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Punch List Cost Calculator

Every project ends with a punch list — minor items to complete after substantial completion. This calculator estimates total cost.

$
%

Total punch cost

$35,700

Base line items cost

$29,750

Contingency buffer

$5,950

How the math works

Punch cost = items × average × (1 + contingency). Most projects have 50-200 items averaging $200-$500.

Document items with photos and locations. Aged punch lists (90+ days post-SCT) are a warning sign. GC may be walking away from retainage.

How to Use

  1. Enter line item count.
  2. Enter average cost per item.
  3. Enter contingency %.
  4. Read total punch cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's on punch list?

Paint touch-ups, trim adjustments, missing hardware, minor tile issues, HVAC balancing, door adjustments, landscaping touch-ups. Typically 50-200 items on a building project.

Typical cost?

1-3% of total contract. Longer lead items (window rework, structural issues) can push higher. Retainage usually covers punch but not always.

Who pays?

GC — part of contract scope. If GC disputes, retainage is LL leverage. Final release of retainage requires architect's certification of all punch complete.

Who owns this risk — sponsor or lender?

Construction risks are typically shared: hard-cost overrun owned by sponsor (via completion guaranty), soft-cost and delay risks shared per contract, force-majeure excused but bears owner carry cost. Document risk ownership in the loan agreement and GC contract before closing. Disputes get expensive when roles are unclear. Institutional deals spell out every allocation in writing.

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