RFIs (Requests for Information) are crucial in the construction industry. They help ensure successful project execution and minimize potential issues or miscommunications.
RFIs also serve as essential documentation in case of disputes or claims that arise during or after construction. They provide evidence of:
✔ The parties' intentions
✔ Actions taken
✔ Agreed-upon modifications
In BuildOps, a Project RFI is used to document a question or confirmation related to a project.
How to Create a Project RFI
Navigate to the Project Page → Click RFIs (left side of the page).
View RFI status filters for:
Draft
Sent
Responded
Closed
📌 Overdue RFIs and average days overdue are displayed to the right of the status filters.
Generate an RFI
Click "+ GENERATE RFI" (right side of the page).
Enter RFI Details
Fill in the following required fields:
Status – Automatically set to Draft (cannot be changed until saved).
Number – Auto-generated (cannot be changed).
Send To – Select a customer contact.
From – Select an internal contact.
Subject – Add an RFI subject.
Information Requested – Provide details or request clarification.
Recommendation – Optional field for recommendations.
Impact to Timeline – Select Yes, Probable, or No.
Impact to Cost – Select Yes, Probable, or No.
Spec Ref – Specify the relevant specification section.
Drawing Ref – Reference the applicable drawing number.
Detail Ref – Reference the specific drawing detail.
RFI Answer – Manually updated when a response is received.
Due Date – Specify when a response is required.
RFI Answer Date – Manually updated when an answer is received.
📌 Once an Answer Date is added, the RFI status will automatically update to “Responded”.
Click “SAVE” (upper right corner).
Managing RFIs
After Saving – The RFI appears under the Draft status filter in Project RFIs.
Editing or Deleting – Click the RFI number hyperlink or the three dots on the right side of the RFI line.
Viewing RFI Details – Includes:
Communication History (updates once emailed)
Attachments
Activity Log
Adding Attachments to an RFI
Click "+ Add Attachment".
Upload files from BuildOps Project Files or your computer.
Click "Preview" to view, print, or download the RFI as a PDF.
How to Email an RFI
Click “Email”.
Select an email from the SEND TO dropdown (or manually enter an email).
Add CC/BCC recipients (if needed).
The Subject and Body will auto-populate (edit as needed).
The RFI attachment appears below the email body.
Click “SEND” (upper right corner).
📌 Once emailed, the Communication History and Status will update.
How to Revise an RFI
After receiving a response, the Communication History updates.
Click the email thread to view the response.
Click “REVISE” (upper right corner).
Enter the:
RFI Answer
Status
Answer Date
📌 Once an Answer Date is added, the RFI status updates to “Responded”.
Click "SAVE".
Adding an RFI to Project Files
Click "ADD TO FILES" once the RFI is approved. This allows mobile users to access it.
📌 Notify relevant team members when an RFI is approved.
✅ The RFI will now appear under the "Responded" status filter in Project RFIs. 🚀
FAQs
How do RFIs and Potential Change Orders interact?
If customer creates an RFI with impact to Cost, it becomes a potential Change Order. If customer creates an RFI with impact to Timeline, it DOES NOT become a potential Change Order.