Why is the last 1% of a project is always the hardest to finish?
Is there an effective and efficient way to manage your contractor to ensure everything was built to spec and the final product is what you expected? Yes! The answer is a punch list.
What is a punch list?
A punch list is a list of deficiencies or defects that need to be addressed before the project is finished. It is reviewed at predetermined intervals for checks as the construction progresses in order to ensure that the work is in compliance with the contract documents that are prepared by the architect and design consultants.
For large complex projects a list may start with the rebar inspection and pre slab pour to inspect the plumbing and electrical work. However most homeowners will only want to walk the final punch list to review the cosmetic work, so the Architect will conduct periodic site visits with engineers or inspectors to review the work completed to date.
Who is involved in a punch list?
Here are the major players in a punch list:
Owner
Architect
Contractor
Subcontractors
How to use a punch list..effectively.
The most effective way to utilize a punch list is to start it early in the project. This will keep all parties on track and expectations met throughout the course of the project. At some point it is inevitable as the final work will get inspected so it is better not to have any misunderstandings or differences in expectations at a later stage in the project.
What are good intervals for a punch list?
Pre-slab Pour Punch
Electrical rough (with electrician and building inspector)
Plumbing rough (with plumber and building inspector)
Rebar/ anchor bolt (with structural engineer)
Framing Inspection Punch
Electrical rough (with electrician and building inspector)
Plumbing rough (with plumber and building inspector)
Framing rough (with structural engineer and building inspector)
Window installation
Envelope Punch
Sheathing review (with structural engineer)
Flashing installation
Waterproofing review
Roofing review
Window and door caulking and sealant
Interior Punch
Drywall finish and quality
millwork
Tiling
Hvac
Electrical
Final Punch
Paint
Caulking
Fixture install
Appliance installation
Does everything work? Test everything!
What is an effective way to prepare a punch list?
A simple spread sheet is always a go to source for developing a list of defects. But there are now a variety of applications available that integrate into drawings to create an effective and efficient punch list for contractors and homeowners. Applications such as Plangrid provide a platform for creating and managing punch lists and drawings throughout the life of a project. It is also a great way to create a project history of items that have been completed and open items for efficient management.
How we use Plangrid to create a punch list:
The beauty of utilizing a software such as Plangrid to develop a punch list is that multiple users have access to the same set of documents in real time. So when there is an RFI (more about RFI’s here) or a question regarding a punch list item, users are immediately notified. This enhances efficiencies and the decreases the overall timeline of the project saving the owner time and money.
What are some common things to look for on a final punch list?
We’ve found that one of the most common things that is overlooked is testing. For example do the water faucets work? Are the installed properly. Is the hot water actually the hot water (we’ve seen plumbers cross the valves). Is the HVAC system working properly. Is it quite? Are all the diffusers open? These are just a few things that can be discovered through testing appliances and fixtures throughout your project before the final close out.