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Construction punch list template

A construction punch list for commercial work, filled in on a phone as you walk the job near substantial completion. Work area by area. Each item gets a number, the room or GPS location, a description, the trade and subcontractor, a photo, a priority and a due date. Its status moves from open to ready for back-check to closed once the architect or owner's representative has checked it, and any back-charge is flagged. The form counts items by trade and overall. For UK snagging use the snagging list template.

For general contractors, superintendents, project managers, architects and owner's representatives closing out commercial fit-outs and new buildings.

  • Areas as spaces, each item with number, room or GPS, element, trade, subcontractor and photo
  • Priority, due date and status: open, ready for back-check, closed
  • Back-check by the architect or owner's representative, with the date and a photo of the fix
  • Back-charge flag with who and why
  • Counts per trade and overall, life safety items still open, and signatures
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What goes on a construction punch list?

A punch list is useful when every item can be found and owned without a phone call: a number, the room or gridline, the trade and subcontractor, a photo and a due date. Keeping open, ready for back-check and closed separate, and only closing an item after the back-check, stops the list looking finished before it is.

Last updated . Facts checked by the SiteSurvey team on 27 October 2026 against AIA Contract Documents, summary of G704-2017, Certificate of Substantial Completion, AIA Contract Documents, instructions for G704-2017 (copyright notice) and Chicago Public Schools, specification section 01 77 00, closeout procedures.

How to run a construction punch list

Walk your own list first, then walk it with the architect or owner's representative.

  1. Set up the walk

    Enter the project, the contractor, the architect or owner's representative, the type of walk, the list revision, and the dates for substantial completion and for finishing the list.

  2. Check you are ready

    Confirm your own list of incomplete items is ready, areas are clean, lighting works, ceilings are closed, rooms are open and the drawings and approved changes are on hand.

  3. Walk area by area

    Add each floor, suite or room group. For every item, give it a number, the room, element and trade, the subcontractor, a photo, a priority and a due date.

  4. Back-check

    When a trade says an item is done, mark it ready for back-check with a photo. Close it only when the architect or owner's representative has checked it, and record who and when. Flag any back-charge.

  5. Report and sign

    Read the counts by trade and overall, list other closeout actions, set the next back-check date and sign with the architect or owner's representative. Share the PDF report with the trades.

What makes a construction punch list useful

Status, with the back-check name and date

Item 2-003, level 2 stair door: does not latch when it closes on its own. Doors, frames and hardware, Keystone Door and Hardware, priority life safety or code, due 17 Oct. Marked ready for back-check on 17 Oct; the architect has not checked it yet, so it still counts as not closed.

Fictional example. Record the actual evidence and approved arrangements for your job.

A common recording mistake

Closing items on the trade's word, so the architect's walk finds the same items again and the list is reissued with nothing really done.

What happens next

Send each subcontractor their items, back-check the ready ones on the date set, and reissue the list with the new revision until every item is closed.

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Every question in the construction punch list template

A commercial construction punch list near substantial completion: area by area, each item with its trade and subcontractor, room or GPS location, photo, priority, due date and status (open, ready for back-check, closed), the back-check and a back-charge flag, with counts per trade and overall and two signatures. 5 sections and 143 questions. Follow-up questions and guidance appear only when an answer calls for them, so the person on site never sees the ones that do not apply.

Make it your own: every question is editable

This is a starting point, not a fixed form. Once it is in your SiteSurvey account you can reword any question, add or remove questions, sections and answer options, and add your own logo, so it fits the way your team works and the jobs you do.

Details you only enter once

Add this form to a project in SiteSurvey and it fills in what the project already knows, so nobody on site retypes it and every form on the job uses the same names. Anything filled in can still be changed.

  • Project: the project name
  • Project address: the site address, from the space or the project
  • Owner: the project's customer

Punch walk details

  • ProjectShort answer

    Filled in from the project in SiteSurvey.

    Fills in from the project name
  • Project addressShort answer
    Fills in from the site address, from the space or the project
  • OwnerShort answer
    Fills in from the project's customer
  • Location (GPS)Short answer
  • Walk date*Date
  • List prepared by*Short answer
  • Project or contract numberShort answer
  • General contractorShort answer
  • Architect or owner's representativeShort answer
  • Others presentShort answer

    For example the superintendent and trade foremen.

  • Type of walk*Choose one
    • Contractor's own walk (list of incomplete items)
    • Punch walk with the architect or owner's representative
    • Back-check of completed items
    • Final walk
  • List revisionShort answer

    For example Rev 0 issued, Rev 1 after back-check.

