> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.surfaice.pro/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Construction & closeout

> Track permits, schedule variance, change orders, RFIs, and punch-list closeout for retail buildouts.

Construction program teams use Surfaice to stay ahead of **jurisdictional risk, budget drift, and closeout delays** — especially when data lives across Procore, Smartsheet, email, and shared drives.

**Hugo** is the in-app agent. An **AHJ** is an authority having jurisdiction (the city or county that issues permits). An **RFI** is a request for information between the GC (general contractor) and the design/owner team. **Sitefolio** is a construction project tracker some retailers use. New here? Start with [What is Surfaice?](/concepts/what-is-surfaice).

## Permits and jurisdictional risk

Retail buildouts cross many AHJs. Surfaice helps:

* Track permit submission and approval status by project
* Surface projects stuck in review or missing submittals
* Route permit-related email to the right PM or expeditor

Connect Procore, Smartsheet, or document folders so Hugo can answer "where is this permit?" without a manual status meeting.

## Schedule and trade coordination

| Use               | Example                                      |
| ----------------- | -------------------------------------------- |
| Schedule variance | Identify trades driving slippage vs baseline |
| RFI follow-up     | Summarize open RFIs and aging responses      |
| GC accountability | Compare milestone updates across the program |

## Change orders and budget

Before approving a change order:

* Model budget impact against the current GMP or allowance
* Compare pricing to similar line items on prior projects (when historical data is available)
* Flag scope that should have been in base bid

Treat outputs as decision support — final approval stays with your PM and finance team.

## Punch list and store opening

Closeout workflows:

1. Generate punch items from site photos or walk notes (when the skill is enabled)
2. Track open vs completed items by store
3. Tie punch status to [opening readiness](/use-cases/operations) checklists

### Punch walk App (field use)

Where the punch walk App is enabled, field teams should:

* Confirm **store number** and **contacts** on the start card against your system of record (for example Sitefolio, a construction project tracker) before the walk
* Choose **inspect all sections in order** when you want Hugo to advance automatically — you should not have to say "open next section" after every category
* Use **checklist widgets** for compliance questions (fire suppression, alarm, certificate of occupancy) instead of typing long answers — especially on iPad
* **Verify the active section** before logging a deficiency — voice or freeform text can land items in the wrong trade (GC vs installer)
* Expect **30 seconds to a few minutes** for heavy voice or inventory steps; narrow scope if the site is large

Report the generated punch PDF to your program standards (trade grouping, contact blocks, page layout) before distribution.

## Example prompts

```
Which 2026 new stores have electrical permits still pending submission?

Summarize open change orders for Project Riverside and total pending dollar exposure.

Create a punch list summary from these site photos grouped by trade.
```

## Related skills

| Skill                        | Use when                            |
| ---------------------------- | ----------------------------------- |
| `permits`, `permits-delayed` | Permit status and delays            |
| `projects-behind-schedule`   | Schedule slippage                   |
| `change-orders`              | In-flight CO tracking (GC programs) |
| `punch-list-status`          | Opening punch completion            |
| `closeout`                   | Post-opening closeout package       |

Punch walk is an **App** — see [Apps & automations](/skills/apps-and-automations).

Full catalog: [Store development skills](/skills/store-development) · [Estimating skills](/skills/estimating-and-bids)

## Related

* [Store development](/use-cases/store-development)
* [Operations](/use-cases/operations)
* Marketing: [Punch List](https://www.surfaice.pro/agent/punch-list) · [Schedule Tracker](https://www.surfaice.pro/agent/schedule-tracker)