Multifamily Make-Ready Checklist: Complete Turn Process Guide

The make-ready (or turn) process is the sequence of tasks required to prepare a vacant apartment unit for the next resident. A well-organized make-ready process reduces vacancy loss, controls costs, and ensures consistent unit quality.

The Make-Ready Process Overview

1. Move-out inspection (Day 0–1)
2. Scope development (Day 1–2)
3. Vendor scheduling (Day 2–3)
4. Repairs and upgrades (Day 3–7)
5. Painting (Day 4–6)
6. Flooring (Day 5–7)
7. Cleaning (Day 7–8)
8. Final inspection (Day 8–9)
9. Lease-ready (Day 9–10)

Target: Complete make-ready in 7 to 10 days from move-out to lease-ready.

Phase 1: Move-Out Inspection (Day 0–1)

Within 24 Hours of Vacancy

• Confirm unit is vacant and keys returned
• Take date-stamped photos of every room
• Document condition of all surfaces and fixtures
• Note any damage beyond normal wear and tear
• Verify all appliances are present
• Check for pest signs
• Inspect for pet damage

Phase 2: Scope Development (Day 1–2)

Interior Assessment

• Walls: Note all holes, scratches, marks, and damaged areas
• Ceilings: Check for water stains, cracks, damage
• Doors: Check for damage, functionality, hardware
• Windows: Check glass, screens, locks, operation
• Cabinets: Check doors, drawers, hardware, condition
• Countertops: Note burns, scratches, damage
• Appliances: Test each appliance; note age and condition
• Plumbing fixtures: Check for leaks, damage, functionality
• Electrical: Test all outlets, switches, fixtures
• Flooring: Assess wear, damage, stains, remaining life

Scope Document Creation

• Create detailed work order for each trade
• Specify materials (paint color, flooring type, etc.)
• Note which items are repair vs. replace
• Estimate time required for each task

Phase 3: Vendor Scheduling (Day 2–3)

Order of Operations

1. Demolition/removal — Remove old flooring, damaged drywall, old appliances
2. Drywall repairs — Patch holes, repair damage
3. Plumbing repairs — Fix leaks, replace fixtures
4. Electrical repairs — Fix outlets, switches, fixtures
5. Cabinet repairs — Fix or replace damaged cabinets
6. Painting — Prime and paint walls, ceilings, trim
7. Flooring installation — After paint is dry
8. Appliance installation — After flooring
9. Blinds/shades — Install after paint
10. Final cleaning — Last step before inspection

Phase 4: Repairs and Upgrades (Day 3–7)

Drywall Repairs

• Patch all holes (small holes with spackle, large with mesh and compound)
• Repair cracks with mesh tape and compound
• Replace damaged drywall sections
• Sand repairs smooth
• Prime repaired areas

Plumbing Repairs

• Fix all leaks (faucets, toilets, supply lines)
• Replace worn faucet washers or cartridges
• Clear slow drains
• Replace damaged supply lines
• Check toilet for proper flush and seal

Electrical Repairs

• Replace broken outlet covers
• Fix loose outlets or switches
• Replace non-functional outlets or switches
• Test GFCI outlets
• Replace burned-out light bulbs (LED)
• Check smoke detector and CO detector

Phase 5: Painting (Day 4–6)

Preparation

• Remove switch plates and outlet covers
• Tape off baseboards, trim, windows
• Cover floors with drop cloths
• Fill any remaining nail holes

Painting

• Prime repaired areas and dark walls
• Paint ceiling (if needed)
• Cut in walls (edges, corners)
• Roll walls (2 coats for full coverage)
• Paint trim and baseboards

Quality Standards

• No drips or runs
• Full coverage (no thin spots)
• Clean lines at trim and ceiling
• No paint on switches, outlets, or hardware

Phase 6: Flooring (Day 5–7)

Flooring Removal

• Remove old carpet and padding
• Remove old LVT, tile, or laminate
• Remove old adhesive as needed
• Inspect subfloor for damage
• Clean subfloor thoroughly

Flooring Installation

• Install new flooring per manufacturer specs
• Proper acclimation of materials
• Correct underlayment if required
• Transition strips at doorways
• Baseboard/shoe mold installation after flooring

Phase 7: Cleaning (Day 7–8)

Deep Cleaning Checklist

• Kitchen: Clean all appliances inside and out, cabinets, countertops, sink, backsplash
• Bathroom: Scrub tub, shower, toilet, sink, vanity, mirrors, tile, grout
• Floors: Mop/sweep all floors; clean baseboards
• Walls: Wipe down marks and scuffs
• Windows: Clean interior glass, sills, tracks
• Doors: Clean doors and hardware
• Vents: Clean HVAC vents and returns
• Blinds: Clean or replace
• Light fixtures: Clean fixtures and replace bulbs

Final Touches

• Replace HVAC filter
• Install new toilet seats
• Replace batteries in smoke/CO detectors
• Check all locks and keys
• Touch up any paint scuffs

Phase 8: Final Inspection (Day 8–9)

Quality Inspection Checklist

• All repairs completed to standard
• Paint is clean and complete
• Flooring is properly installed
• All appliances work properly
• All plumbing functions (no leaks)
• All electrical works
• Smoke and CO detectors operational
• Unit is thoroughly cleaned
• No debris or trash left behind

Tips for Faster Turns

Pre-Schedule Vendors

Have vendors on standby for turns. When a unit goes vacant, vendors are already scheduled.

Standardize Materials

Use the same paint color, flooring type, and appliance models across the property.

Use a Single Turn Vendor

One vendor handling the entire turn eliminates coordination delays and can save 10 to 20 percent.

How Auxi Services Can Help

Auxi Services provides complete multifamily make-ready services including turnkey turn management, standardized scopes and quality standards, multi-trade crews for fast turn times, real-time progress tracking with photo verification, turn cost tracking, appliance replacement, blinds and fixture installation, and deep cleaning services. Contact Auxi Services for make-ready services.