  • Planned substantial completion dateDate
  • Date agreed for all items to be completeDate
  • CheckThis is a working punch list. It is not AIA Document G704 or any other copyrighted contract form, and it does not certify substantial completion. The contract and the architect decide that.
  • Weather on siteAnswer

Ready for the walk

  • GuidanceIn AIA practice the contractor prepares the list of items to be completed or corrected and the architect verifies and amends it. Walk with your own list first, so the architect's walk adds to it rather than starts it.
  • Contractor's own list of incomplete items available for the walkChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Areas cleaned and clear of stored materials and debrisChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Permanent lighting working in the areas walkedChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Ceilings closed, tiles in, access panels fittedChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Every room open, or keys availableChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Drawings, finish schedule and approved changes on hand for the walkChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Items needing action before the walkWorked out by the form
  • Not checkedWorked out by the form

Punch items by area

  • GuidanceAdd an area for each floor, suite or room group. Give each item a number, the trade and subcontractor, a photo and a due date. Mark it ready for back-check when the trade says it is done; close it only after the back-check.
  • Areas
    Repeat for each area. Each one asks:
    • Area*Short answer

      For example Level 2 exam rooms 201 to 208.

    • Floor or levelShort answer
    • Overall photo of the areaPhotos
    • Punch items in this area
      Repeat for each item. Each one asks:
      • Item number*Short answer

        For example 2-014 (floor and item).

      • Room or locationShort answer

        Room number, gridline or elevation.

      • Location (GPS)Short answer

        Optional. Useful outside or on large open floors.

      • ElementChoose one
        • Ceiling
        • Walls
        • Floor
        • Doors and hardware
        • Casework and fixtures
        • Equipment
        • Building systems
        • Exterior
        • Other
      • Work to complete or correct*Notes
      • Trade*Choose one
        • General contractor
        • Drywall and ceilings
        • Painting and wall finishes
        • Doors, frames and hardware
        • Flooring
        • Millwork and casework
        • Plumbing
        • HVAC and controls
        • Electrical
        • Fire protection
        • Low voltage, data and security
        • Glazing
        • Specialties and signage
        • Roofing and exterior
        • Other
      • Subcontractor responsibleShort answer
      • PriorityChoose one
        • Life safety or code
        • Before owner occupancy
        • Before final completion
        • Minor or cosmetic
      • Due byDate
      • Photo of the itemPhotos
      • Status*Choose one
        • Open
        • Ready for back-check
        • Closed
      • Date marked readyDate
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Photo of the completed workPhotos
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Back-checked byShort answer

        Architect, owner's representative or superintendent.

        Shown when “Status” is “Closed”
      • Back-check dateDate
        Shown when “Status” is “Closed”
      • Back-charge?Yes or No

        Flag work another party will be charged for, as the contract allows.

      • Back-charge to whom, and whyNotes
        Shown when “Back-charge?” is Yes
    • This area: itemsWorked out by the form
    • OpenWorked out by the form
    • Ready for back-checkWorked out by the form
    • ClosedWorked out by the form
    • a_backchargeWorked out by the form
    • a_lifeWorked out by the form
    • a_tr1Worked out by the form
    • a_tr1_openWorked out by the form
    • a_tr2Worked out by the form
    • a_tr2_openWorked out by the form
    • a_tr3Worked out by the form
    • a_tr3_openWorked out by the form
    • a_tr4Worked out by the form
    • a_tr4_openWorked out by the form
    • a_tr5Worked out by the form
    • a_tr5_openWorked out by the form
    • a_tr6Worked out by the form
    • a_tr6_openWorked out by the form
    • a_tr7Worked out by the form
    • a_tr7_openWorked out by the form
    • a_tr8Worked out by the form
    • a_tr8_openWorked out by the form
    • a_tr9Worked out by the form
    • a_tr9_openWorked out by the form
    • a_tr10Worked out by the form
    • a_tr10_openWorked out by the form
    • a_tr11Worked out by the form
    • a_tr11_openWorked out by the form
    • a_tr12Worked out by the form
    • a_tr12_openWorked out by the form
    • a_tr13Worked out by the form
    • a_tr13_openWorked out by the form
    • a_tr14Worked out by the form
    • a_tr14_openWorked out by the form
    • a_tr15Worked out by the form
    • a_tr15_openWorked out by the form
  • ItemsWorked out by the form
  • OpenWorked out by the form
  • Ready for back-checkWorked out by the form
  • ClosedWorked out by the form

