How to Improve Your Multifamily Turn Process with a Make Ready Board Template

Managing apartment turnovers efficiently is one of the most underrated aspects of multifamily property management. A smooth and quick turn process not only reduces vacancy time and loss but also ensures that new residents move into a well-prepared and welcoming home. One of the best tools to streamline this process is a multifamily make ready board template. Whether you’re using a physical board or a digital version, having a reliable template can significantly enhance your team’s productivity.

What is a Make Ready Board?

A make ready board for apartments is essentially a visual tool used by property management teams to track the progress of apartment turnovers. The board helps you keep tabs on every task needed to prepare a unit for the next tenant—from cleaning and repairs to inspections and final touch-ups. Traditionally, make ready boards have been physical, with sticky notes or magnets representing tasks. However, with the advent of technology, digital make ready boards are becoming increasingly popular, offering greater flexibility and accessibility.

Why Use a Multifamily Make Ready Board?

Using a make ready board property management tool can transform how you handle apartment turnovers. Here’s why:

• Enhanced Organization: A well-organized make ready board ensures that every task is accounted for and nothing falls through the cracks. It gives your team a clear overview of the entire turn process, from move-out to move-in.
• Improved Communication: With all tasks displayed in one place, your maintenance and management teams can easily see what needs to be done, who is responsible for each task, and what’s already been completed. This reduces miscommunication and delays.
• Faster Turnovers: By tracking tasks in real-time, a make ready board helps your team work more efficiently, speeding up the turnover process. The quicker you can turn a unit, the sooner you can have it leased.
• Better Accountability: When tasks are visible to the entire team, it’s easier to hold everyone accountable for their responsibilities. If there’s a delay, you can quickly identify where the holdup is and address it.

Creating Your Make Ready Board Template

Whether you prefer a physical board or a digital one, having a standardized template is key to consistency and efficiency. Here’s how you can create your own make ready board template:

1. List All Tasks: Start by listing every task that needs to be completed during the apartment turnover process. This might include cleaning, painting, carpet cleaning, repairs, inspections, and more.
2. Assign Responsibilities: Assign each task to a specific team member or contractor. This ensures that everyone knows what they’re responsible for.
3. Set Deadlines: Establish deadlines for each task to ensure the turnover process stays on track. This is especially important if you’re working with multiple contractors.
4. Choose a Format: Decide whether you want a physical or digital board. For a physical board, you might use a marker board. For a digital board, consider using a digital make ready board template Excel or a specialized software tool like AppWork.
5. Make It Accessible: Ensure that your board is easily accessible to everyone involved in the turnover process. If you’re using a digital board, make sure it’s available on mobile devices for team members working in the field.

Free Printable Make Ready Board Templates

If you’re just getting started, you might find it helpful to use a free printable make ready board template. There are many templates available online that can be downloaded, printed, and customized to fit your property’s specific needs. They’re a great way to get organized quickly without investing in software right away.

The Benefits of Going Digital

While traditional boards are still effective, a digital apartment turn board template offers several advantages:

• Real-Time Updates: Digital boards allow team members to update the status of tasks in real-time, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
• Accessibility: Team members can access the board from anywhere, whether they’re in the office or out in the field.
• Automation: Some digital make ready boards can integrate with other property management tools, automating certain tasks and notifications.

Multifamily Make Ready Software Cost

If you’re considering investing in dedicated software for managing make ready processes, it’s important to understand the multifamily make ready software cost. Prices can vary depending on the features offered, the number of units you manage, and whether the software integrates with your existing property management system. While there is an upfront cost, the investment can pay off in the long run by reducing turnover times and improving efficiency.

Conclusion

A make ready board template is an essential tool for any property management team looking to streamline their apartment turnover process. Whether you opt for a physical board, a free printable template, or a digital solution, having a clear and organized system in place will help you reduce vacancy times and improve resident satisfaction.

For those looking to take their turnover process to the next level, investing in a digital make ready board or specialized multifamily software might be the best move. Not only can these tools help you manage tasks more efficiently, but they also offer features like real-time updates, automated reminders, and integration with other property management systems, making your workflow smoother and more transparent.

If you’re interested in exploring more advanced solutions, consider platforms like AppWork, which not only offer digital make ready board templates but also come equipped with a suite of tools designed to enhance every aspect of property management. With AppWork, you can manage your entire make ready process from a single, easy-to-use dashboard, ensuring that nothing slips through the cracks.

Ready to transform your apartment turnover process? Explore how AppWork’s solutions can help you create the best multifamily make ready board tailored to your property’s needs.