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

For those considering renovation of used properties and vacant houses in Kawasaki-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 close to Kawasaki-ku, will clearly explain the points for a successful renovation.

Obtain estimates from at least 3 companies!

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

Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki City, is the gateway to Kawasaki City, featuring a district that spreads across the coastal area of the Keihin Industrial Zone and residential areas like Kawasaki Daishi and Oshima. It is a vibrant town where a multicultural culture is rooted, coexisting with factories and shopping streets alongside residential areas.

The wooden houses in the downtown area near the coastal region are at a stage where they require upgrades for earthquake resistance, insulation, salt damage, and flood prevention. This is why the option of “buying a used wooden house and renovating it to suit one’s lifestyle” is expanding in Kawasaki-ku.

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 lifestyles that involve purchasing used homes and renovating or refurbishing 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 roofs, exterior walls, and water-related areas, making them uncomfortable 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 interiors, 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

There is an increasing number of people purchasing and renovating used properties for the purpose of resale. Used homes are often evaluated as having low asset value as they are, 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 purpose and conditions, they may also qualify for subsidies or tax incentives, 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 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 that can carry out the work properly 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 of the Building

For used properties and vacant houses, it is crucial to check which parts are deteriorating and to what extent beforehand. Since other people have lived there before, 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 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, and part of the costs for earthquake retrofitting, energy-saving construction, and barrier-free renovations may be supported. Tax reductions include the “housing loan tax reduction” 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 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 extent of damage and the scope of work. First, please understand the approximate market prices 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-related 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 Kawasaki Ward

* The following information is as of September 3, 2026. The contents, periods, and budgets of the systems change annually, 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 applicants 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 for insulation, windows, and water heaters may be eligible for these subsidies.

Kawasaki City Program

06Customer Voices

Exterior Renovation Case Studies in Kawasaki-ku

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

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

1. Rich experience in renovation work

Many renovation contractors publish their work results on their websites. If a contractor provides detailed explanations of the process with photos, it makes it easier to visualize the project after hiring, which brings 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. In particular, Google reviews can be informative, but don’t make your decision based solely on reviews; consider the work results, estimates, and warranty details for a comprehensive assessment.

2. Confirm the presence of warranties and aftercare services

When selecting 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 separately, so be sure to check that as well.

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. provides warranties for exterior renovations and sealing work. We also conduct aftercare services, sending out annual reminder DM for annual inspections.
Click here for more details on Kakeru Koumuten’s warranties and aftercare services

3. Obtain estimates from multiple contractors (at least 3)

When requesting renovations, be sure to obtain estimates from multiple contractors. Even for the same work, warranties, aftercare services, and prices can vary significantly. Having multiple estimates makes it easier to negotiate prices.

When comparing estimates, consider not only the cost but also the “items in the estimate,” “check the undercoating materials, sealing materials, and paint for ancillary parts,” and “confirm the process” in detail. Lowering the rank of ancillary parts or skipping steps can reduce costs, so it’s important not to judge solely based on price.
Click here for detailed points on comparing estimates

4. Confirm whether the company performs renovations in-house

At Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd., we conduct detailed hearings and surveys regarding the existing “condition,” “location,” “materials,” “desired durability,” and “design” to propose the optimal plan. While there is nothing inherently wrong with a system where a partner company performs the construction, it is important to confirm whether the contracted company understands the construction details and has clear responsibilities for quality control and guarantees. With self-construction, it is easier to coordinate with the site, allowing for quick responses in case of any troubles.

5. Do they support color simulation and perspective creation?

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 construction 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 Kawasaki-ku

One reason is that “Kakeru Koumuten is also close to Kawasaki-ku,” but
our unique approach to “renovating vacant and used properties” that cannot be imitated by other companies
has received high praise from many customers.

1. Equipment Specialized for In-House Renovations

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

In-House Scaffolding Materials

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

Materials stored in our large in-house warehouse

We store roofing materials and paints. By placing large orders at once, we can procure materials at lower prices, and since we always have stock available, we can respond quickly in emergencies. We are also equipped with various tools that can handle different types of construction, 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 is committed to separating and recycling waste materials, working towards reducing waste and controlling disposal costs.

Showroom dedicated to exterior renovations

In our 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 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, and is easily accessible from Kawasaki City.

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 aim to provide high-quality renovations at reduced costs. Since one representative handles everything from the estimate to project completion, there are no changes in the sales and construction management teams, allowing for smooth communication. We carry out the work with our own craftsmen, from temporary scaffolding installation to exterior wall painting and roof renovations. We are confident in our plans and costs, so we welcome competitive estimates.

3. Various Permits and Skilled Workers

We have obtained construction industry licenses and permits for industrial waste collection and transportation. 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.

4. Warranty and Aftercare

Exterior painting and joint sealing work come with a warranty. Aftercare is available annually, and we send out notification DM every year. If you have concerns about the warranty, please click on the image above for more information.

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. We also use a thermal imaging camera for leak investigations. We respond according to our customers’ wishes and also accept emergency repairs for sudden leaks only.

6. Human Resource Development

We create various models for skill improvement and conduct practical training. Since exterior renovations differ in construction methods and materials based on existing materials and shapes, we regularly conduct technical improvement training to ensure each staff member can handle 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 for both exterior and interior.

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 “sample board arrangements” 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 image, such as a modern style, we will propose recommended simulations. We create realistic perspectives from actual floor plans.

8. Solar Power 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 installation work and will propose 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 Kawasaki-ku | Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

10Features of Kawasaki-ku

Kawasaki City, Kawasaki-ku is the gateway to Kawasaki City, featuring the coastal area of the Keihin Industrial Zone and residential neighborhoods like Kawasaki Daishi and Oshima. It is a vibrant town where a multicultural culture thrives, coexisting with factories, shopping streets, and residences.

Wooden houses in the downtown area near the coast are reaching a generational transition, leading to an increased demand for used properties and renovations that address seismic, insulation, salt damage, and water damage. Kakeru Koumuten, headquartered in Aoba-ku, Yokohama, widely accepts exterior and interior renovations throughout Kawasaki City. We can handle exterior construction, including in-house construction for roof and wall overlay methods.

Areas Available for Renovation

Kakeru Koumuten accepts requests throughout Kanagawa and Tokyo.

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