What Is RFI in Construction?

An RFI in construction, short for request for information in construction, is a document seeking clarification on information gaps in construction documents.

It helps to avoid project delays and future problems by addressing any information gaps that may be found in blueprints, contracts, or other documents.

The solicitation document can be written by a general contractor or subcontractor and submitted to the client or designer for clarification.

An RFI in construction can be submitted during bidding, allowing a contractor to seek clarifications for a clearer project understanding and to refine their bid.

However, it is often submitted by a contractor or subcontractor during construction to ask the architect or engineer to clarify a drawing or specification.

A contractor or supplier may submit an RFI to clarify materials, capture the project owner’s vision, or suggest changes in components.

The recipient of the RFI should give prompt and detailed answers to the request for information to help the project team stay on schedule and within budget.

Types of RFI in construction

1. Incomplete plans or specs: Sent to point out mistakes in the plans and specifications.

2. Material change: Sent to request a change of material from what is specified in the documents.

3. Site conditions: Sent to point out a discrepancy between the description of site conditions in the documents and the actual site settings.

4. Utility conflict: Sent when utility lines impede construction work as originally planned.

5. Design coordination: Sent to organize, communicate, and coordinate the design and related documents among members of the project team.

6. Construction coordination: Sent to request organization and coordination of construction-related procedures, schedules, and safety items.

7. Constructability issues: Sent when the construction document proposes something the contractor deems to be impracticable.

8. Change in method or process: Sent when the contractor wants to change a specified building or installation technique.

9. Value engineering: Sent to request changes to cut cost, enhance quality, and improve efficiency.

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10. Timing and phasing: Sent when the builder needs to change the order of construction activities due to resource or labor limitations.

11. Design change: Sent to request a revision of the design to facilitate construction or to correct a construction mistake.

12. Design clarification: Sent to seek more information about the design to better understand its particulars and how they relate to the project.

13. Deleted scope: Sent when seeking to remove work from the project.

Other types of RFI that may arise in the course of a project include those relating to certifications and inspections, warranties, penalties, and non-design documents.

How to write an RFI

A construction RFI should be written in simple and clear language that allows the recipient to respond as quickly as possible.

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It should adopt the standard format and ask questions in clear language while giving contextual facts about the issues raised, including images of the same.

Generally, a good RFI in construction should include the following details:

• The name of the project and the address.
• RFI number in chronological order for the project.
• RFI title and a brief description.
• Date of submission and the deadline for the reply.
• Description of the RFI – starting with the question. It should also include a reference to the relevant drawing, plan, or specification.
• Name, title, company, and contact details for the recipient.
• Space for the answer and date of reply.
• Description of add-ons such as images, invoices, etc.
• Description of charges in costs, etc., where necessary.

Always remember to write clearly and concisely.

It helps to adopt a respectful and neutral tone to avoid creating the impression of trying to make the architect or engineer look incompetent.

Do not express your opinion. Just ask and wait for the answer.

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