The 6 Best Punch List Software Solutions for 2024

A “punch list” can make or break a successful project handover.

It’s a necessary document for construction managers to help teams identify and resolve outstanding issues during the final stages of a project. Fortunately, the development of innovative punch list software has replaced faulty pen-and-paper methods of creating a punch list.

The best punch list software helps simplify task management, communication, and documentation, empowering construction teams to deliver projects on time and within budget.

To help construction professionals navigate a wide array of options, we’ve curated a list of the six best punch list software solutions.

In this article, we’ll be examining the key features of each software in detail. We’ll also listen to what actual users say about them, and assign a score based on an identical set of criteria.

Let’s start with a quick overview of our entries.

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Top Picks

Below, you’ll find a summary of each app we’ve reviewed, with our scores, each app’s ideal use cases, its pricing, the availability of any free trials or free tiers, and the platforms on which the app is available. Each app has been thoroughly investigated and analyzed for users like you, with pros and cons, key features, integrations, and real user reviews.

Let’s take a look…

EDITOR’S NOTE: We created Workyard – the first app reviewed here – to address issues we encountered while struggling to track and manage construction payrolls for over 700 workers in over 50 construction businesses. We built the Workyard app from the ground up to support construction companies like yours, with industry-essential features like the industry’s most accurate time clock app with GPS and geofencing, intuitive contractor scheduling, construction cost tracking tools, and more.

Learn more about how Workyard works on our main website, or sign up for a 14-day free trial today to see what Workyard can do for your business.

Manage punch lists, projects, worker schedules, and more with Workyard

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Scoring

Key Features

• Construction punch list with location, cost, and manpower details

• Templates for common punch list items like deficiencies

• Instant notification of punch list changes and user comments

• Report generation and automation

• Two-step verification for punch list item completion

Highlights

Fieldwire is construction field management software for general and specialty contractors, project owners, architects, and designers.

Its punch list tool enables you to complete walkthroughs quickly while attaching details about project deficiencies. You can include locations, photos, checklists, and due dates in your punch list. You can also attach cost estimates and manpower to punch lists on Fieldwire’s platform.

The tool comes with templates for common punch list items. It’s also equipped with a two-step verification process to help admins like you check whether a punch list item has been completed.

The platform adds a layer of verification by requiring other personnel on site to confirm task completion.

Other project stakeholders, like contractors and architects, can add comments or photos to your punch list. All activities trigger instant notifications to keep you updated on task progress.

You can generate reports by exporting tasks in a given category or status. You can also use Fieldwire’s production reports to share punch lists and project updates with team members. The platform centralizes document management for RFIs, submittals, and change orders, keeping teams up-to-date on project developments.

Fieldwire integrates with document and project data management systems like Google Drive, Sharepoint, and Dropbox, to name a few.

Reviews

Fieldwire users praise the customer support team, but wish they didn’t have to call them so often.

iOS user TVPD PM loves the customer support:

iOS Review:

Organization…………Finally ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 
First off, customer service was great. Support is very good. Answered all my questions and guided me through a tutorial right over the phone. Super easy to use once you get familiar with it. Which does not take long. Extremely helpful to me. I’m at project manager for a small company (18 employees, about 6-8 million revenue/yr) Super helpful for troubleshooting questions and making revisions with the crews, architects and engineers without having to be on-site or in person. I can pull up plans to any one of numerous jobs instantly and review and share notes, revisions etc. Reduces downtime, increases productivity. Keeping track of change orders and additional work info is very helpful as well. Document consolidation to a per job file is awesome when you have many projects going on. Really can’t say enough. It’s helped immensely. Try the 3 job version, and you will want to upgrade to have unlimited pages almost immediately.

Android user Jay says the quality of photo attachments could be improved:

Google Play Review:

⭐⭐⭐ 
Quality of photo upload is terrible and i have to delete characters and add them because it wont let me copy and paste to search

Fieldwire user Thom F. also praised the customer support, but lamented the fact that they have to call support frequently in the first place:

Capterra Review:

Almost awesome, but has lots of missed opportunities ⭐⭐⭐ 
Overall: Almost zero.

Pros: The customer service has been great ( we need to use them frequently ). They are quick to resolve the many issues we have.

Cons: 1. You can’t make real templates for repetitive project types. 2. You can’t organize projects on the home screen. We tend to have dozens of projects in different stages going on and there is not a way to organize how they sorted. They cannot be flagged or colored coded either. 3. In certain situations you need to follow strict naming conventions of imported files….it’s not something I want to spend my time worrying about. 4. The task viewer is weak. The text doesn’t wrap so most of the task is cut off. You cannot control the width of the columns, their names, or colors ( great for the color blind ) 5. Features are buried and are inconsistent between desktop and mobile. 6. The app KILLS battery life. 7. There is not a way to leave general notes or comments. 8. Reports are weak. 9. If my boss ( who doesn’t actually use it, but likes the idea of the app) didn’t make me, I would have ditched this a while ago.

