Outbuild is online scheduling software to work together on connected project schedules and look-aheads, enabling everyone to move faster.
Key Takeaways
- Schedules, Lookaheads, and Weekly Work Plans within one integrated platform.
- Real-time insights and project analytics through automated dashboards.
- Easier, streamlined plan management through a user-friendly interface.
Table of contents
- What Are RFIs in Construction?
- Request for Information process in Construction
- How Many Different Types of RFIs Are There in Construction?
- Potential Issues with RFIs in construction
- Minimizing the Schedule Impact of RFIs
- Improve Your RFI Process and Stay on Schedule with Outbuild’s Procore Integration
An RFI, or Request for Information, is a construction term you’ve likely heard, but what is an RFI in construction, exactly? RFIs are formal requests used during construction projects to clarify uncertainties, resolve discrepancies, and obtain additional details. They are vital for maintaining clear communication between contractors, architects, designers, and clients.
The RFI process in construction begins when a contractor identifies a question or issue and submits an RFI to the appropriate party. This ensures transparency and helps reduce miscommunication. A solid process for construction RFI management is essential to avoid delays, clarify scope changes, and document decisions.
The RFI process in construction is critical to a contractor’s success, but is a relatively straightforward process, as long as RFI management is handled properly.
Typically, an RFI begins when a contractor identifies an issue or requires additional information to proceed with their work. The RFI is documented and submitted to the relevant party, who provides a formal response to guide the next steps. This process ensures transparency, reduces the risk of errors, and helps manage changes effectively.
Here are several construction RFI examples that show the variety of RFIs contractors deal with daily:
- Design Clarifications: Questions about drawings or specs.
- Material Substitutions: Addressing availability issues.
- Code Compliance RFIs: Ensuring adherence to local building codes.
- Schedule RFIs: Resolving timeline conflicts.
- Constructability Issues: Addressing on-site challenges.
- Owner-Generated RFIs: Queries from the project owner.
Each RFI type plays a key role in ensuring project success. However, the RFI process in construction can be time-consuming, making effective construction RFI management crucial for avoiding delays.
While RFIs are a necessary part of construction project management, they can impact schedules. Waiting for an RFI response often requires pausing work, which can lead to cascading delays. Proper management and tracking of RFIs help mitigate these risks.
Here’s how to optimize your Request for Information process in construction:
- Document and Track Schedule Impacts: Flag potential setbacks related to RFIs as soon as the RFI is documented.
- Maintain a Detailed RFI Log: Keep a record of all RFIs, their status, and schedule impacts.
- Connect RFIs to Schedule Tasks: Link RFIs to specific project tasks and milestones for better tracking.
- Visualize RFI Impacts to the Schedule: Use tools to map RFIs against your schedule, highlighting priority responses that are needed.
The RFI report in construction is more than just a tool—it’s a safeguard. RFIs help contractors protect themselves, clarify uncertainties, and maintain project integrity.
Our downloadable RFI Report for Construction is a way to get started with a better RFI process.
Stop letting construction RFIs slow you down.
The RFI Report template helps you get started with:
- Logging critical RFI information in the field.
- Identifying potential schedule impacts related to RFIs.
- Prioritizing resolution of RFIs that could delay your project.
Stop letting construction RFIs slow you down.
While basic Excel templates can work for managing RFIs, they’re time-consuming and prone to errors. Many contractors prefer software solutions like Outbuild to streamline the construction RFI process, automating schedule-based tracking and providing real-time updates.
"Using Outbuild has completely transformed how we manage our construction projects. The seamless integration between our master and look ahead schedules has been a game changer. Plus, the real-time updates help us tackle potential roadblocks early on. As Procore users, the integration with submittal flow and RFIs has been invaluable. Highly recommend for improved project performance!"
See how Prosser Wilbert Construction has delivered 10% more projects on time — Case Study.
RFIs are critical for protecting contractors and keeping projects on track, but effective construction RFI management requires the right tools to ensure they don’t derail your schedule.
For contractors using Procore to manage their RFIs, integrating with Outbuild’s scheduling and planning solution takes RFI management to the next level. By connecting RFIs directly with the schedule, it’s easier to assess and remove potential roadblocks before they throw your project off track.
- Reduce RFI-related delays: Maintain accountability, reduce miscommunications, and keep the project on schedule with RFIs automatically tracked against the field plan.
- Manage risk proactively: Receive early warnings about potential schedule impacts and prioritize RFI responses to mitigate delays before they materialize.
- Share data in real-time: Empower your team with instant visibility into RFI schedule impacts, and foster better decision-making and collaboration.
By bridging the gap between your RFI and Scheduling tools, Outbuild helps you reduce delays and keep your projects on track.
Want to learn how the Outbuild and Procore integration can transform your construction RFI process?
Start your 14-day free trial today or book a demo with one of our experts to see the impact firsthand!
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