As a property manager, you are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of your rental properties. This includes major renovations and repairs. While these projects can be daunting, they are essential to keeping your properties in good condition and attractive to tenants.
What is considered a major renovation or repair?
Whether or not a renovation or repair is considered major depends on a number of factors, including the cost, the scope of work, and the impact on the tenant. Generally speaking, any project that costs more than 10% of the monthly rent or that requires the tenant to vacate the property for an extended period of time is considered major.

Common major renovations and repairs for apartments
Here are some common major renovations and repairs that property managers may face:
- Kitchen and bathroom remodels
- Flooring replacement
- Appliance replacement
- HVAC system replacement
- Roof repairs
- Foundation repairs
- Electrical and plumbing upgrades
Best practices for managing major renovations and repairs
Here are some best practices for managing major renovations and repairs for property managers:
1. Get approval from the tenant
Before you start any major renovations or repairs, it's important to get approval from the tenant. This is especially important if the renovations will require the tenant to vacate the property or if the renovations will make significant changes to the property.
To get approval from the tenant, you should provide them with a written notice of the renovations. The notice should include the following information:
- A description of the renovations
- The start and end dates of the renovations
- Any disruptions that the renovations may cause
- Any compensation that the tenant will receive for the inconvenience (such as a rent reduction)

If the tenant is not in favor of the renovations, you should try to reach a compromise. For example, you may be able to schedule the renovations for a time when the tenant is on vacation, or you may be able to offer the tenant a temporary relocation while the renovations are underway.
2. Create a budget and stick to it
Major renovations and repairs can be expensive, so it's important to create a budget and stick to it as closely as possible. Be sure to factor in the cost of materials, labor, and permits.
To create a budget, you should start by getting estimates from multiple contractors. Once you have estimates, you can create a detailed budget that includes all of the anticipated costs.
It's important to be realistic when creating your budget. It's also important to have a contingency fund in case there are any unexpected costs.
3. Get multiple estimates from contractors
Once you have a budget in mind, you can start getting estimates from contractors. Be sure to get multiple estimates so that you can compare prices and services.

When getting estimates from contractors, be sure to ask about the following:
- The cost of materials and labor
- The timeline for the project
- The contractor's experience with similar projects
- The contractor's warranty policy
It's also important to check the contractor's references. You can ask the contractor for references from previous clients, and you can also check online reviews.
4. Communicate with the tenant and neighbors
Keep the tenant and neighbors updated on your renovation plans and timeline. This will help to minimize any disruptions or inconveniences.
Additional tips for property managers
Here are some additional tips for property managers when managing major renovations and repairs:
- Consider hiring a project manager. If you are managing multiple renovation projects at the same time, or if the renovation project is complex, you may want to consider hiring a project manager. A project manager can help you to stay on budget, on schedule, and on track.
- Be prepared for unexpected delays and costs. No matter how well you plan, there are always unexpected delays and costs associated with major renovations and repairs. Be prepared to adjust your budget and timeline accordingly.
- Document everything. Be sure to document everything related to the renovation project, including contracts, estimates, invoices, and change orders. This documentation will be helpful if any disputes arise.
Conclusion
Managing major renovations and repairs for in apartments can be challenging, but it's important to remember that you're not alone. There are many resources available to help you, including contractors, project managers, and other property managers. With careful planning and management, you can get through these projects successfully.
This article is provided by Nextlivin. For more information on how Nextlivin can assist you in efficiently managing your property, visit our website.
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