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

For those considering renovations of used properties and vacant houses in Koto 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 conducts renovations in Kanagawa and Tokyo, will clearly explain the key points for a successful renovation.

Let’s compare estimates from multiple companies!

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

Koto Ward in Tokyo is a town where coastal tower apartments in Toyosu and Shinonome coexist with wooden residential areas in Kameido and Sunamachi. It is characterized by its canals and reclaimed land, offering attractive waterfront scenery.

Some of the wooden houses in the eastern area are older, making it important to reassess earthquake resistance, flood prevention, and insulation. When purchasing a used detached house or apartment in Koto Ward, it is advisable to check the condition of the building and consider renovations (renovation) that suit your lifestyle.

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 growing interest in the lifestyle of purchasing used homes and renovating them. 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 homes often have issues with the roof, exterior walls, and water facilities, making them less livable as they are. By renovating and upgrading the facilities and interiors, you can create a comfortable living environment. Additionally, through layout changes and interior refreshment, you can finish your home to suit your family’s lifestyle while keeping 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 as they are, but renovations can enhance both appearance and performance, thereby increasing the property’s value.

Reason 3 To Utilize as an Investment or Business

For purchases made for investment or business purposes, renovations are essential. By transforming properties 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 purpose and conditions, there may also be subsidies or tax incentives available, 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. 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 that can carry out the work thoroughly according to your wishes, the structure of the house, and the surrounding environment, and also provides aftercare following the construction.

Point 2 Always Check the Deterioration Status 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 was previously occupied, 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 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 the earthquake resistance and insulation.

Point 4 Check Subsidy Programs and Renovation Tax Deductions

To reduce construction costs, 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 renovations, and barrier-free modifications. Tax deductions include the “housing loan tax deduction” when using a housing loan, and there are systems where part of the costs can be deducted for certain works even with personal funds. These can sometimes be combined, so it is crucial 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 market rates 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 & 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 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 an on-site inspection and estimate.

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

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

* The following information is as of September 1, 2026. The content, duration, and budget of the systems change annually, and some may end once the budget limit is reached. Be sure to check the latest information on each system’s official page or at the service counter before signing a contract or starting construction. The application process and applicants may 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 for insulation, windows, and water heaters may be eligible for these subsidies.

Tokyo Metropolitan Program

Koto Ward Programs

06Customer Voices

Examples of Roof Overlay Work in Koto City

07How to Choose a Renovation Contractor for Used Properties and Vacant Houses in Koto Ward

There are many renovation companies that cater to Koto Ward, and it can be confusing to decide which one to choose. When requesting renovations, be sure to check the following five points.

1. Having extensive experience in renovation work

Many renovation contractors publish their construction achievements on their websites. If a contractor provides detailed explanations of the process with photos, it can give you a clearer image of what to expect after hiring them, which is reassuring. If you have concerns, choose a contractor with extensive 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 can be informative, but do not make your decision based solely on reviews; consider the construction achievements, estimates, and warranty details for a comprehensive judgment.

2. Confirming the presence of warranties and aftercare services

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 typically ranges from 1 to 10 years (emergency repairs and partial repairs are often not covered). Some contractors also offer aftercare services in addition to warranties, so be sure to check that as well.

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. provides construction warranties and manufacturer warranties based on the type of work and materials used. The warranty period and coverage vary for each project, so please confirm during the estimate. We also offer aftercare services.
For more details about Kakeru Koumuten’s warranties and aftercare services, click here

3. Obtaining estimates from multiple contractors

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

When comparing estimates, it is important to look closely at not only the cost but also the “items in the estimate,” “confirmation of undercoating materials, sealing materials, and auxiliary paint,” and “confirmation of the process.” Lowering the rank of auxiliary components or skipping steps can reduce costs, so it is essential to not make judgments based solely on price.
Learn more about the key points for comparing estimates

4. Confirm the construction system and scope of responsibility

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. conducts detailed hearings and investigations regarding the existing “condition,” “location,” “base materials,” “desired durability,” and “design,” and proposes plans tailored to the construction content. Whether it is in-house construction or subcontracted work, it is important to confirm whether the contracting company understands the construction details and clearly defines the responsibilities for quality control and guarantees.

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 work. With simulations, you can reduce the risk of mistakes such as “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 Koto-ku

One reason is that “Kakeru Koumuten also serves Koto-ku,” but
we have “initiatives in renovating vacant houses and used properties that cannot be imitated by other companies,”
and we provide proposals tailored to the condition of the building and your preferences.

1. Equipment Specialized for In-House Renovations

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. has established showrooms in Aoba-ku, Yokohama, and material storage sites in Machida and Aoba-ku & Asahi-ku, to efficiently advance exterior renovations.

In-House Scaffolding Materials

We own the scaffolding materials necessary for temporary scaffolding in exterior renovations and carry out the work with our own scaffolding team. Depending on the construction details, we can handle everything from scaffolding work consistently, leading to efficient process management and cost savings.

Storage of Materials in Our Large Warehouse

We store roofing materials, paints, compressors, and cleaning machines. By managing materials and equipment in-house, we streamline preparation for construction and on-site responses.

In-House Waste Separation

Waste generated from exterior renovations, such as paint, wood, and metal, is separated by item and processed appropriately.

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 thermal insulation properties using a thermal insulation paint testing machine and color simulation. The showroom is a 3-minute walk from Eda Station in Aoba-ku, Yokohama, and is accessible from Tokyo as well.

2. In-House Management and Self-Performed Exterior Work

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. manages everything from inquiries to project completion consistently, and we primarily perform exterior work such as temporary scaffolding, roofing, and exterior painting in-house. For interior and equipment work, we collaborate with specialized partner companies, while Kakeru Koumuten handles construction management and serves as the point of contact.

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 on staff, 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 After-Maintenance

For exterior wall painting and joint sealing work, we provide warranties based on the materials used and the scope of work. The warranty period, coverage, and details of after-maintenance will be provided in writing before the contract is finalized.

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 exterior walls.

6. Human Resource Development

We create various models for skill enhancement and conduct practical training. Since exterior renovations vary in construction methods and materials based on existing materials and shapes, we regularly implement technical training to ensure 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, both 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 actual colors.

7-2. Interior Renovation Simulation

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

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

As more customers are introducing solar power systems with generous subsidies in line with the renovation of used properties, Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. also supports solar power installation work and proposes solar panels tailored to the shape of your roof. We can also provide estimates and generate power generation simulations upon request.

09Frequently Asked Questions about Renovating Used Properties and Vacant Houses in Koto Ward

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

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

10Features of Koto Ward

Koto Ward in Tokyo is a town where coastal tower apartments like Toyosu and Shinonome coexist with wooden residential areas in Kameido and Sunamachi. It is characterized by its waterfront scenery and the vibrancy of redevelopment, consisting of canals and reclaimed land.

In the wooden houses of the eastern city, renovations focusing on earthquake resistance, flood prevention, and insulation are essential. Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. is headquartered in Aoba-ku, Yokohama, and undertakes exterior and interior renovations mainly in Kanagawa Prefecture and Tokyo. We primarily carry out exterior work in-house, while collaborating with specialized partner companies for interior and equipment work depending on the content.

Renovation Service Areas

Kakeru Koumuten accepts requests throughout Kanagawa Prefecture and Tokyo.

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