In the construction industry, a punch list refers to a list of repairs and incomplete work items remaining at the end of a project that must be finished before a contractor can receive payment. The plans and specifications outlined in the original contract provide a guide for checking the quality and completeness of a building project.
Included on this page, you'll find a variety of helpful punch list templates, like a project management punch list template, a construction punch list template, a simple punch list template, and many more - all free for download.
Project managers deal with multiple tasks, changing priorities, and schedule adjustments - often on a daily basis. Having an organized punch list can help managers keep track of all these changes and inform both immediate and high-level decisions. This template is appropriate for project management in any field, and provides columns for marking the status, priority and due date of each task.
Download the Project Management Punch List Template
This template was designed specifically for construction project use. Punch list sections include both interior and exterior items, ranging from materials to furnishings and electrical issues. You can easily edit this template to include whatever punch list items are relevant for the project. You can also indicate who is responsible for the work and deadlines for completion.
Download the Construction Punch List Template
If you need a form that you can quickly print and fill out by hand, this PDF template provides a basic list with room for brief information about each item. There is also a section at the top of the form for adding project and contact information. Contractors or owners can use this form to create a simple punch list.
Download the Simple Punch List Form
Use this residential punch list for a remodel or new home project. Simply add or remove items to reflect your needs. This spreadsheet template allows you to organize punch list items by location, trade, or completion status. You can add descriptions for each item and specify the work that still needs to be completed in order to resolve an issue.
Download the Remodel Punch List Template
An inspection process can move smoothly when using a detailed walkthrough checklist. This commercial construction checklist is designed to work like a punch list, and provides sections for marking completion, costs, and contract issues. You can create a thorough list of items that have either been completed satisfactorily or still need to be addressed.
Download the Commercial Construction Walkthrough Checklist
Buying a newly built home can be exciting, but it also requires careful planning, oversight, and inspection. To help ensure that your new home meets all of the agreed-upon requirements and specifications, you can use this checklist to do a complete walkthrough of each area of your house, plus outside spaces.
Download the New Home Checklist
For a more in-depth description of what how to use a punch list in construction, and the benefits of including one in your next construction project, visit our article that details all there is to know about construction punch lists, including when to use them, how to use them, and a free template.
For more information on zero punch list goals, the steps to attain them, and their time- and-money saving benefits, visit this article with information all about construction punch lists.
If you end up with zero items on your punch list, you have reason to celebrate - and your contractor will too, given the cost savings involved. However, you still have to go through an inspection process to determine that no repairs are necessary. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while doing a final walk through of the property:
While there are no concrete sources online for the origin of the phrase, the most likely hypothesis is that contractors and architects used to punch holes on a list to denote completed items. This created a “punch” list that was used during inspection and for documentation. A punch list may also be referred to as a snag list, which makes sense since unfinished or incorrect items are obstacles to completing a project, or “snags” in the process. In construction, “snagging” is a term used for identifying all the errors and omissions that you need to add to the snag list and correct. In some cases, you may also see punch list written as one word: punchlist.
Punch lists may have traditionally been physical documents with a list of items that you could punch or check off by hand, but digital punch lists are becoming increasingly common. A digital punch list may be included as part of construction management software or used as a mobile app. You can choose from web-based options and tools, and the templates provided below.
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