What does this punch list checklist cover?

15 items across 4 sections, covering every punch item records, interior finishes, systems and fixtures, exterior and site. Each item spells out what the person walking the job is actually looking for, not just a box to tick.

Who should run this inspection?

GC superintendent or QA/QC manager, walking with the owner's representative and each responsible trade.

When in the schedule should this walk happen?

At substantial completion, then re-walked until the list is empty. Many teams also run a pre-punch two weeks earlier so the list handed to the owner is short.

Why do these items ask for a photo?

14 of the 15 items call for photo evidence, 21 photos in all. A checklist answer without the photo is a claim; the photo is what makes the record worth something in a dispute and lets a reviewer approve work without re-walking the job.

What most often fails a punch list inspection?

Items written as "touch up paint" with no room, no wall and no photo. No owner assigned, so the item sits through two re-walks. Closed items with no after photo, which means the walk has to happen again.

Can I use this checklist in RTI?

Yes. Start a free RTI workspace, build this list as a checklist, and the Photo Gate holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and its photos are attached. Approved inspections roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident audit trail.

Free checklist

Punch list template

A punch list only works if an item can be closed by someone other than the person who wrote it. That means each entry carries a location, an owner, a description a stranger can act on, and a photo of the condition, then a second photo when it's corrected.

Part of Punch list template, which shows how to structure the document this checklist comes from.

Start free with this checklist Download as PDF

The checklist

Every item, and the photo evidence it needs

The photo count on each row is what RTI would require before the item can be submitted. Work the list here and watch the gate hold, or load it into RTI and let it enforce the real thing.

Every punch item records

Location down to the room and surface
Unit or room number, wall or elevation, and height if it matters. Not just 'lobby'.
Responsible trade and a named owner
The company and the person who will actually do the work, not just the scope.
No photo
Condition photo at the time of writing
The defect in frame, with enough context to find the spot again.
Correction photo before the item is closed
Same angle, corrected condition. This is what makes closeout reviewable instead of trusted.

Interior finishes

Walls and ceilings free of defects at final lighting
Nail pops, seam telegraphing, roller marks and touch-up flashing, checked under the fixtures that will actually be used.
Doors operate, latch and are square in the frame
Even reveals, no rubbing, hardware secure, closer adjusted, undercut correct for the floor finish.
Flooring transitions and base complete
Transitions fastened, base scribed to the floor, no gaps at outside corners.
Casework and countertops secure and aligned
Level runs, consistent reveals, hardware installed, sealant at wall and splash.

Systems and fixtures

Every device, plate and fixture installed and operable
No missing plates, no loose devices, all lamps working, dimmers tested through range.
Plumbing fixtures set, sealed and leak-free
Run water at each fixture and check below; look for movement at the mounting.
Registers, diffusers and thermostats installed and clean
Correct sizes, no bent vanes, no construction dust in the boot, thermostat responds.
Life-safety devices installed and unobstructed
Detectors, extinguishers, exit signage and egress hardware in place and reachable.

Exterior and site

Sealant joints continuous at all penetrations
No skipped joints at windows, doors, hose bibs and vents; tooled, not smeared.
Grading drains away from the building
Positive fall at every elevation, splash blocks or leaders discharging clear.
Site cleared of construction material and protection removed
Temporary protection off finished surfaces, no residue, no leftover material stored on the job.

What usually sends this back

The failures are almost always the evidence, not the work

Items written as "touch up paint" with no room, no wall and no photo.
No owner assigned, so the item sits through two re-walks.
Closed items with no after photo, which means the walk has to happen again.

Common questions

6 answers

What does this punch list checklist cover?: 15 items across 4 sections, covering every punch item records, interior finishes, systems and fixtures, exterior and site. Each item spells out what the person walking the job is actually looking for, not just a box to tick.
Who should run this inspection?: GC superintendent or QA/QC manager, walking with the owner's representative and each responsible trade.
When in the schedule should this walk happen?: At substantial completion, then re-walked until the list is empty. Many teams also run a pre-punch two weeks earlier so the list handed to the owner is short.
Why do these items ask for a photo?: 14 of the 15 items call for photo evidence, 21 photos in all. A checklist answer without the photo is a claim; the photo is what makes the record worth something in a dispute and lets a reviewer approve work without re-walking the job.
What most often fails a punch list inspection?: Items written as "touch up paint" with no room, no wall and no photo. No owner assigned, so the item sits through two re-walks. Closed items with no after photo, which means the walk has to happen again.
Can I use this checklist in RTI?: Yes. Start a free RTI workspace, build this list as a checklist, and the Photo Gate holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and its photos are attached. Approved inspections roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident audit trail.

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Run it with the Photo Gate

A checklist nobody can submit half-finished

Load this list into RTI, stick a QR tag on the area it covers, and the submit button stays locked until every mandatory item is answered and the 21 required photos exist. Approved walks roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident record behind every line.