When considering a renovation for your home or investment property, the first hurdle is usually choosing the right company. There are several types of renovation companies, and each has different areas of expertise. If you do not choose a company that matches your goals, the renovation may not turn out as you expect. Here, we explain the main types of renovation companies and the key points for selecting one.
What types of renovation companies are there?
Renovation companies can generally be divided into four categories, each with different strengths. Choosing a company that fits your objectives is the first step toward a successful project.
Major renovation companies
These are renovation divisions operated by nationwide architecture or construction companies. They often offer extensive project experience, solid warranties, and thorough after-sales support. They are well suited to people who place a high priority on peace of mind.
Real estate-affiliated renovation companies
These are renovation divisions operated by real estate companies. Because they support you consistently from finding a pre-owned property through creating a renovation plan, they make it easier to understand the total budget. They also tend to be strong in renovations tied to the purchase of existing condominiums.
Design office-affiliated renovation companies
They excel at design and layout proposals, making it possible to create a one-of-a-kind home with strong originality. In some cases, the actual construction work is outsourced to subcontractors.
Contractor-affiliated renovation companies
They handle everything from design to construction in-house and tend to propose renovations with a strong focus on material quality. Because they are often community-based and keep advertising costs low, they may also provide competitive estimates.
What are the five key points for choosing a renovation company without making a mistake?
To avoid regrets when selecting a company, keep the following five points in mind.
1. Decide on your concept before choosing a company
It is important to clarify in advance how you want to transform the property and what concept or theme should guide the renovation. Once your concept is clear, it becomes much easier to narrow down the right company.
2. Identify each company's areas of strength
Even within the same category of renovation company, the types of work and services they specialize in differ from one firm to another. Review project examples and service details on their website and determine whether they match your needs.
3. Compare them based on case studies and track record
Information such as before-and-after photos, building age, floor area, and construction cost and timeline can also serve as a guide for your budget. Make sure there are examples that are close to what you envision.
4. Confirm whether they can support you from the property search stage
If you are planning a renovation starting with the purchase of a pre-owned property, a real estate-affiliated renovation company with end-to-end support is a practical choice.
5. Check how comprehensive the after-sales service is
To live there comfortably for the long term, review the after-sales service in advance, including warranty periods, coverage areas, and the response system for problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is the typical cost of a renovation?
It depends on the condition of the property and the scope of work, but for condominiums the range can run from several hundred thousand yen to more than 10 million yen. For smaller-scale remodeling, a rough guide is several hundred thousand to around 3 million yen.
Q. What is the difference between renovation and remodeling?
Remodeling mainly focuses on restoring a property to its original condition, while renovation refers to larger-scale improvements such as changing the layout or upgrading functionality.
Q. Should I get estimates from multiple companies?
Yes. Getting comparative estimates from two or three companies allows you to compare both the price range and the quality of each company's proposal.
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