Why Make-Ready Matters
Every vacant day costs money. But rushing turnovers leads to unhappy tenants and expensive callbacks. The balance is a systematic approach.
The Make-Ready Sequence
Phase 1: Assessment (Day 1)
Walk the property and document:
- [ ] Walls: holes, marks, damage
- [ ] Flooring: wear, stains, damage
- [ ] Fixtures: operation, appearance
- [ ] Appliances: function, cleanliness
- [ ] Plumbing: leaks, drains, toilets
- [ ] HVAC: operation, filter condition
- [ ] Exterior: damage, cleanliness
Phase 2: Repairs (Days 2-4)
Address functional issues:
- Patch walls (overnight dry time)
- Fix leaky faucets
- Repair or replace broken fixtures
- Address electrical issues
- Fix door/window problems
Phase 3: Refresh (Days 4-6)
Cosmetic updates:
- Paint touch-ups or full rooms
- Deep clean all surfaces
- Replace worn caulk
- Install new outlet/switch covers
- Update hardware if dated
Balanced design choices improve daily comfort
Clear scope, accurate dimensions, and job-site photos help any project move faster. For current ASB work, that usually means welding, fabrication, gates, railings, stairs, and repair across Central Kentucky.
Phase 4: Deep Clean (Day 7)
Final preparation:
- Professional carpet clean
- Window washing
- Appliance deep clean
- Cabinet interior wipe-down
- Final inspection
Common Make-Ready Items
Almost Every Turnover
- Wall touch-ups/painting
- Carpet cleaning or replacement
- Deep cleaning
- New toilet seats
- Filter replacement
- Smoke detector batteries
Frequent Items
- Drywall repairs
- Light fixture updates
- Faucet cartridge replacement
- Weatherstripping
- Caulk refresh
- Outlet cover replacement
Occasional Items
- Flooring replacement
- Appliance replacement
- Full interior paint
- Cabinet repainting
- Fixture upgrades
Budget Guidelines
For Central Kentucky rentals:
- Basic turnover: $500-1,500
- Moderate refresh: $1,500-4,000
- Major update: $4,000-10,000+
Minimizing Future Turnovers
During make-ready, consider:
- Durable paint finishes (satin/eggshell)
- LVP instead of carpet
- Lever-style door handles
- Commercial-grade fixtures
- Neutral, timeless colors
Working with a Make-Ready Team
Benefits of a consistent contractor:
- Knows your properties and standards
- Faster mobilization
- Volume pricing
- Single point of contact
- Accountable for quality
Schedule make-ready service - we work with Central Kentucky landlords and property managers.
Ready to Get Started?
If you have a live metalwork scope, we're here to help with welding, fabrication, gates, railings, stairs, and repair work across Nicholasville, Lexington, and Central Kentucky.
Request a Welding QuotePlan your next step
Use this article as planning reference, then contact ASB for active welding, fabrication, gate, railing, stair, and repair work across Nicholasville, Lexington, and Central Kentucky.
