Punch list template — 40 free punch list examples and closeout forms
A punch list is the short list of items to fix or finish at the end of a job, made at the final walkthrough and closed with a sign-off. This page explains when to make one, what to include and the mistakes that drag jobs out. Then it gives you 40 copy-paste blocks: eight punch list templates (remodel, new home, commercial, painting, landscaping, move-out cleaning, rental turnover), how to write items, what to check by trade, messages for clients and subs, and closeout forms.
A punch list is the list of small items still to fix or finish at the end of a job: a paint touch-up, a door that rubs, a missing outlet cover, a dead plant. It’s made during a final walkthrough with the client, and when every item is done and signed off, the job is officially complete.
The name goes back to the old practice of punching a hole beside each finished item. Today it’s a simple table or app list, but its job is the same. It turns “a few things aren’t right” into a short, specific list with owners and dates, so the job can close and the final payment can be made.
When to make one
At “substantial completion,” when the work is usable but small items remain.
Before final payment, retainage release or move-in.
Between tenants (rental turnover) and after move-out cleans.
At the end of each phase on bigger jobs (rough-in, before drywall, before paint).
Do your own internal walk first, then walk with the client with a shorter list.
What to include
Project, address, walkthrough date and who was present.
One line per item: location, problem and expected fix.
Who is responsible (crew, specific sub, supplier).
Priority and due date.
Photo references.
Done/verified columns and a final sign-off line.
Mistakes to avoid
Walking with the client before your own walk. Fix the obvious things first.
Vague items (“touch up paint”) with no location.
Letting the client add new work to the punch list as if it were a defect. New work gets a quote or change order.
No due date, so the last items drag on for weeks.
Not getting a written sign-off, so new items keep appearing.
Sending a sub the whole list instead of only their items.
A worked example
A small remodeler used to finish jobs with “call me if you see anything.” Clients called with new items for weeks, and final payments came in an average of 26 days after the work was done.
He switched to an internal walk two days before completion, then a 30-minute client walkthrough with a printed punch list and blue tape. Every item got a location, an owner and a date, and the client signed off at a short re-walk. On the next eight jobs, punch lists averaged 6 items, all closed within 5 working days, and final payments arrived about 9 days after the walkthrough.
Punch list templates to copy
One line per item: where, what, who, by when, done.
General punch list
Works for any job.
PUNCH LIST
Project: [Hall bath remodel, 9 Cedar Ct] Walkthrough: [Fri Feb 5, 2027] Present: [client Sam Patel; PM Dana]
# Location Item Who Due Done
1 Bath — tub Caulk gap at back-left corner Crew Wed 2/10 ☐
2 Bath — vanity Left door rubs frame; adjust hinge Crew Wed 2/10 ☐
3 Bath — ceiling Paint touch-up above door Painter Wed 2/10 ☐
4 Hall Scuff on baseboard outside bath Painter Wed 2/10 ☐
5 Bath — fan Timer switch cover plate missing Elec. Tue 2/9 ☐
Client sign-off when complete: ________ Date: ____
Room-by-room remodel punch list
Walk the rooms in order so nothing is skipped.
PUNCH LIST — Kitchen & family room, [22 Oak Ln]
KITCHEN
K1 Cabinet above fridge: door not aligned (gap 1/8 in. wider at top)
K2 Backsplash: missing grout at outlet by range
K3 Island pendant: bulb out
K4 Dishwasher: kick plate not installed
FAMILY ROOM
F1 Floor: LVP plank lifting at doorway transition
F2 Wall by window: nail pop, patch and paint
F3 Outlet cover on east wall: cracked, replace
EXTERIOR
E1 Dumpster area: debris left on lawn
Walkthrough [Mon Dec 14, 2026]; target completion [Fri Dec 18, 2026].
New home / new construction walkthrough
Systems and finish items before move-in.
NEW HOME PUNCH LIST (pre-closing walkthrough)
Exterior: gutters secured and draining; grading slopes away; driveway cracks; exterior paint; hose bibs.
