Punch List
One list for every unfinished or fix-it item, with a photo and an owner, so nothing gets lost between "almost done" and "done."
Punch List
A punch list is the running list of unfinished or needs-fixing items. Keep one — the moment you have two, things start slipping between them. Anything that arrives by email, Slack, text, or hallway conversation goes on the list before it disappears.
What it’s for
To capture every “this isn’t quite right yet” item with enough detail that someone else could fix it, and to make priority explicit — so you can keep opening-critical items separate from cosmetic ones (see Minimum Viable Opening).
How to use it
- One list, one owner of the list.
- Photograph everything — a photo resolves more disputes than a paragraph.
- Set priority honestly: does this block day one, or is it a post-opening finish?
- Walk the space regularly and add items as you go; close items only when field-verified.
The structure
| # | Location | Description | Photo | Owner | Priority | Due date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Room 2 (NE corner) | Outlet not powered at desk run | [link] | GC | Opening-critical | Jun 12 | Open |
| 2 | Reception | Wall paint scuffed near door | [link] | GC | Post-opening | Jun 26 | Open |
| 3 | Kitchen | Cabinet door misaligned | [link] | GC | Nice-to-have | — | Open |
Priority values: Opening-critical · Opening-week · Post-opening · Nice-to-have. Status values: Open · In progress · Fixed (needs verify) · Verified-closed.
Tips
- Don’t let aesthetics delay function. A scuffed wall is not a reason to hold the opening; an unpowered desk run is. Sort ruthlessly by priority.
- “Fixed” isn’t “closed.” Verify in the field before you close an item — ideally with a photo of the fix.
- At opening, hand each owner their slice by priority and keep the master list yourself.