A punch list is a document that outlines the remaining tasks or issues that need to be addressed before a project is considered complete. It typically includes minor repairs, touch-ups, and other small items that must be finished or corrected before the project can be officially closed out.
A punch list is important to ensure that all contracted items have been completed and any issues or defects have been addressed before final payments are made. This is the project or estate manager’s opportunity to ensure that the finished product meets the expectations of the client, including making sure everything that was contracted was delivered and it all works.
Punch lists should be created in stages: 90-days to complete, 60, 30, and when your contractors say the work is complete. 90 and 60 day may just be for you to track anything that looks like it’s not going according to plan. At 30 days, you’ll be sharing your lists with your contractors to let them know of any concerns in delivery. (This isn’t to say to wait on anything you see that is obviously wrong- address those items as they come up.) You should make sure all punch list items are addressed before you release your contractors. It’s 10x as difficult to get things fixed after the crews have left the site.
To create a punch list for a new build, renovation, or interior design project, you’ll need to have access to the original scope of work, all change orders, and construction blueprints or design plans.
The process is to go room by room and compare what was contracted to what was built, installed, or delivered. It a simple check off process:
1) Is the item installed?
2) Is the installed item the correct item?
3) Is the item in the correct place?
4) Is the item installed correctly?
4) Does it work?
5) Does it meet any codes or required standards?
Anything that isn’t a ‘yes’ gets added to the punch list for correction.
A punch list can take many forms. I’m a spreadsheet person and prefer a shareable spreadsheet. I want to be able to send it to contractors or update my employer quickly when needed. Google sheets works well for this purpose.
We’ve created a template to get you started:
