{"id":7127,"date":"2026-06-22T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-22T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/?p=7127"},"modified":"2026-10-28T16:16:16","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T16:16:16","slug":"what-is-an-rfi-in-construction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is a RFI in Construction? A Plain-English Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"rv2\">\n<div class=\"rv-site-header\">\n<div class=\"rv-header-in\"><a class=\"rv-brand\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/\" aria-label=\"SimplyWise home\"><span class=\"rv-bgi\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"SimplyWise\" style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/static-pages\/static\/main-landing-page\/assets\/brand\/wordmark-navy.svg');aspect-ratio:546\/87\"><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<nav class=\"rv-top-nav\" aria-label=\"Apps\">\n<ul>\n<li><a class=\"rv-tn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/#ch-estimates\"><span class=\"rv-bgi rv-tn-ic\" aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/static-pages\/static\/main-landing-page\/assets\/icons\/cost-estimator.svg');aspect-ratio:64\/64\"><\/span><span class=\"rv-tn-name\">Estimates<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"rv-tn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/#ch-receipts\"><span class=\"rv-bgi rv-tn-ic\" aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/static-pages\/static\/main-landing-page\/assets\/icons\/receipt-scanner.svg');aspect-ratio:64\/64\"><\/span><span class=\"rv-tn-name\">Receipts<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"rv-tn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/#ch-mileage\"><span class=\"rv-bgi rv-tn-ic\" aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/static-pages\/static\/main-landing-page\/assets\/icons\/mileage-tracker.svg');aspect-ratio:64\/64\"><\/span><span class=\"rv-tn-name\">Mileage<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"rv-tn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/#ch-rooms\"><span class=\"rv-bgi rv-tn-ic\" aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/static-pages\/static\/main-landing-page\/assets\/icons\/room-scanner.svg');aspect-ratio:64\/64\"><\/span><span class=\"rv-tn-name\">Room scans<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"rv-tn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/#ch-visualizer\"><span class=\"rv-bgi rv-tn-ic\" aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/static-pages\/static\/main-landing-page\/assets\/icons\/visualizer.svg');aspect-ratio:64\/64\"><\/span><span class=\"rv-tn-name\">Visualizer<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<p><a class=\"rv-login\" href=\"https:\/\/simplywise.com\/login\">Log in<\/a><\/div>\n<nav class=\"rv-appbar\" aria-label=\"Apps\">\n<ul>\n<li><a class=\"rv-ab\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/#ch-estimates\"><span class=\"rv-bgi rv-ab-ic\" aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/static-pages\/static\/main-landing-page\/assets\/icons\/cost-estimator.svg');aspect-ratio:64\/64\"><\/span><span class=\"rv-ab-name\">Estimates<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"rv-ab\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/#ch-receipts\"><span class=\"rv-bgi rv-ab-ic\" aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/static-pages\/static\/main-landing-page\/assets\/icons\/receipt-scanner.svg');aspect-ratio:64\/64\"><\/span><span class=\"rv-ab-name\">Receipts<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"rv-ab\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/#ch-mileage\"><span class=\"rv-bgi rv-ab-ic\" aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/static-pages\/static\/main-landing-page\/assets\/icons\/mileage-tracker.svg');aspect-ratio:64\/64\"><\/span><span class=\"rv-ab-name\">Mileage<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"rv-ab\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/#ch-rooms\"><span class=\"rv-bgi rv-ab-ic\" aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/static-pages\/static\/main-landing-page\/assets\/icons\/room-scanner.svg');aspect-ratio:64\/64\"><\/span><span class=\"rv-ab-name\">Room scans<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"rv-ab\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/#ch-visualizer\"><span class=\"rv-bgi rv-ab-ic\" aria-hidden=\"true\" style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/static-pages\/static\/main-landing-page\/assets\/icons\/visualizer.svg');aspect-ratio:64\/64\"><\/span><span class=\"rv-ab-name\">Visualizer<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<p><script>\ndocument.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {\n  var sels = ['.entry-header','.page-header','article > h1:first-child','.entry-footer'];\n  sels.forEach(function(s){document.querySelectorAll(s).forEach(function(el){el.style.display='none';});});\n  var el = document.querySelector('.sw-a');\n  while (el && el !== document.body) {\n    el.style.maxWidth='100%'; el.style.width='100%'; el.style.padding='0'; el.style.margin='0';\n    el.style.float='none'; el.style.flex='0 0 100%';\n    el = el.parentElement;\n  }\n  document.body.style.marginTop='0'; document.body.style.paddingTop='0';\n});\n<\/script>\n<link href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Inter:wght@400;500;600;700;800&#038;display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\n<!-- 02 Article Template. Inline-styled, WordPress-push-ready. Post target: \/blog\/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction\/ --><br \/>\n<!-- Hero image: real src present (Unsplash placeholder, Daniel may swap). 2:1 ratio. loading=\"eager\". --><\/p>\n<style id=\"sw-a-mobile\">.single-post .entry-header{display:none !important;}.single-post .entry-meta{display:none !important;}.single-post .post-tags,.single-post .entry-footer,.single-post .breadcrumb-nav{display:none !important;}.single-post article.post .entry-content{padding-top:0 !important;margin-top:0 !important;}.single-post .content-area,.single-post #primary{padding:0 !important;}.single-post .site-main{padding:0 !important;}.single-post .row--index>.col-xs-12{padding-left:0 !important;padding-right:0 !important;}.single-post .row.no-pad>[class*=\"col-\"]{width:100% !important;max-width:100% !important;flex:0 0 100% !important;margin-left:0 !important;padding-left:0 !important;padding-right:0 !important;}.single-post article.post{max-width:100% !important;}.single-post article.post .entry-content{max-width:100% !important;width:100% !important;}.single-post .container,.single-post .container-fluid{max-width:100% !important;width:100% !important;padding-left:0 !important;padding-right:0 !important;}.sw-a *{box-sizing:border-box;}.sw-a{--ink:#0f172a;--ink2:#334155;--muted:#64748b;--mute2:#94a3b8;--line:#e2e8f0;--line2:#cbd5e1;--surface:#f8fafc;--tldr-bg:#eff6ff;--tldr-bd:#93c5fd;--blue:#2563eb;--blue-dark:#1e3a8a;--blue-light:#3b82f6;--amber:#f59e0b;font-family:-apple-system,\"Inter\",\"SF Pro Text\",\"Segoe UI\",Roboto,sans-serif;color:var(--ink2);line-height:1.7;font-size:17px;max-width:100%;margin:0;background:#fff;}.sw-a a{color:var(--blue);text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-thickness:1.5px;transition:color .15s ease;}.sw-a a:hover{color:var(--blue-dark);}.sw-a p{margin:0 0 20px;}.sw-a strong{color:var(--ink);font-weight:600;}.sw-a ul,.sw-a ol{margin:0 0 20px;padding-left:26px;}.sw-a li{margin-bottom:8px;}.sw-a__inner{max-width:1200px;margin:0 auto;width:100%;}.sw-a__hero{padding:96px 120px 64px;text-align:center;background:#fff;}.sw-a__hero .sw-a__breadcrumb{font-size:13px;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:0.52px;color:var(--muted);margin:0 0 24px;}.sw-a__eyebrow{display:inline-block;background:var(--tldr-bg);color:var(--blue);font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:1.44px;padding:6px 14px;border-radius:999px;margin:0 0 24px;text-transform:uppercase;}.sw-a__hero h1,.sw-a h1{font-family:Inter,-apple-system,sans-serif;font-weight:800;font-size:60px;line-height:1.08;letter-spacing:-1.2px;color:var(--ink);margin:0 0 24px;max-width:960px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;}.sw-a .sw-a__subtitle{font-size:20px;line-height:1.6;color:var(--muted);max-width:720px;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:32px;}.sw-a__meta{display:inline-flex;gap:14px;align-items:center;color:var(--muted);font-size:13px;letter-spacing:0.52px;}.sw-a__meta span{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:6px;}.sw-a__meta .sw-a__dot{width:4px;height:4px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--mute2);display:inline-block;}.sw-a__hero-figure{margin:48px auto 0;max-width:960px;}.sw-a__hero-figure img{width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:14px;display:block;background:var(--surface);aspect-ratio:2\/1;object-fit:cover;border:1px solid var(--line);}.sw-a__tldr{padding:48px 120px;}.sw-a__tldr-box{background:var(--tldr-bg);border:1px solid var(--tldr-bd);border-radius:14px;padding:28px 40px 32px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:14px;max-width:920px;margin:0 auto;}.sw-a__tldr-label{font-size:11.5px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:1.6px;color:var(--blue-dark);text-transform:uppercase;line-height:1.3;display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;}.sw-a__tldr-label::before{content:\"\";display:block;width:22px;height:2px;background:var(--blue);border-radius:2px;}.sw-a__tldr-body{color:var(--ink);font-size:15.5px;line-height:1.65;}.sw-a__tldr-body ol{margin:0;padding-left:20px;}.sw-a__tldr-body ol li{margin-bottom:6px;}.sw-a__body{padding:32px 120px 48px;}.sw-a__body h2{font-family:Inter,sans-serif;font-weight:800;font-size:36px;line-height:1.15;letter-spacing:-0.6px;color:var(--ink);margin:48px auto 20px;max-width:760px;}.sw-a__body h2:first-child{margin-top:0;}.sw-a__body h3{font-family:Inter,sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:22px;line-height:1.3;color:var(--ink);margin:32px auto 12px;max-width:760px;}.sw-a__body p,.sw-a .sw-a__body ul,.sw-a .sw-a__body ol,.sw-a__body table{max-width:760px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;}.sw-a__steps{max-width:920px;margin:24px auto 32px;counter-reset:step;list-style:none;padding-left:0;}.sw-a__steps>li{counter-increment:step;position:relative;padding:20px 24px 20px 84px;border-top:1px solid var(--line);}.sw-a__steps>li:last-child{border-bottom:1px solid var(--line);}.sw-a__steps>li::before{content:counter(step);position:absolute;left:16px;top:20px;width:52px;height:52px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--blue);color:#fff;font-family:Inter,sans-serif;font-weight:800;font-size:20px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;letter-spacing:0;}.sw-a__steps>li h3{margin:0 0 6px;font-size:22px;font-weight:700;color:var(--ink);max-width:none;}.sw-a__steps>li p{margin:0;color:var(--ink2);font-size:16.5px;line-height:1.65;max-width:none;}.sw-a__steps>li p+p{margin-top:10px;}.sw-a__body table{border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;margin:20px auto 24px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;}.sw-a__body th,.sw-a__body td{text-align:left;padding:12px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid var(--line);vertical-align:top;}.sw-a__body th{background:var(--surface);font-weight:600;color:var(--ink);font-size:13px;letter-spacing:0.3px;text-transform:uppercase;}.sw-a__body tbody tr:hover{background:#fafbfc;}.sw-a__pull{background:var(--ink);color:#fff;padding:64px 120px;text-align:center;}.sw-a__pull blockquote{margin:0 auto;max-width:900px;font-family:Inter,sans-serif;font-weight:800;font-size:30px;line-height:1.3;letter-spacing:-0.4px;color:#fff;}.sw-a__pull blockquote::before{content:\"\\201C\";display:block;font-size:96px;color:var(--blue-light);line-height:0.7;margin-bottom:16px;font-weight:800;}.sw-a__pull cite{display:block;margin-top:24px;font-size:14px;color:#64748b;font-style:normal;letter-spacing:0.5px;}.sw-a__callout{background:var(--surface);border-left:4px solid var(--blue);padding:20px 24px;margin:24px auto;max-width:760px;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;font-size:16px;color:var(--ink2);}.sw-a__callout strong{color:var(--ink);}.sw-a__faq{background:var(--surface);padding:96px 120px;}.sw-a__faq h2{font-family:Inter,sans-serif;font-weight:800;font-size:36px;line-height:1.15;letter-spacing:-0.6px;color:var(--ink);margin:0 auto 40px;max-width:900px;text-align:center;}.sw-a__faq-list{max-width:900px;margin:0 auto;}.sw-a__faq-cat{font-family:Inter,sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:20px;color:var(--ink);margin:32px 0 12px;letter-spacing:-0.2px;}.sw-a__faq-cat:first-child{margin-top:0;}.sw-a__faq details{background:#fff;border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:10px;margin-bottom:12px;overflow:hidden;}.sw-a__faq details[open]{border-color:var(--line2);box-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(15,23,42,0.06);}.sw-a__faq summary{list-style:none;cursor:pointer;padding:20px 24px;font-weight:600;color:var(--ink);font-size:17px;position:relative;padding-right:56px;}.sw-a__faq summary::-webkit-details-marker{display:none;}.sw-a__faq summary::after{content:\"+\";position:absolute;right:20px;top:18px;font-size:26px;font-weight:400;color:var(--muted);transition:transform .2s ease;line-height:1;}.sw-a__faq details[open] summary::after{content:\"\\2013\";}.sw-a__faq-answer{padding:0 24px 22px;color:var(--ink2);font-size:16px;line-height:1.7;}.sw-a__finalcta{background:var(--ink);color:#fff;padding:96px 120px;text-align:center;}.sw-a__finalcta .sw-a__eyebrow{background:rgba(37,99,235,0.15);color:var(--blue-light);}.sw-a__finalcta h2{font-family:Inter,sans-serif;font-weight:800;font-size:48px;line-height:1.1;letter-spacing:-1px;color:#fff;margin:0 0 20px;max-width:820px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;}.sw-a__finalcta p{color:#cbd5e1;font-size:18px;line-height:1.65;max-width:640px;margin:0 auto 32px;}.sw-a__cta-buttons{display:inline-flex;gap:14px;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:center;}.sw-a a.sw-a__btn,.sw-a .sw-a__btn{color:#fff !important;text-decoration:none !important;background:#2563eb !important;border:none !important;display:inline-block;font-weight:700;font-size:16px;padding:18px 32px;border-radius:10px;letter-spacing:0.2px;transition:background .15s ease,transform .15s ease;}.sw-a a.sw-a__btn:hover{background:#3b82f6 !important;color:#fff !important;transform:translateY(-1px);}.sw-a a.sw-a__btn--ghost{background:rgba(255,255,255,0.08) !important;border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.18) !important;color:#fff !important;text-decoration:none !important;}.sw-a a.sw-a__btn--ghost:hover{background:rgba(255,255,255,0.14) !important;}@media (max-width:600px){.sw-a__hero{padding:48px 18px 32px;}.sw-a__hero h1,.sw-a h1{font-size:34px;line-height:1.12;letter-spacing:-0.6px;margin:0 0 18px;}.sw-a .sw-a__subtitle{font-size:16.5px;line-height:1.55;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:24px;}.sw-a__meta{flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:center;gap:8px 14px;font-size:12.5px;}.sw-a__hero-figure{margin:32px auto 0;}.sw-a__hero-figure img{aspect-ratio:16\/10;}.sw-a__tldr{padding:24px 18px;}.sw-a__tldr-box{flex-direction:column;gap:14px;padding:24px 22px;}.sw-a__tldr-label{width:auto;padding-top:0;font-size:11.5px;letter-spacing:1.2px;}.sw-a__tldr-body{font-size:15px;line-height:1.6;}.sw-a__body{padding:24px 18px 36px;}.sw-a__body h2{font-size:26px;line-height:1.2;letter-spacing:-0.3px;margin:36px 0 14px;}.sw-a__body h3{font-size:19px;line-height:1.3;margin:24px 0 10px;}.sw-a__body p,.sw-a .sw-a__body ul,.sw-a .sw-a__body ol,.sw-a__body table{max-width:100%;}.sw-a__steps{padding-left:0;margin:18px auto 24px;}.sw-a__steps>li{padding:18px 0 18px 56px;}.sw-a__steps>li::before{width:42px;height:42px;font-size:17px;left:0;top:18px;}.sw-a__steps>li h3{font-size:18px;margin:0 0 6px;}.sw-a__steps>li p{font-size:15.5px;line-height:1.6;}.sw-a__body table{display:block;overflow-x:auto;white-space:nowrap;-webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;font-size:13.5px;border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:10px;}.sw-a__body th,.sw-a__body td{padding:10px 14px;}.sw-a__body th{font-size:11.5px;letter-spacing:0.4px;}.sw-a__pull{padding:48px 18px;}.sw-a__pull blockquote{font-size:21px;line-height:1.4;}.sw-a__faq{padding:64px 18px;}.sw-a__faq h2{font-size:28px;}.sw-a__faq-cat{font-size:18px;margin:24px 0 10px;}.sw-a__faq-answer{font-size:15px;line-height:1.6;}.sw-a__faq details>summary{font-size:15.5px;padding:14px 16px;}.sw-a__finalcta{padding:64px 18px;}.sw-a__finalcta h2{font-size:30px;line-height:1.15;letter-spacing:-0.4px;}.sw-a__finalcta p{font-size:16px;}.sw-a__cta-buttons{flex-direction:column;gap:12px;width:100%;}.sw-a a.sw-a__btn,.sw-a .sw-a__btn{width:100%;text-align:center;padding:16px 22px;font-size:15.5px;}}.sw-a .sw-a__steps{max-width:760px;margin:24px auto 32px;}.sw-a .sw-a__steps>li{max-width:none;}.sw-a .sw-a__body ul,.sw-a .sw-a__body ol{max-width:760px;margin:0 auto 20px;}.sw-a .sw-a__body ul li,.sw-a .sw-a__body ol li{margin-bottom:8px;}\n\/* WCAG AA eyebrow contrast fix, appended *\/\n.sw-a__eyebrow,.sw-l__eyebrow,.eyebrow{color:#1d4ed8!important;}\n<\/style>\n<p><script>\n(function(){\n  try{\n    var b=document.body;\n    if(b && b.classList){b.classList.add('single-post');}\n  }catch(e){}\n})();\n<\/script><\/p>\n<style id=\"sw-rv2\">:root:has(.rv2),.rv2{--rv-ink:#0c0e1e;--rv-muted:#6c6a6a;--rv-body:#3a3c45;--rv-blue:#0071bd;--rv-blue-press:#005e9e;--rv-navy:#0c3859;--rv-navy-2:#0c3b5b;--rv-bg:#f5f4f2;--rv-tint:#eaf6fd;--rv-surface:#fff;--rv-line:#d9d9d9;--rv-line-soft:#e7e5e1;--rv-star:#f2a900;--rv-green:#076d3a;--rv-green-bg:#d4ebdf;--rv-r-card:22px;--rv-r-pill:999px;--rv-r-media:28px;--rv-r-ctl:16px;--rv-sh-card:0 1px 1px rgba(12,56,89,.04),0 12px 28px -18px rgba(12,56,89,.32);--rv-sh-link:0 0 0 1px rgba(12,14,30,.04),0 10px 26px -18px rgba(12,56,89,.4);--rv-sh-pill:0 0 0 1px rgba(12,14,30,.06),0 10px 22px -14px rgba(12,56,89,.45);--rv-sh-btn:0 10px 24px -14px rgba(0,113,189,.9);--rv-sh-media:0 0 0 1px rgba(12,14,30,.06),0 40px 80px -40px rgba(12,14,30,.55);--rv-font:Inter,ui-sans-serif,system-ui,-apple-system,'Segoe UI',Roboto,sans-serif}body:has(.rv2) .single-post .entry-header,body:has(.rv2) .single-post .entry-meta,body:has(.rv2) .single-post .page-header,body:has(.rv2) .single-post article>h1:first-child{display:none !important}body:has(.rv2) .single-post .post-tags,body:has(.rv2) .single-post .entry-footer,body:has(.rv2) .single-post .breadcrumb-nav{display:none !important}body:has(.rv2) .single-post article.post .entry-content{padding-top:0 !important;margin-top:0 !important;max-width:100% !important;width:100% !important}body:has(.rv2) .single-post .content-area,body:has(.rv2) .single-post #primary,body:has(.rv2) .single-post .site-main{padding:0 !important;max-width:100% !important;width:100% !important}body:has(.rv2) .single-post .row--index>.col-xs-12{padding-left:0 !important;padding-right:0 !important}body:has(.rv2) .single-post .row.no-pad>[class*=\"col-\"]{width:100% !important;max-width:100% !important;flex:0 0 100% !important;margin-left:0 !important;padding-left:0 !important;padding-right:0 !important}body:has(.rv2) .single-post article.post,body:has(.rv2) .single-post article.sw{max-width:100% !important;width:100% !important;margin:0 !important;padding:0 !important;float:none !important;flex:0 0 100% !important}body:has(.rv2) .single-post .container,body:has(.rv2) .single-post .container-fluid{max-width:100% !important;width:100% !important;padding-left:0 !important;padding-right:0 !important}body:has(.rv2) .single-post .row--index,body:has(.rv2) .single-post .row.no-pad,body:has(.rv2) .single-post .site-content{max-width:100% !important;width:100% !important;margin-left:0 !important;margin-right:0 !important;padding-left:0 !important;padding-right:0 !important}body:has(.rv2) .entry-header,body:has(.rv2) .page-header,body:has(.rv2) .entry-footer{display:none !important}body:has(.rv2){margin-top:0 !important;padding-top:0 !important}body:has(.rv2) #page,body:has(.rv2) #content,body:has(.rv2) .site-content,body:has(.rv2) .row--index,body:has(.rv2) .row--index>.col-xs-12,body:has(.rv2) #primary,body:has(.rv2) .site-main,body:has(.rv2) article.post,body:has(.rv2) .row.no-pad,body:has(.rv2) .row.no-pad>[class*=\"col-\"],body:has(.rv2) .entry-content,.rv2 .sw-t{max-width:100% !important;width:100% !important;padding:0 !important;margin:0 !important;float:none !important;flex:0 0 100% !important}body:has(.rv2){background:var(--rv-bg) !important}body:has(.rv2) #content,body:has(.rv2) .site-content{padding-bottom:0 !important;margin-bottom:0 !important}.rv2 .rv-site-header,.rv2 .rv-site-footer{font-family:var(--rv-font);-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased}.rv2 .rv-site-header ul,.rv2 .rv-site-footer ul{list-style:none;margin:0;padding:0}.rv2 .rv-site-header li,.rv2 .rv-site-footer li{margin:0;padding:0}.rv2 .rv-site-header a,.rv2 .rv-site-footer a{border:0;box-shadow:none}.rv2 .rv-site-header{position:sticky;top:0;z-index:50;background:#fff;box-shadow:inset 0 -1px 0 var(--rv-line-soft)}.rv2 .rv-header-in{height:60px;max-width:1200px;margin:0 auto;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:16px;padding:0 20px}.rv2 .rv-brand{display:flex;align-items:center;min-height:44px;flex:none;border-radius:6px}.rv2 .rv-brand img{width:124px;height:auto;display:block}.rv2 .rv-top-nav{display:none}.rv2 .rv-login{flex:none;min-height:44px;padding:0 18px;display:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;text-decoration:none;border:1px solid var(--rv-ink) !important;border-radius:999px;background:#fff;color:var(--rv-ink) !important;font:600 15px\/24px var(--rv-font);letter-spacing:-.005em}.rv2 .rv-login:hover{background:var(--rv-ink);color:#fff !important}.rv2 .rv-appbar{height:58px;background:rgba(255,255,255,.94);box-shadow:inset 0 1px 0 var(--rv-line-soft)}.rv2 .rv-appbar ul{display:flex;height:100%;max-width:560px;margin:0 auto;padding:4px}.rv2 .rv-appbar li{flex:1 1 auto;display:flex}.rv2 .rv-ab{flex:1 1 auto;min-height:44px;min-width:44px;padding:0 3px;border-radius:14px;white-space:nowrap;display:flex;flex-direction:column;align-items:center;justify-content:center;gap:3px;color:var(--rv-muted) !important;text-decoration:none}.rv2 .rv-ab-ic{width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:7px;flex:none;opacity:.6}.rv2 .rv-ab-name{font:600 12px\/14px var(--rv-font);letter-spacing:-.025em;white-space:nowrap;opacity:.85}.rv2 .rv-ab:hover{color:var(--rv-ink) !important}.rv2 .rv-ab:hover .rv-ab-ic,.rv2 .rv-ab:hover .rv-ab-name{opacity:1}@media (max-width:389px){.rv2 .rv-ab{padding:0 2px}.rv2 .rv-ab-name{font-size:11.5px;letter-spacing:-.03em}.rv2 .rv-ab-ic{width:24px;height:24px}}@media (min-width:768px){.rv2 .rv-ab{flex-direction:row;gap:8px}.rv2 .rv-ab-name{font-size:13px;line-height:16px}.rv2 .rv-brand img{width:136px}}@media (min-width:1024px){.rv2 .rv-header-in{height:72px;padding:0 48px}.rv2 .rv-appbar{display:none}.rv2 .rv-brand img{width:142px}.rv2 .rv-top-nav{display:flex;justify-content:center;flex:1 1 auto;min-width:0}.rv2 .rv-top-nav ul{display:flex;gap:2px}.rv2 .rv-tn{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;min-height:44px;padding:0 14px 0 10px;border-radius:999px;color:var(--rv-muted) !important;text-decoration:none;white-space:nowrap;font:500 15px\/24px var(--rv-font);letter-spacing:-.01em}.rv2 .rv-tn-ic{width:22px;height:22px;border-radius:6px;flex:none;opacity:.72}.rv2 .rv-tn:hover{color:var(--rv-ink) !important;background:rgba(12,14,30,.04)}.rv2 .rv-tn:hover .rv-tn-ic{opacity:1}}.rv2 .rv-site-footer{background:var(--rv-navy);color:rgba(255,255,255,.72);padding:30px 20px calc(22px + env(safe-area-inset-bottom));margin:0}.rv2 .rv-site-footer>div{max-width:1104px;margin:0 auto}.rv2 .rv-wm{width:132px;height:auto;display:block}.rv2 .rv-tag{margin:10px 0 14px;font-size:14px;line-height:20px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.7)}.rv2 .rv-foot-links{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0 22px;margin:0 0 14px !important}.rv2 .rv-foot-links a{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;min-height:44px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.88) !important;font-size:15px;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none}.rv2 .rv-foot-links a:hover{color:#fff !important;text-decoration:underline}.rv2 .rv-site-footer small{display:block;color:rgba(255,255,255,.62);font-size:13px;line-height:18px}@media (max-width:389px){.rv2 .rv-foot-links{gap:0 14px}}@media (min-width:768px){.rv2 .rv-site-footer>div{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr auto;grid-template-areas:'wm links' 'tag links' 'copy copy';column-gap:32px;align-items:center}.rv2 .rv-wm{grid-area:wm}.rv2 .rv-tag{grid-area:tag;margin:8px 0 0}.rv2 .rv-foot-links{grid-area:links;margin:0 !important;justify-content:flex-end}.rv2 .rv-site-footer small{grid-area:copy;margin-top:18px;padding-top:16px;border-top:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.14)}}@media (min-width:1024px){.rv2 .rv-site-footer{padding:36px 48px 28px}.rv2 .rv-site-footer>div{grid-template-columns:auto 1fr auto;grid-template-areas:'wm tag links' 'copy copy copy';column-gap:28px}.rv2 .rv-tag{margin:0}}.rv2 .rv-h1-a,.rv2 .rv-h1-b{display:block}.rv2 .rv-h1-a{color:var(--rv-muted) !important}.rv2 .rv-h1-b{color:var(--rv-ink) !important}.rv2 h1 .rv-h1-a + br{display:none}.rv2 article.sw-a{background:var(--rv-surface);color:var(--rv-body);font-family:var(--rv-font);font-size:17px;line-height:1.7}.rv2 article.sw-a a{color:var(--rv-blue);font-weight:600;border-bottom:1.5px solid rgba(0,113,189,.28)}.rv2 article.sw-a a:hover{color:var(--rv-blue-press);border-bottom-color:var(--rv-blue-press)}.rv2 article.sw-a h1,.rv2 article.sw-a h2,.rv2 article.sw-a h3{color:var(--rv-ink);font-weight:600}.rv2 article.sw-a h2{font-size:34px;line-height:1.12;letter-spacing:-.035em}.rv2 article.sw-a h3{font-size:20px;line-height:1.3;letter-spacing:-.015em}.rv2 article.sw-a strong{color:var(--rv-ink);font-weight:600}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero{background:var(--rv-bg);border-bottom:0;padding:64px 0 8px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__crumb{font:600 13px\/16px var(--rv-font);letter-spacing:.78px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--rv-muted)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__crumb a{color:var(--rv-muted);border-bottom:0;font-weight:600}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__eyebrow{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;background:#fff;color:var(--rv-ink);box-shadow:var(--rv-sh-pill);border:0;border-radius:var(--rv-r-pill);padding:8px 16px;font:600 13px\/16px var(--rv-font);letter-spacing:.78px;text-transform:uppercase}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero h1{color:var(--rv-ink);font-size:52px;line-height:1.02;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:-.05em;max-width:760px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__dek,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__dek-cta{color:var(--rv-muted)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__dek{font-size:19px;line-height:1.55;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:-.01em}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__dek a,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__dek-cta a{color:var(--rv-blue);border-bottom-color:rgba(0,113,189,.3)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero-cta-note{color:var(--rv-muted)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__rating{display:inline-flex;margin:4px auto 18px;padding:8px 16px 8px 12px;gap:10px;background:#fff;border-radius:var(--rv-r-pill);box-shadow:var(--rv-sh-pill);font:800 13px\/13px var(--rv-font);letter-spacing:.26px;color:var(--rv-ink);text-transform:uppercase}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__stars{color:var(--rv-star);letter-spacing:2px;font-size:14px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__rating-sub{color:var(--rv-muted);font:500 13px\/18px var(--rv-font);letter-spacing:0;text-transform:none}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__meta{color:var(--rv-muted)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__meta i{background:var(--rv-line);width:4px;height:4px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero{text-align:left}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero h1{margin:22px 0 16px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__dek,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__dek-cta{margin-left:0;margin-right:0}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero-cta{align-items:flex-start;margin:0 0 22px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__rating{margin:4px 0 18px;justify-content:flex-start}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__meta{justify-content:flex-start}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__fig{max-width:720px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__fig img{border-radius:var(--rv-r-media);box-shadow:var(--rv-sh-media)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__btn,.rv2 .sw-a a.sw-a__btn,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__tldr-cta a{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;gap:12px;min-height:56px;padding:0 32px;border-radius:var(--rv-r-pill);background:var(--rv-blue);color:#fff;border:0;box-shadow:var(--rv-sh-btn);font:600 16px\/20px var(--rv-font);letter-spacing:-.01em;text-decoration:none}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__btn:hover,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__tldr-cta a:hover{background:var(--rv-blue-press);color:#fff}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__tldr-cta a{min-height:44px;padding:0 20px;font-size:15px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__btn--lg{min-height:56px;padding:0 38px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__tldr,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__sources,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__next,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__table-wrap,.rv2 .sw-a table.sw-a__table{background:#fff;border:0;border-radius:var(--rv-r-card);box-shadow:var(--rv-sh-link)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__tldr{padding:26px 30px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__tldr-label,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__sources h2,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__next h2{font:600 13px\/16px var(--rv-font);letter-spacing:.78px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--rv-muted)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__tldr ol,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__tldr li{color:var(--rv-body)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__tldr-cta{border-top:1px solid var(--rv-line-soft)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__tldr-cta span{color:var(--rv-ink)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__sources li,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__next li{border-bottom-color:var(--rv-line-soft);color:var(--rv-muted)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__next{background:var(--rv-bg);border:0;box-shadow:none;border-radius:var(--rv-r-card);padding:28px 24px;margin:36px 0 20px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__next h2{font:600 28px\/1.1 var(--rv-font);letter-spacing:-.035em;color:var(--rv-ink);text-transform:none;margin:0 0 20px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__next ul{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(180px,1fr));gap:16px;list-style:none;padding:0;margin:0;counter-reset:rvn}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__next li{counter-increment:rvn;position:relative;display:flex;flex-direction:column;align-items:flex-start;margin:0;padding:22px 22px 20px;background:#fff;border:0;border-radius:var(--rv-r-card);box-shadow:var(--rv-sh-link);font-size:14px;line-height:20px;color:var(--rv-muted)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__next li:last-child{padding-bottom:20px;border:0}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__next li::marker{content:\"\"}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__next li::before{content:counter(rvn,decimal-leading-zero);display:block;font:600 13px\/16px var(--rv-font);letter-spacing:.78px;color:var(--rv-muted);margin:0 0 14px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__next li::after{content:\"\";position:static;display:block;width:20px;height:20px;margin:18px 0 0;transform:none;background:url(\"\") center\/20px 20px no-repeat}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__next a{display:block;color:var(--rv-ink);border:0;font:600 18px\/22px var(--rv-font);letter-spacing:-.36px;margin:0 0 6px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__next a::before{content:\"\";position:absolute;inset:0}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__next a:hover{color:var(--rv-blue);text-decoration:none}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__callout{background:var(--rv-tint);border:0;border-radius:var(--rv-r-card);box-shadow:none;color:var(--rv-body);padding:20px 24px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__inline-cta a{color:var(--rv-blue);border-bottom-color:rgba(0,113,189,.3)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__table-wrap{overflow-x:auto}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__table-wrap table.sw-a__table{box-shadow:none;border-radius:0}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__table th{background:var(--rv-bg);color:var(--rv-muted);font:600 13px\/16px var(--rv-font);letter-spacing:.78px;border-bottom:1px solid var(--rv-line-soft)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__table td{color:var(--rv-body);border-bottom-color:var(--rv-line-soft)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__table td strong{color:var(--rv-ink)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__steps>li{border-top-color:var(--rv-line-soft)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__steps>li:last-child{border-bottom-color:var(--rv-line-soft)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__steps>li::before{background:var(--rv-blue);color:#fff;font:600 15px var(--rv-font);box-shadow:var(--rv-sh-btn)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__steps p{color:var(--rv-body)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__promo{background:var(--rv-tint);border:0;border-radius:var(--rv-r-card);color:var(--rv-body);box-shadow:none;padding:38px 34px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__promo h2{color:var(--rv-ink);font-size:28px;letter-spacing:-.03em}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__promo p{color:var(--rv-body)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__promo a:not(.sw-a__btn){color:var(--rv-blue);border-bottom-color:rgba(0,113,189,.3)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__faq{background:var(--rv-bg)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__faq h2{font-size:34px;letter-spacing:-.035em}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__faq details{background:#fff;border:0;border-radius:var(--rv-r-ctl);box-shadow:var(--rv-sh-card)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__faq summary{color:var(--rv-ink);font-weight:600;letter-spacing:-.01em}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__faq details>div{color:var(--rv-body)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__final{background:var(--rv-navy);color:rgba(255,255,255,.7);border-radius:0}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__final h2{color:#fff;font-size:40px;letter-spacing:-.045em}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__final p{color:rgba(255,255,255,.7)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__final .sw-a__eyebrow{background:rgba(255,255,255,.08);color:#fff;box-shadow:inset 0 0 0 1px rgba(255,255,255,.14)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__final a:not(.sw-a__btn){color:#fff}@media (max-width:600px){.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero{padding:40px 0 6px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero h1{font-size:clamp(34px,11.2vw,50px);letter-spacing:-.045em}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__dek{font-size:17px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__rating{border-radius:var(--rv-r-ctl);max-width:100%;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:flex-start;row-gap:4px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__meta{justify-content:flex-start}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__fig{padding:0 18px}.rv2 article.sw-a h2,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__faq h2{font-size:26px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__final h2{font-size:30px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__btn,.rv2 .sw-a a.sw-a__btn{min-height:52px;padding:0 22px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__btn--lg{width:100%}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__tldr,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__promo{padding:24px 22px}}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__inner{max-width:704px;padding:0 24px}.rv2 article.sw-a{font-size:17px;line-height:1.72}.rv2 article.sw-a p{margin:0 0 22px}.rv2 article.sw-a h2{font-size:36px;line-height:1.1;letter-spacing:-.04em;margin:64px 0 18px}.rv2 article.sw-a h3{font-size:20px;line-height:1.3;letter-spacing:-.02em;margin:32px 0 8px}.rv2 article.sw-a a{border-bottom:0;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:1px;text-underline-offset:3px;text-decoration-color:rgba(0,113,189,.35)}.rv2 article.sw-a a:hover{text-decoration-color:currentColor}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero{padding:56px 0 64px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__eyebrow{background:transparent;box-shadow:none;padding:0;border-radius:0;color:var(--rv-ink);gap:8px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__eyebrow::before{content:\"\";width:8px;height:8px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--rv-blue);box-shadow:0 0 0 4px rgba(0,113,189,.14)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero h1{margin:14px 0 18px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__dek{max-width:600px;color:var(--rv-muted)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__fig{max-width:none;padding:0;margin:36px 0 0}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__fig img{aspect-ratio:16\/9}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__btn::after{content:\"\";width:18px;height:18px;flex:none;background:url(\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' viewBox='0 0 20 20' fill='none' stroke='white' stroke-width='2' stroke-linecap='round' stroke-linejoin='round'%3E%3Cpath d='M4 10h12M11 5l5 5-5 5'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\") center\/18px no-repeat;transition:transform .2s ease}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__btn:hover::after{transform:translateX(3px)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__btn,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__tldr-cta a,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__crumb a{text-decoration:none !important}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__next li{transition:transform .3s cubic-bezier(.22,.8,.24,1),box-shadow .3s cubic-bezier(.22,.8,.24,1)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__next li:hover{transform:translateY(-3px);box-shadow:0 0 0 1px rgba(0,113,189,.25),0 18px 34px -18px rgba(12,56,89,.45)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__next a{text-decoration:none}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__steps>li::before{border-radius:11px;background:linear-gradient(180deg,#0080af,#005d7f);box-shadow:0 2px 4px rgba(12,14,30,.25)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__table th,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-cmp__table th{background:var(--rv-bg);color:var(--rv-muted);font:600 12px\/16px var(--rv-font);letter-spacing:.78px;text-transform:uppercase}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__table td,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-cmp__table td{font-size:15px;line-height:1.5}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__table tbody tr:hover{background:#fbfaf8}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-cmp__table{background:#fff;border-radius:var(--rv-r-card);box-shadow:var(--rv-sh-link);border:0;overflow:hidden}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-cmp__table td,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-cmp__table th{border-color:var(--rv-line-soft) !important}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-cmp__us,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-cmp__table .sw-cmp__us{background:var(--rv-tint) !important;color:var(--rv-ink)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__callout{box-shadow:inset 3px 0 0 var(--rv-blue);border-radius:0 16px 16px 0}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__promo{text-align:left;padding:32px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__promo p{margin-left:0;margin-right:0}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__promo>:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__steps h3{margin:0 0 4px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__steps p{margin:0}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__steps p+p{margin-top:10px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__faq{padding:72px 0}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__faq h2{text-align:left;margin:0 0 28px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__faq summary{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:16px;padding:18px 20px 18px 22px;font-size:16px;line-height:1.4}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__faq summary::after{content:\"\";flex:none;width:32px;height:32px;border-radius:16px;background:#fff url(\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' viewBox='0 0 20 20' fill='none' stroke='%230c0e1e' stroke-width='1.8' stroke-linecap='round'%3E%3Cpath d='M10 4v12M4 10h12'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\") center\/16px no-repeat;box-shadow:inset 0 0 0 1px var(--rv-line);transition:transform .25s ease,background-color .2s ease}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__faq details[open] summary::after{transform:rotate(45deg);background-color:var(--rv-tint)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__faq details>div{padding:0 22px 20px;font-size:16px;line-height:1.65}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__faq details{margin-bottom:12px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__final{background:#fff;color:var(--rv-muted);text-align:left;padding:88px 0;margin-top:0}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__final h2{color:var(--rv-ink);font-size:44px;line-height:1.04;letter-spacing:-.045em;margin:16px 0 14px;max-width:620px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__final p{color:var(--rv-muted);margin:0 0 28px;max-width:520px;font-size:18px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__final .sw-a__eyebrow{background:transparent;box-shadow:none;color:var(--rv-orange)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__final .sw-a__eyebrow::before{background:var(--rv-orange);box-shadow:0 0 0 4px #fbe5da}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__sources{padding:24px 26px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__sources li{font-size:14px}@media (max-width:767px){.