What is the term for the formal listing of items or issues that need resolution before a project can be considered complete?

The term that refers to a formal listing of items or issues that need resolution before a project can be considered complete is known as a punch list. A punch list generally includes tasks, repairs, or deficiencies that must be addressed so that the project can be accepted by the client or deemed finished. This list serves as an essential tool for project management, making sure that all elements have been completed to satisfaction and that the project meets the standards set out in the specifications.

While a task list may outline all tasks needed to achieve project goals, it is not exclusively focused on what requires resolution at the end of a project. An action plan might provide a strategy for how to execute tasks but does not necessarily highlight outstanding issues that need fixing before completion. Likewise, a completion checklist typically includes items verifying completion but does not explicitly denote unresolved aspects needing attention prior to accepting the project as complete. The punch list’s focused nature on final corrections makes it a critical component in the project closure process.