{"id":14777,"date":"2021-02-27T16:41:24","date_gmt":"2021-02-28T00:41:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/?p=14777"},"modified":"2022-01-04T11:46:21","modified_gmt":"2022-01-04T19:46:21","slug":"ultimate-guide-to-the-construction-rfi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/tutorials\/ultimate-guide-to-the-construction-rfi\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Guide To The Construction RFI"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Construction projects are complicated. Often involving hundreds of people, companies and opinions. To provide order on your project processes should be in place. One of the most important processes on a construction project is the RFI process. <strong>What is an RFI, and how can it be used effectively on a construction project?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The term RFI is an acronym for request for information. It is a formal process that is used to ask a question on a project.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:24px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>While the basic definition is simple there are many complexities in the RFI process. Today we\u2019re going to run through a number of areas including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>When to issue to an RFI<\/li><li>The process of issuing  an RFI<\/li><li>Responding to an RFI<\/li><li>How to track and manage RFIs<\/li><li>Trends to be aware of<\/li><li>Best practices for issuing RFIs<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>When To Issue A Request For Information<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When I first started this website one of the first articles I wrote was on <a href=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/blog\/division-01-writing-an-effective-rfi\/\">how to issue an RFI<\/a>. In that article I covered the ins and outs of issuing one. While that covered the details today we\u2019re going to look at the process from a high level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>When a contractor comes across something that requires further detail they will issue an RFI to the consultant or owner.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ve summarized below a few examples to get you started:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>There are dimensions missing on the documents that you need to properly build the space.<\/li><li>There is a material, wall type or detail missing from the drawings.<\/li><li>Two drawings don\u2019t line up with one another in the same set (ie architectural)<\/li><li>Two drawings from different sets don\u2019t align and cause an interference with one another<\/li><li>A site condition that is not reflective of what\u2019s on the drawings is uncovered on site.<\/li><li>Documenting a directive provided on site from a consultant.<\/li><li>The specification is either missing pieces or does not align with the drawings.<\/li><li>A decision is required by a certain date by the owner or consultant.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These are just a few examples of when you can issue an RFI as a contractor. There are many different reasons. Generally speaking &#8211; if you need to record a decision on a jobsite an RFI is a great way of doing so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:46px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/C24D30A6-74AF-48BF-B4BB-69C541A2E912-edited.webp 1850w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/C24D30A6-74AF-48BF-B4BB-69C541A2E912-edited-300x169.webp 300w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/C24D30A6-74AF-48BF-B4BB-69C541A2E912-edited-1024x576.webp 1024w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/C24D30A6-74AF-48BF-B4BB-69C541A2E912-edited-768x432.webp 768w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/C24D30A6-74AF-48BF-B4BB-69C541A2E912-edited-1536x863.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1850px) 100vw, 1850px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img src=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/C24D30A6-74AF-48BF-B4BB-69C541A2E912-edited.jpeg\" height=\"1040\" width=\"1850\" srcset=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/C24D30A6-74AF-48BF-B4BB-69C541A2E912-edited.jpeg 1850w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/C24D30A6-74AF-48BF-B4BB-69C541A2E912-edited-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/C24D30A6-74AF-48BF-B4BB-69C541A2E912-edited-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/C24D30A6-74AF-48BF-B4BB-69C541A2E912-edited-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/C24D30A6-74AF-48BF-B4BB-69C541A2E912-edited-1536x863.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1850px) 100vw, 1850px\" class=\"wp-image-14804 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"RFI Markup on construction drawings\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:24px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How To Issue An RFI<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As I\u2019ve noted above &#8211; an RFI (request for information) is really just a fancy way of issuing a question. Because of that, the central part of your RFI needs to be a question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The process of issuing an RFI is typically outlined in the project specifications. I\u2019ve included an example specification below which outlines the RFI Procedures (click on the pictures to increase the size):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-columns gb-layout-columns-2 gb-2-col-equal\"><div class=\"gb-layout-column-wrap gb-block-layout-column-gap-2 gb-is-responsive-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-column gb-block-layout-column\"><div class=\"gb-block-layout-column-inner\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/C39EF2E0-FD17-42D2-A405-93A523E72491-792x1024.webp 