Learn how to use Raken for punch lists and protect your business from disputes with a documented paper trail for quality control.
Checklist and observations
While not a traditional punch list, you can use a combination of Raken's standardized checklists and observations to identify and correct issues either at the end of a project or throughout the build stage.
Step 1: Use checklists as a“search” tool
Utilize checklists to systematically inspect a room, floor, or a specific trade’s work. Easily customize one of our pre-built checklist templates or build your own from scratch to meet your project’s needs.
Step 2: Report observations as “punches”
When a checklist item fails, you can immediately create an observation as a part of the checklist workflow. Document exactly what’s wrong, add photos with markup, assign the right team members or subcontractors for resolution, and set a deadline.
You can assign multiple stakeholders to a single observation and designate the workflow for repairs that require several parties to tackle different steps.
Here’s an example of the info that can be included:
Description: Add a quick note ("Scuff mark on north wall needs touch-up")
Photos & Markups: Take a photo and use the markup tool to circle the problem
Assignee: Tag the specific stakeholders responsible for the fix
Due Date: Set a deadline for the repair
Pro tip: Use the voice-to-text feature in our mobile app to dictate punch items fast.
Step 3: Manage "punches" via the observations dashboard
As your field team completes checklists, the office gets a real-time view of all open observations as an active punch list.
Filter your dashboard to view only open observations. When subcontractors fix issues, they can upload photo proof of completion, and you can close the observation to remove it from your list.
Why should I use this method?
Using checklists and observations in Raken is faster and more organized than pen and paper or individual PDFS. You gain:
Real-time tracking - See punch list items as soon as they're submitted, no waiting for emails or text messages
Accountability - Because you can assign observations to specific people, there’s less confusion and no "I didn't know that was my job" excuse
Automatic reporting - At the end of each day, all checklists and observations are automatically compiled into your daily report, creating a permanent paper trail of the quality control process
Forms and tasks
If your team prefers the look and feel of a traditional document, digitize your existing punch list PDF and use Raken to manage the workflow.
Step 1: Upload your fillable form
Instead of using the checklist builder, upload your company’s specific punch list PDF into our forms tool.
Raken automatically turns it into a digital fillable form that can be completed on web or mobile. Your team can add text responses, check boxes, and sign it directly from the field on a tablet or phone.
Step 2: Assign the form as a task
Once the form is in the system, you can assign it as a task—there’s no guesswork who’s responsible to complete it.
As an example, you can:
Use the tasks feature to assign the "Final Room 302 Punch" to a specific superintendent, who gets automatically notified
Set a due date and automated reminders
Check your tasks dashboard to monitor whether that specific punch list has been started, is in progress, or is finished
Best of both worlds
Combine the methods above for the biggest punch list impact:
Use checklists and observations to prevent quality issues early
Use a digital form as the "Final Project Acceptance" to get that official signature from the client that the job is 100% complete
With these easy-to-use features, Raken helps you better manage quality control throughout your entire project. Keep workers accountable and prevent disputes with standardized inspections, real-time observations, and digital forms.
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