Construction RFI stands for request for information. It is a type of clarification that guarantees the planning, mapping out, and agreeing on the decisions. It is a type of formal written process that confirms the party’s information gap in construction documents. Since RFIs are directly linked to legal matters, they can become a straightforward dispute in no time. That is why people always find it essential to discuss how these systems work and write them correctly. Such a thing enables them to engage in a safe construction business.
These construction RFIs are required in many essential aspects of the construction business. That is why writing a well-drafted RFI that is clear, provides clarity, and minimizes complication is ideal. Let us take a look at how you can report it more efficiently.
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How To Create A Well-Drafted Construction RFI?
RFIs should be straightforward, easy to read, and easy to understand. There should be the use of simple sentences and no fancy vocabulary. Ensure that its primary intent is to help your architects, engineers, and other construction workers help you with straightforward answers immediately. Here’s how you can make that happen:
- Mention the project name and address.
- Add the RFI number (provide this in a sequence format for the project)
- Give the RFI title (Keep it crisp. Also, add a short description for the same)
- Mention the date and the deadline for the response you need.
- Provide your name, title, company name, and relevant contact information to help them send a response more conveniently. This may also come in handy in case of any complications.
- Leave sufficient space for the response and the response date.
- Make sure you provide sufficient descriptions of attachments (photos, screenshots, invoices, and more)
- If there are any amendments in the costs or construction regulation, make sure you describe them as well.
Top Tips To Improve Your Communication Via RFIs
By catering to a few quick and easy steps, you can make room for a useful RFI right away. Follow the guidelines below to create an ideal RFI that minimizes complications for you and your team members.
- Create a straightforward RFI process that is easy to adhere to for everyone in your team. If it’s easy to understand, people are bound to follow it.
- Make sure you invest sufficient time in analyzing and understanding the construction documents correctly. Read them thoroughly and ask questions in case of any inconvenience. Also, do not submit the RFI last minute. Make sure you do it months before breaking the ground so that any complications can be eliminated right on time.
- A standardized RFI form is ideal. You do not have to experiment with it. Also, make sure you allot the RFI numbers in a sequence. It provides more flexibility to everyone.
- Before you submit the RFI, it is wise to run a quick check with the project manager. Make sure that the answer to your question doesn’t already exist. Since many RFIs are deemed non-justifiable these days, you must be entirely cautious of what you are doing.
- Select a unique name for all RFIs to ensure it sets itself apart from the other titles you may have previously prescribed.
- Write it. Do not try to add any extra words and sentences that stretch the matter.
- Don’t try to demean anyone. Adopt a neutral means to communicate with your architect and other construction members for utmost convenience.
- It is wise to ask only a single question during each RFI. Do not try to experiment with it.
- Propose a solution. It is best to provide at least two clear options for your architect or the engineer to choose either of them.
- Make sure you provide all relevant information to help bring a good response to your end. It is best to request such data in colour names, numbers, and installation methods for best practice.
Types Of Construction RFIs To Know
There are several types of construction RFIs to choose from. You have to make sure that you choose according to your preference and requirement. Find out about them below:
Construction Coordination
This type of RFI deals with the organization and coordination of the construction-related system. Schedules and safety items may also fall under this category.
Design Clarification
In this type of RFI, the person requesting the RFI asks for information related to the design. This helps them better to understand the project and everything related to it.
Site Conditions
Such RFIs are provided when a discrepancy occurs amidst the description of site conditions and the actual site condition.
Design Coordination
This type of RFI deals with the organization, communication, and coordination of the design that occurs in the project.
Timing and Phasing
This type of RFI evolves when the builder needs to amend construction activities because of resource constraints.
Value Engineering
In this type of RFI, the requester wishes for changes relating to cost reduction, efficiency improvement, and quality improvement.
Constructability Issues
Such RFIs are written when the construction document briefs every detail that the contractor does not find feasible.
Change In Method
Such RFIs are written when the contractor wishes to seek a change regarding a particular building or installation method.
Why Are Such RFIs The Need Of The Hour?
RFIs play an essential role in the construction sector because they directly deal with the cost, legality, quality, and safety of a specific project. So, they can be used as helpful documents to preserve for a long time. They also help create a practical structure and provide top-quality assignments to the customer. As a result, customer satisfaction is always guaranteed. During a complicated hour, these RFIs can come to the rescue and offer support claims of negligence and fraudulent practice. Since these RFIs are easy to maintain, handling them with care can go a long way with your construction project.