Let’s introduce the punch list process
Home construction projects consist of many phases and the complexity of each varies dramatically with the house design and size. That said, no project of any size is complete without the tried-and-true punch list.
A punch list is key to concluding any successful home construction project because it ensures homeowner satisfaction with the final result and final payment. It ensures the new home, or newly renovated space, does not come with defects, missing features and incomplete or incorrect installations.
Punch lists sometimes are generated and completed in multiple steps with the input of the original designer or architect of the home to ensure every room meets original specifications. No matter the case, effective communication and management is required to complete all work identified by punch lists.
The best punch lists are comprehensive, covering everything from small scratches in recently installed or existing finishes, to potentially larger issues, like adjusting the height of storage cabinets or installing the correct kitchen applianceÂ
Larger work identified by punch lists represents new project phases that require variations to handle the estimating, scheduling, budgeting and completion of rework.
Because punch lists can tie closely with estimating, variations and invoicing, it’s key to have punch list management as part of a larger platform of construction management tools.
The punch list process detailed in home construction
Punch lists can present an administrative nightmare for office staff and onsite team members if not managed correctly. So let’s quickly walk through how this process best works for home builders and the pitfalls to avoid.Â
First things first: estimate your construction project correctly
The very first thing to consider is the time involved in creating punch lists and resolving the issues they will raise. The larger the home project, the greater the time involved; so be sure to estimate time and materials involved with a punch list and that it’s part of your original project estimate.
To estimate punch lists correctly, successful home builders use construction management software to create complete project estimates and schedules. These are typically based off templates created from their most successful projects.
As the software repeatedly tracks actual time and expense against estimates of these factors, the project and punch list templates become more consistent and accurate with each and every project.
This is important in an economic environment where materials and labor prices can increase over time. Writing estimates in a consistent manner ensures pricing trends can be followed and the right amount of labor is given to each project phase.
Construction management software provides a way to achieve this consistency and enables the builder to continuously improve their job management process — a process that must ensure the right amount of time and material for punch list completion.
Get the punch list details right
The best construction management software allows for the creation of a punch list filled with tasks or to-dos that can be assigned to specific team members or trades working a specific project using clear descriptions of:
what’s needing to be done
who’s doing the work (i.e. the person responsible)
when the work needs to be done
and the correct order or priority.
Useful construction management software also does a stellar job of communicating both to the site crew and the office staff when items on the punch list are complete. Using today’s mobile software this can be done quickly and easily from the job site.
Communicate punch list items clearly
In addition to the details listed above, a rock-solid project punch list allows for the addition of notes both by the person who assigned the items on the list and the contractor or team that does the actual work.
Clear communication and mutual understanding within an online To Do List that can be shared to onsite team members via mobile devices allow for a central point of coordination. This translates technical concerns into actionable steps to resolve the defects and missing features that make up the punch list.
The punch list walkthrough in home construction and renovation projects begins with the home builder who leads the process using their expertise to identify outstanding tasks and flaws in quality and workmanship.Â
Many home builders create weekly To-Do Lists to address these issues using what are called rolling punch lists.
Of course, whatever the process, the goal is to refine building processes so that a home construction project team achieves as close to a zero punch list as possible. A zero punch list has no items needing attention.
Tradies zero out a punch list by performing work on the specific items within their areas of expertise, such as plumbing, electrical, or carpentry. They ensure that the work meets both industry standards, local code and homeowner expectations regarding aesthetics, functionality and any personal preferences.
During a final walkthrough, home builders explain how the home was finished and demonstrate how major systems, like HVAC, function. This helps homeowners feel confident about the final result.
Meanwhile, homeowners have the opportunity to voice any concerns or request clarifications, fostering a sense of shared ownership in the project’s completion.Â
Using Buildxact list building
Buildxact allows builders to create to-do lists based on key points, like item priority, status and available team members.
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And with Buildxact, these lists connect with Buildxact’s mobile app Onsite. With Onsite, tradies can communicate list updates back to the office using their mobile phone.
Connecting the administrative office with your team at the job site in this way means you never miss a beat. Buildxact Onsite with list integration allows you to manage the details of your projects from your mobile device, tablet, laptop or desktop.
Whether on the job site or in the office, view construction projects, follow their progress on both small fixes and large, and communicate with your construction trades and team members.
Ready to start with Buildxact?
Do yourself a favor and contact our friendly team at Buildxact and book a demo or get your 14-day free trial of our estimating and construction management software. Let us do what we do best, give you back your free time.
