A punch list records every outstanding or defective item identified at substantial completion, organised by location and trade. Each row needs an item number, location, description, responsible party, priority, due date, status and a verification sign-off. Getting the punch list closed is usually what releases final payment and retainage, so the responsibility and date columns matter as much as the descriptions.
The punch list is the last mile between finished work and getting paid. This template tracks every item by room and trade with an owner and a date against each one. Free PDF and spreadsheet.
A list of work items still to be completed or corrected before a construction project is considered finished, typically produced at a walkthrough near substantial completion and closed out before final payment and retainage release.
Usually the owner, architect or general contractor produces it during a joint walkthrough. On residential work it is often the contractor and homeowner together, which tends to produce a shorter and more realistic list.
Contracts frequently allow a set window such as 30 days after substantial completion. The practical answer is as fast as possible, since outstanding punch items are usually the only thing standing between you and final payment.
A free construction punch list template from WinkScope in PDF and CSV, no signup. It tracks outstanding and defective items at substantial completion with item number, location, responsible trade, description, priority, assigned person, due date, status and verification sign-off, plus a closeout section covering final walkthrough, warranty handover and retainage release.