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__inner{padding:0 20px}.rv2 article.sw-a h2{font-size:28px;margin-top:52px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero{padding:36px 0 44px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__fig{padding:0;margin-top:28px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__fig img{aspect-ratio:4\/3}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero-cta,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero-cta .sw-a__btn{width:100%}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero-cta{align-items:stretch}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__final{padding:64px 0}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__final h2{font-size:32px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__final .sw-a__btn,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__promo .sw-a__btn{width:100%}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__promo{padding:24px 20px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__faq{padding:56px 0}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__next ul{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:0;background:#fff;border-radius:var(--rv-r-card);box-shadow:var(--rv-sh-link);padding:4px 18px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__next li{box-shadow:none;border-radius:0;padding:16px 28px 16px 36px;background:transparent;border-bottom:1px solid var(--rv-line-soft)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__next li:last-child{border-bottom:0;padding-bottom:16px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__next li:hover{transform:none;box-shadow:none}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__next li::before{position:absolute;left:0;top:19px;margin:0}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__next li::after{position:absolute;right:0;top:18px;margin:0}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__next a{font-size:16px;line-height:20px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__next{padding:22px 16px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__table-wrap th:first-child,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__table-wrap td:first-child,.rv2 .sw-a table.sw-a__table th:first-child,.rv2 .sw-a table.sw-a__table td:first-child{position:sticky;left:0;z-index:1;background:#fff;box-shadow:1px 0 0 var(--rv-line-soft)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__table-wrap th:first-child,.rv2 .sw-a table.sw-a__table th:first-child{background:var(--rv-bg)}}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero{background:radial-gradient(900px 420px at 92% -8%,rgba(0,113,189,.12),rgba(0,113,189,0) 70%),radial-gradient(600px 300px at 0% 110%,rgba(242,169,0,.07),rgba(242,169,0,0) 70%),var(--rv-bg)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__eyebrow{color:var(--rv-blue-press)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__tldr-label{color:var(--rv-blue-press)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__faq{background:linear-gradient(180deg,var(--rv-tint) 0%,#f4f9fd 100%)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__promo{background:radial-gradient(420px 220px at 100% 0%,rgba(0,113,189,.14),rgba(0,113,189,0) 70%),var(--rv-tint)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__final{color:#fff;background: radial-gradient(circle at 88% 42%,rgba(255,255,255,0) 0 150px,rgba(255,255,255,.12) 151px 152px,rgba(255,255,255,0) 153px 230px,rgba(255,255,255,.08) 231px 232px,rgba(255,255,255,0) 233px),linear-gradient(135deg,#0071bd 0%,#005e9e 100%)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__final h2,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__final p,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__final .sw-a__eyebrow{color:#fff}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__final .sw-a__eyebrow::before{background:#fff;box-shadow:0 0 0 4px rgba(255,255,255,.25)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__final .sw-a__btn{background:#fff;color:var(--rv-navy);box-shadow:0 14px 30px -16px rgba(12,14,30,.6)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__final .sw-a__btn:hover{background:#fff;color:var(--rv-blue-press)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__final .sw-a__btn::after{background-image:url(\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' viewBox='0 0 20 20' fill='none' stroke='%230c3859' stroke-width='2' stroke-linecap='round' stroke-linejoin='round'%3E%3Cpath d='M4 10h12M11 5l5 5-5 5'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\")}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__final a:not(.sw-a__btn){color:#fff}.rv2 .sw-a{--ink:var(--rv-ink);--ink2:var(--rv-ink);--ink-2:var(--rv-ink);--text:var(--rv-body);--body:var(--rv-body);--muted:var(--rv-muted);--mute2:var(--rv-muted);--line:var(--rv-line-soft);--line2:var(--rv-line-soft);--hair:var(--rv-line-soft);--bg:var(--rv-bg);--surface:var(--rv-bg);--card:#fff;--chartbg:var(--rv-bg);--blue:var(--rv-blue);--accent:var(--rv-blue);--blue-light:var(--rv-blue);--blue-bg:var(--rv-tint);--tldr-bg:var(--rv-tint);--tldr-bd:transparent;--blue-dark:var(--rv-navy);--navy:var(--rv-navy);--green:var(--rv-green);--green-bg:var(--rv-green-bg);--amber:var(--rv-star);--red:var(--rv-orange);font-family:var(--rv-font)}.rv2 article.sw-a{color:var(--rv-body);-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased}.rv2 article.sw-a h1,.rv2 article.sw-a h2,.rv2 article.sw-a h3,.rv2 article.sw-a h4{font-family:var(--rv-font);color:var(--rv-ink);font-weight:600}.rv2 article.sw-a h2{font-size:36px;line-height:1.1;letter-spacing:-.04em}.rv2 article.sw-a h3{letter-spacing:-.02em}.rv2 article.sw-a p,.rv2 article.sw-a li{color:var(--rv-body)}.rv2 article.sw-a strong,.rv2 article.sw-a b{font-weight:600}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero{background:radial-gradient(900px 420px at 92% -8%,rgba(0,113,189,.12),rgba(0,113,189,0) 70%),radial-gradient(600px 300px at 0% 110%,rgba(242,169,0,.07),rgba(242,169,0,0) 70%),var(--rv-bg)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero h1{font-size:52px;line-height:1.02;letter-spacing:-.05em;font-weight:600;color:var(--rv-ink)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__subtitle{color:var(--rv-muted);font-size:19px;line-height:1.55;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:-.01em}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__meta{color:var(--rv-muted)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__tldr-label,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__sources h2,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__faq-cat,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__breadcrumb{font:600 13px\/16px var(--rv-font) !important;letter-spacing:.78px !important;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--rv-muted)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__eyebrow{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;background:transparent;box-shadow:none;border:0;padding:0;border-radius:0;color:var(--rv-blue-press);font:600 13px\/16px var(--rv-font);letter-spacing:.78px;text-transform:uppercase}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__eyebrow::before{content:\"\";flex:none;width:8px;height:8px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--rv-blue);box-shadow:0 0 0 4px rgba(0,113,189,.14)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__tldr-box,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__sources{background:#fff;border:0 !important;border-radius:var(--rv-r-card);box-shadow:var(--rv-sh-link)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__pull{background:var(--rv-tint);border:0;border-radius:0 16px 16px 0;box-shadow:inset 3px 0 0 var(--rv-blue);color:var(--rv-body);padding:16px 20px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero-cta a,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__tldr-cta a,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__cta-buttons a,.rv2 .sw-a a.sw-a__btn{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;gap:10px;min-height:56px;padding:0 32px !important;border-radius:var(--rv-r-pill) !important;background:var(--rv-blue) !important;color:#fff !important;border:0 !important;box-shadow:var(--rv-sh-btn) !important;font:600 16px\/20px var(--rv-font) !important;letter-spacing:-.01em !important;text-decoration:none !important;box-sizing:border-box;max-width:100%}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero-cta a:hover,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__tldr-cta a:hover,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__cta-buttons a:hover,.rv2 .sw-a a.sw-a__btn:hover{background:var(--rv-blue-press) !important}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__finalcta{background:radial-gradient(circle at 88% 42%,rgba(255,255,255,0) 0 150px,rgba(255,255,255,.12) 151px 152px,rgba(255,255,255,0) 153px 230px,rgba(255,255,255,.08) 231px 232px,rgba(255,255,255,0) 233px),linear-gradient(135deg,#0071bd 0%,#005e9e 100%) !important;color:#fff}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__finalcta h2,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__finalcta h3,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__finalcta p,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__finalcta li,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__finalcta span{color:#fff}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__finalcta h2{font-size:40px;line-height:1.08;letter-spacing:-.045em}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__finalcta a{background:#fff !important;color:var(--rv-navy) !important;box-shadow:0 14px 30px -16px rgba(12,14,30,.6) !important}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__finalcta a:hover{background:#fff !important;color:var(--rv-blue-press) !important}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__finalcta .sw-a__eyebrow{color:#fff}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__finalcta .sw-a__eyebrow::before{background:#fff;box-shadow:0 0 0 4px rgba(255,255,255,.25)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__faq{background:linear-gradient(180deg,var(--rv-tint) 0%,#f4f9fd 100%)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__faq details{background:#fff;border:0 !important;border-radius:var(--rv-r-ctl);box-shadow:var(--rv-sh-card)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__faq details summary,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__faq details summary *{color:var(--rv-ink);font-weight:600;letter-spacing:-.01em}.rv2 article.sw-a table th{background:var(--rv-bg);color:var(--rv-muted)}.rv2 article.sw-a table td,.rv2 article.sw-a table th{border-color:var(--rv-line-soft)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__meta>br,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero-cta>br,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__cta-buttons>br,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__tldr-cta>br{display:none !important}.rv2 article.sw-a a:focus-visible,.rv2 article.sw-a summary:focus-visible{outline:2px solid var(--rv-blue);outline-offset:3px}@media (max-width:767px){.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero h1{font-size:clamp(34px,11.2vw,50px);letter-spacing:-.045em}.rv2 article.sw-a h2{font-size:26px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__finalcta h2{font-size:30px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__subtitle{font-size:17px}}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero{text-align:left;padding:56px 0 64px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero .sw-a__breadcrumb{margin:0 0 18px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero h1{margin:14px 0 18px;max-width:760px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__subtitle{max-width:600px;margin:0 0 24px;margin-left:0 !important;margin-right:0 !important}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero-cta{display:flex;flex-direction:column;align-items:flex-start;gap:10px;margin:0 0 22px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero-cta-note{color:var(--rv-muted);font-size:14px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__meta{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;justify-content:flex-start;gap:6px 10px;font-size:14px;color:var(--rv-muted)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__dot{display:inline-block;width:4px;height:4px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--rv-line)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero-figure{margin:36px 0 0;padding:0;max-width:none}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero-figure img{display:block;width:100%;height:auto;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover;border-radius:var(--rv-r-media);box-shadow:var(--rv-sh-media)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero-figure>br{display:none}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__tldr{background:transparent !important;box-shadow:none !important;border-radius:0 !important;padding:0 24px !important;margin:40px 0 0}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__tldr-box{max-width:656px;margin:0 auto;padding:26px 30px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__tldr-label{color:var(--rv-blue-press) !important}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__tldr-body,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__tldr-body li{color:var(--rv-body)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__tldr-cta{border-top:1px solid var(--rv-line-soft);padding-top:16px;display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;gap:12px 16px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__tldr-cta a{min-height:44px;padding:0 20px !important;font-size:15px !important}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__sources{padding:24px 28px;margin:48px 0 0}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__sources h2{margin:0 0 12px !important}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__sources h2::before{display:none}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__pull{max-width:656px;margin:48px auto;padding:24px 28px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__pull blockquote,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__pull blockquote p{margin:0;color:var(--rv-ink);font:600 20px\/1.45 var(--rv-font);letter-spacing:-.015em;border:0;padding:0;background:transparent}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__pull cite{display:block;margin-top:12px;color:var(--rv-muted);font:600 13px\/16px var(--rv-font);letter-spacing:.78px;text-transform:uppercase;font-style:normal}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__faq{padding:72px 24px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__faq h2{max-width:656px;margin:0 auto 28px;text-align:left}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__faq-list{max-width:656px;margin:0 auto}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__faq-cat{margin:28px 0 12px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__faq details{margin:0 0 12px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__faq summary::before{display:none}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__faq-answer{padding:0 22px 18px;color:var(--rv-body)}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__finalcta{padding:88px 24px;text-align:left}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__finalcta>*{max-width:656px;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__finalcta .sw-a__eyebrow{display:flex;max-width:656px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__cta-buttons{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:12px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__steps>li::before{border-radius:11px;background:linear-gradient(180deg,#0080af,#005d7f);box-shadow:0 2px 4px rgba(12,14,30,.25);color:#fff}@media (max-width:600px){.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero{padding:40px 0 40px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero-cta,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero-cta a,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__cta-buttons a{width:100%}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero-cta a,.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__cta-buttons a{min-height:52px;padding:0 22px !important}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero-cta{align-items:stretch}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__hero-figure img{aspect-ratio:4\/3}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__tldr{padding:0 20px !important}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__tldr-box{padding:24px 22px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__finalcta{padding:64px 20px}.rv2 .sw-a .sw-a__faq{padding:56px 20px}}body:has(.rv2) #masthead,body:has(.rv2) #colophon{display:none !important}.rv2 .pm__prefsrc{text-align:inherit}.rv2 .pm__prefsrc a{text-decoration:none !important;border-bottom:0 !important}.rv2 .pm__prefsrc a:focus-visible{outline:2px solid var(--rv-blue);outline-offset:3px}.rv2 .rv-legacy-foot{display:none !important}.rv2 .rv-site-header p:not([class]),.rv2 .rv-site-footer p:not([class]){display:contents !important}.rv2 .rv-bgi{display:block;background-position:center;background-size:contain;background-repeat:no-repeat}.rv2 .rv-brand .rv-bgi{width:124px}@media (min-width:768px){.rv2 .rv-brand .rv-bgi{width:136px}}@media (min-width:1024px){.rv2 .rv-brand .rv-bgi{width:142px}}.rv2 .sw-c div[style*=\"display:flex\"]>br,.rv2 .sw-t div[style*=\"display:flex\"]>br{display:none !important}.rv2 .sw-c h1,.rv2 .sw-t h1{font-size:clamp(34px,11.2vw,52px) !important;line-height:1.02 !important;letter-spacing:-.045em !important}@media (min-width:1024px){.rv2 .sw-c h1,.rv2 .sw-t h1{font-size:52px !important;letter-spacing:-.05em !important}}@media (max-width:767px){.rv2 .sw-c section:first-of-type a[style*=\"border-radius:999px\"]:not([href*=\"preferences\/source\"]),.rv2 .sw-t section:first-of-type a[style*=\"border-radius:999px\"]:not([href*=\"preferences\/source\"]){display:flex !important;width:100% !important;justify-content:center !important;box-sizing:border-box !important;min-height:52px}}<\/style>\n<article class=\"sw-a\">\n<section class=\"sw-a__hero\">\n<div class=\"sw-a__inner\">\n<div class=\"sw-a__breadcrumb\">Blog &nbsp;&rsaquo;&nbsp; How to Estimate<\/div>\n<p>    <span class=\"sw-a__eyebrow\">Construction &middot; Project Documents<\/span><\/p>\n<h1>What Is a RFI in Construction? A Plain-English Guide<\/h1>\n<p class=\"sw-a__subtitle\">A request for information (RFI) is the formal, written way a contractor asks for clarification on unclear plans, specs, or site conditions. Sourced from the Navigant Construction Forum, the American Institute of Architects, the Associated General Contractors of America, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sw-a__meta\">\n      <span>SimplyWise<\/span><br \/>\n      <span class=\"sw-a__dot\"><\/span><br \/>\n      <span>Updated June 8, 2026<\/span><br \/>\n      <span class=\"sw-a__dot\"><\/span><br \/>\n      <span>14 min read<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<p class=\"pm__prefsrc\" style=\"margin:16px 0 0;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=simplywise.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;min-height:36px;max-width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;padding:6px 14px;background:#fff;border:1px solid #dbe6ff;border-radius:999px;color:#2563eb;font:600 13.5px\/1.3 Inter,-apple-system,sans-serif;text-decoration:none;white-space:nowrap;\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 48 48\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" style=\"flex:none\"><path fill=\"#EA4335\" d=\"M24 9.5c3.54 0 6.71 1.22 9.21 3.6l6.85-6.85C35.9 2.38 30.47 0 24 0 14.62 0 6.51 5.38 2.56 13.22l7.98 6.19C12.43 13.72 17.74 9.5 24 9.5z\"\/><path fill=\"#4285F4\" d=\"M46.98 24.55c0-1.57-.15-3.09-.38-4.55H24v9.02h12.94c-.58 2.96-2.26 5.48-4.78 7.18l7.73 6c4.51-4.18 7.09-10.36 7.09-17.65z\"\/><path fill=\"#FBBC05\" d=\"M10.53 28.59c-.48-1.45-.76-2.99-.76-4.59s.27-3.14.76-4.59l-7.98-6.19C.92 16.46 0 20.12 0 24c0 3.88.92 7.54 2.56 10.78l7.97-6.19z\"\/><path fill=\"#34A853\" d=\"M24 48c6.48 0 11.93-2.13 15.89-5.81l-7.73-6c-2.15 1.45-4.92 2.3-8.16 2.3-6.26 0-11.57-4.22-13.47-9.91l-7.98 6.19C6.51 42.62 14.62 48 24 48z\"\/><\/svg>Add SimplyWise as a preferred source<\/a><\/p>\n<figure class=\"sw-a__hero-figure\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1608303588026-884930af2559?w=1400&#038;h=700&#038;fit=crop&#038;q=80&#038;auto=format\" alt=\"Construction contractor reviewing project drawings and specifications on a job site\" loading=\"eager\"><br \/>\n    <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"sw-a__tldr\">\n<div class=\"sw-a__tldr-box\">\n<div class=\"sw-a__tldr-label\">What is a RFI in construction at a glance<\/div>\n<div class=\"sw-a__tldr-body\">\n<ol>\n<li>A RFI (request for information) is a formal, written question. A contractor sends it to the design team to clarify something unclear in the contract documents.<\/li>\n<li>It creates a paper trail. The question, the answer, the date, and who signed off all become part of the project record.<\/li>\n<li>Common triggers are conflicting drawings, missing details, spec gaps, substitution requests, and unexpected field conditions.<\/li>\n<li>The typical flow is identify the gap, write the RFI, route it to the architect or engineer, log it, and apply the answer.<\/li>\n<li>A clear RFI gets a faster answer. A vague one bounces back and burns days you do not have on the schedule.<\/li>\n<li>RFIs that go unanswered or sit too long are a leading cause of delay, rework, and disputes on construction projects.<\/li>\n<li>The cleanest defense is the same one that protects your estimate: catch the gaps early, before the crew is standing on the slab.<\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"sw-a__body\">\n<div class=\"sw-a__inner\">\n<h2>What is a RFI in construction?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>What is a RFI in construction?<\/strong> A RFI, short for request for information, is a formal written question. A contractor sends it to the architect, engineer, or owner to clarify something that is unclear, conflicting, or missing in the contract documents. In plain terms, the drawings may say one thing and the specs another. Or a detail the crew needs simply is not on the plans. Either way, the contractor does not guess. The contractor writes a RFI, gets a documented answer, and builds from that answer. As a result, the RFI becomes part of the permanent project record and protects everyone if a dispute comes up later.<\/p>\n<p>The RFI is one of the most common formal communications on any commercial or residential construction project. Furthermore, it exists because no set of construction documents is ever perfect. Drawings get revised, specs get copied from a prior project, and field conditions never match the plans exactly. Therefore, the RFI is the structured, on-the-record way to resolve those gaps. It does this without anyone guessing and without the project grinding to a halt. Every range, figure, and process claim below traces to a named primary source. Those sources are the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cmaanet.org\/sites\/default\/files\/resource\/Impact%20&#038;%20Control%20of%20RFIs%20on%20Construction%20Projects.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Navigant Construction Forum<\/a> report on RFIs, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aiacontracts.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Institute of Architects (AIA) Contract Documents<\/a> program, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agc.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)<\/a>, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/management\/construction-managers.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook<\/a> entry for construction managers.