792w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/C39EF2E0-FD17-42D2-A405-93A523E72491-232x300.webp 232w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/C39EF2E0-FD17-42D2-A405-93A523E72491-768x993.webp 768w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/C39EF2E0-FD17-42D2-A405-93A523E72491-1189x1536.webp 1189w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/C39EF2E0-FD17-42D2-A405-93A523E72491.webp 1505w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img src=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/C39EF2E0-FD17-42D2-A405-93A523E72491-792x1024.jpeg\" height=\"1024\" width=\"792\" srcset=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/C39EF2E0-FD17-42D2-A405-93A523E72491-792x1024.jpeg 792w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/C39EF2E0-FD17-42D2-A405-93A523E72491-232x300.jpeg 232w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/C39EF2E0-FD17-42D2-A405-93A523E72491-768x993.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/C39EF2E0-FD17-42D2-A405-93A523E72491-1189x1536.jpeg 1189w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/C39EF2E0-FD17-42D2-A405-93A523E72491.jpeg 1505w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\" class=\"wp-image-14786 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"RFI spec\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-column gb-block-layout-column\"><div class=\"gb-block-layout-column-inner\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/EC079427-55BB-4D3C-A547-E7B11C54FE85-797x1024.webp 797w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/EC079427-55BB-4D3C-A547-E7B11C54FE85-234x300.webp 234w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/EC079427-55BB-4D3C-A547-E7B11C54FE85-768x987.webp 768w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/EC079427-55BB-4D3C-A547-E7B11C54FE85-1196x1536.webp 1196w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/EC079427-55BB-4D3C-A547-E7B11C54FE85.webp 1514w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 797px) 100vw, 797px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img src=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/EC079427-55BB-4D3C-A547-E7B11C54FE85-797x1024.jpeg\" height=\"1024\" width=\"797\" srcset=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/EC079427-55BB-4D3C-A547-E7B11C54FE85-797x1024.jpeg 797w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/EC079427-55BB-4D3C-A547-E7B11C54FE85-234x300.jpeg 234w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/EC079427-55BB-4D3C-A547-E7B11C54FE85-768x987.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/EC079427-55BB-4D3C-A547-E7B11C54FE85-1196x1536.jpeg 1196w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/EC079427-55BB-4D3C-A547-E7B11C54FE85.jpeg 1514w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 797px) 100vw, 797px\" class=\"wp-image-14787 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"RFI Spec part 2\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>As you can see there are some very defined procedures. If they are not included in the specifications you will often find them within your contract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s break the above down a bit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Notification by Contractor &#8211; <\/strong>in this section it asks you to submit all requests for information to the project manager and the consultant. In this case it\u2019s asking you to utilize a specific form. In my personal experience there is some flexibility in this (we\u2019ll talk about that in a second).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Contractor Shall Not &#8211; <\/strong>in this section it\u2019s outlining items that you should not be using the RFI process for. I\u2019d encourage you to avoid these situations and it drives consultants crazy when you submit an RFI for a project substitute!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RFI\u2019s shall clearly indicate &#8211; <\/strong>this section identifies what exactly you need to include n the RFI and information you need to provide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Response Time &#8211; <\/strong>this section defines how long the consultant has to respond to your question. On this particular project it is 10 days, which is in line with construction industry standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When issuing an RFI it\u2019s clear that there are a number restrictions on both the way you do it and when to do it. So what is the best way to issue an RFI. I\u2019m going to break it down into three categories &#8211; old school, new school, advanced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Old Way<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t just assume that because there is an old way of doing things it doesn\u2019t work. Prior to computers and email there fax machines and letters were used to communicate on your construction project. Depending upon where your project is located this may still be the way of issuing RFIs to your project consultants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A fundamental way of dealing with RFI\u2019s that has been lost somewhat is an person meeting. My favourite way of dealing with issues is getting the consultant down on site and viewing it in person. By allowing people to view the issue for themselves it forces them to understand the nuances and complexities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The New Way<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The invention of the computer and access to the internet from our cellphones has made communication easier. With that it has also simplified the way RFI\u2019s are issued. Most specifications that are issued now include a procedure for RFI\u2019s to be issued via email.