Construction Subcontractor Agreement Word Template: Fill & Download for Free

Here are some of the best tips for making a construction punch list successful:1. Begin the project with the end in mindWe need to keep the destination in mind during the whole construction project — not just at the end. Because the latter usually results in chaos, as well as inefficient (and pricey) last-minute decisions.Quality should be built in from the start — and not added at the end.So stick with the requirements, and do regular site inspections so you can catch issues early. The later problems are discovered, the more costly it will be to fix them. (Here are two ways to avoid a bad final punch list experience.)Also keep a continuous feedback loop with your customer, so you’ll know quickly if they change their mind about something.2. Be a doomsday prepperTake a cue from the doomsday preppers on TV. Just like they stock up on canned food in case the world comes to an end, you can prepare for worst-case punch list scenarios.Think of everything that could go wrong. Then think of what you need to prepare — what you can find out, research, or bring to the meeting — to solve the matter.Know the contract specifications, know your role and responsibilities, and bring and reread your doomsday docs:Original contract and requirements (Tip: go back through the specifications once more)Important emailsPrevious agreementsProgress reports and plansPrevious invoicesEven better, bring it electronically if you can3. Check the scene beforehandA punch list meeting is much like an important date.So scope out the scene beforehand: Read over the specs, and find (and repair) any deficiencies.By checking out the project right before the final meeting, you’ll gain a mental overview of what’s completely finished and what might be subject to discussion.You’ll also know how to anticipate certain problems or questions — which will help you feel confident for the big date ;-)5. Arrive earlyDon’t you hate it when people show up late? I mean, think of what goes through your head; think of the ambiance it creates.The last thing you want to do is arrive tardy for a long-awaited punch list moment. Not only will you be stressed and unfocused, you’ll lose the trust of those awaiting you.Don’t underestimate the power of arriving early instead.As the first person on-site, you’ll be calm, confident, and prepared; ready to welcome everyone when they arrive. Let others be the latecomers so you can be in control from the beginning.Your professional approach will trigger trust and appreciation, which will smooth the punch list process into a win-win deal.6. Use an appWant to save hours of time? Start using an app to document your site visits.If you’re still drafting field reports and punch lists in Word or Excel; typing out notes; adding photos, sketches, assignees, and annotations on floor plans … and struggling with the layout of the report, it’s time for a change. It’s time to start using an app (like ours).7 Refer to a checklistTake a moment to think about the complexity of construction projects.Teams of contractors and subcontractors work on different parts of the building at different times, with many specialists needed to get the job done: engineers, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, elevator installers, window installers, etc.And as the level of complexity increases, so does the opportunity for failure. With so much information available today, it’s not necessarily ignorance that causes mistakes — it’s failing to apply that knowledge correctly across several teams.Our brains haven’t changed much in 100,000 years, and aren’t meant to manage so much information. So we take shortcuts. And make stupid mistakes.For his must-read book The Checklist Manifesto, Atul Awnada interviewed experts from many disciplines (pilots, doctors, contractors).His conclusion? People need checklists to execute projects efficiently. Checklists reduce the risk of mistakes and increase the likelihood everything will get done as specified.When it comes to punch lists, a checklist is a powerful way to ensure you don’t overlook important details. It can contain administrative tasks, as well as anything you must not forget to do or review to execute the project correctly. Just like bringing a buddy (see below), checklists free up your mental RAM.Many punchlist checklists and templates are available online — here are two to get you started:BuildingAdvisor.comTotal Home InspectionBut, you know what’s even better than just using a checklist? Using an app with a checklist functionality.For more info and more tips on this topic, I recommend you check out this article: The ultimate guide to a successful punch list experience - 16 Tips