Abstract:
A method for establishing a construction punch list system for managing and inspecting a construction project is disclosed. Plan data, of a construction project, is provided from a database in a central server to sub-contractors having field operable graphical touchscreen devices. A touchscreen device is used to display a selected plan. Using the touchscreen device, color-coded or shape-coated construction deficiency data, in relation to the selected plan, is entered in graphical and textual form. The construction deficiency data is communicated to the central server. From the construction deficiency data, a construction punch list is generated in graphical or tabular form. The construction deficiency data from the server is distributed to at least one sub-contractor, indicating needed fixes. The needed fixes are fixed, then the construction deficiency data is updated to reflect fixes. The updated construction deficiency data is accessed for inspecting and supervising the construction project.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/482,798, filed May 29, 2012 which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/434,162, filed May 1, 2009 which claims priority from provisional application Ser. No. 61/049,659, filed May 1, 2008. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to tracking task completion within the construction industry and associated trades, and more particularly, to a system and method of electronically preparing and maintaining punch lists for the completion of building projects. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    In the U.S. construction industry, contractual agreements are written to allow an owner of a building to withhold final payment from a general contractor until a construction project is satisfactorily completed. The contractor is thus contractually bound to complete a punch list of uncompleted or improperly completed construction items. A punch list is a checklist of all construction deficiencies such as items that are incomplete, improperly completed, neglected, or require replacement or fixing. Punch lists have long been used on commercial projects and are frequently being used in residential construction as well. The punch list is thus, generally, a list of tasks or to-do items used to organize completion of a construction project. 
         [0004]    For homes built on speculation (i.e., “spec homes”), a construction superintendant generally creates a punch list near the end of a project. For a contracted home, the owner or the owner&#39;s agent (e.g., a designer such as a licensed architect or professional engineer) creates the punch list. The contractor uses the list to make his or her own inspection. The contractor then signs the list thus creating a binding contract to fix all items on the list. In order to make an accurate punch list, the person performing the inspection (i.e., the “inspector” of the project) must be familiar with the plans and specifications of the project. 
         [0005]    Once a construction project is substantially complete (i.e., the project is at a point where all sub-contractors believe they have completed their respective tasks), the owner or owner&#39;s agent verifies that all contractual work has complied with the design or specifications by performing a walk-through of the project. The punch list is developed consisting of uncompleted or unsatisfactory work items (i.e., reasonable construction deficiencies such as flaws). 
         [0006]    Once punch list items are agreed upon, the general contractor directs the appropriate sub-contractor to make necessary adjustments or repairs. Once all of the list items are properly addressed, the creator of the punch list checks that all items have been satisfactorily completed. Final contractor payment is generally made when each item on the punch list is addressed to meet the project design required by the owner&#39;s contract. Examples of punch list items include damaged building components, incomplete or improperly installed components, or problems with the final installation of building materials. 
         [0007]    One type of existing punch list contains a number of columns including an item list, a punch or new list, a sub-contractor list, and a date of inspection list. The punch list can take many different forms. Frequently, the punch list is a hand-written document where the inspector simply fills in each of the appropriate columns during the inspection and assigns a sequential number to each deficiency item. Typically and additionally, a paper copy of the associated floor plan is marked at the location of the deficiency with the corresponding number of each deficiency item. 
         [0008]    After the item list is completed identifying each construction deficiency, brightly-colored self-adhesive paper dots are typically placed on or near each item to be repaired, replaced, or modified in some way. The sub-contractor responsible for each deficiency, identified from the sub-contractor list, is given a separately compiled list showing only items for a particular sub-contractor and a photocopy of the marked up floor plan. Once the sub-contractor has corrected the deficiency, the inspector will re-inspect and, if the deficiency is properly corrected, sign-off each item in an approval column. 
         [0009]    However, each generation of the list (e.g., original list production, sorting out separate lists for each of the sub-contractors, recompiling lists with non-conforming items, etc.) is time-consuming and laborious. Additionally, the item list may contain cryptic descriptions of problems or the hand-written notes are difficult to decipher. Therefore, what is needed is a simple way to enter all construction deficiencies, sort by contractor, provide for non-ambiguous descriptions and efficiently distribute deficiency information to the various parties for correction. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    In an embodiment, a method for establishing a construction punch list system for managing and inspecting a construction project of the type having a set of plans, a contractor, sub-contractors and at least one inspector is disclosed. The method comprises providing plan data of a construction project from a database in a central server. The plan data is provided to subcontractors having field operable graphical touchscreen devices. 