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When issuing an RFI &#8211; most projects require you to fill out a form. An <a href=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/files\/product\/request-for-information-rfi-excel-template\/\">RFI request form<\/a> can either be outlined in the project documents, or if you don\u2019t have one simply follow the link above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advanced Methods<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a number of advanced techniques to issuing requests for information on your construction site. Many of them involve technology. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most effective way to issue RFI\u2019s is through a project management platform. Platforms such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.procore.com\/en-ca\" rel=\"noopener\">Procore<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/construction.autodesk.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Autodesk<\/a> can automate the sending, reminders and provide a central place for people to issue and respond to questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/5542E5BA-998D-4ED5-9B34-34F84E0147DB-edited.webp 1920w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/5542E5BA-998D-4ED5-9B34-34F84E0147DB-edited-300x169.webp 300w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/5542E5BA-998D-4ED5-9B34-34F84E0147DB-edited-1024x576.webp 1024w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/5542E5BA-998D-4ED5-9B34-34F84E0147DB-edited-768x432.webp 768w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/5542E5BA-998D-4ED5-9B34-34F84E0147DB-edited-1536x864.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img src=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/5542E5BA-998D-4ED5-9B34-34F84E0147DB-edited.jpeg\" height=\"1080\" width=\"1920\" srcset=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/5542E5BA-998D-4ED5-9B34-34F84E0147DB-edited.jpeg 1920w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/5542E5BA-998D-4ED5-9B34-34F84E0147DB-edited-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/5542E5BA-998D-4ED5-9B34-34F84E0147DB-edited-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/5542E5BA-998D-4ED5-9B34-34F84E0147DB-edited-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/5542E5BA-998D-4ED5-9B34-34F84E0147DB-edited-1536x864.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" class=\"wp-image-14792 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"-\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:24px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Responding To An RFI<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I often write articles on this site from the perspective of the general contractor. For this article we\u2019re going to provide some advice to the consultants and engineers on how to respond to RFIs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s walk through the five steps to responding to an RFI:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step One &#8211; Understand The Urgency Of The RFI<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>After you receive an RFI from the contractor &#8211; the first step is understanding how urgent the request is. Do this by either reviewing the document you\u2019ve received from the contractor or asking the question. Typically there will be a due date on the actual RFI that the contractor requires a response by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step Two &#8211; Determine who\u2019s responsible and distribute as required<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Review the question and determine which of the sub consultants is required in order to respond to the question. Once you\u2019ve determined who needs to be involved distribute the RFI to them and confirm what they are responsible for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step Three &#8211; Review the RFI And Research<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Review the question in detail &#8211; if you don\u2019t fully understand the question pick up the phone and call whoever issued the RFI. The best thing you can do when reviewing an RFI is to have a conversation about it with the person who issued it. What\u2019s the reason they issued it, is it urgent, do they have a recommended solution, does your proposed solution impact anything else on site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step Four &#8211; Collect responses from the subconsultants<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Since you issued the document earlier to various parties collect their responses. Review each of the responses and ensure that they are coordinated or if they require further information. Once you\u2019re happy that they are on the same page consolidate each of the responses within the RFI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step Five &#8211; Respond To The RFI<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Issue a formal response to the contractor on the original RFI form or in their project management system. Ensure that the RFI is reassigned to the contractor or whoever issued it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a special note &#8211; if the RFI impacts the contract documents you will need to issue a change notice or site instruction to the contractor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/6AE35C70-0FC5-4421-B338-C3C248AB1BF8-edited.webp 1920w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/6AE35C70-0FC5-4421-B338-C3C248AB1BF8-edited-300x169.webp 300w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/6AE35C70-0FC5-4421-B338-C3C248AB1BF8-edited-1024x576.webp 1024w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/6AE35C70-0FC5-4421-B338-C3C248AB1BF8-edited-768x432.webp 768w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/6AE35C70-0FC5-4421-B338-C3C248AB1BF8-edited-1536x864.