Industry Guide
What Is a Punch List? The Document That Decides Whether You Get Paid
A punch list is the itemized list of work that remains incomplete or needs correction at substantial completion. It controls retention release, final payment, warranty start, and whether the owner will move in on schedule. Most construction disputes at project end are punch list disputes — either about what's on it, what it's worth, or whether it's done.
Marcus Reyes6 min read