What Is Punch Out Work in Construction?

What does a punch out person do? It sounds like an expert in boxing, but this kind of construction work has to do with fixing last-minute concerns and errors. Punch out work in construction takes place after the job is essentially done, when there still may be small issues to address or requirements to be met.

Punch Out Work Is Quality Control

Punch out work in construction is a quality control job. Any major project in which hundreds of thousands or more has been invested needs quality control. A punch out person, or punch out technician, will start after all the other workers have concluded their jobs.

This means the carpenters, electricians, and painters will all have gone home already. A punch list is created by the customer or the customer's representative. It will include a variety of jobs that need to be done before the project is considered finished. The punch out person will determine what repairs are needed and conduct them.

Punch Out Work Examples

• Carpentry: Trim work and molding can be damaged during construction. If any of it needs repair or replacement, the punch out person will make sure it gets done. Drywall may also need some repair. Hardware that's missing from cabinets and doors should be addressed.
• Electrical: An electrical outlet may not work reliably, or a fixture may need adjusting. Appliances will likely have already been installed, so there may be adjustments to ensure their safe use and reliability.
• Plumbing: Any plumbing problems need to be solved. Given that construction work is very specific about plumbing, issues encountered are typically light work that ensure efficiency and proper operation.
• Painting: This will follow most other repairs, as trim, outlets, fixtures, drywall repair, and other punch out jobs have an effect on paint. Most painting work will be of the touch-up variety, giving the construction project an even and consistent look.

A punch out person may find in the course of their work that another job or two needs doing. As mentioned, some punch out work in construction may create another minor job that isn't on the list. The punch out person is skilled in handling multiple jobs efficiently and quickly so that the project is ready for the customer.