What a punch list is
A punch list is the list of small things left at the end of a job: a scuffed wall, a missing cover plate, a door that rubs, a caulk line that needs redoing. It comes out of a walkthrough near the end, with the owner, the general contractor or both. Finishing it is what stands between you and the final payment.
How to write a good item
- Say exactly what and where. "Touch up paint, hall wall left of the bath door" beats "touch-ups".
- One problem per line, so each one can be checked off.
- Name who fixes it. On a job with subs, every line has an owner.
- Give a due date for the whole list and for anything that holds up move-in.
- Take a photo of anything that could be argued about later.
Closing it out
When every line is done, walk it again and get the customer's signature on the list. That signed list, with a certificate of completion, is your record that the job is finished and the final invoice is due. Keep the list short by running a quality check of your own before the walkthrough.
More free templates
- Lien Waiver: Conditional and unconditional, progress and final, with each state's rules.
- Conditional Lien Waiver: Gives up lien rights only once your payment clears.
- Unconditional Lien Waiver: For after you are paid: takes effect when signed.
- Daily Log: Weather, crew hours, work done, deliveries, delays and safety.
- Credit Card Authorization Form: Lets you charge a card on file, with the customer's signature.
- Certificate of Completion: The customer signs that the job is done; the warranty starts.
- Home Improvement Contract: Scope, price, schedule, permits, changes, warranty and cancellation.
- Time and Materials Contract: Labor rate, materials markup, a cap and how you bill.
- Every template, including estimates, invoices and proposals for 35 trades.