New Construction Punch List and Final Inspection Checklist

New construction punch lists document outstanding work items before final acceptance and certificate of occupancy. This comprehensive checklist ensures all contract scope is completed, systems are functional, and code requirements are met before owner acceptance.

  • Industry: Real Estate & Property Management
  • Frequency: Per New Construction Project (Final Inspection)
  • Estimated Time: 60-120 minutes
  • Role: Property Manager / Owner Representative / Building Inspector
  • Total Items: 36
  • Compliance: ICC International Building Code Certificate of Occupancy Requirements, Local Building Department Final Inspection Requirements, ADA Standards for Accessible Design (New Construction), NFPA 101 Life Safety Code New Building Requirements

Structural and Exterior Finishes

Verify structural and exterior completion.

  • All exterior cladding, windows, and doors installed and complete?
  • Roofing system complete with all flashing and drainage?
  • Exterior paint or stain complete with no touch-up areas?
  • Final grade and landscaping per approved plans complete?
  • Concrete flatwork, sidewalks, and driveways complete and accepted?
  • All permanent utilities connected and operational?

Interior Finishes

Verify interior finish completion.

  • Drywall finishing, texture, and paint complete in all areas?
  • All flooring installed, trimmed, and complete?
  • All cabinetry, trim, and millwork installed and complete?
  • All interior doors installed with hardware?
  • All tile work complete with grout and caulk?
  • Construction cleaning completed - unit ready for occupancy?

Mechanical and Plumbing

Verify MEP systems complete and tested.

  • HVAC system commissioned and balanced per design?
  • All plumbing systems tested - no leaks?
  • Water heater installed, connected, and operational?
  • Gas system pressure tested and approved by utility?
  • All plumbing fixtures installed and operational?
  • All provided appliances installed and operational?

Electrical System

Verify electrical system complete and tested.

  • Electrical service energized and meter installed?
  • Panel complete with all circuits installed and labeled?
  • All required GFCI and AFCI protection installed?
  • All outlets, switches, and fixtures installed and operational?
  • Final electrical inspection approved by AHJ?
  • Energy code compliance measures installed (insulation, windows, mechanical)?

Life Safety Systems

Verify all life safety systems installed and tested.

  • Smoke alarms installed in all required locations per NFPA 72?
  • CO alarms installed per applicable codes?
  • Fire sprinkler system installed and approved by fire marshal?
  • Emergency egress lighting and exit signs installed?
  • All bedroom egress windows meet minimum opening requirements?
  • Fire alarm panel tested and accepted by AHJ?

Code Compliance and Certificate of Occupancy

Verify all code inspections and CO requirements.

  • All required inspections approved (framing, MEP rough-in, insulation, final)?
  • Certificate of Occupancy application submitted to AHJ?
  • ADA accessible design requirements met for applicable building type?
  • Contractor and manufacturer warranties received and organized?
  • As-built drawings provided to owner?
  • Owner's manual and O&M documentation provided?

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Why Use This New Construction Punch List and Final Inspection Checklist?

This new construction punch list and final inspection checklist helps real estate & property management teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for property manager / owner representative / building inspector professionals, this checklist covers 36 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per new construction project (final inspection).

Ensures compliance with ICC International Building Code Certificate of Occupancy Requirements, Local Building Department Final Inspection Requirements, ADA Standards for Accessible Design (New Construction), NFPA 101 Life Safety Code New Building Requirements. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the New Construction Punch List and Final Inspection Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 36 inspection items across 6 sections: Structural and Exterior Finishes, Interior Finishes, Mechanical and Plumbing, Electrical System, Life Safety Systems, Code Compliance and Certificate of Occupancy. It is designed for real estate & property management operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per new construction project (final inspection). Each completion takes approximately 60-120 minutes.

Who should use this New Construction Punch List and Final Inspection Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Property Manager / Owner Representative / Building Inspector professionals in the real estate & property management industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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