Guides / Renovation · Published 2026-10-28

Hold the final payment until the punch list is done

Never make the last payment before the punch list.

The final payment is your leverage. Keep one (often around 10%) due only at completion, and write down what complete means: final inspection passed and every punch-list item fixed. Walk the house in daylight, run every tap, switch and appliance, and collect warranties, manuals and paint codes before you pay. Where your state uses them, ask for lien waivers too.

Hold the final payment until the punch list is done, drawing
Hold the final payment until the punch list is done, cheat sheet

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