How to Make a Construction Punch List: Free Excel Template

Punch list definition: What is a construction punch list?

A punch list is a checklist of work that must be completed or corrected before a construction project can close out.

The closeout process involves the final inspections, walk-throughs, and fixes that need to happen—and documentation that must be gathered—before a construction project can be handed off to the owner.

A punch list documents anything that varies from the original construction plans or contract specifications. Each item on the checklist must be punched out, or complete, before final payment can be made.

Step 2: Customize the Category Database tab based on your project scope

Most of your work will take place in the Construction Punch List tab of your spreadsheet. But first, you need to set up your Category Database by reviewing and updating the generic options we’ve included with details that are specific to your construction project.

Each data category provides instructions for how to customize it, but here’s a quick rundown of the ones available in our construction punch list template:

• Location: List out all the rooms or location names for your construction project.
• Subcontractor Responsible: We listed different types of work in this column to get you started, but feel free to replace these categories with actual names of the subcontractors you’ll be working with on your construction project.
• Priority: The priority categories are pretty straightforward. We used conditional formatting to color-code each priority option when you select it on the Construction Punch List tab. If you edit the Priority labels, you’ll need to update the conditional formatting rules too.
• Completion Status: These options are also fairly standard and have conditional formatting applied to color-code each option when you select it on the Construction Punch List tab. If you edit the Completion Status labels, be sure to update the conditional formatting rules too.

Step 3: Add punch list tasks, and assign a priority, owner, and deadline

Now you’re ready to fill out your punch list! Start by choosing the location of your punch list item from the Location dropdown, and briefly describe the work that needs to be completed or issue that needs to be fixed in the Description column.

Indicate the punch list task priority by choosing an option from the dropdown in the Priority column. The template should automatically apply a priority color to the cell once you’ve selected an option. Then choose the type of work or subcontractor name from the Subcontractor Responsible dropdown to assign the punch list item to an owner.

Finally, enter a deadline for each task on your checklist in the Due Date column, and set the Completion Status for new punch list items to Not started.

Step 4: Share your punch list with supers and subcontractors

Once you’ve compiled all your punch list items into a checklist, it’s time to share it with the people who will do the actual work. Email the punch list to your supers and subcontractors so they have it handy out in the field.

Step 5: Update the status of punch list items as work progresses

As subcontractors and field crews punch out tasks on your checklist, be sure to mark them as complete so you can tell how work is tracking. The template should automatically color-code each different Completion Status option based on your selection.

Share and manage your construction punch list from anywhere with TeamGantt

Looking for a construction punch list you can schedule and track—both on and off the jobsite? TeamGantt makes construction project management easy.

With TeamGantt, Excel punch lists can be a thing of the past. Subcontractors can collaborate on tasks and update progress out in the field with TeamGantt’s mobile app so you always know where your punch list stands. No more chasing down updates or juggling outdated spreadsheets!

Create an online punch list of your own, or use our free construction schedule template to keep track of punch list items as part of your full project plan.