What is a punch list?
A punch list is the list of small items left to fix or finish at the end of a job. You make it during a final walkthrough with the customer. Typical items are paint touch-ups, missing trim, doors that stick, and caulk gaps. Once every item is done and signed off, the job is complete and final payment is due.
How to use this punch list template
- Walk the job with the customer. Go room by room.
- Add each item with its location, so anyone can find it.
- Assign who's responsible: your crew or a named sub.
- Set a due date for each item and a date for the whole list.
- Change the status to Done as items are fixed. The checkbox fills in on the document.
- When everything's done, have the customer sign the sign-off.
What to include on a construction punch list
| Column | Why |
|---|---|
| Item | What's wrong, specific enough to fix without asking. "Touch up paint" is vague. "Touch up paint around switch plate" isn't. |
| Location | Room, floor or elevation. |
| Responsible | The trade or sub who fixes it. |
| Due | When it'll be done. |
| Status | Open or done. |
Residential punch list tips
- Do your own walkthrough first and fix what you find. A short list with the customer looks better.
- Bring blue tape to mark spots.
- Take a photo of each item so there's no debate about what was meant.
- Agree that new requests go on a change order, not the punch list.
Punch list template in Word or PDF
Fill in the list here, then download a PDF to print or a Word file to edit. Blank rows print as empty lines, so you can also print a blank punch list and fill it in by hand on site.
When to do the punch list walkthrough
Schedule the walkthrough when the work is substantially complete: everything is installed and working, and only small fixes remain. Too early, and the list fills up with work that isn't finished yet. Bring the customer, and on larger jobs the subs who'll do the fixes. Agree the list before anyone leaves, and give the customer a copy the same day.
Keeping the list short
A long punch list delays final payment and wears down the customer's trust. Build quality checks into each phase, so problems get fixed while the trade is still on site. Clean the house before the walkthrough. Dust and debris hide small defects and make the customer look harder.
After the punch list
A signed punch list is your record that the job is finished. Send your final invoice with it, and a lien waiver if the customer asks for one.
Questions
What is a punch list in construction?
The list of small unfinished or defective items found at the end of a job, which must be fixed before the job is complete.
Who makes the punch list?
Usually the contractor and the customer together, during a final walkthrough. On larger jobs, the architect or owner's rep may make it.
Is final payment due before the punch list is done?
That depends on your contract. Many contracts tie final payment to completion of the punch list, sometimes holding back a set amount until it's done.
Can I print a blank punch list?
Yes. Clear the starting rows and download the PDF. Blank rows print as lines to fill in by hand.