[Yamakita Town, Kanagawa Prefecture] Renovation of Vacant Houses and Used Properties | Costs, Subsidies, and Case Studies

For those considering renovations of used properties and vacant houses in Yamakita Town

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 Yamaki Town, 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 Yamaki Town

Yamaki Town is a place rich in water and greenery, embraced by the majestic nature of Lake Tanzawa and Nishi Tanzawa, with a large part of its area covered by forests. The JR Gotemba Line runs through it, making it close to the city center while offering the charm of abundant nature and a quiet lifestyle, attracting attention as a destination for relocation and permanent residence.

Old wooden houses and traditional farmhouses in the mountains are now at a stage where they require improvements for earthquake resistance, insulation, and moisture control. This is why, at this moment, the option of “buying a used detached house or a traditional farmhouse and renovating (rehabilitating) it to suit one’s lifestyle” is expanding in Yamaki Town.

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 used properties through renovations. There is a growing interest in living in renovated or refurbished used houses. 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 houses often have issues with roofs, exterior walls, and 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. 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 constructions.

Reason 2 To Increase Asset Value for Sale

More people are purchasing and renovating used properties with the intention of selling them. Used houses are often valued low 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 aimed at investment or business, renovations are essential. By transforming into stylish rentals or share houses, you can differentiate 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, there may be cases where subsidies or tax incentives apply, leading to an increase in those 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. 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 the house, and the surrounding environment, and who also provides aftercare following the construction.

Point 2 Always Check the Condition of the Building

For used properties and vacant houses, it is crucial to confirm which parts have deteriorated 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 identify 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 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 mortgage, and there are systems that allow for deductions on certain 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).

04Cost Estimates for Renovating Vacant Houses and Used Properties

The cost of renovating used properties and vacant houses varies significantly 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 stated construction range. 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 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 Yamaki Town

* The following information is as of September 7, 2026. The contents, duration, and budget of the systems change annually, and many will end once the budget limit is reached. Please check with our company or the respective offices for the latest information before applying. Kakeru Koumuten can assist with confirming the systems and providing 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.

Yamakita Town Program

06Customer Voices

Exterior Renovation Case Studies Around Yamaki Town

07How to Choose a Remodeling Contractor for Used Properties and Vacant Houses in Yamakita Town

There are many remodeling companies that serve Yamakita Town, and it can be confusing to decide which one to choose. When requesting a remodel, be sure to check the following five points.

1. Experience in Remodeling Work is Abundant

Many remodeling contractors publish their construction achievements on their websites. If a contractor provides detailed explanations of the process with photos, it makes it easier to visualize the project after hiring them, which can be reassuring. For those who are uncertain, it is advisable to choose a contractor with extensive experience.

Google and review sites can also 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 can be informative, but do not make a decision based solely on reviews; evaluate them comprehensively alongside construction achievements, estimates, and warranty details.

2. Confirm the presence of warranties and after-sales maintenance

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 after-sales services separate from warranties, so be sure to check that as well.

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. provides warranties for exterior renovations and sealing work. We also conduct after-sales maintenance and send out annual notification DM, allowing for annual inspections.
Click here for more details on Kakeru Koumuten’s warranties and after-sales maintenance

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

When requesting remodeling, be sure to obtain estimates from multiple contractors. Even for the same construction content, warranties, after-sales services, and costs can vary significantly. Having multiple estimates makes it easier to negotiate prices.

When comparing estimates, it is important to look at not just the costs, but also the “items in the estimate,” “verification of primer, sealing materials, and auxiliary paint,” and “confirmation of the process.” Lowering the rank of auxiliary parts or skipping steps can reduce costs, so it is crucial not to judge solely based on price.
Click here to see detailed points for comparing estimates

4. Confirm whether the contractor performs the remodeling in-house

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. conducts detailed hearings and surveys on the existing “condition,” “location,” “materials,” “desired durability,” and “design” to propose the most suitable plan. While there is no inherent problem with the system where partner companies carry out the construction, it is essential to confirm whether the contracted company understands the construction details and has clearly defined responsibilities for quality control and guarantees. If the construction is done in-house, it becomes easier to coordinate with the site, allowing for a quicker response in case of any troubles.

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 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 Yamato Town

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

1. Equipment specialized for in-house remodeling

Kakeru Koumuten has organized warehouses and material storage to provide remodeling work at low cost and high quality. We have five bases 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 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 ready for different types of construction, including compressors and cleaning machines.

In-house waste separation

In exterior renovations, various waste materials such as paint, wood, and metal are generated. Our company properly separates waste materials and recycles those that can be re-resourced, striving to reduce environmental impact and 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 color simulation and a heat-resistant paint testing machine. The showroom is a 3-minute walk from Eda Station in Aoba-ku, Yokohama.

2. In-house Construction Focused on Exterior Work

A major strength of Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. 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. A single representative will handle everything from the estimate to project completion, ensuring smooth communication without changes in personnel for sales and construction management. Our skilled craftsmen will carry out temporary scaffolding, 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 and painting specialists on staff, ensuring confidence in our construction techniques. We can handle 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 maintenance is available every year, and we send out notification DM annually. If you are concerned about the warranty, please click on the image above to check.

5. Flexible and Prompt Response

We are equipped to handle various exterior troubles and situations. If you cannot access the roof at height, 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 measures for sudden leaks 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 education to ensure 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 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 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. We also handle solar panel and storage battery installation work!

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 that fit 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 Yamakita Town | Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

10Features of Yamato Town

Yamato Town is surrounded by the magnificent nature of Lake Tanzawa and Nishi Tanzawa, with a large part of its area covered by forests, making it a town rich in water and greenery. The JR Gotemba Line runs through it, and despite being close to the city center, its abundant nature and quiet living are attractive, making it a focus for migration and settlement.

Old wooden houses and traditional farmhouses in the mountains are reaching a generational transition, increasing the demand for earthquake-resistant and insulated used homes + renovations and the restoration of traditional farmhouses. Kakeru Koumuten, headquartered in Aoba-ku, Yokohama, widely accepts exterior and interior renovations throughout Kanagawa Prefecture. We can perform in-house construction mainly focused on exterior work such as roofs and walls.

Areas Available for Renovation

Kakeru Koumuten accepts requests throughout Kanagawa and Tokyo Prefectures.

Consultations via LINE are also very welcome◎

We are continuously updating our Instagram◎ Please follow us!