Counts by trade and overall

  • Items on the listWorked out by the form
  • OpenWorked out by the form
  • Ready for back-checkWorked out by the form
  • ClosedWorked out by the form
  • Share closed (%)Worked out by the form
  • Items flagged for back-chargeWorked out by the form
  • Life safety or code items not closedWorked out by the form
  • WarningLife safety or code items are still open. Close and back-check them before the owner moves in.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Areas with items not closedWorked out by the form
  • General contractor: itemsWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Not closedWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Drywall and ceilings: itemsWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Not closedWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Painting and wall finishes: itemsWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Not closedWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Doors, frames and hardware: itemsWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Not closedWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Flooring: itemsWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Not closedWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Millwork and casework: itemsWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Not closedWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Plumbing: itemsWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Not closedWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • HVAC and controls: itemsWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Not closedWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Electrical: itemsWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Not closedWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Fire protection: itemsWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Not closedWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Low voltage, data and security: itemsWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Not closedWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Glazing: itemsWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Not closedWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Specialties and signage: itemsWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Not closedWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Roofing and exterior: itemsWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Not closedWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Other: itemsWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Not closedWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant

Result, actions and sign-off

  • Items needing actionWorked out by the form
  • ResultWorked out by the form
  • Other actions
    Repeat for each action. Each one asks:
    • Action*Notes
    • PriorityChoose one
      • Life safety or code
      • Before owner occupancy
      • Before final completion
      • Minor or cosmetic
    • Who will do it*Short answer
    • Due byDate
    • Status*Choose one
      • Open
      • In progress
      • Done, checked
    • Photo when donePhotos
      Shown when “Status” is “Done, checked”
  • Actions still openWorked out by the form
  • Decision*Choose one
    • All items closed: ready for the final walk
    • Items remain: back-check after the due dates
    • Not ready: repeat the punch walk
  • Next back-check dateDate
  • Summary for the ownerNotes
  • Contractor representative nameShort answer
  • Contractor representative signature*Signature
  • Architect or owner's representative nameShort answer
  • Architect or owner's representative signatureSignature
  • CheckSigning records the list and its status on this date. It does not certify substantial or final completion, release retainage or change the contract.

See it filled in

A completed construction punch list report, made by SiteSurvey from a fictional site visit: every answer, the photos, the guidance that applied and the sign-off, ready to send as a PDF.

See completed form (PDF) ↗

Construction punch list FAQs

Who prepares the punch list?

It depends on the contract. AIA Contract Documents' summary of G704, the Certificate of Substantial Completion, says the contractor prepares a list of items to be completed or corrected following substantial completion, and the architect verifies and amends it. Owners can set their own process: Chicago Public Schools' closeout specification, for example, has the contractor submit a list of incomplete items with the request for a punch list.

Sources: AIA Contract Documents, summary of G704-2017, Certificate of Substantial Completion and Chicago Public Schools, specification section 01 77 00, closeout procedures.

Is this form an AIA G704?

No. AIA Document G704 is a copyrighted AIA form for recording the date of substantial completion, and AIA says it may not be reproduced or excerpted without its written permission. This form is a working punch list. It does not certify substantial or final completion; the contract and the architect decide those. If your contract uses G704, follow it as the contract requires; this form holds the working list behind it.

Sources: AIA Contract Documents, summary of G704-2017, Certificate of Substantial Completion and AIA Contract Documents, instructions for G704-2017 (copyright notice).

How should punch list items be organized?

By area first, then by element and trade, so each subcontractor can find their items and the architect can walk one area at a time. One public owner's closeout specification asks for each space and area to be named, with items in each space organized by major element such as ceiling, walls, floors, equipment and building systems. The form uses areas as spaces, with an element and a trade on every item.

Source: Chicago Public Schools, specification section 01 77 00, closeout procedures.

What does ready for back-check mean?

The trade says the item is done, but nobody else has checked it yet. In the form, ready for back-check asks for the date and a photo of the finished work. Only the back-check by the architect, owner's representative or superintendent moves it to closed, with their name and date. The counts show how many items are open, ready and closed.

What is a back-charge on a punch list?

A back-charge is a cost charged to another party, often a subcontractor who damaged finished work. The form lets you flag an item for back-charge and say who and why, and counts the flagged items. Whether you can back-charge, and how, is set by your contracts. Some owners also reserve the right to back-charge repeated punch inspections, as Chicago Public Schools' closeout specification does.

Source: Chicago Public Schools, specification section 01 77 00, closeout procedures.

Is a punch list the same as a snagging list?

Much the same idea. Snagging is the UK word, and the snagging list template is written for UK new homes. This template is for US commercial jobs: trades and subcontractors, back-checks by the architect or owner's representative, back-charges and counts per trade.

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