What is a punch list?
A punch list (also written punchlist, or called a punch-out list) is the list of work that's still unfinished or not up to the contract near the end of a job: a cracked tile, a missing cover plate, a cabinet door that rubs, paint touch-ups. It's written during a walkthrough close to substantial completion and worked down to zero before final payment and closeout.
The usual story behind the name: items were once checked off by punching a hole next to each one on a paper list. Today it's the same idea on a tablet or a phone.
When to use one
- Before the owner's walkthrough: walk it yourself first so the client sees a short list, not a long one.
- At substantial completion, when the owner, architect or lender walks the job.
- Room by room on bigger jobs, as each area finishes, instead of one giant list at the end.
- Before a final inspection, so nothing obvious holds up the certificate of occupancy.
- Before you ask for final payment or retainage, since many contracts tie them to the punch list being done.
How to fill in this punch list template
Fill in the job. Project, address, client, who's walking and the date. The PDF prints all of it at the top.
Walk in one direction. Go room by room, top to bottom. One item per row, and write the location first so a sub can find it without calling you.
Describe the fix. "Adjust pantry door, rubs at head jamb" beats "door". If the fix needs a photo, take one and note the photo number in the item.
Give it to one trade. Every item gets exactly one responsible company or person. The summary shows what's still open for each one.
Set priority and due date. High is anything that blocks inspection, occupancy or safety. Due dates turn into the overdue count.
Track status. Open while it's being worked, Ready for review when the trade says it's done, Closed once you've checked it yourself.
Download and send. PDF for the owner's sign-off, Excel to sort by trade and send each sub their items. The blank PDF is for walking with a clipboard.
What to include on a punch list
- Location: building, floor, room and wall or fixture.
- Item: what's wrong and what done looks like.
- Responsible: the trade or person who'll fix it.
- Priority and due date.
- Status, and who checked it closed and when.
- Photos for anything that's hard to describe.
- Signatures at the end: contractor and owner (or owner's rep) agreeing the list is complete.
Common punch list mistakes
- Vague items. "Fix trim" sends a carpenter hunting through the house. Say which trim, where, and what's wrong.
- Items with no owner. If everyone is responsible, nobody shows up.
- Only walking once, at the end. A pre-punch walk by your own super catches most items before the client sees them.
- Slipping new work onto the list. A request for something that isn't in the contract is a change order, priced and signed, not a punch item.
- Closing items on the trade's word. Mark them ready for review, then look before you close them.
- One paper copy. The list on your clipboard isn't the list the sub has. Send it out, and keep one version that everyone works from.
Punch list example
Part of a kitchen and mudroom remodel walk. Load the example in the tool above to see it filled in.
| # | Location | Item | Responsible | Priority | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kitchen, island | Touch up paint on island end panel, scuff near outlet | Painter | Normal | Open |
| 2 | Kitchen, sink wall | Install missing cover plate on GFCI right of sink | Electrician | High | Open |
| 3 | Mudroom | Adjust bench cabinet door, rubs on face frame when closing | Cabinet installer | Normal | Ready for review |
| 4 | Mudroom, entry | Caulk gap between base trim and tile | Carpenter | Low | Closed |
Punch list vs. checklist
A checklist is written before the work and says what to check: the same quality or inspection points on every job. A punch list is written after the work and says what's actually wrong on this job. Good checklists keep punch lists short.
Common questions
What is a punch list in construction?
The list of work that's unfinished or not up to the contract near the end of a job, written during a walkthrough and worked down to zero before final payment and closeout. Each item has a location, a description, the trade responsible and a status.
Why is it called a punch list?
The common explanation is that items on a paper list were marked done by punching a hole next to them. The name stuck even though most punch lists now live on a phone or tablet.
Is it punchlist or punch list?
Both are used and mean the same thing. "Punch list" as two words is the more common spelling; you'll also see "punchlist" and "punch-out list".
Who prepares the punch list?
Usually the general contractor's superintendent or project manager walks first and writes their own list. Then the owner, the architect or both walk and add items. On a home remodel the contractor and homeowner often walk together. Check your contract: it may say who walks and when.
Who is responsible for completing punch list items?
The trade that did the work fixes its items, and the general contractor is responsible to the owner for getting the whole list done. That's why every item should name one responsible company.
Can I make a punch list in Excel?
Yes. Fill in the template above and choose Excel (.xlsx). You get a spreadsheet with one row per item that you can sort by trade, status or due date, or keep adding to.
Is there a free punch list app?
This template is free and works in your phone's browser, with nothing to install. It saves on the device you're using. If you want photos on each item, lists sent to subs and the whole team on the same list, Construction Company Software has punch lists built in, with a 14-day free trial and no card.
Is anything I type uploaded?
No. The form runs in your browser and saves only in this browser on this device. Nothing you type is sent to us, and you don't need an account or an email address to download.