Free RFI Template With a Filled-In Example

• Number, date and subject: one sequence for the whole job, never reused, and a subject that names the element and the problem.
• To, from and copies: who answers under your contract (usually the architect), and who else the answer affects.
• References: every drawing sheet, detail, spec section and grid line involved, so nobody has to hunt for the conflict.
• Question and proposed solution: one question, and the fix you would make, so the designer can say yes.
• Cost and schedule impact: none, possible or yes, and the activity it holds up, with a needed-by date.
• Response: the answer, who gave it, the date, and whether it changes cost or time.

The fields follow what public agencies ask for on their own forms. The New Jersey DOT's form DC-162 asks for reference documents, a response-needed date, and cost and time impact as "Yes", "No" or "Unknown at this time". Louisiana DOTD's instruction sheet asks for numbers in sequence from 001, the plan sheets in question and a proposed solution. If your contract or the architect names a form, use that one: under A201–2017 §3.2.2 the contractor reports problems as an RFI "in such form as the Architect may require".

1. Download the file and save a copy per RFI, named with its number (RFI-007.docx).
2. Write one question. If you have two, send two RFIs: each closes when its question is answered.
3. Fill in every reference and attach a marked-up sheet or photo.
4. Give a needed-by date and the activity it holds up, not "ASAP".
5. Send it through your contract's chain (a sub's RFI goes to the GC), log it, and chase it at every meeting until it is answered.
6. When the answer comes back, send it to everyone who builds from it, and give your contract's notice if it adds cost or time.

The full method, with the reasoning behind each field and common mistakes, is in how to write an RFI. For the design team's side, see how to respond to an RFI, and if you're not sure whether you need an RFI at all, read RFI vs submittal.

In Conflo's RFI tool, the same fields are one form: subject and question, location, drawing and spec section, cost and schedule impact, who answers, who is copied and the due date. The number is assigned for you, files attach to the RFI, answers and comments stay on it, and the log shows who each RFI is waiting on and which are overdue. The log exports as a PDF.

Download the template, keep one question per RFI, and fill in every reference and a needed-by date. Page two shows what a complete one looks like.

When the Word files start piling up in email threads, put every RFI on one log the whole team can read.

Join the Conflo waitlist

1. Request for Information, form DC-162 — New Jersey Department of Transportation. Read October 16, 2026.
2. RFI-Proposals Instruction Sheet — Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. Read October 16, 2026.
3. Summary: A201–2017, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction — AIA Contract Documents. Read October 17, 2026.