Our free construction punch list template makes it easy to document and track outstanding issues that stand between you and project closeout.
Use this Excel punch list template to create your next construction punch list. Then share it with supers and subcontractors so everyone’s clear about what needs to be done before you hand the keys off to the owner.
A punch list is a checklist of work that must be completed or corrected before a construction project can close out.
The closeout process involves the final inspections, walk-throughs, and fixes that need to happen—and documentation that must be gathered—before a construction project can be handed off to the owner.
A punch list documents anything that varies from the original construction plans or contract specifications. Each item on the checklist must be punched out, or complete, before final payment can be made.
A general contractor or project manager is typically the person responsible for a punch list in construction.
The construction punch list process involves a few basic steps:
Some contractors pull the punch list together in the final stage when the construction job reaches substantial completion. Others maintain a rolling punch list throughout construction so issues can be addressed along the way, laying the path for a quicker project closeout.
Now that you understand what a punch list is and how the punch list process works, let’s take a look at the details you’ll want to document and track in your construction punch list. Here are the items we’ve included in our construction punch list template.
Make sure there’s no confusion about which project your punch list applies to. Include any important information your team uses to identify projects, such as a project name, address, or number. You may also want to specify the project manager and architect of the project, if applicable.
Subcontractors and field crew need to know where each punch list item is located in the home or structure you’re building. Be sure to note the room or other location on your punch list so outstanding issues are easy to find.
Give subcontractors a brief description of each item on the checklist. That way they know what to look for and can get a better idea of the scope of work needed to tackle the issue.
Some issues need to be addressed sooner than others. Setting clear priorities for punch list items helps ensure the right work gets done first.
Every punch list item should have an owner. Assign a subcontractor to each fix on your checklist so everyone knows who’s responsible for what.
Set a clear deadline for each issue captured on your punch list. This helps ensure work gets done in a timely manner so the closeout process doesn’t drag out.
Track work as it progresses by including completion status on your punch list. That way you can easily tell what’s done and what’s outstanding on the checklist.
Every construction project comes with its own unique set of challenges. But that doesn’t mean you can’t establish a smooth and consistent process for resolving issues.
With our free Excel punch list template, you can create a detailed punch list for your construction project and easily share it with subcontractors.
Start by adding any relevant details to identify the project’s punch list for subcontractors. You can enter this project information in row 2 on our construction punch list template.
In the punch list example below, we’ve included the community name and lot number. Feel free to enter a project number, property address, or any other details as you see fit.
Most of your work will take place in the Construction Punch List tab of your spreadsheet. But first, you need to set up your Category Database by reviewing and updating the generic options we’ve included with details that are specific to your construction project.
Each data category provides instructions for how to customize it, but here’s a quick rundown of the ones available in our construction punch list template:
Now you’re ready to fill out your punch list! Start by choosing the location of your punch list item from the Location dropdown, and briefly describe the work that needs to be completed or issue that needs to be fixed in the Description column.
Indicate the punch list task priority by choosing an option from the dropdown in the Priority column. The template should automatically apply a priority color to the cell once you’ve selected an option. Then choose the type of work or subcontractor name from the Subcontractor Responsible dropdown to assign the punch list item to an owner.
Finally, enter a deadline for each task on your checklist in the Due Date column, and set the Completion Status for new punch list items to Not started.
Once you’ve compiled all your punch list items into a checklist, it’s time to share it with the people who will do the actual work. Email the punch list to your supers and subcontractors so they have it handy out in the field.
As subcontractors and field crews punch out tasks on your checklist, be sure to mark them as complete so you can tell how work is tracking. The template should automatically color-code each different Completion Status option based on your selection.
Looking for a construction punch list you can schedule and track—both on and off the jobsite? TeamGantt makes construction project management easy.
With TeamGantt, Excel punch lists can be a thing of the past. Subcontractors can collaborate on tasks and update progress out in the field with TeamGantt’s mobile app so you always know where your punch list stands. No more chasing down updates or juggling outdated spreadsheets!
Create an online punch list of your own, or use our free construction plan template to keep track of punch list items as part of your full project schedule.