How We Standardized Materials to Reduce Maintenance Costs

[James Jones]

Most landlords think maintenance is unpredictable. It’s not. It’s usually the result of inconsistent rehab decisions, mismatched materials, and every property looking like it was renovated by a different contractor. The more variation you have, the more money you lose.

We solved this problem by standardizing the materials across our entire portfolio. The result: lower costs, faster turns, fewer surprises, and crews who can walk into any property and know exactly what to do.

Here’s how we did it:

1. One flooring type across all rentals.

LVP looks good, but it fails under heavy use and moisture. We switched to durable tile in high-traffic areas because it survives long-term Section 8 tenancy. Our turn costs dropped immediately.

2. One paint color for every property.

We use the same color, same sheen, and the same trim combination across all units.

Benefits:

• No mismatched touch-up areas

• Bulk purchasing power

• Faster turns because crews don’t have to ask questions

It’s simple and cost-efficient.

3. One standard vanity, cabinet, and hardware package.

We picked materials that are durable, stocked, and always available. No special orders. No delays.

If a drawer breaks, we swap it. If a cabinet fails, we already have the replacement spec. Zero surprises.

4. One lighting and fixture package.

Lights, faucets, door hardware, all identical.

Our crews carry a small kit of replacements that fit every property.

Fewer SKUs mean fewer mistakes, faster repairs, and lower labor time.

5. Standardized tubs, tile walls, and plumbing fixtures.

We avoid custom showers entirely. They look great until they start leaking.

Standard = cheaper to install, cheaper to repair, cheaper to replace.

6. One set of exterior materials.

Same door type. Same windows. Same locks.

This consistency creates efficiency not just in repairs, but in safety, security, and inspections.

7. All of this feeds into predictable bids.

Because every rehab uses the same materials, our contractors bid faster and more accurately.

If a 3-bedroom takes X paint, Y tile, Z fixtures, the numbers become predictable.

Predictability = control.

Control = profitability.

Standardization isn’t just a rehab strategy.

It’s an entire operational system that protects cash flow, accelerates scaling, and turns maintenance into a manageable, predictable line item.

What materials have cost you the most money over the years, and what did you switch to?

[Drew Sygit]

What about partial rehabs?

Not every property needs a full rehab or It doesn't always make economic sense.

So, we also have stadardized materials - with flexibility. 

We have 3 color-schemes, that we can adapt to most existing schemes.

Same goes for flooring: we try to save hardwood whenver possible, otherwise LVP, last carpet. 

Every light fixture replaced now is with LED.