Property Rehab Checklist for Investors
Here is the property rehab checklist.
Initial assessment
- Address, unit number, date
- Overall condition rating (Good, Fair, Poor)
- Photos of exterior front and back, each room, and utilities
- Major red flags such as roof issues, foundation problems, mold, pests, or structural concerns
Permits and legal
- Determine required permits for electrical, plumbing, structural, and HVAC work
- Check local code requirements and inspection schedules
- Obtain HOA or municipal approvals if needed
- Verify contractor licensing and insurance
Scope and budget
- Create a room‑by‑room scope of work
- Prepare a line‑item estimate for labor, materials, permits, and contingencies
- Set a contingency fund, typically 10–20 percent of the budget
- Establish a financing and cash‑flow plan
Timeline and milestones
- Set start and estimated completion dates
- Define milestones such as demolition, rough‑ins, inspections, and finishes
- Identify lead times for long‑lead items like windows, appliances, and cabinetry
- Schedule weekly progress check‑ins
Demolition and site prep
- Arrange utility shutoff or temporary services
- Complete hazardous materials abatement for asbestos, lead, or mold
- Plan for dumpsters and site waste
- Install protective coverings for areas being retained
Structural and exterior
- Roof repair or replacement
- Foundation and structural repairs
- Exterior walls, siding, and paint
- Window and door repair or replacement with weatherproofing
- Gutters, drainage, and grading
- Porches, decks, railings, and stairs
Systems (rough‑ins and finishes)
- Electrical panel, wiring, outlets, lighting, and GFCI/AFCI protection
- Plumbing supply lines, drains, water heater, and fixtures
- HVAC systems including furnace or AC, ductwork, and thermostat
- Insulation for walls, attic, and crawlspace
- Ventilation and exhaust for bathrooms and kitchen
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and fire sprinklers if required
Interior work
- Framing and drywall repair or replacement
- Flooring including subfloor, selection, and installation
- Painting for ceilings, walls, and trim
- Trim, baseboards, doors, and hardware
- Cabinetry and countertops
- Fixtures such as sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets
- Appliance installation and testing
Energy, safety, and code items
- Insulation and air sealing
- Energy‑efficient windows and fixtures where cost‑effective
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed and working
- GFCI and AFCI outlets per code
- Handrails, guardrails, and egress windows
Exterior finishes and curb appeal
- Landscaping cleanup, grading, and simple improvements
- Driveway and sidewalk repair
- Exterior lighting, house numbers, and mailbox
- Final power wash and paint touch‑ups
Punch list and inspections
- Schedule municipal inspections and obtain approvals
- Complete a walk‑through punch list
- Final trade touch‑ups including paint, caulk, and grout
- Test plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems
Cleaning and staging
- Deep clean carpets, windows, kitchens, and baths
- Remove trash and debris
- Add minor staging or neutral furniture if desired
- Take listing photos
Closing out project
- Prepare final invoice summary and warranty documentation
- Collect lien waivers and contractor releases
- Provide operation manuals and maintenance notes to owner or tenant
- Review final budget versus actuals and document lessons learned
Quick printable checklist
- Initial assessment and photos
- Permits obtained
- Scope and budget finalized
- Contractors hired and insured
- Utilities and site prep completed
- Demolition completed
- Structural repairs completed
- Roofing and exterior sealed
- Rough‑ins completed
- Rough inspections passed
- Insulation and drywall completed
- Paint and trim completed
- Flooring installed
- Cabinets and countertops installed
- Fixtures and appliances installed
- Final inspections passed
- Punch list completed
- Deep clean and final photos taken
- Warranties and paperwork handed off
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