         [0011]    Using a touchscreen device, a selected plan is displayed. Using the touchscreen device, color-coded or shape-coded construction deficiency is entered. The color-coded or shape-coded construction deficiency data is in relation to the selected plan. The construction deficiency data is entered in graphical and textual form. 
         [0012]    The construction deficiency data is communicated to the central server. A construction punch list is generated. The construction punch list is generated from the construction deficiency data. The construction punch list is in graphical or tabular form. 
         [0013]    Construction deficiency data is distributed to at least one subcontractor. The construction deficiency data is from the server. The construction deficiency data indicates needed fixes. 
         [0014]    The needed fixes are fixed. After the needed fixes are fixed, the construction deficiency data is updated to reflect fixes. The updated construction deficiency data is accessed, for inspecting and supervising the construction project. 
         [0015]    A graphical representation of a construction plan, from the plan data, may be displayed on a touchscreen device. Using the touchscreen device, a construction deficiency symbol may be positioned on the graphical representation of the construction plan. The color-coded or shape-coded deficiency data may establish the color or shape of the construction deficiency symbol. 
         [0016]    In another embodiment, a construction punch list system is disclosed. The system comprises a server containing a database of contractor plans for a construction project. The server further contains construction deficiency data related to the database of contractor plans. 
         [0017]    Display devices are configured to graphically display contractor plans from the database. The plans are graphically displayed on an interactive touchscreen. 
         [0018]    There is a means for entering construction deficiency data on the graphically displayed plan. The means for entering construction deficiency data includes a graphical identifier unique to a category of punch items. The means for entering construction deficiency data uses the touchscreen. 
         [0019]    A network links the plurality of display devices to the server. 
         [0020]    There is a means for distributing construction deficiency data. The construction deficiency data is distributed to selected users of display devices. 
         [0021]    There is a means for updating the construction deficiency data. The server and the plurality of display devices are cooperatively configured to indicate a construction punch list of punch items. The server and the plurality of display devices are further cooperatively configured to indicate corresponding fixes. The construction punch list of punch items and corresponding fixes are in graphical or tabular form. The construction punch list of punch items and corresponding fixes is from the updated construction deficiency data. 
         [0022]    The means for entering construction deficiency data with a graphical identifier may be a construction deficiency symbol. The construction deficiency symbol may be positionable on the graphically displayed plan by using the touchscreen. There may be a menu of construction deficiency data choices. 
         [0023]    In another embodiment, a method of generating and using a construction punch list for inspecting and managing a construction project is disclosed. The method comprises displaying a selected plan on a portable touchscreen device. The selected plan is from a database of construction plans in a networked server. 
         [0024]    Using the portable touchscreen device, construction deficiency symbols are positioned. The construction deficiency symbols are positioned on at least one displayed selected plan. Each construction deficiency symbol indicates a construction deficiency at a corresponding location on the construction site. 
         [0025]    On the portable touchscreen device, construction deficiency data is entered. The construction deficiency data is associated with each construction deficiency symbol. 
         [0026]    At the networked server, the construction deficiency data is updated. 
         [0027]    A construction punch list is generated from the construction deficiency data. The construction punch list is distributed. 
         [0028]    When a construction deficiency has been remedied, construction deficiency data is entered indicating a punch list item is completed. 
         [0029]    Updating the construction deficiency data at the networked server may comprise updating the construction deficiency data at the server via manual entry. Updating the construction deficiency data at the server via manual entry may be from a portable touchscreen device, in an on-line mode. 
         [0030]    A local version of the construction deficiency data in the portable touchscreen device may be updated when the portable touchscreen device is in a stand-alone mode. The construction deficiency data at the networked server and the local version of the construction deficiency data in the portable touchscreen device may be updated by data comparison. The updating by data comparison may be done when synchronizing. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0031]    The appended drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and must not be considered as limiting its scope. 