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#eaf6fd;border-radius:12px;padding:20px 24px;margin:28px auto;max-width:760px\">\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 14px;font-size:16px;line-height:1.6;color:#0c0e1e\">Fewer document gaps start with a faster estimate: SimplyWise Cost Estimator turns a photo of the job into an itemized estimate in about 6 seconds. Free to try.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/swcostestimator.app.link\/ce-ai\" style=\"display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;padding:14px 24px;border-radius:999px;font-size:15px;font-weight:600;background:#0071bd;color:#fff;text-decoration:none;border:none\">Try SimplyWise free<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<h2>What a RFI actually is, and what it is not<\/h2>\n<p>A RFI is a clarification tool, not a change order and not a complaint. Specifically, a RFI asks a question about the existing contract documents. It expects an answer that interprets or completes those documents. It does not, by itself, change the scope, the price, or the schedule. As a result, understanding what is a RFI in construction means understanding where it sits among the other formal documents on a job. The table below draws the lines.<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th scope=\"col\">Document<\/th>\n<th scope=\"col\">What it does<\/th>\n<th scope=\"col\">Who initiates it<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>RFI (request for information)<\/td>\n<td>Asks for clarification of existing plans, specs, or conditions<\/td>\n<td>Usually the contractor or subcontractor<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Submittal<\/td>\n<td>Sends product data, samples, or shop drawings for approval<\/td>\n<td>Contractor, for design team review<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Change order<\/td>\n<td>Formally changes scope, price, or schedule<\/td>\n<td>Owner and contractor, in writing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Architect&#8217;s supplemental instruction<\/td>\n<td>Issues a minor clarification with no cost or time impact<\/td>\n<td>Architect<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Punch list<\/td>\n<td>Lists remaining items to finish before closeout<\/td>\n<td>Owner or architect, near completion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The distinction matters because a RFI can lead to a change order, but it is not one. Suppose the answer to a RFI reveals that the work as designed will cost more or take longer. The contractor then submits a change order based on that answer. As a result, a clean RFI log is often the evidence base for a later change order or claim. Therefore, contractors who treat RFIs as throwaway emails lose the paper trail that protects them when the money conversation starts.<\/p>\n<h2>Why RFIs exist: the gaps in every set of documents<\/h2>\n<p>RFIs exist because construction documents are produced under deadline by multiple parties and never line up perfectly. Specifically, the architect draws the design intent, the structural engineer sizes the framing, and the mechanical engineer routes the ducts. The electrical engineer lays out the panels, often in separate software and on separate schedules. As a result, conflicts between those disciplines are normal, not exceptional. The RFI is the mechanism that surfaces and resolves each conflict on the record.<\/p>\n<p>The cost of leaving those gaps unresolved is significant. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cmaanet.org\/sites\/default\/files\/resource\/Impact%20&#038;%20Control%20of%20RFIs%20on%20Construction%20Projects.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Navigant Construction Forum<\/a> studied over 1,300 construction projects worldwide. Together those projects contained more than 1 million RFIs, per its report &#8220;Impact and Control of RFIs on Construction Projects.&#8221; Specifically, that study found the average response time per RFI was just below 10 days. The cost to administratively review and respond to a single RFI was slightly more than $1,000 each. Furthermore, the study found that a large share of RFIs went unanswered. No-reply rates ran from under 20 percent in some regions to about 35 percent in others. As a result, the RFI process, when it breaks down, is one of the largest hidden drains on a construction schedule and budget.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sw-a__callout\"><strong>Estimator&#8217;s note:<\/strong> A RFI is cheap to write and expensive to ignore. Ten days of waiting on an unanswered RFI can idle a crew, push a delivery, and cascade into the next trade&#8217;s schedule. The fix is upstream: catch the conflict in the estimate and the pre-construction review, not after the slab is poured.<\/div>\n<h2>When to write a RFI<\/h2>\n<p>Knowing what is a RFI in construction is only useful if you also know when one is warranted. Specifically, a RFI is the right tool whenever proceeding without a documented answer would force the crew to guess and create rework risk. The most common triggers fall into a handful of categories that show up on nearly every project.<\/p>\n<h3>Conflicting or unclear drawings<\/h3>\n<p>The most common RFI trigger is a conflict between two documents. Specifically, the architectural plan shows a wall in one place and the structural plan shows it somewhere else. Or a dimension on one sheet does not add up against the dimensions on another. As a result, the contractor cannot build both versions and must ask which one governs. Therefore, the RFI states the conflict, references both sheet numbers, and asks for a ruling.<\/p>\n<h3>Missing details or specifications<\/h3>\n<p>Sometimes the documents simply do not say. Specifically, the plan references a connection detail but the detail itself is missing. Or a finish is called out without a manufacturer or model. As a result, the crew has nothing to build from. Therefore, the RFI asks the design team to supply the missing detail or spec before the work reaches that point.<\/p>\n<h3>Substitution and material availability<\/h3>\n<p>A specified product may be discontinued, backordered, or wildly overpriced by the time the crew needs it. Specifically, the contractor proposes an equivalent product and asks the design team to approve the substitution. As a result, the RFI documents both the proposed alternative and the reason. Furthermore, this keeps the substitution on the record so there is no dispute later about whether it was approved.<\/p>\n<h3>Unexpected field conditions<\/h3>\n<p>The field rarely matches the plans exactly. Specifically, a contractor opens a wall and finds existing plumbing that is not on the drawings. Or the soil at footing depth is different than the geotechnical report assumed. As a result, the contractor stops, documents the actual condition, and asks how to proceed. Therefore, the RFI captures the surprise on the record and protects the contractor from being blamed for a condition they did not create.<\/p>\n<h2>How to write a RFI that gets answered fast<\/h2>\n<p>A vague RFI bounces back with a request for clarification and burns days you do not have. Specifically, the design team cannot answer a question they do not understand. So a poorly written RFI doubles its own response time. As a result, the contractors who keep their schedules tight are the ones who write RFIs the architect can answer in one pass. The structure below produces that kind of RFI.<\/p>\n<ol class=\"sw-a__steps\">\n<li>\n<h3>Number it and reference the exact documents<\/h3>\n<p>Give every RFI a unique number and tie it to the specific sheet, detail, and spec section in question. Specifically, &#8220;Sheet A-301, Detail 4, versus Sheet S-201&#8221; tells the reviewer exactly where to look. As a result, the design team spends zero time hunting for context. It can go straight to answering.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3>State the question in one clear sentence<\/h3>\n<p>Ask one question per RFI, phrased so it can be answered directly. Specifically, &#8220;Which wall location governs, architectural or structural?&#8221; beats a paragraph of background. A buried question slows the answer down. As a result, the answer comes back fast and unambiguous.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3>Propose your own answer when you have one<\/h3>\n<p>If you have a recommended resolution, state it. Specifically, &#8220;We propose following the structural plan; please confirm&#8221; lets the reviewer simply approve. There is no need to design a solution from scratch. As a result, many RFIs come back as a one-word confirmation, which is the fastest possible turnaround.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3>Attach the evidence<\/h3>\n<p>Include the marked-up drawing, the site photo, or the spec excerpt that shows the conflict. Specifically, a photo of the unexpected field condition is worth a page of description. As a result, the reviewer sees exactly what the crew sees and answers with confidence.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3>Flag the schedule impact<\/h3>\n<p>Note what work is held up and by when you need the answer. Specifically, &#8220;Concrete pour scheduled Thursday; answer needed by Wednesday noon&#8221; puts the urgency on the record. That one line sets the clock. As a result, the RFI gets prioritized and you have documentation if the delay becomes a dispute.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h3>Log it and track the response<\/h3>\n<p>Record every RFI in a running log with the date sent, the date answered, and the resolution. Specifically, the log is the evidence base for any future change order or delay claim. As a result, a disciplined RFI log is one of the most valuable documents on the whole project.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>The RFI process step by step<\/h2>\n<p>The RFI process is a defined workflow that moves a question from the field to the design team and back, with a record at every step. Specifically, the same flow applies whether the project runs on paper, on email, or on project-management software. Understanding what is a RFI in construction means understanding this flow because the value of the RFI is in the documentation it creates, not just the answer.<\/p>\n<h3>Identify the gap<\/h3>\n<p>The process starts when someone in the field or in pre-construction spots a conflict, a missing detail, or an unexpected condition. Specifically, the earlier the gap is caught, the cheaper it is to resolve. As a result, the strongest contractors surface RFIs during estimating and pre-construction review, before the crew is on site and the clock is running.<\/p>\n<p>Catching those gaps at the estimating stage is easier when the takeoff is fast, so price the job with <a href=\"https:\/\/swcostestimator.app.link\/ce-ai\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SimplyWise Cost Estimator<\/a> and review the plans while it builds the material list, free to try.<\/p>\n<h3>Write and route the RFI<\/h3>\n<p>The contractor writes the RFI using the structure above and routes it to the responsible party, usually the architect or the engineer of record for that discipline. Specifically, routing matters: a structural question sent to the architect just gets forwarded, adding a day. As a result, sending the RFI to the right reviewer the first time shortens the response cycle.