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📋 RFI Generator

Create RFIs that get answered quickly and protect your schedule.

What Makes a Good RFI?​

A well-written RFI:

  • Has a clear, specific question
  • References exact drawings/specs
  • Proposes a solution
  • States the schedule impact
  • Is easy to answer quickly

RFI Structure​

1. Subject Line​

Be specific and searchable:

  • ❌ "Question about plumbing"
  • ✅ "Conflict: 4" waste line at Grid B-3 per P-201"

2. Drawing/Spec Reference​

Always include:

  • Drawing number (P-201, A-301)
  • Detail number (Detail 3)
  • Spec section (Division 22 - Plumbing)
  • Grid lines/room numbers

3. The Question​

One issue per RFI. Be specific:

  • What exactly is unclear?
  • What conflict exists?
  • What information is missing?

4. Suggested Solution​

Make it easy to say "yes":

  • Option A: [Proposed solution]
  • Option B: [Alternative]
  • Recommend: Option A because [reason]

5. Impact Statement​

Create urgency:

  • "Work scheduled to begin [date]"
  • "Response needed by [date] to avoid delay"
  • "X days delay anticipated if not resolved"

RFI Template​

Copy and customize this template:

RFI Number: [Auto-generated or manual]

Date: [Today's date]

Project: [Project name and number]

To: [Architect/Engineer name]

From: [Your company, contact name]

Subject: [Specific, searchable subject]

Drawing/Spec Reference:

  • Drawing: [Number and title]
  • Detail: [Detail number if applicable]
  • Specification: [Section number]
  • Location: [Grid lines, room, floor]

Question: [Clear, specific question — one issue only]

Background: [Brief context if needed — what led to this question]

Suggested Solution:

  • Option A: [Description]
  • Option B: [Description]
  • Other: [Please advise]

Recommendation: Option [A/B] because [brief reason]

Schedule Impact:

  • Work in this area scheduled: [Date]
  • Response needed by: [Date]
  • Potential delay if not resolved: [X days]

Attachments:

  • Marked-up drawing
  • Site photo
  • Product data
  • Other: ___________

Sample RFIs​

Conflict RFI​

Subject: Conflict: HVAC duct and structural beam at Grid C-5

Drawing Reference:

  • Mechanical: M-201, Detail 4
  • Structural: S-102
  • Location: Grid C-5, 2nd floor

Question: The 24"×12" supply duct shown routing east-west at elevation 12'-6" conflicts with the W12×26 beam shown at the same elevation. Please confirm preferred resolution.

Suggested Solution:

  • Option A: Lower duct to 11'-6" (verify ceiling height acceptable)
  • Option B: Route duct south of beam (adds 8 LF)
  • Option C: Provide beam penetration detail

Recommendation: Option A maintains shortest route. Ceiling height would be 9'-6" in corridor, which appears acceptable per A-201.

Schedule Impact:

  • Duct installation scheduled: Next Monday
  • Response needed by: Thursday
  • Delay if unresolved: 3-5 days while crew moves to other areas

Missing Information RFI​

Subject: Missing: Fire rating for door D-215

Drawing Reference:

  • Door schedule: A-801
  • Door location: A-102
  • Specification: Section 08 11 00

Question: Door D-215 is not listed in the door schedule. Please confirm door type, fire rating, and hardware group.

Suggested Solution: Based on adjacent doors in this fire-rated corridor, we assume:

  • 90-minute fire-rated hollow metal frame and door
  • Hardware Group 3 per spec
  • Please confirm or advise

Schedule Impact:

  • Door frame rough-in: This week
  • Door lead time: 4 weeks
  • Response needed by: Tomorrow to maintain door delivery schedule

Clarification RFI​

Subject: Clarification: Finish floor elevation at building transition

Drawing Reference:

  • Architectural: A-201, A-202
  • Structural: S-101
  • Location: Grid line A, between Buildings 1 and 2

Question: A-201 shows FFE at Building 1 connection as 100'-0". A-202 shows FFE at Building 2 connection as 100'-3". Please confirm intended elevation at the transition and whether a ramp or step is required.

Suggested Solution:

  • Option A: Ramp at 1:12 slope over 3'-0"
  • Option B: Single step with nosing
  • Option C: Adjust one building's FFE

Schedule Impact:

  • Concrete scheduled: Next week
  • Response needed by: Friday
  • Surveyor needs 2 days notice for layout

Tips for Faster Responses​

  1. One issue per RFI — Multi-part RFIs get stuck
  2. Attach marked drawings — Highlight the issue
  3. Propose solutions — Make "approved" easy
  4. State deadline clearly — "Need by [date]"
  5. Follow up — Call if no response in 3 days

Interactive Generator​

RFI Generator

Drawing/Spec Reference
Suggested Solutions
Schedule Impact