Punch list template that gets items closed.
One row per item, with a location a stranger could find, one trade who owns it and a due date. Print it for the walk, or open the CSV in Excel or Google Sheets.
Punch list template
os.construction · free template- Project
- Area / floor walked
- Walk date
- Walked by
- Punch item manager
- Final approver
Punch items
| # | Location | Description | Trade / assignee | Priority | Due date | Status | Ball in court | Photo ref | Closed date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | L2 corridor, grid C-4, ceiling | Missing access panel cover at fire damper (SAMPLE · delete this row) | Mechanical | High | Work required | Mechanical | IMG_0412 | ||
| 2 | Room 214, north wall | Paint touch-up around outlet cover, 2 places | Painting | Low | Ready for review | GC super | IMG_0415 | ||
| 3 | Room 220, door 220A | Door drags on threshold; adjust hinges | Doors & hardware | Medium | Closed | IMG_0420 | |||
Sample rows are illustrative and marked for deletion. Your contract, drawings and specifications govern. Template from os.construction/resources/templates/punch-list
Using the punch list template
- Walk one area at a time with the people who will sign it off (owner, architect or your own QC). Split the list by floor or area so each page stays short.
- Write the location so someone who wasn’t on the walk can find it: level, room or grid line, and which wall or ceiling.
- Give each item one trade. If two trades share it, make two items; shared items are the ones that sit open.
- Set a due date on every item and a priority only where it changes the order of work.
- When the trade says it’s done, mark it Ready for review, not Closed. Close it only after someone has looked.
- Re-walk with the list sorted by trade, then by location, and send each trade only their open items.
- Item logged on the walkPunch item manager
- Work requiredAssigned trade fixes it
- Resolved by the tradeTrade marks its line done
- Ready for reviewManager checks the workNot accepted: back to “Work required”
- Ready to closeFinal approver signs off
- ClosedCounts toward completion
Text version
- Item logged on the walk: Punch item manager
- Work required: Assigned trade fixes it
- Resolved by the trade: Trade marks its line done
- Ready for review: Manager checks the work
- Ready to close: Final approver signs off
- Closed: Counts toward completion
Not accepted: from “Ready for review” back to “Work required”.
Do this in os.construction instead of a spreadsheet
In os.construction each punch item has a location, a punch item manager, a final approver and one line per assigned trade. Trades mark their own line resolved, the manager reviews, and only the final approver closes it. Cards count open, overdue, ready-for-review and closed items. Observations, including those raised by a failed inspection item, convert into punch items, and you can attach photos and link the drawing sheet.
Try it on the sample project
Every trial workspace includes a sample project to run this workflow on. 14-day free trial. Pricing for paid plans isn't set yet.
Questions about the punch list template
What should a punch list include?
For each item: a number, an exact location, what is wrong, the one trade responsible, a due date, the status and who has to act next. Photos help most on items that will be argued about.
When does the punch list start?
Usually as an area nears completion, ahead of substantial completion, so that only punch work is left when the owner takes the space. Many teams run rolling punch lists by floor rather than one list at the end.
Who signs off a punch item?
The trade says it’s done; someone else accepts it. Typically the GC’s punch manager reviews and the owner or architect gives final approval. This template keeps “ready for review” and “closed” as separate statuses for that reason.
How does the punch list affect retainage?
Many contracts hold some or all retainage until punch work is complete or hold back an amount against the open items. Your contract decides; the retainage calculator shows the math.
Can I import this CSV into os.construction?
Not directly. Punch items are created in the app; Save & Create New keeps you on the form so a walk goes quickly. The import tool (preview) brings punch items over from a connected project management system.
Keep going
- GlossaryFinal Completion
- GlossaryPunch List
- GlossaryRetainage Release
- GlossarySubstantial Completion
- Free resourceRetainage calculator
- Free resourceCloseout checklist
- TemplateMeeting minutes template
- TemplateInspection checklist starter pack
- TemplateT&M ticket template
- TemplateRFI writing checklist
- TemplateDaily log checklist
- TemplateChange event log
- TemplateThree-week look-ahead template
- TemplateSafety observation log
- TemplateAction item tracker
Keep exploring
Related across os.construction
- Free toolPunch list closeout calculatorWeeks to clear the punch list at your close and add rates, and the rate a target needs.
- DocsPunch list: create, assign and close itemsCreate punch items with a manager, final approver and assignees, let trades mark their work resolved, then review, approve and close each item.
- ExplainerPunch list to closeout, on one recordFollow a deficiency from a failed inspection item to an observation, a punch item, review and sign-off, and see what closing punch means for retainage.
- DocsCloseout and retainage releaseHow closeout requirements are planned to attach to each subcontract at buyout, collect through the job, and gate retainage release on both the owner side and the sub side.
- ExplainerCloseout and turnover: punch, inspections, documentsClosing out a job in os.construction: closed punch, signed final inspections, documents shared to the owner, warranty tracking, and what's planned.
- Free toolInspection checklist starter packFree QA inspection checklists for pre-pour, framing and MEP rough-in.