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img src=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/6AE35C70-0FC5-4421-B338-C3C248AB1BF8-edited.jpeg\" height=\"1080\" width=\"1920\" srcset=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/6AE35C70-0FC5-4421-B338-C3C248AB1BF8-edited.jpeg 1920w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/6AE35C70-0FC5-4421-B338-C3C248AB1BF8-edited-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/6AE35C70-0FC5-4421-B338-C3C248AB1BF8-edited-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/6AE35C70-0FC5-4421-B338-C3C248AB1BF8-edited-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/6AE35C70-0FC5-4421-B338-C3C248AB1BF8-edited-1536x864.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" class=\"wp-image-14794 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"Responding to a construction rfi\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:24px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Track and Manage RFIs On Your Construction Site<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the Construction Management Association <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cmaanet.org\/sites\/default\/files\/resource\/Impact%20%26%20Control%20of%20RFIs%20on%20Construction%20Projects.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\">the average project across global jobsites will have roughly 796 RFIs<\/a>. That\u2019s a staggering number and a massive amount of communication to keep track of. Further &#8211; if left unchecked a delay in RFI responses can have a negative impact on your project. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So how can you manage this process to ensure your project goes smoothly?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first step to successfully managing RFIs on your project is by understanding the workflow. A workflow is a document which outlines the steps to be followed for an RFI. Below is chart which is a sample RFI document workflow:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/458F280F-D9C8-4C98-914A-1BD9A7CC1BF2-868x1024.webp 868w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/458F280F-D9C8-4C98-914A-1BD9A7CC1BF2-254x300.webp 254w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/458F280F-D9C8-4C98-914A-1BD9A7CC1BF2-768x906.webp 768w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/458F280F-D9C8-4C98-914A-1BD9A7CC1BF2-1303x1536.webp 1303w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/458F280F-D9C8-4C98-914A-1BD9A7CC1BF2.webp 1417w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 868px) 100vw, 868px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img src=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/458F280F-D9C8-4C98-914A-1BD9A7CC1BF2-868x1024.jpeg\" height=\"1024\" width=\"868\" srcset=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/458F280F-D9C8-4C98-914A-1BD9A7CC1BF2-868x1024.jpeg 868w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/458F280F-D9C8-4C98-914A-1BD9A7CC1BF2-254x300.jpeg 254w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/458F280F-D9C8-4C98-914A-1BD9A7CC1BF2-768x906.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/458F280F-D9C8-4C98-914A-1BD9A7CC1BF2-1303x1536.jpeg 1303w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/458F280F-D9C8-4C98-914A-1BD9A7CC1BF2.jpeg 1417w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 868px) 100vw, 868px\" class=\"wp-image-14795 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"-\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>What is the workflow on your project? Do you issue RFI\u2019s directly to the architect, maybe the owner or the subconsultants? If you need an assist we\u2019ve created an <a href=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/files\/product\/construction-rfi-workflow-template\/\">RFI workflow template for you.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After you\u2019ve established the workflow and the questions start flowing from your project team the next step is tracking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Effective Techniques for Tracking And Managing<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a number of simple things you can do to track RFIs and manage them effectively, here they are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Number each RFI with a unique identifier. This can be something as simple as identifying each with a number starting from one.<\/li><li>Log the date sent and date returned.<\/li><li>Provide the discipline &#8211; this will allow you to categorize them for better tracking.<\/li><li>Identify the ball in court<\/li><li>Include key indicators &#8211; as an example floor, elevation, phase or area of a project<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don\u2019t have access to a construction management platform the easiest way to track the above information is by preparing a spreadsheet. A <a href=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/files\/product\/rfi-log-template\/\">RFI tracking log<\/a> will help you assign information against each RFI and understand the status of each one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/58013032-07BE-497C-B875-C450C5A0430F-edited.webp 1920w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/58013032-07BE-497C-B875-C450C5A0430F-edited-300x169.webp 300w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/58013032-07BE-497C-B875-C450C5A0430F-edited-1024x576.webp 1024w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/58013032-07BE-497C-B875-C450C5A0430F-edited-768x432.webp 768w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/58013032-07BE-497C-B875-C450C5A0430F-edited-1536x864.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img src=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/58013032-07BE-497C-B875-C450C5A0430F-edited.jpeg\" height=\"1080\" width=\"1920\" srcset=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/58013032-07BE-497C-B875-C450C5A0430F-edited.jpeg 1920w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/58013032-07BE-497C-B875-C450C5A0430F-edited-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/58013032-07BE-497C-B875-C450C5A0430F-edited-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/58013032-07BE-497C-B875-C450C5A0430F-edited-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/58013032-07BE-497C-B875-C450C5A0430F-edited-1536x864.