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.

Home · Templates · Construction Punch List

Free template

Construction Punch List Template

Walkthrough punch list with job header, walkthrough date, description, location, trade, status, sign-off, and completion date columns. Twenty rows plus a final sign-off block. Download as PDF.

See the app version

Free, no signup, no email wall.

What's in this template

Everything a walkthrough needs on paper

Job header

Job name, walkthrough date, project address, prepared by, customer, contractor. All the fields both parties need at the top.

Top signature block

Customer and contractor sign the list at the walkthrough. Locks the punch scope. Prevents new items from being added later as moving goalposts.

Twenty numbered rows

Description, location, trade, status, sign-off, date completed. Room for a normal residential punch. Doubles to a second page if you need more.

Trade column

Paint, tile, drywall, electrical, HVAC, plumbing. Assigning the trade tells you who to call for each item.

Status + sign-off

Open, in progress, complete. Customer initials each row as they accept the fix. No arguments at the end.

Final sign-off block

Customer confirms every item is complete. Final payment is due upon signing. That signature is what unlocks the last draw.

How contractors use it

Three steps from walkthrough to final payment

Walk together at substantial completion

The day major work finishes plus one day. Customer points out what they see. You write each item down with location and trade.

Both sign the top block

This is the punch list as agreed. New items after this go through a change order or a warranty log. Not the punch.

Work each item, get initials, sign the bottom

Row by row. Customer initials on completion. Once everything is signed off, the final sign-off block at the bottom releases retainage.

About the format

Why the top signature matters

The biggest problem with punch lists is scope creep. Customer signs a 12-item list Tuesday, comes back Friday wanting 8 more added. This template locks the list at the walkthrough by putting both signatures at the top. Anything new after that goes on a warranty log or a change order.

Twenty rows fits a normal residential job. The status column lets you track work in progress without a separate spreadsheet. The final sign-off block at the bottom is what unlocks retainage. Nothing is redundant.

Construction Punch List

Job: [Job name]

Walkthrough: [Date]

#DescriptionTradeStatus

1. Paint touch up, master hall

2. Cracked tile, guest bath

3. Adjust bedroom door

4. Missing outlet cover

Final sign-off releases retainage

Runs in your browser. No signup, no email.

Tired of tracking punches on paper?

Punch lists in the app, closed with a tap

Assign each item to a crew or sub. Photos attach automatically. Status updates in real time. Customer initials on their phone. Final sign-off releases retainage and triggers the last invoice.

Assign each item to a crew member or sub
Before, during, after photos on every row
Customer initials from the portal
Final sign-off triggers the retainage invoice

See the field tools