Punch List
The final list of small items to finish or fix before closeout.
What it means
A punch list is the list of remaining items — touch-ups, corrections, incomplete details — compiled near the end of a construction project, typically at the substantial-completion walkthrough. The contractor completes the punch-list items before final acceptance, and final payment (often including retainage) is usually tied to finishing them.
Why it matters before you sign
The punch list is the last leverage point on both sides — a clear, written, agreed list protects the contractor from an endless trickle of new items and the owner from unfinished work.
In a contract, it looks like this
At the walkthrough, the owner and contractor agreed on a punch list of fourteen items to be completed before final payment.
This definition is a general, educational explanation — not legal advice. XOsign provides AI-assisted document tools and does not provide legal advice; consider consulting a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation. Requirements vary by state.
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