Taking the Pain out of the Punch List

The article holds that total quality management implemented early in the construction process and supported throughout, will help reduce both the punch list and the animosity it usually engenders. The significance of the punch list to contractors, designers and owners is discussed. The punch list can be done by area or trade, and it should be as precise as possible, specifically noting the defect, the area in which it occurred, and if feasible, the specifications section it fails to satisfy. The cost of punch lists is discussed, including the costs incurred by contractors to correct unacceptable conditions. The management of this process is discussed, including the concept of total quality management. The latter includes the concept of the 'quality trilogy'which consists of 3 phases: quality planning; quality control; and quality improvement.