A punch list is a written list of unfinished or defective work. Walk every room, photo each item, and group jobs by trade so one visit can cover many.
A punch list is a written list of unfinished or defective work found at a final walkthrough. Walk each room with your contract in hand, record every item with its location and a photo, and sort the items by trade. One handyman visit can cover paint, hardware and caulk, while plumbing, electrical and roofing items go to licensed contractors.
What a punch list is, and what it is not
Remodeling guides describe a punch list as the record of outstanding tasks, corrections and touch-ups at the end of a project, such as the ones in this homeowner's guide to punch lists. Typical items include paint touch-ups, scratches, doors that do not latch, uneven flooring, switches that do not work, leaks and cracked tile.
It covers work that was already in the contract. A new request that was not in the contract is a change order, and it needs its own price and approval.
For a move-in, the same idea works: list what is broken, missing or unfinished in the house you just bought or rented before the boxes cover it up.
Before you walk
- Have the contract, drawings or product selections in hand, so you can check what was promised.
- Do the walk in daylight, with lights on and curtains open.
- Bring a phone, painter's tape, a notepad, a flashlight and a plug-in outlet tester.
- Clear a path. You need to see floors, corners and the base of walls.
What to check
- Walls and ceilings: paint missed or uneven, nail pops, cracks, patches that show, dents.
- Doors and windows: open, close and lock every one. Check for rubbing, gaps and loose hardware.
- Floors: scratches, loose boards, gaps, uneven transitions, squeaks.
- Trim and caulk: gaps at corners, missing caulk at tubs, counters and backsplashes.
- Cabinets and drawers: alignment, soft-close action, handles, doors that do not sit flat.
- Lights, switches and outlets: test each one. Note any that do nothing, flicker or feel loose.
- Plumbing: run every faucet and flush every toilet. Look under sinks for drips.
- Appliances and HVAC: run each one through a cycle. Check vents and returns for airflow.
- Exterior: gutters, railings, gates, caulk around windows.
- Missing paperwork: warranties, manuals and product information.
How to write each line
One line per item. Include:
1. The room or area.
2. What is wrong, in plain words ("kitchen, left of range, drawer rubs on frame").
3. A close photo and a wide photo.
4. A number, so you and the contractor can refer to it.
Mark each item with a letter: H for handyman work, L for a licensed trade, C for the original contractor, T for a test or check. Do not mix opinions into the list. Keep it to things you can see or test.
Group jobs so they fit in fewer visits
- Original contractor first. Anything that was in the contract and is wrong belongs to that contractor. Do not pay a second person to fix it unless the contractor agrees.
- Then batch by skill and by area. Paint touch-ups, caulking, door adjustments, hardware, shelf mounting and small drywall patches can all be done in one visit by a handyman.
- Licensed trades separately. Illinois licenses plumbing and roofing, and electrical work is regulated by each city or village. See Handyman vs. licensed contractor in Illinois.
- Keep photos with the list. A numbered list with photos lets the person doing the work arrive with the right parts.
Payment and sign-off
The Illinois Attorney General's guide to choosing a contractor advises not signing a certificate of completion or making final payment until the work is done to your satisfaction, and asking for lien waivers from the contractor, subcontractors and suppliers. Read your contract for any written terms about final payment before you send your list.
FAQ
How long should I wait to make my punch list?
Make it at the final walkthrough. A second pass a week or two later can catch things you only notice while living in the house, such as a door that sticks in damp weather.
Who fixes the items on the list?
The original contractor handles contract items. A handyman can take care of small items the contractor will not return for, or items that came up after move-in.
Can one visit cover everything?
Often it can for general repair items. Plumbing, electrical and roofing items go to licensed independent contractors, so those are scheduled separately.
Is a punch list the same as a home inspection?
No. A home inspection happens before a purchase. A punch list is written at the end of work or at move-in.
Send your numbered list and photos to Enhaus at (847) 877-1877.
