Vacant units cost money every day they sit empty. For property managers, the real value of make-ready services is not cosmetic perfection—it’s speed, coordination, and cost control. A strong make-ready scope focuses on the repairs that actually move a unit from move-out to move-in without delays, rework, or last-minute callbacks.
This guide outlines the core repairs every make-ready service should include to help property managers turn units faster and keep operating costs predictable.
Key Takeaways
- Make-ready success depends on coordination, not over-improvement
- Small repairs prevent costly delays
- Standardized scopes lead to predictable turn times
- One final walkthrough saves days of rework
Why Make-Ready Services Affect Turn Time and Operating Costs
Every delayed repair pushes back leasing dates. Every missed detail creates a second visit, another work order, and added labor cost. Well-structured make-ready services reduce this friction by grouping the right repairs into a single, efficient workflow.
When repairs are coordinated properly:
- Units turn faster with fewer handoffs
- Labor costs stay controlled
- Maintenance teams avoid repeat visits
- Leasing teams get reliable move-in dates
The goal is not to over-improve the unit. The goal is to make it rentable quickly and consistently.
Core Interior Repairs Every Make-Ready Service Should Cover
Drywall Patching and Wall Repairs
Walls take the most abuse during a tenancy. Nail holes, anchors, minor dents, and cracked corners should always be addressed during a make-ready.
Quick, same-day patching keeps the paint schedule intact. Skipping these repairs usually results in visible flaws that delay painting or require touch-ups later, adding unnecessary labor.
Interior Paint Touch-Ups and Repaints
Paint work should be scoped for speed, not perfection. The right make-ready approach determines whether a full repaint is needed or if targeted touch-ups will deliver acceptable results.
Consistent color coding across units reduces decision time, streamlines labor, and helps maintenance teams move faster between turns.
Flooring Repairs That Prevent Turnover Delays
Carpet Cleaning or Replacement
Carpet condition should be assessed early. In many cases, professional cleaning is faster and more cost-effective than replacement. In others, worn traffic lanes or stains make replacement unavoidable.
Making this call early prevents rework and keeps the turn timeline intact.
Vinyl, Tile, and Laminate Repairs
Loose planks, cracked tiles, and damaged transitions create safety concerns and visual issues that can delay showings. These repairs are quick when addressed early, but costly when discovered late.
Kitchen Repairs That Speed Up Unit Readiness
Cabinet Door and Hardware Fixes
Loose hinges, missing pulls, and misaligned doors can make kitchens feel neglected, even when appliances are in good shape. These are low-cost repairs with high impact and should always be included in make-ready scopes.
Countertop and Backsplash Repairs
Chipped surfaces, loose caulk, and minor backsplash damage should be corrected during turnover. Small fixes prevent complaints and avoid future service calls once the unit is occupied.
Bathroom Repairs That Eliminate Last-Minute Callbacks
Fixture Repairs and Replacements
Dripping faucets, loose toilets, and worn shower hardware are common causes of post-move-in complaints. Addressing these items during make-ready prevents emergency maintenance requests later.
Grout, Caulk, and Sealant Refresh
Bathrooms show wear quickly. Refreshing grout and caulk around tubs, sinks, and backsplashes is a fast way to improve cleanliness perception without major renovation.
Doors, Windows, and Hardware Adjustments
Interior and Entry Door Repairs
Sticking doors, damaged handles, missing stops, and loose hinges slow down walkthrough approvals and frustrate new tenants. These repairs are quick and should never be deferred.
Window Operation and Lock Checks
Windows should open, close, and lock smoothly. Basic operation checks during make-ready reduce safety complaints and avoid future service tickets.
Electrical and Lighting Updates for Faster Turns
Switch, Outlet, and Plate Repairs
Cracked plates, loose outlets, and non-functioning switches are small issues that stand out immediately during showings. Replacing these components is inexpensive and fast.
Lighting Fixture Replacement
Standardizing fixtures across units simplifies maintenance and accelerates future turnarounds. When fixtures fail during make-ready, replacement is usually faster than repair.
Final Cleaning and Unit Reset Tasks
Deep Cleaning and Debris Removal
Cleaning should occur after repairs are complete, not before. Poor sequencing leads to re-cleans and wasted labor.
Final Walkthrough Punch List
A single coordinated walkthrough at the end of the process catches missed details before the unit is listed. This step alone can shave days off the turnover cycle.
How Professional Make-Ready Services Reduce Vacancy Time
Professional make-ready services bundle repairs, cleaning, and coordination under one timeline. Instead of juggling multiple vendors and schedules, property managers gain predictable turn windows and fewer surprises.
Providers like NSPIRE Experts deliver apartment turnover services designed around operational efficiency, helping teams reduce downtime without overspending on unnecessary upgrades. Learn more about streamlined apartment turnover services.
FAQs
What repairs should always be included in make-ready services?
Interior wall repairs, paint work, flooring fixes, kitchen and bathroom hardware repairs, door and window adjustments, basic electrical updates, and final cleaning should always be included.
How do make-ready services reduce vacancy loss?
By grouping repairs into a single workflow, units turn faster, listings go live sooner, and move-in dates become more reliable.
Should repairs and cleaning be handled by the same team?
Yes. Coordinated teams reduce rework, missed steps, and scheduling delays.
How long should a typical make-ready take?
Most standard units can be turned in a few days when repairs and cleaning are properly sequenced and scoped upfront.
When should property managers schedule make-ready work?
As soon as notice is received. Early scheduling prevents bottlenecks and allows faster decision-making on repairs.
Ready to streamline your next unit turn?
Schedule a Make-Ready Walkthrough and get a clear, efficient plan to move your unit from vacant to leased—without delays.