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Trade Scopes 8 min read • Sep 28, 2026

Multi-Family Apartment Turnover: Unit Make-Ready Scope & Speed Checklists

Contractor and property management guide for rapid multi-family unit turns in Texas. Paint schedules, vinyl plank repairs, punch lists, and 3-to-5-day turnaround workflows.

Managing vacancy loss across large Texas multi-family portfolios demands rigorous make-ready scheduling, trusted multi-trade punch crews, and standardized replacement specifications.

Standard 5-Day Apartment Make-Ready Sequence

Turn DayTrade Contractor ScopeVerification Milestone
Day 1: Trash-Out & MEP PunchRemove abandoned property, test all plumbing stops, outlets, HVAC delta-TMaintenance intake sign-off
Day 2: Drywall Patch & Full PaintSpackle nail holes, repair drywall dings, spray ceilings and walls (eggshell/satin)Drywall smooth check
Day 3: Flooring Repair / SwapLVP replacement or professional carpet steam-cleaning / pad replacementFloor seam & transition check
Day 4: Tub/Counter Glaze & HardwareResurface bathtub, replace cabinet pulls, install new kitchen/bath faucet aeratorsPlumbing drain test
Day 5: Deep Detail Clean & Key Re-PinAppliance interior scrub, window track vacuum, install new smart lock cylinderProperty manager final walk

Standardized Paint & Hardware Specs

Successful management companies standardize on one wall color (e.g., Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray or Repose Gray) across an entire asset to eliminate paint color matching errors and expedite quick touch-ups.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average contractor cost for an apartment make-ready turn in Texas?

Standard residential apartment make-ready turns in Texas run $1,200 to $2,800 for basic touch-up drywall/paint, deep clean, lock change, and fixture inspection on a 1-to-2 bedroom unit. Heavy turns requiring full re-paint, new LVP flooring, and resurfaced counters range from $3,500 to $6,500.

What is the target turnaround speed for an apartment make-ready?

Class-A and Class-B multi-family operators target a 3 to 5 business day turnover from resident move-out to ready-for-occupancy inspection to minimize vacancy loss.

Should countertops and tubs be replaced or resurfaced during multi-family turns?

Resurfacing (refinishing) scratched porcelain bathtubs and laminate countertops costs $250 to $450 per unit with a 24-hour cure time, saving property managers thousands compared to full replacement during fast-paced turns.

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