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Construction Punch List Template

Walkthrough punch list with description, location, trade, status, sign-off, and completion date. Twenty rows plus a final sign-off block for release of final payment. Download as PDF.

When to use this

Use the punch list at substantial completion. The walkthrough happens once the major work is done and the customer can use the space, but small items remain. Print the template, walk the job with the customer, write each item down with its location and which trade has to fix it. Both of you sign at the top before any items are worked, which locks the list to that point in time.

The signed punch list is the closeout document. When every item is signed off, you have the basis to invoice for final payment. Without a closed punch list, customers can keep adding items indefinitely and final payment slides week after week. Holding 5 to 10 percent of the contract for the punch is normal. Holding 50 percent is a problem.

This template works for residential remodels, pool builds, new construction, and small commercial. For multi-family or large commercial, the punch usually gets bigger and gets owned by a separate closeout team, but the format below still works as a starter.

What's included

Template preview

Construction Punch List
Job: [Job name]
Walkthrough date: [Date]
Address: [Project address]
Prepared by: [Name]
Customer: [Customer name]
Contractor: [Company name]
Customer signature (list as agreed at walkthrough)
Date: ________________
Contractor signature (list as agreed at walkthrough)
Date: ________________
# Description Location Trade Status Sign-off Date complete
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Final sign-off (release of final payment)

Customer confirms all items above are complete and accepts the work. Final payment due upon signing below.

Customer signature
Date: ________________
Contractor signature
Date: ________________

How to customize

Print the template before the walkthrough. Bring two copies, one for you and one for the customer. Fill the job header with the customer's name, address, and your company name. Date the form the day of the walkthrough. Walk the entire project room by room. For every item the customer flags, write the description, where it is, and which trade has to address it.

Be specific in the description. "Paint" is not enough. "Touch-up paint at hallway corner near master bedroom door, color SW Alabaster" gives the painter what they need. Same for location. "Master bath" is fine if the item only happens once. "Master bath, wall behind vanity, three drywall divots" is better when there are multiples.

The Trade column matters because you usually do not fix punch items yourself. Write GC, Plumber, Electrician, Painter, Tile, HVAC, Plaster, Drywall, or whatever applies. When you go to schedule sub returns, you can sort by trade and get everyone scheduled in one pass instead of three.

Status uses three states: Open, In Progress, Complete. Initial each row in Sign-off only after the customer has visually confirmed the fix. Do not let your guys sign off on their own work. Always the customer signs each line as items complete, even just initials. Final payment releases when every row has a sign-off and the bottom signature block is signed.

Common mistakes

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Frequently asked questions

What is a construction punch list?
A punch list is the document a contractor and customer create at substantial completion that lists every small item still needing attention before the job is done. Examples: touch-up paint at the doorway, replace cracked tile in the master bath, adjust the bedroom door, install missing outlet cover. The list is worked through and signed off before final payment.
Who creates the punch list, the contractor or the homeowner?
Both, together, during a walkthrough. The contractor brings the template and walks the job with the customer. Customer points out things they want addressed. Contractor writes each one down with location and trade. Both sign at the top before any items are worked. The shared list prevents new items from getting added later as moving goalposts.
When should I do the punch list walkthrough?
At substantial completion, which means the work is done and the space is usable, but small items still need attention. Do not walk too early because the list balloons. Do not walk too late because the customer has already moved in and started flagging cosmetic issues that came from their own use. A good window is the day major work finishes plus one day.
How long should I hold final payment for the punch list?
Customer typically holds back 5 to 10 percent of the contract or a fixed dollar amount (often double the value of the open punch items) until the list is complete. Once everything is signed off, final payment is released. Make sure your contract spells this out so neither side argues about retainage when you are 95 percent done.
What is the difference between a punch list and a deficiency list?
A punch list covers the small finishing items at substantial completion. A deficiency list, also called a warranty list, covers items found later during the warranty period (usually 1 year on workmanship). Different document, different timing, often a different template. This template is for the punch list at substantial completion.
Should I include warranty items on the punch list?
No. Punch list items are existing-condition issues at the end of construction. Warranty items appear over the warranty period after the job closes out. Mixing them confuses what triggers final payment versus what triggers a warranty call. Keep the punch list clean and use a separate warranty log.