✅ Punch List Checklist
Use this checklist to create, organize, and complete punch lists efficiently. A good punch list process ensures quality closeout and timely final payment.
Pre-Punch List Preparation
Before Creating Punch List
- Substantial completion achieved - Project is functionally complete
- Major systems operational - HVAC, electrical, plumbing working
- Cleanup completed - Site is clean, debris removed
- Safety items addressed - No safety hazards remaining
- Owner notified - Ready for punch list walkthrough
- Team prepared - PM, Super, key subs available
Creating the Punch List
Organization Setup
- Choose organization method - By location, trade, or priority
- Create tracking system - Spreadsheet, software, or form
- Assign item numbers - Sequential numbering system
- Set priority levels - Critical / Standard / Minor
- Establish due dates - Realistic completion dates
Walkthrough Preparation
- Schedule walkthrough - Coordinate with owner, architect, team
- Prepare forms - Punch list forms or device ready
- Camera ready - For photo documentation
- Measuring tools - Tape measure, level, etc.
- Flashlight - For dark areas, attics, crawl spaces
- Ladder - For high areas, ceilings
During Walkthrough
Documentation
- Item number assigned - Unique identifier for each item
- Location documented - Room number, floor, grid line
- Description clear - Specific, actionable description
- Photos taken - Before photos of each deficiency
- Responsible party identified - Trade or subcontractor
- Priority assigned - Critical / Standard / Minor
- Due date set - Realistic completion date
Areas to Check
General
- Cleanliness - All areas clean, no debris
- Damage - No damage to finishes, fixtures
- Completion - All work complete per plans
- Functionality - All systems operational
Walls & Ceilings
- Drywall - No nail pops, cracks, or damage
- Paint - Complete, consistent color, no drips
- Texture - Consistent texture throughout
- Corners - Clean, straight corners
- Trim - Properly installed, caulked, painted
Floors
- Flooring - No gaps, damage, or inconsistencies
- Transitions - Smooth transitions between materials
- Base - Baseboards installed, caulked, painted
- Clean - Floors clean, no stains or marks
Doors & Windows
- Doors - Open/close properly, hardware works
- Windows - Open/close, locks work
- Weatherstripping - Properly installed
- Hardware - All hardware installed, functional
- Paint - Doors and frames painted completely
Electrical
- Outlets - All outlets work, covers installed
- Switches - All switches work, plates installed
- Lighting - All lights work, bulbs installed
- Fixtures - All fixtures installed, functional
- GFCI - GFCI outlets test properly
Plumbing
- Faucets - All faucets work, no leaks
- Toilets - Flush properly, no leaks
- Drains - Drains work, no clogs
- Water pressure - Adequate pressure
- Hot water - Hot water available
HVAC
- Thermostats - All thermostats work
- Vents - All vents open, not blocked
- Filters - Filters installed, clean
- Temperature - Heating/cooling works
- Air flow - Adequate air flow
Exterior
- Siding - Properly installed, no damage
- Roofing - No leaks, shingles secure
- Gutters - Installed, draining properly
- Paint - Exterior paint complete
- Landscaping - Complete per plans
Post-Walkthrough
Organization & Distribution
- List compiled - All items entered into system
- Prioritized - Items sorted by priority
- Assigned - Items assigned to responsible parties
- Distributed - List sent to owner, architect, team
- Schedule created - Completion schedule established
Communication
- Owner copy - Owner receives copy
- Architect copy - Architect receives copy
- Subcontractors notified - Each sub gets their items
- Team meeting - Review list with team
- Timeline communicated - Due dates clear to all
Completing Punch List Items
For Each Item
- Work completed - Deficiency corrected
- Photos taken - After photos documented
- Verified - Owner/architect verification
- Signed off - Item marked complete
- Removed from list - Item closed out
Quality Check
- Work meets standards - Quality is acceptable
- No new issues - Fix didn't create new problems
- Clean - Area cleaned after work
- Protected - Adjacent work protected
Final Verification
Before Final Acceptance
- All items complete - No open items remaining
- Owner approval - Owner has signed off
- Architect approval - Architect has signed off
- Final walkthrough - Final inspection completed
- Documentation complete - All photos, sign-offs filed
Common Punch List Categories
Critical (Fix Immediately)
- Safety hazards
- Code violations
- System failures
- Water leaks
- Structural issues
Standard (Fix Before Closeout)
- Finish issues
- Paint touch-ups
- Hardware installation
- Cleaning
- Minor repairs
Minor (Can Fix After Closeout)
- Cosmetic issues
- Non-critical items
- Warranty items
- Future maintenance
Best Practices
- Be Specific - "Touch up paint in Room 201, north wall" not "Fix paint"
- Take Photos - Before and after photos are essential
- Set Priorities - Focus on critical items first
- Track Progress - Update status regularly
- Communicate - Keep all parties informed
- Follow Up - Don't let items sit unaddressed
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Problem | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Too vague | Can't find/fix item | Be specific with location |
| No photos | Disputes about condition | Always take photos |
| No priorities | Everything seems urgent | Use priority system |
| No due dates | Items drag on | Set realistic deadlines |
| No tracking | Items get lost | Use tracking system |
Punch List Template
Item #: _____
Location: _________________________
Description: _____________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
Responsible Party: _______________
Priority: [ ] Critical [ ] Standard [ ] Minor
Due Date: ________________________
Status: [ ] Open [ ] In Progress [ ] Complete [ ] Verified
Photos: [ ] Before [ ] After
Notes: ___________________________
Related Resources
- Punch List Generator - Create organized punch lists
- Project Closeout Checklist - Complete closeout process
- Quality Control Guide - QC procedures
The 80/20 Rule
80% of punch list items are usually minor finish issues. Focus on the 20% that are critical or code-related first.