Entry & doors: all doors latch and lock; weatherstripping; garage door auto-reverse tested.
Kitchen: appliances run; cabinet doors/drawers align; countertop seams; GFCI outlets trip and reset.
Baths: no leaks under sinks; toilets don’t rock; shower drains; caulk complete; exhaust fans vent.
Systems: heat and AC run; thermostat set; water heater temp; smoke/CO alarms test.
Finishes: paint touch-ups; drywall nail pops; floor scratches; trim gaps.
Items found: list with room, item, photo #.
Commercial tenant improvement punch list
For office or retail build-outs.
PUNCH LIST — Suite 210 tenant improvement
Walk date: [Wed Dec 9, 2026] Attendees: owner rep, tenant rep, GC super, architect
ID Area Description Trade Priority Due
P-01 Reception Ceiling tile stained (grid C-4) Ceilings Low 12/14
P-02 Conf. room Door closer slams; adjust speed Doors Med 12/11
P-03 Break room Sink faucet drips Plumbing High 12/10
P-04 Office 3 Data jack not labeled Low-volt Med 12/14
P-05 Restroom ADA grab bar loose Carpentry High 12/10
P-06 Corridor Exit sign not lit Electrical High 12/10
High = life safety or blocks occupancy.
Painting punch list
Use painter’s tape flags on the walls.
PAINT PUNCH LIST — [18 Pine St], walk [Thu Nov 19, 2026]
Living room: roller mark on north wall (blue tape #1); thin coverage behind door (#2)
Hallway: cut line wavy at ceiling over closet (#3)
Bedroom 2: drip on baseboard by window (#4); missed nail hole (#5)
Trim: 2 doors need second coat on hinge side (#6, #7)
All items marked with blue tape; tape removed as each is fixed. Target: done Fri Nov 20.
Landscape installation punch list
Plants, irrigation and cleanup.
LANDSCAPE PUNCH LIST — [Lakeview HOA entry beds]
1. Replace 2 dead boxwoods (bed 3, west end).
2. Irrigation zone 4: head by sidewalk sprays onto walk; adjust arc.
3. Mulch depth thin (under 2 in.) in bed 1; top up to 3 in.
4. Edging stakes exposed along bed 2; reset.
5. Remove plant tags and stakes from trees.
6. Sweep soil off sidewalk and curb.
Warranty: plants 1 year from acceptance date.
Move-out cleaning re-check list
For cleaning companies doing move-outs and turnovers.
MOVE-OUT RE-CHECK — [7 Birch Rd] Checked by: [Maria] [Sat Dec 12, 2026]
☐ Inside oven: grease on back wall → re-clean
☐ Fridge: drip tray not cleaned → pull and clean
☐ Bath 2: hard water spots on shower glass → re-clean
☐ Closet shelves: dust → wipe
☐ Windowsills: dead bugs in bedroom 1 → vacuum
☐ Floors: footprints by back door → re-mop
Photos after each item. Property manager notified when done.
Rental turnover punch list
Between tenants.
TURNOVER PUNCH LIST — Unit 4B Move-out: [Mon Nov 30] Next move-in: [Tue Dec 15, 2026]
Paint: touch up living room walls; full repaint bedroom 1 (marker on wall).
Repairs: replace bi-fold closet door track; re-secure towel bar; new blind in kitchen.
Appliances: replace range drip pans; test dishwasher.
Safety: test smoke/CO alarms, replace batteries; rekey locks.
Cleaning: full move-out clean after repairs (Fri Dec 11).
Final walk: Mon Dec 14.
How to write punch list items
Clear items get fixed once. Vague items get argued about.
Item format
Location + problem + fix.
Weak: “Fix door.”
Better: “Bedroom 2 closet door (left of window): rubs top of frame when closing. Plane or adjust hinges so it closes freely with an even gap.”
Location codes
Room + wall or grid, so anyone can find it.
Use: Room – wall (N/S/E/W) – height or fixture.
Example: “Kitchen – N wall – above range hood: drywall seam visible.” For commercial work, use the drawing grid: “Corridor, grid B-3.”