           [0032]      FIG. 1  is an exemplary screen shot in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention that shows a floor plan of a condominium unit to be inspected. 
           [0033]      FIG. 2  is an exemplary screen shot describing how the floor plan of  FIG. 1  may be uploaded and defined. 
           [0034]      FIG. 3  is an exemplary pull-down menu in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 4  is an exemplary graphical floor plan report created for a specific sub-contractor. 
           [0036]      FIG. 5  is an exemplary tabular listing of all open punch list items present for an entire unit. 
           [0037]      FIG. 6  is a construction punch list system diagram. 
           [0038]      FIG. 7  is a construction plan displayed on a touchscreen device. 
           [0039]      FIG. 8  is a flow diagram for establishing and using a construction punch list system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0040]    “Punch on the Plan” is a name for a method and system for touchscreen entry of construction punch list items directly on a plan view. An embodiment may be seen at http://www.punchlist.net/index.cfm. While existing punch list systems manage punch lists on a handheld computer, the method and system disclosed herein displays a view of a construction plan on a touchscreen device, for direct placing of construction deficiency symbols on the displayed plan. Construction deficiency data associated with each construction deficiency symbol is entered on the touchscreen device. A centralized server and the touchscreen devices cooperate to update the construction deficiency data and generate construction punch lists. 
         [0041]    A system and method for establishing, managing and using a construction punch list are herein described. Construction plans, including floorplans, electrical and plans and plumbing plans are available, and construction is under way at a construction site. Construction deficiencies are being noted by various personnel associated with the construction project, using the system and method. 
         [0042]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary screen shot  100  of a floor plan of a condominium unit may be displayed, using the method and system, on a laptop computer (i.e., a notebook computer), a tablet-type personal computer (i.e., a tablet PC), a personal data assistant, or any number of electronic devices capable of storing and retrieving electronic data. Although the exemplary screen shot  100  depicts a layout of a condominium, a person of skill in the art will recognize that the present invention described herein may be used on any type of construction: industrial, residential, and commercial. 
         [0043]    Various types of data entry systems can be used depending upon the type of electronic device employed. For example, a laptop computer user may enter data with a keyboard and a mouse. A tablet PC user may enter data exclusively via pull-down menus on a touch-screen. Also, hybrid systems employing both a touch-sensitive screen and a mouse/keyboard or stylus system may be used. In many applications where a person is performing a walk-through and developing a punch list, a tablet PC or other device with a touch-sensitive screen may be desirable to simplify operations described herein. For brevity of notation, the term “inspector” shall be used in the following descriptions to identify anyone preparing a punch list. 
         [0044]    Two main sections of the exemplary screen shot  100  include an object list  101  and a graphical display area  103 . The object list  101  is arranged for a particular project type and may include building addresses, building floors, building sections, or any other characterization appropriate for a given project. 
         [0045]    For the exemplary screen shot  100  of a condominium complex, the object list  101  has, for example, either a pull-down listing or a scrollable tabular list and includes a building floor number  105  and a particular unit number  107  located on the selected floor. The object list  101  allows a large number of punch lists to be stored and quickly and readily located on an associated database (not shown). In one embodiment, the database may be located on the laptop or tablet PC. In another embodiment, the database is located on a remote centralized computer and accessed by the laptop or tablet PC through, for example, the Internet. 
         [0046]    A plan view soft-button  109  and a list view soft-button  111  allow for a user to view either the floor plan, as shown, or a punch list view (not shown) in the graphical display area  103 . A reports soft-button  113  allows a user to generate specific types of reports, explained in detail below with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , below. 
         [0047]    Each construction deficiency is indicated by a dot  115  and an associated dot number  117 . Entry of data related to each dot  115  is discussed in detail below with reference to  FIG. 3 . 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a layout definition screen shot  250  provides a simplified input screen for uploading graphics such as floor plans. 
         [0049]    Once the one or more floor plans have been uploaded, a user may readily apply and define specific sections of each plan using tools in a control area  251 . Effects from the use of the tools are seen directly in a drawing area  253 . For example, a particular plan is selected via a plan selection soft-button  255 . A selection tool  257  allows a user to select either a rectangle or polygon tool to drag and drop a defining area on the plan. 
