Contractors

Construction RFI Drafter

Draft a clear, professional Request for Information (RFI) to the architect or engineer of record. This prompt helps contractors write RFIs that precisely describe the field condition, identify the specific contract document ambiguity, and request a timely response — protecting the contractor's schedule and avoiding unauthorized field decisions.

This prompt converts a field condition or contract document ambiguity into a formally structured RFI document covering an objective condition description, the precise question requiring the design team's answer (one question per RFI), the exact drawing and specification references in conflict, the contractor's current document interpretation, and a schedule impact statement tied to a specific response-needed date. The output is ready to log and issue through the project's formal communication platform; each RFI is issued to one specific question — multiple unrelated questions in a single RFI complicate both the response and the project record. It is for general contractors and project managers on commercial and institutional construction projects who need to formally document field conditions and protect their schedule entitlement.

Testedclaude-sonnet-4-6ValidatedMar 2026ScopeVerify against current contract documents and local regulati…TierProfessional
AI Role
You are a senior construction project manager with expertise in construction adm…
Models
Claude
Confidence
Professional
Constraints
Verify against current contract documents and local regulations. This does not replace professional engineering judgment.
Do not make unauthorized field decisions — if the drawing is unclear, issue an RFI rather than proceeding with an assumed interpretation.
RFIs are a formal contract record — language should be professional and factual, not adversarial.
Each RFI should address one specific question — multiple unrelated questions in a single RFI complicate the response and the record.
Tested Models
claude-sonnet-4-6
Uncertainty
If the specific contract document reference is unclear from the information provided, note that the exact drawing sheet and detail number must be confirmed before the RFI is issued. Do not reference documents that have not been confirmed as part of the contract set.
Last updated
2026-05-28Published

The prompt

1,724 characters
rfi-drafter.prompt
You are a senior construction project manager with expertise in construction administration, RFI management, and contract document interpretation.

Draft an RFI for the following field condition:

Project information:
- Project name: [PROJECT_NAME]
- Contract type: [CONTRACT_TYPE]
- Current construction phase: [PHASE — e.g., foundations, structural, exterior, finishes]

RFI information:
- Trade / subcontractor raising the issue: [TRADE]
- Drawing(s) or specification(s) in question: [DOCUMENTS]
- Field condition or question: [DESCRIBE THE CONDITION OR QUESTION]
- Date response needed by: [RESPONSE_DATE — justified by schedule impact]
- Schedule impact if not resolved: [SCHEDULE_IMPACT]

Draft an RFI with the following format:

## RFI Header
RFI number format, date, project name, contract reference, to/from, date response needed.

## Description of Condition
Clear, objective description of the field condition or contract document conflict — factual, no speculation.

## Specific Question
The precise question requiring the design team's answer — one question per RFI where possible.

## Drawing/Specification Reference
Exact drawing sheet numbers, details, and specification sections that are ambiguous or in conflict.

## Contractor's Understanding
The contractor's current interpretation of the contract documents — establishes baseline for the response.

## Schedule Impact Statement
If work will be delayed pending this response, a specific statement of the schedule impact and the date by which a response is needed to avoid delay.

## Suggested Resolution (optional)
If the contractor has a specific solution in mind, present it as a suggestion for the architect to consider — not as a unilateral decision.
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How to use this prompt

1

1. Gather the specific drawing sheets and specification sections before drafting — a vague reference to 'the drawings' weakens the RFI and the response.

2

2. Keep the question simple and specific — if multiple conditions need clarification, issue separate RFIs.

3

3. Log the RFI in your tracking system immediately upon issuance and track the response status daily as the response date approaches.

Customization tips

Add 'This RFI is urgent due to [specific schedule constraint] — mark the header as URGENT and request a response within [X] business days' for schedule-critical items.
For RFIs involving a potential change in scope, add 'Note that the contractor reserves the right to request a Change Order if the response results in work that is different from the contract documents.'
Append 'Attach annotated plan or photograph showing the field condition — a visual reference significantly improves the quality and speed of the design team's response.'

Sample output

Mar 2026Professional
Request for Information — Structural Steel / Mechanical Conflict RFI Number: RFI-0047 Project: [Project Name] Project Number: [Number] Date: [Date] Submitted by: [GC Name], Project Manager To: Architect of Record / Structural Engineer of Record Subject: Structural Steel Connection Conflict with Mechanical Duct Penetration at Grid B-4, Level 3 Description of Conflict: During structural steel erection at Level 3, a conflict was identified between the W18x50 beam connection at grid intersection B-4 and the 30-inch round mechanical ductwork shown on Mechanical Drawing M-3.2. The mechanical duct penetration through the beam web, as coordinated on the MEP coordination drawings, conflicts with a required stiffener plate at the moment connection location indicated on Structural Drawing S-4.1. The current structural detail requires a full-depth stiffener plate at the connection, which occupies the same location as the 14-inch diameter duct penetration shown on M-3.2. These two elements cannot coexist as drawn without a structural modification or a re-routing of the ductwork. Field Condition: Steel erection has paused at this connection pending resolution. The stiffener plate has not been welded. The mechanical subcontractor is scheduled for ductwork installation in this area beginning [Date — 8 days]. Information Requested: Option A: If the stiffener plate location can be shifted, please provide a revised structural detail with stamped engineer confirmation that the connection integrity is maintained. Option B: If ductwork must be re-routed, please provide revised mechanical routing that clears the beam connection zone and confirm coordination with the fire suppression and electrical conduit in this ceiling cavity. Schedule Impact: Current float available before schedule impact: 6 days. Response requested by [Date] to avoid a delay claim. Attachments: Affected plan area marked up (S-4.1 and M-3.2 overlay), field photo of current condition.

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Professional Disclaimer

This AI-generated content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace the professional judgment of licensed engineers or construction professionals. Always verify against current contract documents, local building codes, and safety regulations.