Assigning responsibility
One trade per item.
Item 7: Hall bath GFCI does not reset → Electrician (Bright Spark). If the cause turns out to be plumbing (water in the box), reassign and note why.
Priority levels
Fix safety first.
High: safety, code or blocks use (loose grab bar, exit sign out, leaking pipe) → fix within 1 business day.
Medium: function (door rubs, drawer sticks) → within 5 days.
Low: cosmetic (touch-up, small scratch) → before final sign-off.
Photo reference
Number the photos to match items.
Photo P-03a: drip under break room sink, taken 12/9 2:15 pm.
Photo P-03b: after repair, dry, taken 12/10 10:40 am.
Due dates
Real dates, not “ASAP.”
All items due Wed Feb 10, 2027 except item 5 (electrician available Tue Feb 9). Re-walk Thu Feb 11 at 4:00 pm with client.
Item sign-off
Close each line.
Item 2 — vanity door adjusted. Closes freely, even gap. Fixed by: Luis, Wed 2/10. Checked by: Dana (PM), Wed 2/10. Client initials: ___
Back-charge note
When a sub damaged another trade’s work.
Item P-07: flooring in corridor gouged during ceiling work (grid C-2). Repair by flooring sub; cost of $[240.00] to be back-charged to ceiling contractor per subcontract §9. Photos P-07a/b attached.
What to check by trade
Common punch items to look for during the walkthrough.
Drywall and paint
Look in raking light.
Check: nail pops, visible seams, sanding marks, roller marks, thin coverage, cut lines at ceilings, paint on hinges, outlets and fixtures, drips on trim and floors, caulk gaps at trim.
Flooring
Walk every room in socks.
Check: lifting or clicking planks, gaps at walls hidden by trim, transitions secure and level, grout cracks or haze, scratches, doors swinging freely over new floors, baseboards reinstalled.
Electrical
Test everything.
Check: every switch and outlet works; GFCI/AFCI trip and reset; cover plates straight, uncracked, all present; fixtures secure and lit; panel directory labeled; smoke/CO alarms test.
Plumbing
Run water everywhere.
Check: no drips under sinks after 5 minutes of running; hot and cold correct sides; toilets flush, refill and don’t rock; drains clear quickly; caulk at tubs and sinks; water heater set and labeled.
Doors, windows and hardware
Open and close everything twice.
Check: doors latch without slamming; even gaps; locks work with keys; stops installed; windows open, close and lock; screens present; cabinet doors aligned and soft-closes working.
Exterior and site
Last stop on the walk.
Check: debris and nails cleared (use a magnetic sweeper); lawn and beds repaired; gutters and downspouts attached; exterior caulk and paint; driveway and walks free of damage; dumpster area clean.
Punch list messages
For clients, subs and your crew.
Scheduling the walkthrough
Ask the client to bring their own list.
Hi Sam, we’re almost done! Can we do a walkthrough on Friday, Feb 5 at 3:00 pm? Please jot down anything you’ve noticed and bring it. We’ll make one punch list together and fix everything on it.
Sending the punch list to the client
Same day as the walkthrough.
Hi Sam and Alex, thanks for the walkthrough today. Here’s the punch list we agreed on: 5 items, all to be finished by Wednesday, Feb 10. We’ll do a quick re-walk Thursday at 4 to sign off. If you spot anything else before then, send it to me and I’ll add it.
Sending items to a subcontractor
Only their items, with a deadline.
Hi Bright Spark, one punch item at 9 Cedar Ct: hall bath fan timer switch is missing its cover plate (photo attached). Can you finish by Tue Feb 9? The homeowner is home after 10 am.
Progress update
Show what’s done.
Update: 4 of 5 punch items are done (photos attached). The last one, the ceiling touch-up, needs a second coat tomorrow morning once the first one dries. Still on track for Thursday’s re-walk.
Client adds items after the walkthrough
Accept warranty-type items; price new work.
