A means to clarify ambiguities or fill in gaps in information that appear in the plans or specifications. For example, a concrete subcontractor needs more detail on rebar placement than was shown on the plans, so they submit an RFI to the contractor who either responds to the RFI or forwards it to the architect/engineer for a response.
A Request for Information (RFI) is a formal tool used in construction to clarify ambiguities or fill in gaps in project documentation. When contractors encounter uncertainties in the plans or specifications, they submit an RFI to request additional details or clarifications from the architect or project manager. This process helps ensure that all parties have a clear understanding of the project requirements, minimizing the risk of errors and miscommunication.
A contractor may submit an RFI when they need additional information about the layout of mechanical systems that are not clearly indicated in the drawings.