RFI Template and RFI Log Template (Free CSV Downloads)

An RFI template is a standard form for asking the design team a written question about the contract documents, with fields for the drawing and spec references, a suggested answer, cost and schedule impact, and the response. This page gives you two downloads: an RFI form template and an RFI log template for tracking every RFI on the job.

A complete construction RFI form has: RFI number, date, to and from, subject, spec section, drawing sheet and detail reference, the question, a suggested solution, cost impact (Y/N), schedule impact (Y/N), date response required, the response, who responded, and the date answered. The log repeats the key fields one row per RFI and adds status and days open.

What fields go on an RFI form template?

These fields cover what AIA G716 asks for (references researched, sender's recommendation, requested reply date) plus the impact flags most GCs add. The example follows one RFI about a duct and beam conflict on a medical office building.

What does a good RFI question look like compared to a bad one?

The difference is references and a single, answerable question. A bad RFI forces the architect to go find the problem before they can answer it.

What fields go in an RFI log template?

The log is one row per RFI, sorted by number, and it's the document the owner and architect look at in every OAC meeting. Keep it lean enough to fit on one printed page width.

Download the RFI form and RFI log templates

Download the RFI form template (CSV, opens in Excel or Google Sheets) and download the RFI log template (CSV, opens in Excel or Google Sheets). Each has the header row above and the RFI-052 example row.

How should an RFI response be written?

A good RFI response answers the exact question, cites the sheet or sketch that shows the answer, and states whether it changes cost or time. If the answer changes the work, it should say what document will follow: an ASI, a bulletin, or a change order.

Remember that an RFI reply alone doesn't authorize extra cost or time. AIA G716 says as much: if the answer changes the contract documents, a change order, construction change directive, or minor change has to be issued. When that happens, carry the RFI number into the change order template so the two stay linked.

How do you use the RFI template step by step?

• Search the documents first and list every sheet and spec section you checked. Some contracts let the architect charge for RFIs already answered in the documents.
• Write one question per RFI. Split compound questions so each can close on its own.
• Propose a solution. It speeds up the answer and shows you've done the research.
• Set the required date from the schedule activity, not a blanket "ASAP".
• Log it the same day, and review days open in every OAC meeting.
• When the answer arrives, record the response, mark impacts, and note any ASI or change order it triggers.

How is this different from the RFI writing and tracking guides?

This page is the form and the log. For the writing technique in depth, read how to write an RFI; for aging reports and follow-up cadence, read how to track RFIs. To put a number on your RFI volume, try the RFI cost calculator.

Where does Helonic fit with RFIs?

Helonic finds the drawing conflicts that become RFIs, like the duct and beam conflict above, by reading the full PDF set across disciplines. With RFI generation, you pick which findings to keep, and it drafts each RFI with a subject, description, sheet reference, and suggested response, then exports to PDF or Excel or pushes drafts to Procore or Autodesk Forma (formerly Autodesk Construction Cloud). The PDF to RFI workflow walks through it end to end.