The Punch List

When it’s all “said and done”, it’s not . . .

The construction phase is complete. All the trades – plumber, electrician, HVAC contractor, equipment installer, millwork/cabinetmaker, specialty systems installers - believe they have done their work and are ready to issue their final invoice and move on.

But before the lights go on, the keys are handed over to the operator and everyone goes their separate ways, there is the final walk through by the owner, operator, project manager, general contractor and other vested parties. Their mission is to review and confirm that all the work is completed correctly, that all the little details have been addressed, that the proper manuals and documents have been provided to the owner and everything works. This is the Punch List phase.

The Punch List - Calling out all the little and not so little flaws, omissions, mistakes and missing details.

When your construction is essentially complete, you and your design team will schedule a walk-through of your restaurant.  This walk-through is an opportunity to inspect all visible work, which typically includes finishes, millwork, equipment and lighting to see if the work is complete. If there are any missing pieces, damage or items not in compliance with drawings and specifications (wrong material, color, finish, model, detail, etc.), this is your opportunity to fix them.

There is often a lot of nitpicking – scratches on walls, furniture or equipment, missing trim or sloppy installation of cover plates, lighting or equipment.

As the owner or operator, it is important to have your team attend this review.  You will see things that affect operations that may be overlooked by the architect, general contractor or project manager. Things like grommets for counter equipment to plug in below the surface, drain piping secured too close to the floor or secured with supports anchored to the floor that impede cleaning, utilities (gas or power lines) dragging on the floor behind equipment.

As an added benefit, you may see opportunities add or correct a design element that could improve operations. Adding a shelf or additional lighting for example.

The idea of the Punch List walk-through is not a “gotcha” game. It is an opportunity to ensure that when you are operating at high volume and under pressure, you don’t have to deal with sloppy or incomplete construction work that creates work or health hazards.