Pricing

Scoring

Key Features

• Punchlist with voice-enabled Quick Capture feature

• File attachments including documents and photos

• Mobile punchlist tool with offline mode

• Email notification for checked items

• Filter status for items (unresolved, resolved, open or closed)

Highlights

Procore is construction management software serving general and specialty contractors. It also targets public agencies, business owners, and civil and infrastructure contractors.

The platform’s project management solution comes with a punchlist tool for ‘punch walks’. You can create punch items using the app’s voice-enabled feature called Quick Capture. You can also use QR codes to start punch lists and attach files like documents and photos.

The mobile punchlist tool lets you create lists even when offline. You can drop punch list items directly onto blueprints and drawings. The app records all actions including when the punch list was created, addressed, and completed.

Procore’s punchlist tool allows you to filter items by status – unresolved, resolved, open, or closed. It also sends email notifications for overdue and completed items.

Procore integrates with third-party apps including Oracle, Sage, Workday, Microsoft Project, Primavera, and others.

Reviews

Procore users say the app helps them with their punch list tasks. However, it needs to redesign features around user convenience.

iOS user PunchLordito says the app helps him create punchlists but has recently slowed down:

iOS Review:

Great concept, Little annoying issues throughout. ⭐⭐⭐
I use mostly for punch list creation, tracking, and resolution. I have found a need for a longer queue in “recent punch items” in order to keep moving through rooms productively.

The current update has made things slower because reusing a recent item loads it into the queue twice, etc. Removing other punch items that then have to be recreated. The older version handled this better.

The comment and response section when communicating on a specific punch item makes it difficult to have clear communication back and forth using the app tool.

Items have been failing to load for me when created and will just stay in the top of the queue unless resolved and reopened in the instance that is possible. When resolve and reopen is not an option there is really nothing much that can be done other than delete in the browser version and recreate.

When linking items to a drawing it can begin to glitch and have had the app crash on me without saving atleast 20 previous items that were not loaded yet.

A lot of unnecessary steps that may be useful in some scenarios but honestly could be much more productive not having to modify edits or individually add certain unavailable editable features to hundreds of items.

The concept and goal of the app is untouchable and can revolutionize job management and communication throughout multiple industries it just needs some updates to the mobile system to help productivity and communication.

Android user chancey drew says the punchlist feature doesn’t work properly:

Google Play Review:

Header – ⭐⭐⭐
Punch filters do not work properly. App for Android needs a lot of work.

Procore user James M. says the app is improving, but needs to devote a little more attention to user experience:

Capterra Review:

Getting Better but Still Needs Some Tweaks ⭐⭐⭐ 
Overall: When we first started using Procore it was very basic and not very intuitive. Over the past year many changes and improvements have been made, not all for the better in my opinion. For overall project management, at least for the tools we use, is OK.

Pros: – The ability to handle very large files especially sending and receiving – Customer Support acknowledgement of an issue or question – Generally good project management

Cons: – The lack of contrast between the background and active parts of the screen causes eye strain – Default views at the Portfolio level and Submittal tool are based on title. It would be more useful if the default was based on Project # and Submittal spec section – Tools that have multiple pages such as Emails have the page selector at the bottom of the current view.

This needs to also be at the top so you don’t have to scroll down to go to the next page – Some changes are made to the program without any notification to the users – A change was made to the Submittal log view that now you have to use a slider bar to see all the columns. This is a time waster and an irritant.

Pricing

Scoring

Key Features

• Inspection lists with image and video capture

• Mobile checklist with offline mode

• Follow-up task assignments to team members

• Audit trail with date and time stamps

• AI-generated checklist templates

Highlights

SafetyCulture is a digital platform serving construction, manufacturing, facilities management, mining, and other industries. It offers solutions for workplace inspections, safety checks, audits, and project checklists.

You can create inspection lists with photo annotations and video capture. The app also comes with mobile checklists in offline mode, so you can complete site walkthroughs despite a weak connection.

The app allows you to assign tasks and follow-ups to team members. SafetyCulture documents checklist actions and creates an audit trail complete with data and time stamps, GPS location, and user attribution.

The platform also offers AI-generated templates for your punch list. Simply upload a photo, PDF document, or an input prompt to generate a checklist. Alternatively, you can also use a template from the platform’s library.

SafetyCulture integrates with other external systems through Zapier.