         [0050]    For example,  FIG. 2  shows a rectangular selection tool applied to a kitchen area. A cursor  259  drags a corner until the rectangle fills the kitchen area. In one embodiment, a dialog box opens for the user to enter a room name. In another embodiment, a separate title block (not shown) may be included in the control area  251 . In still another embodiment, the uploaded floor plan already contains room name information. Implementation for each of these and related embodiments is known to a skilled artisan. 
         [0051]    With reference now to  FIG. 3 , an exemplary pull-down entry screen  300  provides consistent entries from one inspector to another. A touch-screen sensitive device allows all inspectors to simply choose from a plurality of pull-down menus to enter all required data. Thus, data entry, and hence punch list development, is a simple and rapid process. 
         [0052]    The pull-down entry screen  300  has a group of primary selection tools including a space soft-button  301 , a dot number soft-button  303 , a location soft-button  305 , a trade soft-button  307 , and a description soft-button  309 . The user selects the space soft-button  301  for each room inspected such as the living room (“LR”). The dot number soft-button  305  is automatically incremented or decremented from a prior number value by simply selecting the “up” or “down” soft-keys  315  to the right. The inspector may purposely decrement the dot number soft-button  303  to go back and either verify or edit any prior entries. 
         [0053]    The location soft-button  305  indicates precisely where a given construction deficiency exists. For example, a painting flaw may be located on the wall or ceiling. A missing electrical outlet may need to be added on the wall or the floor (e.g., a floor box for a lamp). The trade soft-button  307  allows a selection of which specific type of sub-contractor (e.g., plumbing, electrical, painting, etc.) is responsible to rectify the deficiency. The inspector may simply enter “General Contractor” if specifying a particular trade is ambiguous (e.g., whether caulking around a shower stall is performed by the plumbing or painting contractor since such decisions may vary in different geographical regions). As will be apparent to a skilled artisan, the trade soft-button  307  may alternatively display a list of sub-contractors if such sub-contractors are readily associated with a given trade. After the responsible trade is selected, a set of descriptors specific to that trade is available in the description soft-button  309 . The inspector simply selects the appropriate descriptor from a pull-down menu to describe the deficiency. 
         [0054]    In addition to the primary selection tools, an optional set of tools include, inter alia, a sub-contractor soft-button  311  to select a sub-contractor by company name and a comments soft-button  313 . Notes may be entered after selecting the comments soft-button  313  by, for example, a stylus if the inspector is using a tablet PC without a keyboard. However, since most descriptions necessary to correct a construction deficiency are available via the description soft-button  309 , the comments soft-button  313  may be used infrequently except where specific directions or other information should be provided (e.g., an indication that a back charge will be made if the sub-contractor fails to correct a deficiency by a certain date). 
         [0055]    Turning now to  FIG. 4 , an exemplary graphical floor plan report  400  for a finish carpenter indicates each dot  115  associated with a deficiency for only a specific trade. The exemplary graphical floor plan report  400  includes a text section  401  indicating details associated with each dot  115 . Alternatively, reports showing deficiencies for all trades in a specific room (not shown) may be posted on the entry to each room of a floor plan. Additionally, a master report may be developed for the homeowner, owner&#39;s agent, general contractor, or architect detailing all deficiencies in a graphical form with complete detail for each deficiency. 
         [0056]    In another exemplary embodiment, a tabular report  500  ( FIG. 5 ) may be generated for each unit, floor, room, or trade. The tabular report  500  may include primary information such as a dot number reference  501 , a unit or floor number reference  503 , a room or area specific reference  505  with location information  507 , and a task description column  509 . The tabular report  500  may also include a sub-contractor column  511 , a due date column  513 , and a status column  515  indicating whether the deficiency item is still open or now closed. Prior to changing an “open” status to closed, the inspector must approve the change in an initial column  517 . In one embodiment, the status column  515  may only be changed once the inspector “signs” the initial column  517  with an electronic signature (e.g., by entry of a code). In other embodiments, the status column  515  is changed simply by a drop-down menu (not shown). 
