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Free construction punch list template

A punch list is the list of work that isn't finished or isn't right near the end of a job. You walk the project room by room, write down each item and where it is, assign it to the trade that owns it, and close it only after you've checked the fix. This template comes as a printable PDF with 27 lines and an Excel version with 75 lines that tracks Open, Ready and Closed for you.

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What goes on a punch list

  • Header: job, walk-through date, who walked it, the area, building or floor, and the owner or GC rep.
  • One line per item: number, location, what needs fixing, the trade, who it's assigned to, and a due date.
  • Ready and Closed: Ready means the trade says it's fixed. Closed means you checked it. Initial and date both.
  • Final sign-off: name, signature and date once every item is closed.

How to run a punch walk

  1. Walk one area at a time, in the same order every time, so nothing gets skipped.
  2. One item per line, with a precise location. "Kitchen, north wall, outlet left of the range" beats "kitchen outlet."
  3. Assign every item to one trade with a due date. Unassigned items don't get fixed.
  4. Don't close an item on the trade's word. Ready is theirs; Closed is yours.
  5. Photograph each item before and after the fix.

Questions builders and trades ask

What is a punch list in construction?

The list of unfinished or incorrect work found near the end of a job. Each item gets a location, a trade and a due date, and it stays open until someone checks the fix.

Who makes the punch list?

The builder or GC usually walks the job with the owner, the architect or the owner's rep and writes the list. Each trade then gets the items assigned to it.

When should the punch list start?

Near substantial completion, and on bigger jobs area by area as each one finishes, so the trades are still on site to fix things.

What's the difference between Ready and Closed?

Ready means the trade says the item is fixed. Closed means you checked it yourself. Initial and date both.

Does the Excel version track status?

Yes. Each item has an Open, Ready or Closed dropdown, and the sheet counts how many items are in each. It opens in Google Sheets too.

Done with paper?

Before and after photos on every item.

With myBivy, punch items carry their photos and go to the trade that owns the fix. Trades work their punch list free with myBivy for Trades.

Do this on your phone: see the punch list app →

Free to use, print and share. The Excel files open in Google Sheets too. These are templates, not legal advice; have your own contracts reviewed for your state.