Reviews

SafetyCulture users had good first impressions, but then ran into several issues with app crashes and malfunctions.

iOS user Julianpcardenas says the app seemed great at first, but has since deteriorated:

iOS Review:

It has a lot of potential ⭐⭐⭐ 
I downloaded this app because our company is in need of a digital inspection form for our team, this seemed like a great app, but unfortunately it constantly crashes. It says it’s a wifi/internet problem, but we have absolutely no issue with our wifi or device data.

Android user Samuel Palmer says the app concept is good, but not well-translated into reality:

Google Play Review:

⭐⭐⭐ 
The idea of the app is good but I regularly have issues with using it on site. Often, photos and comments won’t properly save, leaving me with no record of my observations. Also, menus don’t always reliably load, preventing me from selecting a site from the list, etc.
I had these issues on my old phone but upgrading to a brand new model with the latest version of Android hasn’t resolved them. This also means I can’t see Failures from past audits, so don’t get as much value from the subscription.

SafetyCulture user Krzysztof Z. says it’s helpful for collecting and organizing data, but the platform needs to be more user-friendly:

Capterra Review:

ZK Review ⭐⭐⭐
Overall: we are using iAuditor mainly for quality informations collecting

Pros: structured information when I can collect informations from different sources

Cons: better filtration should be more user friendly

Pricing

Scoring

Key Features

• Punch list with task prioritization

• Collaboration tool with workers and subcontractors

• Customizable checklists with file attachments

• Personalized alerts for relevant tasks

• Automated notification for the latest trade-specific actions

Highlights

BuildUp is construction project management software serving general contractors, project owners, and property developers. It offers tools for task management, punch lists, and project insights.

You can create construction punch lists with priority lists, so your team tackles the most important jobs first. The platform’s collaboration tool comes with communication channels for looping in subcontractors and onsite workers.

BuildUp allows you to customize checklists with file attachments, signatures, due dates, and other action items. You can also personalize which notifications you want to receive from specific and relevant tasks.

The app automates notifications for the latest task updates as well as trade-specific actions to prevent cluttering communication channels.

BuildUp integrates with Procore and Autodesk BIM 360.

Reviews

BuildUp users say the app has a nice design, but its functionality needs to be designed around their needs.

iOS user HOUSEHOLD61974 says the app is needlessly complicated for practical use:

iOS Review:

Not easy ⭐⭐ 
Way too complicated for an easy punch list for residential properties. Plus, have to sign up online, go through resetting password . . . it’s just cumbersome

Buildup user Christopher G. says he likes the app’s simple interface, but wished for more mobile functionalities:

Capterra Review:

Simple interface for entering items. Simple to use in field for creating lists. Needs Refinement. ⭐⭐⭐ 
Overall: manage punchlist easier

Pros: I like the ability to take pics and input tasks in in the field, and that info is immediately available. Through the browser , searching and filtering tasks are easily done, and printing reports can be done quickly through the browser, though there is no option for mobile printing . The concept is great and it has fell into regular use with my company.

Cons: There a few items that could be addressed to make this app even better. The biggest issue that I have when using the Buildup is that it seems to have sketchy web connectivity. Sorting and filtering works fantastic, but it can be a bit clunky while it refreshes. : The ability to edit how the printable forms are displayed would be great as well. We rely heavily on the pictures that we take, but when we print up the reports it can be a blittle hard to see what the item actually is.

Also the ability to both capture Before and after pictures, as well as display before and after pictures by choice would be great. The ability to add AREAS, UNITS, etc., from mobile should be made available. Printing from mobile as well.

Pricing

The Bottom Line

General contractors, project managers, and subcontractors need the right punch list software to improve their punch walk and ensure successful project handover. By choosing the right solution, you can minimize delays, address mistakes, and facilitate team coordination for delivering projects on time.

As the construction industry continues to evolve, the adoption of the best punch list software will only become more crucial for staying ahead of the curve and delivering exceptional results.

Construction managers, project owners, and field workers love the Workyard mobile experience.

Our iOS and Android apps are designed around the needs of team managers in the construction business. Our web platform improves construction workflow, scheduling, time tracking, team management, and more for construction managers.

Try Workyard free for 14 days and see how we can simplify your field service management and make your business more profitable!

Our Scoring System Explained

Our 8-part scoring system was created to help you understand the potential value of any software we review simply and fairly.

We created it after reviewing dozens of software products, which we covered in depth, but without providing a direct and simple way for readers to compare products on their merits – without spending a lot of time looking through our articles for the information they needed to make an informed decision.

