BuildWellRFI (request for information)
An RFI, or request for information, is a formal written question from a contractor to the designer or owner to clarify plans, specifications or contract terms.
Drawings and specifications are never perfect. When they conflict, leave something out or don’t fit the conditions in the field, an RFI asks the person responsible for the design to decide, in writing.
A good RFI asks one question, cites the drawing sheet or spec section, explains the problem, and proposes a solution if you have one. Include photos or marked-up drawings. Ask for a response by a date and note what a delay would affect.
Number and log every RFI with the date sent, the date answered and the answer. The log is your record if an answer changes the cost or schedule. An RFI answer isn’t a change order; if it adds work, submit a change order request based on it.
During bidding, RFIs are how bidders clarify the scope. Answers usually come back as addenda that become part of the bid documents.
On small residential jobs the process is informal, but the habit still pays: put questions to the client or designer in writing and keep their answers in the job file.
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