Make Ready Guide
What Is a Make-Ready? A Guide for Single-Family Property Managers
A make-ready is the full turnover process that prepares a rental home for the next tenant. This guide explains how make-readies work, what they include, and why property managers rely on coordinated vendor partners to reduce vacancy time and avoid surprises.
What Is a Make-Ready in Property Management?
In property management, a make-ready is the complete process of preparing a rental home after a tenant moves out. It ensures the property is clean, safe, functional, and ready to be marketed and leased to the next resident.
Unlike one-off repairs, a make-ready addresses the entire home at once. It typically includes inspections, cleaning, repairs, and resets across multiple trades so the property reaches rent-ready condition as efficiently as possible.
For single-family rentals, make-readies are a critical step in minimizing vacancy days and protecting owner assets.
Make-Ready vs Routine Maintenance: What’s the Difference?
Make-Ready Services
- Performed after a tenant vacates
- Covers the entire property
- Includes inspections, repairs, cleaning, and resets
- Focused on preparing the home for leasing
Routine Maintenance
- Performed during tenancy
- Addresses individual issues
- Reactive by nature
- Focused on restoring function, not full presentation
Property managers rely on make-readies when a unit turns over, while routine maintenance supports the property while it is occupied.
When Does a Property Need a Make-Ready?
A make-ready is typically triggered by a vacancy or transition event.
- Tenant move-out
- Lease non-renewal
- Eviction or abandonment
- Extended vacancy
- Property acquisition or rehab
Delaying the make-ready process often increases vacancy days and leads to rushed decisions once leasing pressure begins.
What’s Included in a Typical Make-Ready?
While every property is different, most make-readies involve a coordinated set of tasks across cleaning, repairs, and maintenance.
Cleaning and Turnover Prep
- Move-out and turnover cleaning
- Deep kitchen and bathroom cleaning
- Odor treatment and removal
Repairs and Punch List
- Drywall and paint touch-ups
- Door, hardware, and trim repairs
- Minor carpentry and cosmetic fixes
Trades and Systems
- Plumbing repairs for leaks, fixtures, and water heaters
- Minor electrical repairs including outlets, switches, and fixtures
- Appliance checks and replacements
- Garage door repairs and installations
Exterior and Curb Appeal
Most property managers prefer a single vendor who can coordinate all of these tasks under one workflow rather than managing multiple contractors independently.
Why Property Managers Use a Single Make-Ready Vendor
Managing a make-ready across multiple trades can quickly become time-consuming and inconsistent. Property managers often choose a single vendor partner to coordinate the entire process.
- One point of contact
- Coordinated scheduling across trades
- Consistent photo documentation
- Clear scopes and owner approvals
- Faster unit turnaround and leasing readiness
This approach reduces friction, prevents missed items, and creates predictable outcomes for both managers and owners.
The Make-Ready Process for Single-Family Rentals
- Property walkthrough and inspection
- Photo documentation and scope creation
- Owner approval and budget alignment
- Coordinated repairs, cleaning, and resets
- Final inspection and close-out reporting
This workflow ensures nothing is missed and the property is delivered in rent-ready condition. View our full Make-Ready Services.
Make-Ready FAQs
What’s the difference between rent-ready and make-ready?
A make-ready is the full turnover process. Rent-ready describes the final condition after that process is complete.
How long does a typical make-ready take?
Timelines vary by scope, but coordinated make-readies are designed to minimize vacancy and avoid delays caused by trade stacking.
Can one vendor handle the entire make-ready?
Yes. Many property managers choose a vendor partner who coordinates all trades, documentation, and scheduling under one workflow.
Need a Make-Ready for a Rental Property?
If you manage single-family rentals in Dallas Fort Worth and need a reliable make-ready vendor, PPSNTX coordinates the entire turnover process with owner-ready documentation and local crews.