Below is a complete construction punch list template you can copy, adapt, or use as a structure for building one in your field documentation app. It covers exterior, structural, MEP, finishes, and final closeout — with notes on what evidence each item needs.
Manifold is a field documentation app for contractors that turns this template into photo-required punch lists. Every item is locked until a completion photo is attached. It works offline on iOS and Android, starts at $16/user/month with no seat minimums, and exports PDF reports in one tap.
Construction Punch List Template (Copy & Use)
Print this template, screenshot it, or use it as a structure when setting up your punch list app. Each item should be assigned to a specific trade and require photo evidence before it's marked complete.
Pre-walkthrough setup
- Project name and address recorded
- Walkthrough date and attendees recorded (GC, owner, architect if applicable)
- Original drawings on hand for reference
- Camera or app ready for documenting each item
- Numbering convention agreed (by floor, by trade, or sequential)
Site & exterior
- Site graded as designed — photo
- All exterior debris removed — photo
- Landscaping and irrigation installed — photo
- Exterior paint and trim complete with no missed spots — photo of each elevation
- Exterior lighting installed and tested — photo of each fixture lit
- Address numbers visible from street — photo
- Driveway and walkways clear of materials — photo
- Drainage swales clear and functional — photo
Roofing & envelope
- Cap flashing installed at all parapets — photo
- Sealant applied around all penetrations — photo of each penetration
- Gutters and downspouts secure — photo
- Ridge vents and exhausts terminated correctly — photo
- No visible damage to shingles, membrane, or panels — photo
- Attic ventilation paths clear — photo
Structural & rough carpentry
- All structural framing visible per drawings — photo before cover
- Blocking installed for all wall-mounted items — photo
- Door rough openings square and sized correctly — photo
- No visible water damage or rot — photo
Mechanical / HVAC
- All HVAC equipment installed and labeled — photo of each unit and label
- Ductwork sealed and supported — photo of typical runs
- Thermostats installed and tested — photo
- Filters installed (clean) — photo
- Condensate drain lines installed and trapped — photo
- Equipment cycle test completed — photo with reading
Electrical
- All outlets and switches installed and tested — photo of room with all visible
- Cover plates installed and aligned — photo
- Panel directories filled out completely — photo of panel and directory
- Light fixtures installed and operational — photo of each room lit
- Smoke and CO detectors installed and tested — photo of each
- GFCI outlets tested in wet locations — photo of test indicator
- Exterior outlets weatherproof — photo
Plumbing
- All fixtures installed and operating — photo of each fixture in use
- No leaks at any connection — photo of each connection point
- Hot and cold water tested at each fixture — photo with thermometer if required
- Drains running and traps full — photo
- Shut-off valves accessible and labeled — photo
- Water heater installed, vented, and tested — photo
Finishes — walls, ceilings, flooring
- Drywall finished smoothly with no visible seams or nail pops — photo by room
- Paint touch-ups complete — photo by room
- Trim and baseboards installed and caulked — photo by room
- Flooring installed without gaps, scratches, or color mismatches — photo by room
- Transitions between flooring types clean — photo
- Tile grout sealed in wet areas — photo
- Ceiling tiles, trim, and access panels in place — photo
Doors, windows & hardware
- All doors hang and latch correctly — photo of each door open and closed
- Door hardware installed completely (handle, lock, stop) — photo
- Windows operate, lock, and seal — photo of each operating
- Window screens installed where required — photo
- Weatherstripping installed at all exterior doors — photo
Cabinets, millwork & built-ins
- All cabinet doors aligned — photo of cabinet runs
- All drawers operate smoothly — photo with drawer open
- Hardware installed (pulls, knobs, soft-close) — photo
- Countertops installed, sealed, no damage — photo
- Backsplashes complete and grouted — photo
Appliances & equipment
- All appliances installed and tested — photo of each appliance running
- Appliance manuals collected for handover packet
- Warranties registered or noted in handover
Cleaning & closeout
- All rooms swept and vacuumed — photo by room
- Windows and mirrors clean inside and out — photo
- Construction debris removed from site — photo of typical area
- HVAC filters replaced after cleaning — photo
- Final paint touch-ups complete — photo
- Keys collected and labeled for handover
Documentation & handover
- As-built drawings updated and filed
- O&M manuals collected by trade
- Final inspection certificates filed
- Warranty documents organized
- Owner training scheduled or completed
- Punch list closeout PDF exported and signed
How to actually use this template
A printed punch list template is a starting point. The problem with paper templates is that they create no record. There's no proof when an item was completed, no proof of what was done, and no proof of who said it was done. Disputes happen because two parties remember the closeout walkthrough differently.
To make a punch list template legally defensible:
- Photo every item, both before and after. Pre-existing damage gets a timestamped photo before any work is done. Each completed item gets a photo at completion.
- Tag every photo with location. GPS tagging or floor plan pinning ties the photo to the right place in the building.
- Lock items closed. Don't allow an item to be marked done without the completion photo attached. This is the difference between a checklist and a documented record.
- Export a final PDF with all items, all photos, all timestamps, and all sign-offs. This is what protects you if a dispute comes up six months later.
How photo-required punch lists work in Manifold
Each punch list item is created with a photo requirement. When a crew member attempts to mark an item done, Manifold requires a photo to be attached first. The item stays open until the photo is captured. The completed punch list — with GPS-tagged, timestamped photos at each item — is exported as part of the handover PDF.
Template by trade
For trade-specific punch list items, see these guides:
Pricing
Photo plan — $16/user/month: GPS photo timelines, photo-required punch lists, checklists, PDF reports, client sharing. No seat minimums.
Photo+Scan plan — $24/user/month: Everything in Photo plus Orbit Measure 3D scanning.
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