         [0057]    The system and method for managing punch lists described herein provides a number of features and benefits that are likely now recognizable to a skilled artisan. For the sub-contractor, the features and benefits include ease-of-understanding of the punch list through consistent “pull-down” floor plans, descriptors, and graphical indications through the use of dots to show exactly where a problem is located. For the inspector, re-inspections are simplified through by using same process used to develop the punch list. Multiple inspectors can use the same punch list concurrently in different parts of the project. Owner&#39;s representatives, architects, and general contractors can view open punches thus eliminating duplicate efforts. Further, a master list containing all punch lists for a particular projects or series of projects may reside in one location and can be readily accessed by any number of construction personnel. 
         [0058]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , an embodiment of a construction punch list system  600  has a server  602  containing a database  604  of contractor plans  606  for a construction project. The server  602  further contains construction deficiency data  608 . The server  602  may be in communication with touchscreen  616  and  618  equipped display devices  610 ,  612  and  614 , operating in on-line mode  620  or stand-alone mode  622  and  624 . A client  626  or owner, along with a general contractor  628 , one or more inspectors  630 , sub-contractors  632 ,  634  and  636 , an architect (not shown), members of a construction management firm (not shown) or other personnel may be noting  638  construction deficiencies. As these construction deficiencies are reported  640  through the system  600 , construction deficiency data  608  is updated. Upon request, a construction punch list  642  may be sent through fax or e-mail  644 . A construction punch list  642  may be used by personnel to guide work to correct a construction deficiency. This process may be iterated until construction punch list entries  646  are cleared. 
         [0059]    Additional information may be input to and reside on the server  602 , such as workflows  648 , warranty repair items  650 , complaints  652 , inspection checklists  654 , materials delivery checklists  656 , materials missing  658 , materials on order  660 , contractor data  662 , schedules  664 , work done  670 , problems  672  and so on. Data may reside in a single database, separate databases, combined data, data associated with databases, mixed data, distributed data and other forms known in the art. 
         [0060]    At the construction site, during construction or inspection, punch items for construction deficiencies may be entered by one or more initiating parties. Initiating parties are typically the general contractor, architect and owner via a construction management firm. 
         [0061]    A display device with an interactive touchscreen affords portability and mobility. As shown in  FIG. 6 , a display device  610  may have a connection to the server, such as an Internet connection  674 , a wireless network connection (not shown), a wired connection (not shown), a virtual private network connection (not shown) or other connection known in the art. Each display device  610  and  612  has a display  616  and  618 , which may be a touch screen. Each display device  610  and  612  has an entry device  676  and  678 , which may be a portion of the touchscreen, a keyboard, a touch pad, a mouse or other entry device known in the art. 
         [0062]    A display device  610  operating in on-line mode  620  may be used for entering construction deficiency data  608  directly to the server  602 , using the entry device  676  and via the connection  674  to the server. In on-line mode  620 , the display device  610  displays a selected plan  680  from the database  604 , residing on the server  602 , of contractor plans  606  for the construction project. 
         [0063]    A display device  612  operating in stand-alone mode  622  may have, in addition to the display  618  and the entry device  678 , a local version  682  of the construction deficiency data  608  and an update device  684 . Alternatively, the update device  684  may be present in the server. The entry device  678  may be used for entering construction deficiency data to the local version  682  of the construction deficiency data  608 . When the display device  612  is connected to the server  602 , such as by an Internet connection  674 , a wireless network connection, a wired connection or other connection known in the art, the update device  684  updates the construction deficiency data  608  at the server  602  and the local version  682  of the construction deficiency data by using data comp arison. 
         [0064]    Updating by data comparison involves a connection  674  between a server  602  and a display device  612  with a local version  682 . By contrast, updating by manual entry involves entering data directly to a server database to update the database, or entering data directly to a local version  682  of data, to update that local version  682 . 
         [0065]    In one embodiment, updating by using data comparison is performed by following a synchronization procedure. An inspector has a portable display device intended for operation in stand-alone mode at a construction site. The inspector synchronizes the local version of the construction deficiency data in the display device to the construction deficiency data at the server, before leaving an office where there is an Internet connection. Which record is the most recent is determined by comparing data on a record by record basis. Newer field unit records are uploaded and newer server records are downloaded. Upon completion of the synchronizing, both the server and the display device have the most recent records in the database. After inspection and the field, the inspector returns to a location with Internet access and synchronizes again. The server maintains revision dates and the master version of the records. 