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" class=\"wp-image-14797 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"Tracking RFI\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:24px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Statistics and Trends To Be Aware of<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Given that the RFI is such a standard part of every project it\u2019s important to understand the various statistics and trends on projects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To start let\u2019s run through some key statistics and how they impact your project:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/ACC79BE8-DADA-4B78-B640-162E68B54DDE-1024x482.webp 1024w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/ACC79BE8-DADA-4B78-B640-162E68B54DDE-300x141.webp 300w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/ACC79BE8-DADA-4B78-B640-162E68B54DDE-768x361.webp 768w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/ACC79BE8-DADA-4B78-B640-162E68B54DDE-1536x722.webp 1536w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/ACC79BE8-DADA-4B78-B640-162E68B54DDE.webp 1669w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img src=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/ACC79BE8-DADA-4B78-B640-162E68B54DDE-1024x482.jpeg\" height=\"482\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/ACC79BE8-DADA-4B78-B640-162E68B54DDE-1024x482.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/ACC79BE8-DADA-4B78-B640-162E68B54DDE-300x141.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/ACC79BE8-DADA-4B78-B640-162E68B54DDE-768x361.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/ACC79BE8-DADA-4B78-B640-162E68B54DDE-1536x722.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/ACC79BE8-DADA-4B78-B640-162E68B54DDE.jpeg 1669w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" class=\"wp-image-14798 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"Number of RFI\u2019s by project duration\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The above chart indicates the average number of RFIs based on the length of the project. As you can see the duration is generally directly tied to the number of RFI\u2019s with the number going up consistently depending upon the duration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/372D57D1-5973-49EC-8B05-B3E4329EB05A-1024x566.webp 1024w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/372D57D1-5973-49EC-8B05-B3E4329EB05A-300x166.webp 300w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/372D57D1-5973-49EC-8B05-B3E4329EB05A-768x425.webp 768w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/372D57D1-5973-49EC-8B05-B3E4329EB05A-1536x849.webp 1536w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/372D57D1-5973-49EC-8B05-B3E4329EB05A.webp 1854w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img src=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/372D57D1-5973-49EC-8B05-B3E4329EB05A-1024x566.jpeg\" height=\"566\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/372D57D1-5973-49EC-8B05-B3E4329EB05A-1024x566.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/372D57D1-5973-49EC-8B05-B3E4329EB05A-300x166.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/372D57D1-5973-49EC-8B05-B3E4329EB05A-768x425.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/372D57D1-5973-49EC-8B05-B3E4329EB05A-1536x849.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/372D57D1-5973-49EC-8B05-B3E4329EB05A.jpeg 1854w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" class=\"wp-image-14799 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"First response to RFIs\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The above chart indicates the number of days for first and median (middle) reply to RFIs. This will help you in scheduling. Depending on where you work you can expect responses within 5-10 business days (Australians seem to be better!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/7BE26B40-2FA5-4C3B-9369-E098CF8E9913-1024x457.webp 1024w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/7BE26B40-2FA5-4C3B-9369-E098CF8E9913-300x134.webp 300w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/7BE26B40-2FA5-4C3B-9369-E098CF8E9913-768x343.webp 768w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/7BE26B40-2FA5-4C3B-9369-E098CF8E9913-1536x686.webp 1536w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/7BE26B40-2FA5-4C3B-9369-E098CF8E9913.webp 1566w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img src=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/7BE26B40-2FA5-4C3B-9369-E098CF8E9913-1024x457.jpeg\" height=\"457\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/7BE26B40-2FA5-4C3B-9369-E098CF8E9913-1024x457.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/7BE26B40-2FA5-4C3B-9369-E098CF8E9913-300x134.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/7BE26B40-2FA5-4C3B-9369-E098CF8E9913-768x343.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/7BE26B40-2FA5-4C3B-9369-E098CF8E9913-1536x686.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/7BE26B40-2FA5-4C3B-9369-E098CF8E9913.jpeg 1566w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" class=\"wp-image-14800 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"RFI responses in days based on the project duration\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I thought this graph was funny &#8211; it appears that as the project get\u2019s longer, the more fatigued people get with project administration and the longer RFI\u2019s take to get responded to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Trends in the Project Administration Universe<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a few key trends that I wanted to identify to you &#8211; specifically when it comes to technology. