What is an RFI in construction?
A request for information (RFI) is a formal question from the contractor to the design team to clarify or resolve something unclear in the drawings or specifications.
RFIs document gaps, conflicts, or ambiguities — and the official answer — so the project has a clear paper trail. An RFI asks a question; it does not by itself authorize extra cost or time.
If the answer changes the scope, that's handled separately through a change order.
More terms
Put it to work
Ask Donnie answers code questions cited to your jurisdiction and turns a plan into a deterministic estimate. Free to start.
Ask Donnie →General information to help you understand industry terms — not legal or professional advice. Confirm code and contract specifics with your local building department (AHJ) and a licensed professional.