         [0066]    Upon request, the server may generate or produce  686  a construction punch list  642 , based upon construction deficiency data associated with a construction plan. Further, a display device may produce  688  the construction punch list  642 . Still further, the server and a display device may cooperatively produce  686  and  688  a construction punch list  642 . The construction punch list may be in graphical form  690 , tabular form  692 , or a combination  690  and  692  of graphical and tabular forms. The construction punch list  642  may be printed or sent by fax or e-mail  644  or other connection or communication means. 
         [0067]    In an embodiment, FinishLine software operates, in the field, for inspection, on any touch screen tablet PC running Windows XP tablet or Vista Business or Ultimate and a standard browser. In a further embodiment, the system works for reporting or off-site data entry on any PC or Mac running standard browser software. 
         [0068]    In an embodiment, a construction plan is input as a .PDF file and converted to a Flash .swf file. FinishLine software is used for viewing the files. FinishLine software is programmed in Flex, an interactive programming environment that may produce a Flash movie or an interactive multi-media environment. The Flash movie or interactive multi-media environment is viewable on a browser. 
         [0069]    With reference to  FIG. 7 , a construction plan  702  is shown as displayed on a touchscreen device  704 . The construction plan  702  is displayed in a graphical representation of a contractor plan for a construction project from a database of contractor plans. From the object list  706 , a building floor number  708  or a particular unit number  720  is selected, as similarly and previously described with reference to  FIG. 1 . Zoom  710  and pan control  712  allow selecting an area within a floor or room displayed, for viewing in greater detail. Zooming provides a magnified view. Panning provides moving the magnified, displayed area to view a new area or region in an area. Construction deficiency symbols  714 ,  716  and  718 , each numbered and of various shapes or colors, are shown placed on the construction plan as displayed. 
         [0070]    In an embodiment, each construction deficiency symbol has an appearance unique to a category of punch items. For example, a construction deficiency symbol may have a different color for each trade type or sub-contractor. A construction deficiency symbol may have a different shape for each trade type or sub-contractor. A construction deficiency symbol may have a dot number. In this manner, the construction deficiency symbols are shape-coded or color-coded or numbered, or a combination thereof. 
         [0071]    With reference back to  FIG. 3 , a pulldown menu, entitled add new punch  317 , allows entering construction deficiency data. Space  319 , dot # 321 , due date (not shown, underneath the description drop-down list), location  323 , trade  325 , description  327 , work order type  329 , sub-contractor  311 , comments  313  or other data may be added to describe a construction deficiency as marked by a construction deficiency symbol. Details may be requested by clicking on the details soft-button  331 . The new construction deficiency data may be saved by clicking the save soft-button  333  or the save &amp; exit soft-button (not shown, proximate to the save soft-button). Data entry may be canceled by clicking the cancel soft-button  335 . The construction deficiency data may be deleted by clicking the delete soft-button (not shown, proximate to the save soft-button). Clicking on the complete soft-button (not shown, proximate to the save soft-button) completes the task, marks the task as complete in the construction deficiency data and any construction punch list referencing that completed task, and removes the construction deficiency symbol. 
         [0072]    Clearing, approving or completing a punch list item are equivalent actions. Completing an item changes the status of the item from open to complete, while information about the item remains in the database. In contrast, deleting the item removes data about the item from the database, for example if the data about the item had been put into the database in error. 
         [0073]    When the status of an item is open, the item is still shown on the plan view. Status is user definable, and the user may define what status indicates an item is no longer open. Example open states include on order, pending approval, or states other than defined as not open. 
         [0074]    In an embodiment, each of the general contractor, architect or developer logs into the system as a different inspection party. Punches created by each party are in a different color or shape. An inspection group may not alter or delete items originating from another group. 
