How Does Punch List Save the Day? From Chaos to Completion!

In a construction project, things might get messy and confusing, especially towards the end. With so many tasks left or things that are required to get fixed, it’s quite possible to miss the important details. 

That’s where the significant role of the punch list comes in. It acts like a final checklist, in which a designer or a contractor notes down the items that need to be taken care of.

So, if you are curious to know more about the punchlist, read this article thoroughly to comprehend all its aspects more precisely. 

What is a Punch List in Construction?

The construction punch list, widely known as the snag list or deficiency list, refers to a document prepared by the owner, architect, designer, or subcontractor in the last stage of construction. 

Accordingly, the primary purpose of setting up this list is to address the items that were required to be completed shortly before the construction is finished, and the final payment was handed out. 

Generally, this includes minor issues, like some scratches, important furniture shifting, removal of marking on walls and floor by construction, or items that are done improperly and need to be fixed. 

Sometimes during the walk-through, a designer or an architect identifies some changes for better results. They first consult with the general contractor of the site and then update those items to the punch list, as this is a new add-on work that has to be handled. 

Lastly, once the list is completed, the general contractor assigns the work to the subcontractor accordingly so that each item will be checked off without missing it. 

Example of Punch List: Small-House Project

The punch list is created for all sizes of projects, and because of that, the size and item number may differ according to the requirements of the assignment. 

The large project deficiency list construction may consist of hundreds of items; conversely, the small project snag list may have fewer items that ought to be completed in a short time. 

Below, we have illustrated a small house project construction punch list sample. Take a look. 

Therefore, the sections mentioned in the above instance can be modified as per the project requirements. Similarly, more columns can be added to this list, such as item price, payment issued, and the number of people working in the particular area.

Also Read: General Conditions of Contract: Complete Guide with Meaning, Types & Examples 

Key Items Found on Construction Punch List 

Usually, the architect creates the snag list to classify the different items systematically, so that at the time of wrapping up, there is nothing left, and they have entirely completed all their tasks. 

This may include items that are required to test, add, fix, and remove from the site of construction. Let’s see them individually. 

1. Items that Require Testing

Testing the items is done to verify if the installed equipment is working properly or not. Such as: 

• HVAC systems
• Appliances
• Communication systems
• Equipment
• Mechanical elements
• Doors & windows
• Plumbing fixtures, etc.

2. Items That Should be Added

The designer often addresses the items that were missed to be added at the location, intentionally or not, to the punch work. This may include: 

• Coating/sealant
• Hardware
• Light covers
• Hardware, and the rest. 

3. Items That Demand Fixing

The general contractor, workers, and all the equipment always stay at the construction site. Due to this, there is a constant chance of damage. Thus, during the walk-through, the architect records the items mentioned below on the punch list. 

• Leaks
• Defective equipment
• Improper installation
• Damaged materials
• Cracks, and many more. 

4. Items That Had to be Removed at the Final Stage of Work

Equipment or machines that are no longer required before wrapping up the work need to be removed from the job site before handing the location to its owner. They can be: 

• Damaged Equipment
• Trash
• Extra Construction Material 
• Tools 
• Protective Covers 
• Machines, and the rest. 

Briefly, the construction punch list empowers the architect and designer to complete their work with perfection. From small fixes to touch-ups, punch work covers it all. 

Read More: Get a General Construction License in California

Crucial Steps to Create a Punch List Format

As we have aforementioned, the contractor created punch work at the last stage of the construction, during their walk–through session. For this reason, maintaining a proper and easy-to-understand list is crucial to avoid any sort of miscommunication in the end. 

Check out the important steps to create an accurate deficiency list format.

1. Select a Clear Format: First, decide how you want to make your punch work. Whatever format you choose, like printed form, spreadsheet, or software, make sure it is relevant and easy to understand for each team member. 

2. Properly Add Project Detail: To avoid any kind of confusion, adequately mention the project name, location, contractor’s name, starting date, and other essential basic details. 

3. Create Simple Columns: Make different columns for every detail. For instance, there should be a subsection for item number, name, location, description, due date, status, and subcontractor. This will make your list clear and relevant. 

4. Track and Update the Progress: Constantly monitor the job site progress by conducting regular walk-throughs and cautiously update the work on the sheet to avoid any sort of confusion.  

5. Review and Sign Off: Once the assigned work is completed, sign off on it from the snag list to make a clear vision of the work that needs to be done. This will significantly help you to understand which portion needs your attention. 

All in all, being consistent and attentive are the two major factors that can surely assist in forming a productive punchlist without any difficulty. 

Suggested Read: What is RFI in Construction? A Naive-Friendly Guide

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Creating a Construction Punch List

Forming a construction punch list may seem a little overwhelming at first. Knowing what to avoid can help make its procedure smoother and empower you to manage the small mistakes that can lead to a major problem in the future. 

Thus, here we have outlined some of them. Check them out cautiously. 

1. Delay in Forming a Punch List: Waiting until the end of the project to create a list is one of the common mistakes that most contractors make. Being too late can encompass so many unfinished items that can delay the final handover.

2. Being Casual While Recording Items: Not entering the specified item description can lead to a big confusion at the time of settling it off. For instance, noting “fix wall” instead of “fix the cracks of the east wall near a window boundary”. 

3. Missing Documentation: Not adding clear photos, notes, or descriptions can make the list hard for the workers to understand where they should work upon. 

4. Overloading the List: Adding items that are not necessary for the completion of the project may consume extra time, money, and also make things complicated. 

5. Lack of Follow-Up: Not regularly checking whether the items are completed or not may lead to repeated problems or make your punch list cluttered and difficult to sign off. 

6. Using No Format or Outdated Template: An unorganized punch list will make it harder to check the item’s status and responsibilities that are assigned to different workers. 

In short, the intention to create a punch list is to make your work easier. So, make sure you format it accordingly to ensure that it can help you to complete your project professionally. 

Let’s Wind Up

In the end, a deficiency list acts like a powerful tool on construction sites that brings everything together. It helps the worker team to comprehend things that need to be done, which may have once felt chaotic, and has created immense confusion. 

Eventually, when everyone has a clear vision of their work, it fosters the speed of work along with its quality. 

So, whether you are a designer or a contractor, without waiting for the final stage of your project, start forming a punch list with a relevant format to systematically complete your work and timely handover. 

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