It’s not done, until YOU say it’s DONE!
Your contractor says your $25,000 kitchen is “done.” The paint’s dry, the fridge hums, and the backsplash gleams—but something doesn’t feel finished. And that’s because it might not be. Before you release the final 10% payment—often a $2,500 chunk—your last tool for leverage is the punch list.
A punch list is your final quality control checklist, confirming that all work is complete, functional, and up to standard. It’s not about nitpicking—it’s about protecting your investment. It’s also standard procedure in professional remodeling. Without it, you’re gambling that what looks good today won’t fail tomorrow.
Why a Punch List Matters
Delays and shortcuts can pile up as contractors rush toward “completion.” According to industry insights, 46% of remodeling projects experience schedule delays. In that rush, details get missed: crooked tile lines, sticking cabinet drawers, leaky faucets. That’s where your punch list—and your final payment hold-back—comes in.
Your remodel contract should include a 10% hold-back clause, meaning you retain the last portion of payment until the project passes final inspection. That final walkthrough, guided by a detailed punch list, is your moment to catch and correct defects while you still have financial leverage.
How to Use a Punch List
- Start Early: Begin building your punch list before the project ends. Note concerns as they arise—paint flaws, trim gaps, or appliance misalignments.
- Do a Full Walkthrough: Schedule it a day or two before the final payment is due. Inspect with fresh eyes, good lighting, and all systems turned on.
- Mark and Document: Log each inspection item and mark it as “Passed” or “Failed.” Take photos of failed items.
- Discuss With Contractor: Share your list and give a firm deadline for corrections—before you release final payment.
- Re-Inspect and Sign Off: Verify all corrections, have the contractor sign off, and file the final signed list with your records.
Sample Punch List Items
From the Trusted Remodel Advisor™ Kitchen Remodel Punch List, here are common areas to inspect:
- Cabinetry & Hardware: Check for alignment, smooth operation, and secure hardware.
- Tile Work: Look for even grout lines and the absence of hollow-sounding tiles.
- Plumbing: Run faucets and appliances—check for leaks and full functionality.
- Lighting & Electrical: Test every switch, outlet, and GFCI reset.
- Finishing Details: Scrutinize paint lines, caulking, and trim. Cleanliness counts, too.
Sample Punch List Grid (for Word):
| Inspection Item | Inspected | Passed | Failed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinet doors aligned and operate smoothly | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Faucet operates without leaks | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Tile grout even, no hollow spots | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| All outlets and switches work | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Backsplash sealed and cutouts trimmed | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
This simple checkbox table helps organize your walkthrough and ensures nothing gets overlooked.
Final Payment = Final Sign-Off
Don’t let your remodel be “done” until you say it is. Hold the last 10% until every item on your list has passed inspection and your contractor has signed off. This is how professionals protect their budgets—and now, so can you.
Deeper Dive: RemodX has developed a great free punch list you can download and start using immediately (it’s also a great tool for planing your remodel at the earliest stages. More tailored punch lists for kitchen, bath, garage remodels and more are included in each RemodX Remodel Planning System.