Thanks for sending these! The squeaky floor in the hall is ours, so we’ll fix it with the punch list. The new shelf in the linen closet wasn’t part of the job, but I’m happy to quote it: $[180.00]. Want me to add it?
Final sign-off request
Close the job cleanly.
Hi Sam, all punch items are complete (photos attached). If everything looks good, please sign off here: [link]. That starts your 1-year workmanship warranty, and the final invoice will follow. Thank you again!
Closeout and sign-off
Finish the job on paper, not just on site.
Punch list completion sign-off
One signature closes the list.
PUNCH LIST COMPLETION
Project: [Hall bath remodel, 9 Cedar Ct]
All [5] items on the punch list dated [Feb 5, 2027] are complete and accepted.
Client: ________ Date: ____ Contractor: ________ Date: ____
Final payment / retainage release note
When money is tied to the punch list.
Per our agreement, the final payment of $[2,450.00] (10% retainage) is due when the punch list is complete. All items were signed off on [Thu Feb 11, 2027]. The final invoice is attached, due in 10 days.
Closeout documents checklist
Hand over in one folder.
CLOSEOUT PACKET
☐ Signed punch list completion
☐ Final inspection / permit card
☐ Warranty letter (workmanship, 1 year)
☐ Manufacturer warranties and manuals
☐ Paint colors and product list
☐ Lien waivers from subs and suppliers
☐ Final invoice and payment receipt
☐ Before/after photos
Paint and materials list for the client
So future touch-ups match.
MATERIALS LIST — 9 Cedar Ct
Walls: [brand] [color name/code], eggshell
Ceiling: [brand] ceiling white, flat
Trim: [brand] [color], semi-gloss
Floor tile: [brand/line], 12 × 24, [color]; grout [brand/color]
Leftover paint and 4 spare tiles left in the garage, labeled.
Punch log spreadsheet
For bigger jobs or multiple units.
Columns: ID | Unit/Area | Location detail | Description | Trade | Priority | Photo # | Date added | Due | Fixed date | Verified by | Client initials | Notes
Filter by Trade to send each sub their list; filter by blank “Verified by” to see what’s open.
Lessons learned note
Fewer punch items next time.
Lessons from 9 Cedar Ct: 3 of 5 punch items were paint touch-ups caused by trim install after paint. Next time: install vanity and accessories before the final coat. Caulk check added to the tile crew’s checklist.
More punch lists: warranty, pre-drywall, kitchens, baths, decks and a tracker
Six more lists for points in a job the main templates don’t cover.
11-month warranty walkthrough list
Book this a month before a 1-year workmanship warranty ends, so fixes happen inside the warranty.
11-MONTH WARRANTY WALKTHROUGH
Home: [24 Aspen Way] Completed: [Dec 14, 2026] Warranty ends: [Dec 14, 2027]
Walkthrough date: [Tue Nov 16, 2027]
Check:
[ ] drywall nail pops and corner-bead cracks (normal settling)
[ ] doors that stick or don’t latch after a season
[ ] caulk gaps at tubs, counters and trim
[ ] grout cracks
[ ] exterior paint peeling or caulk failure
[ ] gutters and downspouts draining away
[ ] HVAC filter changed; registers balanced
[ ] any leaks under sinks
Owner’s own list: ______
Items covered under warranty: ______ Items that are maintenance (owner): ______
Repair date(s): ______ Sign-off: Owner ________ Contractor ________
Pre-drywall (rough-in) walkthrough list
Catch problems while the walls are open. Photograph every wall before it’s covered.
PRE-DRYWALL WALKTHROUGH
Job: [basement finish, 7 Oak Ct] Date: [Wed Dec 9, 2026]
[ ] rough electrical inspection passed (date: ______)
[ ] rough plumbing inspection passed (date: ______)
[ ] outlets and switches where the plan shows; heights checked
[ ] blocking for TV mount, grab bars, shelves, towel bars
[ ] low-voltage / network / speaker wire run
[ ] insulation complete and inspected if required
[ ] no wires or pipes where trim or cabinets will be screwed
[ ] photos of every wall with a tape measure in frame
Owner present: [yes] Changes requested: ______
OK to hang drywall: Owner ________ Contractor ________
Kitchen remodel punch list
Kitchen items owners notice in the first week of cooking.
