Punch list

A punch list is the last round of fixes. You and the builder walk the home and note small items, such as paint touch-ups, a sticking door or a missing cover plate. The builder then finishes each item.

The National Association of Home Builders offers a contract clause where the customer keeps a portion of the final payment to ensure the correction of punch list items. That clause is optional, so check your own contract. The walkthrough usually comes before the certificate of occupancy or close behind it. Any added work needs a change order. See the design-build process.