination, so it is crucial 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 serve 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-related 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 for 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.

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

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

*The following information is as of September 2, 2026. The details, duration, and budget of the systems change annually, and many will end once the budget limit is reached. Please check the latest information on the official pages or at the contact points for each system before contracting or starting work. The application methods and conditions for combining with other systems 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.

Tokyo Metropolitan Program

Arakawa Ward Programs

06Customer Voices

Roof Overlay Construction Examples in Arakawa-ku

07How to Choose a Renovation Contractor for Used Properties and Vacant Houses in Arakawa-ku

There are many renovation companies that serve Araakawa-ku, and it can be confusing to decide which one to choose. When requesting renovations, be sure to check the following five points.

1. Experience in Renovation Work

Many renovation contractors publish their project results on their websites. If a contractor provides detailed explanations of the process with photos, it makes it easier to visualize 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 a decision based solely on reviews; consider project results, estimates, and warranty details for a comprehensive assessment.

2. Check for Warranties and After-Sales Maintenance

When choosing a contractor, make sure to check the availability and scope of the warranty. Even within the warranty period, there may be cases where charges apply depending on the cause or scope of the work. Since the duration, exclusions, and inspection methods vary by contractor and project details, it is important to confirm these in writing.

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. offers warranties based on the scope of work and materials used. We also provide information on aftercare services.
Click here for more details on Kakeru Koumuten’s warranty and aftercare services

3. Obtain estimates from multiple contractors

When requesting renovations, be sure to obtain estimates from multiple contractors. Even if the work appears similar, the scope of work, materials used, warranties, after-service, and costs may differ.

When comparing estimates, it is important to look closely at not only the cost but also the “items in the estimate,” “check the undercoating 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 is crucial to not judge solely based on price.
See detailed points for comparing estimates

4. Confirm the construction system and responsibility

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. conducts detailed hearings and investigations regarding the existing “condition,” “location,” “base materials,” “desired durability,” and “design,” and proposes 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 quality control and warranty responsibilities. If the work is done in-house, it is easier to coordinate with the site, allowing for quicker responses in case of any issues.

5. Do they offer color simulations and perspective drawings?

Both exterior and interior projects can often lead to concerns about the final image and color choices after construction. With simulations, you can reduce the risk of disappointment from “it looks different than I imagined.” Since it is difficult to redo once the work is done, it is recommended to choose a company that can provide flexible simulations.

08Reasons Kakeru Koumuten is Chosen for Renovations of Used Houses in Arakawa-ku

At Kakeru Koumuten, we value
investigation, proposals, and construction management tailored to the condition of the building and your wishes
for renovations of vacant houses and used properties in Arakawa-ku.

1. Equipment Specialized for In-House Renovations

Kakeru Koumuten has established a management system for the equipment and materials necessary for construction. We utilize a total of five locations, including a showroom in Aoba-ku, Yokohama, a Machida store, and material storage sites in Aoba-ku and Asahi-ku, Yokohama.

In-House Scaffolding Materials

We have our own scaffolding materials for temporary scaffolding required for exterior renovations, and we have a system in place to handle it with our in-house scaffolding team. Although the construction methods may vary depending on site conditions, our approach allows for easier process adjustments and quality control.

Storage of Materials in Our Large Warehouse

We store roofing materials, paints, compressors, and cleaning machines. We arrange materials according to inventory status and construction details, and adjust transportation and processes to the site.

In-house waste separation

In exterior renovations, various waste materials such as paint, wood, and metal are generated. At Kakeru Koumuten, we separate waste according to laws and disposal methods, striving for proper disposal and recycling.

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 insulation performance using color simulations and heat insulation paint testing machines. The showroom is a 3-minute walk from Eda Station in Aoba-ku, Yokohama, and is accessible from Tokyo as well.

2. Consistent system centered on exterior construction

Kakeru Koumuten provides a consistent response from inquiries to on-site surveys, estimates, construction management, and completion confirmation. We carry out exterior construction such as temporary scaffolding, roofs, and exterior walls primarily in-house, while collaborating with partner companies for specialized work such as interior and equipment construction as needed. In such cases, Kakeru Koumuten serves as the point of contact, managing processes and quality.

3. Acquisition of 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 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 Maintenance

The warranty details vary depending on the construction content, materials used, and scope of work. We also provide information on aftercare maintenance. Please click the image above to check the applicable periods and disclaimers.

5. Flexible and Prompt Response

We are equipped to handle various exterior troubles and situations. If access to the roof is not possible, we can respond using a drone. We also use a thermal imaging camera for leak investigations. We respond according to customer requests and also accept emergency repairs for sudden leaks from exterior walls.

6. Human Resource Development

To enhance skills, we create various models and conduct practical training. Since the construction methods and materials used for exterior renovations vary based on existing materials and shapes, we conduct regular 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 achieve satisfaction with the renovation of their important buildings by fully supporting color selection and design for both exterior and interior.

7-1. Exterior Renovation Simulation

We can create simulations not only for exterior wall painting colors but also for metal siding and roof overlay. We can generate simulations from actual photos of your building and propose several patterns with our recommended color schemes. We also accommodate “test painting” and “color board arrangements” to confirm the actual color tones.

7-2. Interior Renovation Simulation

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

8. Solar Power and Battery Installation Work Also Available!

When renovating a used property, you may also consider solar power systems and batteries. At Kakeru Koumuten, we propose equipment after checking the roof’s shape, orientation, and deterioration condition. It is important to consider the eligibility requirements for the system and cost-effectiveness as well.

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

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

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

10Features of Arakawa-ku

Arakawa-ku in Tokyo is known for its traditional downtown areas such as Nippori, Machiya, and Minami-Senju. Narrow alleys are lined with wooden single-family homes and mixed-use buildings, preserving the charming streetscape where the Toden Arakawa Line runs.

For older wooden houses, it is important to check the seismic, fire prevention, and insulation performance, and to consider renovations based on the condition of the building. Kakeru Koumuten is headquartered in Aoba-ku, Yokohama, and also handles exterior and interior renovations in Arakawa-ku, Tokyo. We carry out exterior work primarily in-house, while collaborating with partner companies for specialized interior and equipment work, with Kakeru Koumuten managing the construction.

Areas Available for Renovation

Kakeru Koumuten accepts requests throughout Kanagawa Prefecture and all of Tokyo.

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