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RFI Form — Request for Information Template for Contractors

Stop guessing when the plans don't have the answer. Document every question and response. A professional Request for Information (RFI) form and tracking log for contractors — submit questions to architects, engineers, and owners with a formal paper trail, required response date, and documented answer. Protect yourself from building to wrong specifications.

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What's Included

  • RFI form: project name, number, date, submitted by, directed to
  • Question/clarification description (specific, clear format)
  • Relevant drawing/spec section reference
  • Required response date (based on schedule impact)
  • Cost impact notice field (flag if delay or response will affect cost)
  • Schedule impact notice field
  • Response section (architect/engineer completes and returns)
  • RFI log/tracker (track all open and closed RFIs by number, status, days open)
  • Overdue RFI escalation notice template
  • Instructions for what questions require an RFI vs. what can be asked verbally

Who This Is For

GCs, project managers, and superintendents on any project involving an architect, engineer, or owner representative. An unanswered question that you guessed at can become a $10,000 rework item or a contract dispute. An RFI creates a paper trail showing you identified the ambiguity, asked the right people, and waited for a documented response before proceeding — or documented that the response was not provided in time.

What Professionals Say

★★★★★

Submitted 47 RFIs on a $2.1M school renovation. When the owner tried to hold us responsible for a $38K ceiling coordination issue, our RFI log showed we asked the question twice and never got a response. We got a change order.

— Jason H., commercial GC
★★★★★

The tracking log alone changed how I manage projects. Seeing 12 open RFIs with responses overdue is a visual that forces the architect to prioritize.

— Rachel C., project manager
★★★★★

I used to just call the architect and write notes on the plans. Now every unclear item gets an RFI. Changed my whole relationship with the design team.

— William K., superintendent

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an RFI in construction?
An RFI (Request for Information) is a formal written question submitted by the contractor to the design team (architect, engineer) or owner when the contract documents (drawings, specifications) are unclear, incomplete, or contradictory. It documents the question, to whom it was directed, when a response is needed, and ultimately the official answer.
When should I use an RFI vs. just calling the architect?
Use an RFI whenever the answer will affect cost, schedule, or scope — or whenever you are making a decision that is not clearly supported by the contract documents. Verbal answers are not binding. An RFI creates a documented, signed response that you can rely on if a dispute arises.
How quickly should an architect respond to an RFI?
Standard contracts (AIA A201) typically require a response within 10 days. Your RFI should always include a required response date that reflects the schedule impact. Track open RFIs daily — a slow response is your justification for a schedule extension or additional cost.

Related Products

Related downloadChange Order FormDocument scope changes that arise from RFI responsesFrom $17Related downloadDaily Construction LogReference RFI numbers in daily logsFrom $17Related download16-Week Master Construction ScheduleTrack RFI response deadlines against the scheduleFrom $17

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