KITCHEN PUNCH LIST
[ ] all cabinet doors aligned; gaps even; soft-close working
[ ] drawers open fully without hitting handles or appliances
[ ] countertop seams tight; backsplash caulked to counter
[ ] sink sealed; no drips under the sink after running 5 minutes
[ ] disposal and dishwasher run; dishwasher secured to counter
[ ] range hood vents and light work; filter in
[ ] all outlets work; GFCI/AFCI protection tested
[ ] under-cabinet lights work
[ ] appliance panels and fridge water line checked for leaks
[ ] touch-up paint on walls and trim
[ ] protective films removed; manuals handed over
Bathroom remodel punch list
Water is the big risk; test everything with real use.
BATHROOM PUNCH LIST
[ ] shower runs 10 minutes: no leaks at valve, drain or glass
[ ] shower glass door closes and seals; no drips outside
[ ] tub and shower caulked; grout sealed (if specified)
[ ] toilet doesn’t rock; caulked or left open at back per local practice
[ ] vanity drain doesn’t leak after filling and draining the bowl
[ ] exhaust fan vents outside and is quiet
[ ] GFCI outlets tested
[ ] mirror and accessories level and secure; grab bars into blocking
[ ] floor slopes to the drain in a curbless shower
[ ] door clears new floor height
[ ] paint touch-ups; no grout haze
Deck or fence build punch list
Exterior structures: safety and fasteners first.
DECK / FENCE PUNCH LIST
[ ] final inspection passed (date: ______)
[ ] railings solid; no gaps over local code limit
[ ] stairs even rise; handrail graspable
[ ] all joist hangers fully nailed
[ ] no proud screws or splinters on boards
[ ] ledger flashing visible and correct
[ ] fence posts plumb; gates swing and latch without dragging
[ ] gate latch at the right height for pool code (if pool)
[ ] cut ends sealed if specified
[ ] site raked; offcuts and fasteners picked up with a magnet
[ ] care instructions given (stain/seal timing)
Punch list tracker (status columns)
Paste into a spreadsheet. One row per item. Filter by status or trade each morning.
PUNCH LIST TRACKER
Columns: # | Location | Item | Trade / who | Priority (1–3) | Photo link | Added on | Due | Status (open / in progress / ready to check / closed) | Closed on | Checked by
Sample rows:
1 | Kitchen | Drawer by range hits handle | Cabinet sub | 2 | photo-01 | Tue Dec 1 | Fri Dec 4 | ready to check | — | —
2 | Hall bath | Fan noisy | Electrician | 2 | photo-02 | Tue Dec 1 | Mon Dec 7 | open | — | —
3 | Living rm | Nail pop above window | Painter | 3 | photo-03 | Tue Dec 1 | Wed Dec 9 | closed | Wed Dec 9 | [owner initials]
Rule: only the person who checked an item can mark it closed.
Common questions
Who makes the punch list? Usually the contractor or project manager, walking with the client (and on commercial jobs, the architect or owner’s rep). Both sides should agree on the final list.
Is the punch list part of the contract? Many contracts tie final payment or retainage to punch list completion. Your scope of work should say what “done” means so the punch list has a clear standard.
What’s the difference between a punch list and a warranty claim? Punch items are found before completion and sign-off. Problems that show up after acceptance are handled under your warranty.
Can the client add items after the walkthrough? Defects in your work, yes. Fix them. New requests are new work and get priced separately.
How long should punch items take? For small residential jobs, a few working days. Set a date at the walkthrough and stick to it.
How to use this template
Copy the template that fits your job, do your own walk first, then walk with the client and agree on the list. Send the list the same day, send subs only their items, update the client with photos, and get a written sign-off. Then send the final invoice and a job completed message.
More job paperwork templates
The other free documents in the same group. Every business document on the site is listed on the home page.