Every app we review will include Customer Support and Company scores, which we’ll explain in more detail below. Many of the factors reviewed in this article will also be consistent across most (or all) of our software reviews, with some differences:

The 8 factors assessed and their contribution to a product’s overall score may differ slightly from product to product based on various factors, such as the use case we’re reviewing for, the type of business these products are tailored to, and other considerations. However, all reviews will feature an 8-part score, weighted and combined to calculate each product’s overall score.

How We Score Software

All factors in our reviews are scored on a 10-point scale – technically 11 points – from 0-10. However, we only give products a score of 0 if it does not include an essential feature at all, and we try to avoid giving out 0 scores if a product can demonstrate any functionality in line with the specific factor being reviewed.

In general, the 0-10 range translates as:

• 9.0 – 10 – One of the absolute best in its category (amazing).
• 7.5 – 8.9 – Very good, but with some minor issues (very good).
• 6.0 – 7.4 – Mediocre performance with notable shortcomings (average).
• 3.0 – 5.9 – This feature is not ready for prime time (borderline).
• 1.0 – 2.9 – This feature actually makes its product worse (unacceptable).
• 0 – The product doesn’t include this important feature at all.

How We Calculate Overall Scores

The 8 factors reviewed are weighted based on an overall total of 100%:

• Ease of Use: 20%
• Time Tracking Accuracy: 20%
• Scheduling Features: 15%
• Job Tracking: 15%
• Integrations: 10%
• Customer Support: 15%
• Company: 5%

Methodology for Each Factor

Ease of Use

We evaluate a product’s ease of use based on three main considerations:

• How easy is it to set up this app?
• How easy is it for managers to use the backend dashboard?
• How easy is it for frontline workers to use the (mobile) app?

These three considerations cover the main ways you and your team would use the software being reviewed – when you first obtain it, when someone (a manager, executive, team leader, or similar role) needs to use it to manage people, money, data, and other things, and when workers you’re tracking use the app (usually a mobile version of the software designed for frontline and/or field team members) to clock in, clock out, record time worked, or address other day-to-day needs.

Time Tracking Accuracy

Every minute matters when you’re trying to control payroll costs. This factor accounts for various features and common needs in time-tracking apps, such as…

• How accurate or precise is its GPS tracking capability?
• How accurate – and how customizable – is its geofencing feature?
• How accurate is its travel and mileage tracking (if available)?
• Can it automatically clock workers in and out based on the above?
• Can you set and/or restrict rules for clocking in and out?
• Can the app continue tracking workers while offline?
• How easy is its mobile app and/or kiosk for frontline workers?

Scheduling Features

Many construction businesses prefer to manage as many aspects of employee labor activity as possible in a single app, which is why many time-tracking apps also include worker scheduling as a core feature.

When we consider a product’s scheduling features, we look at:

• Its dashboard customizability (daily, weekly, or monthly views).
• Its project-based scheduling and visibility.
• Its real-time updates and notifications for workers.
• Its real-time map views of worker locations for best-fit scheduling.
• Its recurring schedule (copies to subsequent weeks, etc.) functionality.

Job Tracking

This factor helps you understand if the software can also provide insight into specific projects, which is particularly handy when your business deals with many customers or clients who generally need shorter-term work. Effective job tracking typically also includes accurate job costing functionality for construction companies.

We assess several things when calculating a product’s job tracking score:

• Its project-based tracking for multiple projects per day/week/etc.
• Its ability to track multiple / many projects simultaneously.
• Its use of (and your ability to customize) construction cost codes.
• Any built-in job costing views.
• Any integrations for cost coding (QuickBooks etc.)

Integrations

No business can operate on a single app, which is why integrations with other apps and tools are such important aspects of modern business software.

To calculate a product’s integration score, we’ll examine:

• How many native integrations (the simplest connection) does it offer?
• How effective and easy-to-use are its integrations with payroll software?
• Does it have robust data import and export features?

Customer Support

Learning how to use a new app can be frustrating, even if it’s meant to be the most user-friendly app around. That’s why great customer support is so essential when considering which time-tracking app to use.

Customer support scores are calculated based on:

• Live support channels available (phone, email, chat, etc.).
• Live support hours (business hours only, 24/7, etc.).
• The strength of the product’s online help center and/or FAQs.
• What other users say about support in online reviews.

Company

A great company with a highly customer-friendly approach can often make up for shortcomings in their software products – at least up to a point.

When assessing this score, we’ll examine:

• Transparency (easy-to-find pricing, etc.)
• Trial period (duration, feature availability, credit card requirements, etc.).
• Subscription flexibility (contracts, required durations, etc.).
• Ease of cancellation or pausing subscriptions.
• Customer perceptions (online product reviews).
• Website (a minor consideration, but great companies tend to have great websites).

Any questions about our scoring system? Have any suggestions on how we could make it even better? Click here to send us your feedback – we’d love to hear from you!

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