Free construction template
RFI Template
An RFI, or request for information, is a written question from the contractor to the design team when the drawings or specifications are unclear, conflict or leave something out. On this page: a free Excel RFI form and RFI log, a worked log example, our view on what gets an RFI answered fast, and the steps for running the log.
What is in the workbook
- RFI form: number, date, recipient, subject, sheets and spec sections, the question, a suggested answer and the date needed
- Cost impact and schedule impact flags, and a response block for the answer, who gave it and when
- RFI log: status, days to answer, days open, overdue flag and the change order each RFI led to
- Totals for open and overdue RFIs, the average days to answer and the RFIs answered late
Reading the set for RFIs? Get the takeoff from the same drawings, free.
Send one set of drawings from a job you are bidding and we take it off free, every quantity tied to the sheet it came from.
Our view: what makes a good RFI
In our view, an RFI gets a fast answer when the designer can reply without opening a second document to work out what you mean. Five habits do most of that work.
- One question per RFI, so one answer closes it.
- The exact sheets, details and specification sections, such as A-601 and 09 65 19.
- A suggested answer, so the designer can reply with a yes.
- The date you need it by, tied to the activity it holds up.
- A flag for possible cost or time impact, so nobody is surprised later.
The AIA publishes a request for information form, G716. This template is our own layout. For how an RFI differs from an RFP and an RFQ, read the RFI, RFP and RFQ guide or the RFI glossary entry.
A worked RFI log example
An illustrative sample of six RFIs on an office build-out, read on October 30, 2026. Four are answered, in 4, 11, 4 and 2 days, so the average is 21 / 4 = 5.25 days. One of those came back four days after the date needed. Two are still open, and one of them is past its date. Two answers changed cost and time and became change order requests.
| RFI log on October 30 | Count |
|---|---|
| Total RFIs | 6 |
| Open | 2 |
| Open and past the date needed | 1 |
| Average days to answer | 5.25 |
| Answered after the date needed | 1 |
| Led to a change order request | 2 |
The sample log is illustrative, and the same six RFIs are in the workbook so every count can be checked.
An RFI is not a change order
An answer can change the work, but the RFI does not change the contract. Our view: when an answer adds cost or days, follow it with a change order request the same week and write its number on the log, so the two never drift apart. The free change order template picks up from there.
How to run the RFI log
- Number RFIs in one sequence for the whole job, whoever writes them.
- Log each RFI the day it is sent, with the date needed.
- Review open and overdue RFIs at every owner, architect and contractor meeting.
- Enter the answer date the day it arrives, then close the RFI once the field has the answer.
- Void an RFI that is withdrawn instead of deleting it, so the numbering stays whole.
RFI template FAQs
What is an RFI in construction?+
An RFI is a written request for information: a question the contractor sends the architect or engineer when the drawings or specifications are unclear, conflict or are missing something needed to build the work.
What should an RFI include?+
One question, the sheets and specification sections it concerns, a suggested answer if you have one, the date you need the answer by, and whether it may affect cost or schedule.
Who answers an RFI?+
The design professional responsible for the documents, usually the architect, who routes structural, mechanical or electrical questions to the engineer of record.
How long should an RFI response take?+
As long as your contract allows. If it is silent, agree on a turnaround at the preconstruction meeting and put the date needed on every RFI, so late answers show up on the log.
Does an RFI change the contract price?+
No. An RFI asks a question. If the answer adds cost or time, the change goes through a change order request and, once signed, a change order.
Is the RFI template free?+
Yes. Give a work email and the file downloads on the spot. Number as many RFIs on it as your jobs need.
This template is a working form and log, not legal advice. Your contract sets who answers RFIs, how fast, and how changes are approved.