Construction Punch List?

A construction punch list is simply a list of tasks that must be completed before project closeout. It doesn’t include the major work of the project, but rather the smaller or minor tasks, the stragglers that still need to be finished.

They are used by project managers, general contractors, engineers and architects to track work that must be completed to comply with the terms of the contract. It is usually used at the end of the construction project for understandable reasons, though it can be helpful throughout the project.

Then you use a construction punch list throughout the course of the project, it’s called a rolling punch list. It’s a constant check of the work. Each task has a hard deadline. This helps to save time later in the project because you’re getting the work done right the first time.

If you keep track of all your project tasks from the beginning, you might have a zero-punch list project. This term is used when you’re able to complete projects without having pending punch list items at the end of your construction project.

If you’re using our punch list template for Excel or looking to make your own, here’s a checklist of the components that make up a thorough punch list.

Project Information: Every construction punch list needs to identify the project, including the project number, the address if applicable, the project manager and the architect.

Punch Number: Every punch list item should have a number to distinguish it and make it easier to find and talk about.

Description: Here’s where you’ll explain what the task is and how to execute it.

Location: Where is the task located? This is especially important when referring to a construction site.

Type: It helps to define the type of work, for example, what department it might apply to, such as maintenance, carpentry, etc.

Owner: The owner is the person on the team who is responsible for executing the punch list item and following it through to close.

Priority: Not all tasks are the same, some are of a high priority, others are not. This is where you can make that clear so people know what to do first.

Date Observed: The site walkthrough is usually where the task is first observed, but it can be noticed by a crew member. That date needs to be captured.

Date Expected to Be Complete: This notes the estimated duration of the punch list item.

Date Approved: Just because a task is identified doesn’t mean it will be executed. Only after someone in authority says it must be done will work commence on it. That date is recorded here.

Date Completed: The date the actual work is finished.

Status: Notes if the work is in progress or complete, open or closed, etc.

Notes: Anything that falls outside the perimeters of the above categories.