In Practice
A punch list is the last-mile checklist. After the major work is done, someone walks the unit or area and writes down everything still unfinished or wrong: a missed paint spot, a door that sticks, a cracked outlet cover, a dirty vent. Work is not done until the list is clear.
You will use it in a few places. In make-ready, it is the final walk before a unit is listed as vacant ready. In renovations and new construction, the owner or the manager walks each unit with the contractor and the contractor fixes the items before final payment. During lease-up, punch lists often overlap with move-ins, so tracking them is critical.
Example: a manager walks a renovated unit and lists eleven items. The contractor completes nine in two days, but two remain open, so the unit is not released and final payment is held. A simple log with item, location, owner and date keeps things moving.
Common mistake: a vague list with no owner or dates, or marking a unit ready with items still open. Use photos, assign each item to a person and recheck before sign-off. For contractor work, follow the contract on retainage and acceptance.
Not to Be Confused With
A work order is one repair request. A punch list is the group of remaining items checked at the end of a job.
Punch List: Common Questions
What is the difference between a punch list and a work order?
A work order is a single repair request. A punch list is a group of remaining items checked at the end of a job or before a unit is released.
Who creates the punch list?
Usually the manager, maintenance supervisor or owner's representative who inspects the work, often with the contractor present.
