Complete Punch List Items
You've identified the remaining items during your final inspection. Now it's time to ensure every single one gets completed to your satisfaction. This final phase protects your investment and ensures you get the quality you're paying for.
Quick Summary
1-2 weeks
10-15% of contract
Lien releases required
Verify and sign off
Understanding the Punch List Process
The punch list represents the final hurdle between you and your completed kitchen. While it might feel tedious after months of construction, this process is critical. These small items, when left unaddressed, become constant reminders of unfinished work and can affect your satisfaction with the entire project.
Professional contractors expect punch lists and build time into their schedules for this phase. They understand that no project is perfect on the first pass and that addressing these items is part of delivering quality work.
Your withheld payment provides the incentive for timely completion. Use this leverage wisely - be fair but firm about your expectations and deadlines.
Common Punch List Categories
Cabinet Adjustments
The most common punch list items. These typically require the cabinet installer or a carpenter:
- - Door alignment and hinge adjustments
- - Soft-close mechanisms not engaging properly
- - Drawer glide adjustments or replacements
- - Missing shelf clips or pegs
- - Hardware that needs repositioning or tightening
Paint and Caulk Touch-Ups
Usually addressed by the painting subcontractor or general laborer:
- - Missed spots or thin coverage areas
- - Drips or roller marks
- - Unfilled nail holes in trim
- - Caulk gaps or voids
- - Paint on surfaces where it doesn't belong
Tile and Grout
Requires the tile subcontractor:
- - Missing or incomplete grout sections
- - Grout color inconsistencies
- - Chipped or cracked tiles (if damaged during construction)
- - Uneven grout lines
- - Haze or residue on tile surfaces
Appliance Issues
May require the appliance installer or specific manufacturer service:
- - Leveling adjustments
- - Panel alignment for integrated appliances
- - Anti-tip bracket installation
- - Minor connection adjustments
- - Removal of protective film and stickers
Managing Punch List Completion
Step 1: Establish a Completion Deadline
Work with your contractor to set realistic timelines:
- Minor items (adjustments, touch-ups): 1 week
- Items requiring parts or materials: 2 weeks
- Special-order items: Agree on specific delivery timeline
Put the deadline in writing and have both parties sign.
Step 2: Schedule Specific Visits
Rather than having workers come and go randomly, schedule focused visits:
- Cabinet installer visit for all door/drawer issues
- Painter visit for all paint/caulk items
- Electrician visit for any electrical issues
- Final cleanup/detail visit
Step 3: Verify and Sign Off
As items are completed, inspect each one:
- Check the specific issue identified in the punch list
- Test functionality where applicable (open doors, run water, etc.)
- Initial next to completed items on your punch list
- Note any items still not satisfactory
The Importance of Lien Releases
Before making final payment, collect lien releases (also called lien waivers) from your general contractor and all subcontractors who worked on the project. This is one of the most important steps in closing out your remodel.
Why Lien Releases Matter
Without lien releases, subcontractors or suppliers who haven't been paid by your general contractor can place a lien on your property - even after you've paid the GC in full. This means you could be forced to pay twice for the same work, or face legal action affecting your property.
What to Collect
- Final lien waiver from general contractor - covers their labor and overhead
- Lien waivers from all subcontractors - electrician, plumber, tile installer, etc.
- Lien waivers from major suppliers - cabinet company, countertop fabricator, appliance supplier
Pro Tip: Request a list of all subcontractors and suppliers who worked on your project at the beginning of the job. This makes collecting lien releases at the end much easier.
Making Final Payment
When all punch list items are complete and you have collected all lien releases, you're ready to make final payment:
Final Payment Checklist
- All punch list items completed and signed off
- Final lien releases collected from GC and all subs
- All permits closed and final inspections passed
- Warranty documentation provided
- Appliance manuals and warranty cards received
- Paint colors and material specifications documented
- Extra materials (tile, flooring, paint) delivered
What If There Are Problems?
Contractor Delays Completing Punch List
Send a written notice with a specific deadline. If still not completed, check your contract for remedies. You may be able to hire another contractor to complete the work and deduct the cost from the holdback. Document everything in writing.
Disagreement About What's a Punch List Item
Refer to your contract and original specifications. If the work doesn't match what was agreed upon, it belongs on the punch list. Consider bringing in a third-party inspector if disputes continue.
Contractor Demands Full Payment Before Completing Punch List
Your contract should specify the holdback amount. If the contractor refuses to complete work without full payment, this is a red flag. Do not release final payment until satisfied with the work.
FAQ
How much should I withhold until the punch list is done?
Standard practice is 10-15% of the total contract value. This should be specified in your contract. The amount should be significant enough to motivate completion while being fair for remaining work.
What is a lien release and why do I need one?
A lien release is a document stating a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier has been paid and waives their right to place a lien on your property. Without these, unpaid parties could place a lien on your home even after you've paid the GC in full.
What if the contractor won't come back to finish?
Communicate in writing with specific deadlines. Check your contract for dispute procedures. You may need to hire another contractor and deduct costs from the withheld payment. Document everything and consider filing a complaint with the licensing board if necessary.
How long should punch list completion take?
Typically 1-2 weeks for minor items. Items requiring parts or special-order materials may take longer. Agree on a specific deadline in writing and hold firm on it.