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Project Management platforms<\/strong> &#8211; I mentioned this one above but platforms such as Procore, Autodesk Bim360, and many apps you\u2019ll find on your phone can help streamline the process. Where these platforms really shine however is that everyone is on the platform. Your architect responds directly on the website which saves you time in compiling and ensuring the latest information is in front of those in the field.<\/li><li><strong>Building Information Modelling<\/strong> &#8211; coordinating a building before it\u2019s built has never been easier with BIM and modelling. This allows you to identify issues prior to them being built. This is especially useful in clash detection.<\/li><li><strong>Drawing Review Software &#8211; <\/strong>with machine learning becoming more common on the construction site software such as <a href=\"https:\/\/pype.io\/smartplans\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Pype<\/a> is working to identify deficiencies in the design.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:58px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-large\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/5BA34176-D59D-4BD5-9094-41C28264C430-edited.webp 1920w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/5BA34176-D59D-4BD5-9094-41C28264C430-edited-300x169.webp 300w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/5BA34176-D59D-4BD5-9094-41C28264C430-edited-1024x576.webp 1024w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/5BA34176-D59D-4BD5-9094-41C28264C430-edited-768x432.webp 768w,https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/5BA34176-D59D-4BD5-9094-41C28264C430-edited-1536x864.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img src=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/5BA34176-D59D-4BD5-9094-41C28264C430-edited.jpeg\" height=\"1080\" width=\"1920\" srcset=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/5BA34176-D59D-4BD5-9094-41C28264C430-edited.jpeg 1920w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/5BA34176-D59D-4BD5-9094-41C28264C430-edited-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/5BA34176-D59D-4BD5-9094-41C28264C430-edited-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/5BA34176-D59D-4BD5-9094-41C28264C430-edited-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2021\/02\/5BA34176-D59D-4BD5-9094-41C28264C430-edited-1536x864.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" class=\"wp-image-14802 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"-\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  > <\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Best Practices For Issuing An RFI On A Construction Project<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In this last section I\u2019m going to identify three best practices for issuing RFI\u2019s on the construction project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make A Recommendation<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>For each RFI issued it should also come with a recommended solution. You as the contractor have an opinion, and a preferred solution. Make your consultants life easier by including that in your RFI. They can choose to use it or ignore it but by making a suggestion you\u2019ll be seen as a solution provider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Track Across Projects and Review Historical Data<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Projects that are similar to one another will have similar issues. Share your RFI logs across the company &#8211; identify where problems exist on each of the projects. Before closing a project review the RFI logs from past projects &#8211; identify where major issues occurred and make allowances for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Distribute RFI Logs Once A Week<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>RFI logs are the central source for where each of your RFIs is and who\u2019s court its in. People are busy and aren\u2019t always sure where to focus their time. By distributing your RFI log weekly you\u2019re giving people a reminder to work on these items by keeping it front and center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Wrapping Up<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The RFI is a fundamental part of any construction project. How do you issue your RFIs? How are they tracked? Is there a key person responsible for them or does each member issue them?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let us know how you deal with RFI\u2019s on your construction project below in the comments.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to issue a question the right way on your construction project.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":14805,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,27,31,19],"tags":[4,52,2228,55,71,2227,277,299,122,302],"class_list":["post-14777","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-posts","category-division-01-general-requirements","category-featured-articles","category-general-construction-knowledge","tag-construction","tag-construction-management-1","tag-construction-project","tag-project-management","tag-quality","tag-questions","tag-request-for-information-1","tag-rfi-1","tag-schedule","tag-submittals","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14777","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14777"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14777\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14805"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14777"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14777"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14777"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}