When a tenant moves out, the clock starts ticking. Every day a unit sits empty is lost revenue. For property managers, unit turnovers can be a tightrope walk of scheduling, budgeting, and vendor coordination and even small mistakes can cost time and money. At Whitestone Industries, we’ve worked with property managers across Bakersfield who’ve seen it all. Below are the top five unit turnover mistakes we see and how you can avoid them.
1. Delaying the Initial Walkthrough
The mistake: Waiting too long after a tenant vacates before inspecting the unit.
Why it hurts: Delays in discovering damage or needed repairs can push back your timeline significantly, especially if permits, specialty parts, or skilled trades are needed.
How to avoid it: Conduct a detailed walkthrough within 24 hours of move-out. Use a checklist, take photos, and get estimates scheduled right away.
2. Hiring Multiple Vendors Instead of One Integrated Team
The mistake: Juggling multiple contractors for paint, drywall, minor repairs, and cleaning.
Why it hurts: Miscommunication between vendors can cause delays, cost overruns, or scope gaps that slow down the turnover.
How to avoid it: Partner with a company like Whitestone Industries that offers bundled services for painting, patching, repairs, and more. Fewer calls, faster results.
3. Ignoring Preventative Maintenance
The mistake: Only fixing what’s broken instead of proactively updating aging systems or fixtures.
Why it hurts: Short-term savings can lead to long-term expenses, especially if a new tenant moves in and submits early maintenance requests.
How to avoid it: Incorporate preventive updates like caulking, light fixture upgrades, or touch-up paint during turnover. It boosts retention and reduces callbacks.
4. Skipping Quality Control Checks
The mistake: Assuming everything was done right without a final walkthrough.
Why it hurts: Overlooking small details like missing outlet covers, paint drips, or leaky faucets reflects poorly on your management and can lead to tenant dissatisfaction.
How to avoid it: Build in a final quality check before marketing or leasing the unit. Use a checklist and inspect the work, even if you trust your vendors.
5. Not Planning for Peak Season Turnovers
The mistake: Underestimating vendor availability during the summer rush.
Why it hurts: Everyone’s busy at the same time, and your preferred vendors may already be booked. Delays are almost inevitable without planning.
How to avoid it: Pre-book your turnover vendors during the spring and early summer. If you manage multiple properties, stagger lease dates when possible.
Partner With a Team That Makes Turnovers Easy
At Whitestone Industries, we specialize in fast, reliable unit turnovers for property managers across Southern California. From interior painting to drywall repairs and final walk-throughs, our team handles the details so you can fill vacancies faster and keep your tenants happy.
Need Help With Your Next Turnover?
Let’s make your next unit turnover smooth, efficient, and stress-free. Contact Whitestone Industries today to schedule a walkthrough or request a quote.