Unit Turnover Services: How to Get Apartments and Condos Rent-Ready Faster
For apartment owners, developers and condo investors, the time between one tenant moving out and the next moving in costs money, every single day.
On a unit renting for $2,500 a month, each vacant day costs about $82. Cutting a turnover from two weeks to one saves roughly $575 on that unit alone. Across a building with dozens of turnovers a year, that adds up quickly.
Why turnovers run late
Most turnover delays have nothing to do with the work itself. They come from coordination:
• Waiting for a painter, then a plumber, then a handyman, each on their own schedule
• Repairs discovered halfway through that need another trade
• No clear scope at move-out, so the work keeps growing
• Nobody doing a final walk before the new tenant arrives
A complete unit turnover checklist
A good turnover follows the same steps every time:
1. Move-out inspection with photos, so the scope is clear on day one
2. Repairs: doors, cabinets, drawers, blinds, hardware and appliances
3. Plumbing: leaks, faucets, toilets, drains, shut-off valves and caulking
4. Fixtures: light fixtures, outlets and switch plates, smoke detector check
5. Patching: nail holes, dents and damaged drywall
6. Painting: touch-ups or full repaint, depending on condition
7. Finishes: flooring repairs, trim and final details
8. Final walkthrough with the owner or property manager before move-in
Why one team beats multiple trades
When one team handles the whole turnover, from repairs and plumbing to patching, painting and finishes, there's no waiting between trades and no confusion about who's responsible. Work starts as soon as the unit is vacant and is planned around the next move-in date.
At BuildOps, our own technicians cover all of it. For one DC developer, that's meant units ready for the next tenant on schedule, with barely any rent days lost between leases.
Between turnovers: hourly handyman support
Not every job needs a full turnover. For the smaller items that pile up in occupied units and common areas, like fixture replacements, drywall patching, caulking, minor plumbing, hanging, assembly and general repairs, our handyman repair and maintenance service is booked by the hour.
There's no long-term commitment. You book it when you need it and only pay for the time the job takes. It works well for property managers, condo associations and owners who need reliable help without a contract.
Who we work with
• Apartment owners and developers
• Property management companies handling rental portfolios
• Residential and commercial condominium associations
• Investors with condo units across DC, Arlington and Alexandria
Frequently asked questions
How long does a typical unit turnover take?
It depends on the unit's condition. A light turnover with touch-up paint and minor repairs can take a few days, while a full repaint with repairs and finishes takes longer. We give you a clear timeline after the move-out inspection.
Can you handle turnovers on short notice?
Yes. We prioritize your move-out and move-in dates in our schedule, so units don't sit waiting.
Do you offer handyman services without a contract?
Yes. Our handyman service is hourly with no long-term commitment.
