📝 Punch List Guide
The punch list is the last thing standing between you and final payment. Kill it fast.
Every day of punch list work is money out of your pocket. Crews, supervision, and overhead — all on a job with no margin left.
What Is a Punch List?
A punch list (also called a "snag list") is a document listing minor work items that must be completed or corrected before final acceptance. It's created during the substantial completion walkthrough.
Punch List vs. Incomplete Work
| Punch Items | Incomplete Work |
|---|---|
| Minor corrections | Missing scope |
| Cosmetic issues | Functional deficiencies |
| Touch-up work | Work not started |
| Owner can occupy | Owner cannot use space |
Important: Substantial completion means the owner can use the space. If major work is incomplete, you haven't achieved substantial completion.
Creating the Punch List
Pre-Walk Preparation
Before the official walkthrough:
- Self-inspect — Walk every space yourself first
- Pre-punch — Create your own list before owner's
- Fix obvious items — Don't let owner find what you already know
- Clean thoroughly — Dirty spaces generate more punch items
The Walkthrough
Who attends:
- Owner's representative
- Architect (usually)
- Contractor's PM and Super
- Key subcontractors (on call)
What to bring:
- Flashlight
- Punch list forms
- Camera/phone
- Blue tape (for marking)
- Notepad
Documenting Items
For each item, record:
- Location (room number, grid line)
- Description (specific, clear)
- Responsible party
- Photo (if helpful)
- Priority level
Good vs. Bad Descriptions:
| Bad | Good |
|---|---|
| "Touch up paint" | "Touch up paint, Room 201, south wall, 3 areas near window" |
| "Door issue" | "Door 215 doesn't latch, adjust strike plate" |
| "Ceiling" | "ACT ceiling tile damaged, Room 104, Grid C-3" |
Managing the Punch List
Assign Responsibility
Every item needs an owner:
- Your crew items
- Subcontractor items
- Supplier warranty items
- Items in dispute
Prioritize
High Priority:
- Safety issues
- Functional problems
- Items blocking other work
- Items the owner sees daily
Lower Priority:
- Mechanical rooms
- Cosmetic in low-visibility areas
- Items requiring special materials
Daily Punch Meetings
Until complete:
- Meet daily with key trades
- Review status by area
- Identify blockers
- Set daily targets
- Verify completions
Track Progress
| Metric | Target |
|---|---|
| Items completed/day | Depends on crew size |
| Items remaining | Decreasing daily |
| Days to completion | Minimize |
| Re-punch rate | Under 10% |
Common Punch List Problems
Items Keep Getting Added
Problem: Owner adds items that weren't on original list
Solution:
- Formal punch list "freeze" date
- New items become warranty work
- Document in writing
- Push back professionally
Subcontractor Won't Return
Problem: Sub won't come back for small punch items
Solution:
- Hold retention
- Use backcharge rights
- Complete with own forces and deduct
- Document in writing
Items Can't Be Completed
Problem: Materials unavailable, access issues
Solution:
- Document constraint
- Propose alternatives
- Get owner approval
- Agree on timeline
Disputes Over Quality
Problem: Owner says it's wrong, you say it meets spec
Solution:
- Reference specifications
- Show approved submittals
- Get architect ruling
- Document position
Re-Inspection
First Pass Verification
Before calling for re-inspection:
- Verify items actually complete
- Check your own work
- Photograph corrections
- Update punch list status
Owner Re-Inspection
Prepare for:
- Some items not accepted
- New items possibly found
- Need for another walk
Goal: Minimal items remain after each walk
Closing Out Punch Work
Final Steps
- All items verified complete
- Final walkthrough approved
- Punch list signed off
- Documentation submitted
- Retention release requested
Documentation
Keep records of:
- Original punch list
- Completion dates
- Verification photos
- Sign-off documentation
Punch List Best Practices
Prevention
- Higher quality during construction = less punch
- Self-inspect before covering work
- Clean as you go
- Train crews on finish work
During Punch
- Dedicate crew to punch only
- Work systematically (by area or by trade)
- Complete areas fully before moving on
- Verify before calling for re-inspection
Attitude
- Take ownership
- Don't argue over small items
- Fix it and move on
- Protect the relationship
Close Out Faster
Free Template: Download our punch list template with location-based tracking.
Track Everything: BLDR Pro manages punch lists with photo documentation, responsibility assignment, and completion tracking — so nothing gets lost and you close out faster.