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

For those considering renovation of used properties and vacant houses in Sumida-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 Sumida Ward, will clearly explain the key 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 Sumida Ward

Sumida Ward in Tokyo is home to the Tokyo Skytree and features charming residential areas filled with the old-town atmosphere of Ryogoku, Mukojima, and Kyojima. Narrow alleys are lined with wooden houses and row houses, creating a captivating streetscape that retains the culture of craftsmanship.

The wooden houses in the old town are at a point where their age necessitates a review of seismic resistance, fire prevention, and insulation. Therefore, the option of “buying an old wooden house and renovating (rehabilitating) it while enhancing seismic and fire resistance” is gaining popularity in Sumida Ward.

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 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

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 plumbing, making them difficult to live in as they are. By renovating and updating the facilities and interior, you can create a comfortable living environment. Additionally, by changing the layout and refreshing the interior, you can finish 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 homes are often valued low as they are, but renovations can enhance their appearance and performance, increasing their value as properties.

Reason 3 To Utilize as an 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, they may qualify for subsidies or tax incentives, leading to an increase in 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. 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 in line with 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 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.

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, covering part of the costs for earthquake retrofitting, energy-saving construction, and barrier-free renovations. There are tax deductions available for “housing loan tax deductions” 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 greatly depending on the extent of damage and the scope of work. First, please understand the approximate costs by area 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 Equipment

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 based 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 Sumida Ward

*The following information is as of August 28, 2026. The details, duration, and budget 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 each relevant office 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.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Program

Sumida Ward Programs

06Customer Voices

Exterior Renovation Case Studies in Sumida-ku

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

There are many renovation companies that serve Sumida-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 can help you visualize the outcome after the request, giving you peace of mind. If you’re uncertain, choose a contractor with ample experience.

Google and review sites can be helpful references. 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 the construction results, estimates, and warranty details for a comprehensive judgment.

2. Confirm 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 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 notification DM 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 renovations, be sure to obtain estimates from multiple contractors. Even for the same work, warranties, aftercare services, and costs can vary significantly. Having multiple estimates makes price negotiations easier.

When comparing estimates, it is important to look at not just the costs but also the “items in the estimate,” “check the primer, sealing materials, and paint for ancillary parts,” and “confirm the process.” Lowering the rank of ancillary 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 whether the company performs renovations in-house

At Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd., we conduct detailed hearings and investigations regarding the existing “condition,” “location,” “materials,” “desired durability,” and “design” to propose the most suitable plan. While there is no inherent problem with the system in which partner companies carry out the construction, it is essential to confirm whether the contracted company understands the construction details and clearly defines the responsibilities for quality control and guarantees. If we handle the construction ourselves, it becomes easier to coordinate with the site, allowing for a quicker response in case of any issues.

5. Do they support color simulations and perspective drawings?

Choosing colors and envisioning the outcome 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 advisable to choose a company that can provide flexible simulations.

08Reasons why Kakeru Koumuten is chosen for remodeling used houses in Sumida-ku

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

1. Equipment specialized for in-house remodeling

At Kakeru Koumuten, we have established warehouses and material storage areas to provide high-quality remodeling at low costs. We have five bases within Yokohama City for material storage and showrooms.

In-house ownership of 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 savings 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 also have various tools that can accommodate different types of construction, such as compressors and cleaning machines.

In-house waste separation

In exterior renovations, various types of waste such as paint, wood, and metal are generated. While many contractors dispose of them all together, we separate and recycle waste, significantly reducing waste 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 variety of catalogs. You can also confirm heat resistance using a heat-resistant paint testing machine and color simulation. The showroom is a 3-minute walk from Eda Station in Aoba-ku, Yokohama. It is also accessible from within Tokyo.

2. Complete In-House Construction

A major strength of Kakeru Koumuten is our complete in-house construction. By maintaining a consistent system from inquiry to project completion, we can keep costs down while providing high-quality renovations. A single representative handles everything from the estimate to project completion, ensuring smooth communication without changes in sales or project management. All work, from temporary scaffolding setup to exterior wall painting and roof renovations, is carried out by our own skilled craftsmen. 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 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 Aftercare Maintenance

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

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 with a drone. We also use a thermal imaging camera for leak investigations. We respond according to our customers’ wishes and also accept emergency measures for sudden leaks from the exterior walls only.

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 regularly conduct technical improvement 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, both exterior and interior, to ensure your satisfaction.

7-1. Exterior Renovation Simulation

We can provide 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 combinations. We also accommodate “test painting” and “arranging paint boards” 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 propose recommended simulations. We create realistic perspectives from actual floor plans.

8. Solar Panel and Storage Battery Installation Work Available!

More customers are introducing solar equipment, which has abundant subsidies, in line with renovations of used properties. Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. also handles solar equipment installation 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 Sumida Ward | Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

10Features of Sumida-ku

Sumida-ku, Tokyo, is home to the Tokyo Skytree and features residential areas rich in downtown charm, such as Ryogoku, Mukojima, and Kyojima. Narrow alleys are lined with wooden single-family homes and row houses, creating a captivating streetscape that retains the culture of craftsmanship.

It is time to reassess the seismic resistance, fire prevention, and insulation of wooden houses in the downtown area, and the option of living safely through used properties plus renovations is expanding. Kakeru Koumuten, headquartered in Aoba-ku, Yokohama, offers a wide range of exterior and interior renovations throughout Kanagawa and Tokyo. We can perform all work in-house, including exterior wall overlay methods.

Areas Available for Renovation

Kakeru Koumuten accepts requests throughout Kanagawa and Tokyo.

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