Templates / Punch List
Free Punch List Template (PDF, Word, Excel)
Items to finish or fix before closeout — who does what, by when, and when it was checked off. Print it, fill it in on a computer, or use the filled-in example to see what a complete one looks like.
No sign-up. See a filled-in example (PDF).
What a punch list should include
- Project, area and date of the walkthrough, and who walked it
- One line per item — numbered, so trades can reference it
- Exact location (room, wall, fixture number)
- What is wrong in plain words: missing, damaged, incomplete, not to spec
- Responsible trade for each item
- Due date for each item
- Done column with date and initials — the punch list is a living document
- Photo of each item, before and after
- Final sign-off by the owner or architect when every line is closed
Or do it on your phone in two minutes
Punch List App: Markup & PDF is an iPhone app that fills in this same document and sends the PDF.
- Tap the photo where the problem is
- One list per trade, sent as PDF
- Re-walk: check items off with an after photo
Questions
What is a punch list in construction?
A list of small items that don't match the contract — touch-ups, adjustments, missing parts — made during a walkthrough near the end of the job. Closing every item is usually a condition of final payment.
Who creates the punch list?
Typically the contractor walks the space with the owner or architect. Many GCs do their own pre-punch first so the owner's list is short.
Punch list vs. snag list?
Same thing. 'Snag list' is the UK and Australian term; 'deficiency list' is common in Canada.
Should a punch list have photos?
Yes. A photo of each item stops arguments about what 'touch up paint' meant, and a second photo proves it was fixed.
Is this punch list template free?
Yes — PDF, Word and Excel, no sign-up.
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