# Write an RFI that gets a fast, usable answer

A precise request for information to the architect or engineer, with a proposed solution and the cost and schedule stakes.

- Topic: Email & Workplace Communication
- Framework: RTF
- Level: Standard
- Tags: Write, Fill-in Template
- Source: https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/prompts/write-an-rfi-that-gets-a-fast-usable-answer

## Prompt

```text
Write a request for information (RFI) for a construction project.

**Project and RFI number:** [NAME, #]
**Who it goes to:** [ARCHITECT / ENGINEER / OWNER'S REP, via GC or direct]
**The problem:** [CONFLICT, MISSING INFO, OR FIELD CONDITION - e.g. "duct conflicts with beam at grid C-4"]
**Where it is in the documents:** [SHEET NUMBERS, DETAILS, SPEC SECTIONS]
**What I found in the field:** [MEASUREMENTS, PHOTOS AVAILABLE]
**My proposed solution:** [IF ANY]
**When I need the answer and why:** [DATE AND THE ACTIVITY IT HOLDS UP]

Write the RFI with:
1. Subject line: location plus issue in under 12 words.
2. Question: one specific question that can be answered yes/no or with a dimension or detail. If there are several issues, split them and tell me to submit separate RFIs.
3. Background: references and field conditions, factual and short.
4. Proposed solution, worded so the designer can simply approve it.
5. Impact if unanswered by the date: affected activity, and whether cost or time impact is possible.
6. Attachments list.

Rules:
- No blame and no design opinions beyond the proposal.
- Do not use the RFI to request a change in scope; if the issue is really a change, tell me to also send a change order notice.
- Do not invent dimensions or sheet references; use [CONFIRM].

Also give me a one-line log entry for my RFI log: number, date sent, subject, ball-in-court, date needed.
```

## What to fill in

- NAME, #
- ARCHITECT / ENGINEER / OWNER'S REP, via GC or direct
- SHEET NUMBERS, DETAILS, SPEC SECTIONS
- MEASUREMENTS, PHOTOS AVAILABLE
- IF ANY
- DATE AND THE ACTIVITY IT HOLDS UP
- CONFIRM

Free to copy and use. From ThinkWithPrompt (https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/), a library of 2,663 curated AI prompts.