More people are choosing to buy a pre-owned detached house instead of a newly built one, then move in after renovating it. This article explains why detached house renovation is attracting attention and introduces specific construction examples.
What are the three reasons detached house renovation is gaining attention?
1. The budget can be kept significantly lower than a new build
A newly built spec home costs about 38 million yen, and a custom-built home about 43 million yen, while a pre-owned detached house costs about 28 million yen, a difference of 10 to 15 million yen. Even after adding renovation costs, many cases still come in below the price of a new build.
2. It is easier to find properties in desirable locations
Land in prime locations often already has buildings on it, which makes searching for land for a new build difficult. With a pre-owned detached house, the range of options expands, making it easier to find a property with strong location advantages.
3. It can be designed with a level of freedom close to a custom-built home
Within structural limits, the design can be adjusted freely, such as leaving only the columns in place and removing walls to turn two rooms into one. A major appeal is being able to create an ideal home without taking on the cost of a fully custom-built house.
Typical construction examples for detached house renovation
Improving comfort through insulation upgrades
Homes built several decades ago often have reduced insulation performance. By upgrading the insulation, the home becomes less affected by outside temperatures, heating and cooling efficiency improves, and electricity costs can also be reduced.
Creating a more spacious layout by changing the floor plan
Many projects remove walls in a 5LDK house to secure a large living-dining area, or review household traffic flow to create a more efficient layout.
Creating a comfortable space with natural materials
Diatomaceous earth walls help regulate humidity, and solid wood flooring offers a pleasant feel underfoot and a natural appearance. Choose materials after understanding their characteristics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is the typical cost range for detached house renovation?
The range varies widely depending on the scale, from about 3 million to 20 million yen, but 10 million to 15 million yen is a common benchmark for a full renovation.
Q. Does renovation increase asset value?
Yes. Unlike basic remodeling, renovation can improve a home's market value and can also be effective as an investment property.
Q. Are there structural parts that cannot be changed?
The building's structural frame, including columns, beams, and foundation, cannot be changed. In particular, timber post-and-beam construction places restrictions on removing load-bearing walls. A structural survey should be conducted in advance.