         [0075]    With reference back to  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 , a construction punch list may be generated, showing construction deficiency data in graphical  400  or tabular  500  form. Although  FIG. 4  shows construction deficiency data in graphical  400  and tabular  401  form, in an embodiment construction deficiency data may be presented on a construction punch list solely in graphical form, solely in tabular form  500  or in combined graphical and tabular form. A report, having a construction punch list, may be printed, faxed or e-mailed for distribution, or transferred as a file. The construction punch list may list all punch items, or may be specific to a sub-contractor, a trade, a room, a floor or another category of punch items. 
         [0076]    With reference to  FIG. 8 , a flow diagram shows establishing and using a construction punch list system  800 . For each touchscreen tablet making use of the system, get plans from the server to the touchscreen tablet  802 . Getting plans from the server to the touchscreen tablet may involve formatting the construction plans and sending them over the Internet for viewing on a display device, in on-line mode. Getting plans from the server to the touchscreen tablet may involve connecting to the server and making a local version of the construction plans for use on the touchscreen tablet in stand-alone mode. 
         [0077]    Viewing a selected plan on the touchscreen  804  may involve selecting a plan and displaying the selected plan on a display device, for viewing. Selecting and displaying may take place using a plan from the server in on-line mode or using a plan from the server as a local version in stand-alone mode. 
         [0078]    Point and tap tablet  806  to select a position for a construction deficiency symbol. The symbol is placed at the location pointed to, relative to the construction plan being displayed, and carries the attributes entered. The construction deficiency symbol indicates a construction deficiency at a corresponding location on the construction site. 
         [0079]    Enter construction deficiency data on a form  808  in order to describe the construction deficiency observed at the location indicated by the construction deficiency symbol. A pop up form, a drop-down menu or other form may be used. Entering along with other construction deficiency data a specific sub-contractor assigns a color or shape coding to the construction deficiency symbol. In this manner, the sub-contractor responsible for fixing the construction deficiency is identified by a color or shape coding of the construction deficiency symbol. The construction deficiency symbol may have a color or shape specific to a category of construction deficiency other than the trade or sub-contractor responsible for remedying the construction deficiency. Multiple arrows  810 ,  812  and  814  on the flow diagram denote construction deficiency data and color codings associated with multiple-sub-contractors  816 , which may be entered by multiple personnel using multiple display devices or by a single inspector identifying multiple sub-contractors. 
         [0080]    Transform construction deficiency data to a construction punch list  818 . As previously discussed, with reference to  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 , may be prepared in graphical form, tabular form or a combination of graphical form and tabular form. A punch list may be prepared as part of a report for a specific trade, for a specific room, for an entire floor, for a portion of the deficiencies or the entirety of the deficiencies and other combinations and subsets. Transforming construction deficiency data to a construction punch list may involve sorting, formatting, rearranging, forming a subset or other operations known in the art. 
         [0081]    Send construction deficiency data reports to sub-contractors  820 . The sending may be in printed form or in electronic form, as by e-mail, file transfer or fax. 
         [0082]    Fix deficiencies  822 . Using a construction punch list as a guide, the sub-contractor responsible for a punch list item fixes or otherwise remedies the deficiency by making the appropriate repair, installation, change or otherwise performing the indicated task. 
         [0083]    Update construction deficiency data  824 . Construction deficiency data is updated by manual entry, to indicate remedy of a deficiency or clearing of a punch list item upon an inspection. Construction deficiency data is updated by data comparison, to reconcile construction deficiency data at the server with any local version or copy of construction deficiency data. 
         [0084]    Access construction deficiency data on re-inspection or supervision  826 . An inspector or supervisor may need to view, update or otherwise access construction deficiency data in order to add, modify or clear information about a construction deficiency. 
         [0085]    The process may be iterated until all construction deficiencies are cleared. 
         [0086]    The present invention is described above with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident to a skilled artisan that various modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. For example, although described herein with reference to printed punch lists, the punch lists may be sent electronically to each sub-contractor via e-mail. Alternatively, a sub-contractor may log-in to view construction status of the project and when approvals were received. Further, an inspector can either e-mail or upload (e.g., via the Internet or through a connection to a virtual private network) all completed punch lists to the office to be printed in advance of the inspector&#39;s arrival. These and various other embodiments are all within a scope of the present invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.