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

For those considering renovation of used properties and vacant houses in Chiyoda-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 has numerous achievements in Chiyoda-ku, will clearly explain the key points for a successful renovation.

Always obtain estimates from at least 3 companies!

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

Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, is the heart of the city, centered around the Imperial Palace, with business districts like Marunouchi and Otemachi, and residential areas such as Bancho, Kojimachi, and Kanda. While condominiums are the main type of housing, there are also older detached houses and mixed-use buildings.

Some residential buildings in the city center have aged, necessitating checks for seismic resistance and insulation. In Chiyoda-ku, there is also the option to “purchase a used apartment or detached house and carry out renovations (rehabilitation) to enhance comfort.”

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 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

A typical reason 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 interiors, you can create a comfortable living environment. Depending on the property price and scope of work, you can aim for a home that suits your family’s lifestyle while keeping total costs lower than new constructions.

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 evaluated as having low asset value in their current state, but renovations can enhance their appearance and performance, thereby 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 use and conditions, they may also qualify for subsidies or tax incentives, leading to an increase in those utilizing vacant houses for business.

03Points to Note 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. For used properties, since there were 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 are deteriorating and to what extent in advance. Since other people have lived there before, the 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

In the renovation of used and vacant houses, it is particularly important to review 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 housing loan, 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 essential to check in advance and use them strategically as a key to 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 extent of damage and the scope of work. First, please understand 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 Facilities

4. Equipment & Infrastructure

5. Waterproofing & 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.

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

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

*The following information is as of August 31, 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 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 method may vary 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.

Tokyo Metropolitan Program

Chiyoda Ward Programs

06Customer Voices

Kakeru Koumuten’s Roof Renovation Case Studies

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

There are many renovation companies that serve Chiyoda-ku, and it can be confusing to decide which one to choose. When requesting renovations, be sure to check the following 5 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 can help you visualize the outcome after your request, giving you peace of mind. If you have concerns, choose a contractor with ample 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 posts. In particular, Google reviews are useful, but do not make your decision based solely on reviews; consider project results, estimates, and warranty details for a comprehensive judgment.

2. Check for warranties and after-sales 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 1 to 10 years is common (emergency repairs and partial repairs are often not covered). Some contractors also offer after-sales services separate from warranties, so be sure to check that as well.

Kakeru Koumuten provides warranties for exterior renovations and sealing work. We also conduct after-sales maintenance, sending out annual notification DM to ensure annual inspections are possible.
Click here for more details on Kakeru Koumuten’s warranties and after-sales 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 scope of work, warranties, after-sales service, and prices can vary significantly. Having multiple estimates makes it easier to negotiate prices.

When comparing estimates, it is important to look closely at not only the costs 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 make decisions based solely on price.
Learn more about the points to compare in estimates

4. Confirm whether the company performs the exterior work in-house

At Kakeru Koumuten, we conduct detailed hearings and investigations regarding the existing “condition,” “location,” “base materials,” “desired durability,” and “design,” and propose suitable plans. While there is nothing inherently wrong with a system where partner companies perform the construction, it is important to confirm whether the contracting company understands the scope of work and has clear responsibilities for quality control and warranties. If the work is done in-house, it is easier to coordinate with the site, making it quicker to respond 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. With simulations, you can reduce the risk of mistakes like “it looks different 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 Chiyoda-ku

One reason is that Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. also serves Chiyoda Ward,
and 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. Facilities Specialized in Exterior Renovations

At Kakeru Koumuten, we have organized warehouses and material storage to provide exterior renovations. We have five bases established in Kanagawa Prefecture and Tokyo, including Aoba-ku, Yokohama and Machida City, Tokyo.

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 can achieve cost reductions on scaffolding work. We own scaffolding materials for approximately 50 houses.

Storage of Materials in Our Large Warehouse

We store roofing materials and paints. By ordering and storing materials in bulk, we reduce procurement costs and improve the efficiency of construction preparations. We also have various tools to handle different types of 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. Our company sorts waste materials by type and recycles what is possible.

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 simulation and heat-resistant paint testing equipment. The showroom is a 3-minute walk from Eda Station in Aoba-ku, Yokohama. It is also accessible from within Tokyo.

2. In-House Exterior Construction

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. handles exterior construction in-house, from setting up temporary scaffolding to exterior wall painting and roof renovations. Since the same representative manages everything from the estimate to project completion, it is easy to share information with the site. We respond to interior construction with a system tailored to the project content. 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 to check.

5. Flexible and Prompt Response

We are equipped to handle various exterior troubles and situations. Even if you 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 the exterior walls.

6. Human Resource Development

We create various models for skill enhancement and conduct practical training. Since exterior renovations differ in construction methods and materials based on existing materials and shapes, we conduct regular technical 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 is dedicated to helping you choose colors and designs for your important building renovations, ensuring your satisfaction with both exterior and interior work.

7-1. Exterior Renovation Simulation

In addition to color simulations for exterior wall painting, we also offer simulations for metal siding and roof overlays. We can create simulations from actual photos of your building and suggest several color patterns based on our recommendations. We also accommodate “trial 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. Based on your preferred style, such as modern, we can suggest recommended simulations. We create realistic perspectives from actual floor plans.

8. Solar Panel and Storage Battery Installation Work Available!

As part of renovations for used properties, more customers are introducing solar power systems that come with substantial subsidies. Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. also handles solar power system installations and can recommend 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 Chiyoda Ward | Frequently Asked Questions

We answer the most frequently asked questions from those considering renovations for used properties and vacant houses in Chiyoda Ward.

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

10Features of Chiyoda-ku

Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, is the heart of Tokyo, centered around the Imperial Palace, with business districts like Marunouchi and Otemachi, and residential areas such as Banchou, Kojimachi, and Kanda. While most residences are apartments, there are also older detached houses and mixed-use buildings.

Even in the city center, there are houses that require seismic and insulation checks, and renovating a used property to enhance comfort is also an option. Kakeru Koumuten has bases in Aoba-ku, Yokohama, and Machida City, Tokyo, and we undertake renovations across a wide area of Kanagawa and Tokyo. Exterior work such as roof construction, exterior wall painting, and roof overlay (cover method) can be handled with in-house construction.

Areas We Can Serve for Renovations

Kakeru Koumuten accepts requests across a wide area of Kanagawa and Tokyo. Please contact us in advance as there may be cases where we cannot accommodate depending on the region and type of work.

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