In construction, RFI stands for Request for Information. It is a formal written document that seeks clarification of plans, drawings, specifications, and agreements. RFIs are used to retrieve information from a design, engineering, or construction professional that wasnt included or was unclear in the scope of the construction contract. RFIs are a fundamental process for the successful delivery of construction projects and are a contractual obligation.

RFIs come into play at various points in the construction process. During bidding, a contractor may submit an RFI to gain a fuller understanding of the project’s details and fine-tune a quote. More commonly, a contractor or subcontractor will submit an RFI while building is underway to ask the designer or engineer to clarify a drawing or specification. The contractor or supplier may also use an RFI to document a concern about the specified materials, seek more information about the owner’s intended use, or recommend a change or substitution of components.

RFIs are extremely common in construction, and numerous RFIs are written and responded to during a complex construction project to keep everything moving along with the proper design, specifications, and materials. According to Navigant Construction, roughly 10 RFIs occur for every $1 million spent on construction.

RFIs may be used for any reason during the initial information-gathering phase of a construction project, before quoting has even commenced, and right up to the final phases of construction, in which contractors and subcontractors may need final queries answered regarding materials, building specifications, and more. RFIs may be commonly used to clarify design coordination, construction coordination, constructability issues, timing and phasing, and other aspects of the project.

In summary, RFIs are a formal written document used in construction to request clarification about documents, drawings, specifications, or other aspects of a project. They are a fundamental process for the successful delivery of construction projects and are a contractual obligation. RFIs are used to retrieve information that wasnt included or was unclear in the scope of the construction contract and are extremely common in construction.