<\/p>\n<h3>Log, answer, and distribute<\/h3>\n<p>The RFI gets logged with a number and a date, and the reviewer answers it. The team then distributes the answer to everyone affected, including the subcontractors who will build from it. Specifically, an answer that never reaches the subcontractor doing the work is an answer that did not happen. Therefore, distribution closes the loop and the logged answer becomes part of the official project record.<\/p>\n<h2>Who handles RFIs on a project<\/h2>\n<p>RFIs flow through the people who run the project day to day. Specifically, the project manager and the field superintendent identify most RFIs. The project engineer or coordinator writes and logs them, and the architect or design engineer answers them. As a result, RFI management is a core part of the construction management role. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/management\/construction-managers.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a> tracks construction managers under occupation code 11-9021. It reports a median annual wage of $106,980 as of May 2024, with about 550,300 construction managers employed in 2024. Projected employment growth is 9 percent from 2024 to 2034. Therefore, the people whose time is spent managing RFIs are among the higher-paid roles on the project, which is exactly why a slow RFI process is so expensive.<\/p>\n<p>On the design side, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aiacontracts.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Institute of Architects Contract Documents<\/a> standardize the roles and responsibilities that govern how RFIs are submitted and answered on most commercial projects. Furthermore, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agc.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Associated General Contractors of America<\/a> publishes contract documents and best-practice guidance. Contractors use that guidance to structure their project communications, including the RFI workflow. As a result, the RFI is not an informal habit; it is a recognized, standardized part of the contract administration process across the industry.<\/p>\n<h2>How RFIs connect to your estimate<\/h2>\n<p>The RFI and the estimate are two ends of the same problem: gaps in the documents that cost money if you find them late. Specifically, a conflict you catch while estimating becomes a clarifying question before you sign. The same conflict caught after award becomes a RFI, a delay, and possibly a change-order fight. As a result, the contractors who estimate carefully write fewer emergency RFIs because they have already mapped the scope against the documents.<\/p>\n<p>That is where a fast, thorough estimating workflow pays off twice. Specifically, build a complete, itemized estimate against the actual plans and specs. You naturally surface the missing details and conflicts that would otherwise become field RFIs weeks later. As a result, a disciplined estimate is the cheapest RFI-prevention tool you have. The next section covers how to make that estimate fast enough to do on every bid.<\/p>\n<h2>Estimate the job before the RFIs pile up with SimplyWise<\/h2>\n<p>Building a complete, itemized estimate against the plans is the single best way to catch the gaps that would otherwise become field RFIs. Specifically, when the estimate forces you to price every assembly, you see the missing detail or the conflicting dimension before the crew does. As a result, the estimate is your first and cheapest line of defense against the 10-day RFI delays the Navigant Construction Forum documented. The problem is that a thorough estimate the traditional way takes time most contractors do not have on every bid.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/cost-estimator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SimplyWise Cost Estimator<\/a> closes that gap. Specifically, it uses photo-to-estimate intelligence plus LiDAR room scanning to turn a job site photo or a room scan into a sourced material list and labor breakdown in seconds. Furthermore, SimplyWise produces a branded PDF quote you can hand to the owner. It also bundles receipts and expense tracking plus mileage tracking, so the whole job stays documented from the first walkthrough to closeout. As a result, you can run a thorough, gap-catching estimate on every bid instead of only the big ones, which is exactly how fewer surprises turn into fewer emergency RFIs.<\/p>\n<p>SimplyWise Cost Estimator is <strong>free to try<\/strong>, with a 7-day trial and then from $29.99\/mo after. A contractor can build their next handful of estimates with the photo-to-estimate workflow before deciding whether to subscribe. Try it on your next walkthrough and see how many document gaps surface in the estimate before they ever reach the field.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#eaf6fd;border-radius:12px;padding:20px 24px;margin:28px auto;max-width:760px\">\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 14px;font-size:16px;line-height:1.6;color:#0c0e1e\">Run a gap-catching estimate on your next bid before the RFIs start.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/swcostestimator.app.link\/ce-ai\" style=\"display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;padding:14px 24px;border-radius:999px;font-size:15px;font-weight:600;background:#0071bd;color:#fff;text-decoration:none;border:none\">Estimate From a Photo<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"sw-a__pull\">\n<blockquote><p>\n    A RFI is cheap to write and expensive to ignore. The contractors who keep their schedules tight catch the gaps in the estimate, before the crew is standing on the slab waiting for an answer.\n  <\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>  <cite>SimplyWise Editorial<\/cite><br \/>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"sw-a__faq\">\n<h2>Frequently asked questions about RFIs in construction<\/h2>\n<p style=\"max-width:760px;margin:0 auto 32px;text-align:center\">Quick answers below; to catch the document gaps in the estimate first, <a href=\"https:\/\/swcostestimator.app.link\/ce-ai\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">try SimplyWise Cost Estimator free<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sw-a__faq-list\">\n<h3 class=\"sw-a__faq-cat\">RFI basics<\/h3>\n<details>\n<summary>What is a RFI in construction?<\/summary>\n<div class=\"sw-a__faq-answer\">\n<p>A RFI, short for request for information, is a formal written question a contractor sends to the architect, engineer, or owner to clarify something that is unclear, conflicting, or missing in the contract documents. It does not change the scope, price, or schedule by itself; it asks for an interpretation of the existing documents. The question, the answer, and the date all become part of the permanent project record, which protects everyone if a dispute comes up later.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>What is the difference between a RFI and a change order?<\/summary>\n<div class=\"sw-a__faq-answer\">\n<p>A RFI asks for clarification of the existing plans and specs and does not change scope, price, or schedule. A change order formally changes one of those three. The two are connected: if the answer to a RFI reveals that the work as designed costs more or takes longer, the contractor then submits a change order based on that answer. A clean RFI log is often the evidence base for a later change order or claim.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<h3 class=\"sw-a__faq-cat\">Cost and timing<\/h3>\n<details>\n<summary>How long does it take to answer a RFI?<\/summary>\n<div class=\"sw-a__faq-answer\">\n<p>The Navigant Construction Forum studied over 1,300 projects containing more than 1 million RFIs and found the average response time per RFI was just below 10 days. The study also found that a large share of RFIs went unanswered, with regional no-reply rates ranging from under 20 percent to about 35 percent. A clearly written RFI that references the exact sheets, asks one question, and proposes an answer gets a faster response than a vague one, which is why the way you write the RFI directly affects your schedule.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>How much does a RFI cost?<\/summary>\n<div class=\"sw-a__faq-answer\">\n<p>The Navigant Construction Forum report on the impact and control of RFIs found that the cost to administratively review and respond to a single RFI was slightly more than $1,000 each, based solely on the review labor and not counting downstream delay or rework. That figure is why a slow RFI process is one of the largest hidden drains on a construction budget, and why catching document gaps during estimating, before they become field RFIs, saves real money.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<h3 class=\"sw-a__faq-cat\">Process and roles<\/h3>\n<details>\n<summary>Who writes and answers RFIs on a construction project?<\/summary>\n<div class=\"sw-a__faq-answer\">\n<p>The project manager and field superintendent usually identify RFIs, the project engineer or coordinator writes and logs them, and the architect or design engineer answers them. RFI management is a core part of the construction management role. The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks construction managers under occupation code 11-9021 with a median annual wage of $106,980 as of May 2024, so the time spent managing RFIs belongs to some of the higher-paid people on the project.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>How do you write a good RFI?<\/summary>\n<div class=\"sw-a__faq-answer\">\n<p>Number the RFI and reference the exact sheets, details, and spec sections in question; state one clear question per RFI; propose your own recommended answer when you have one so the reviewer can simply confirm; attach the marked-up drawing, site photo, or spec excerpt that shows the conflict; flag what work is held up and by when you need the answer; and log every RFI with the date sent, date answered, and resolution. That structure gets RFIs answered in one pass instead of bouncing back for clarification.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/details><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"sw-a__finalcta\">\n  <span class=\"sw-a__eyebrow\">Catch the gaps early<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Estimate the next job before the RFIs pile up.<\/h2>\n<p>Most field RFIs trace back to a document gap that a thorough estimate would have caught. SimplyWise Cost Estimator turns a job site photo or a LiDAR room scan into a sourced material list and a branded PDF quote in seconds. Free to try.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sw-a__cta-buttons\">\n    <a class=\"sw-a__btn\" href=\"https:\/\/swcostestimator.app.link\/ce-ai\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Try SimplyWise Cost Estimator, free<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/article>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"Article\",\n  \"headline\": \"What Is a RFI in Construction? A Plain-English Guide\",\n  \"description\": \"What is a RFI in construction? A request for information that gets a written answer on unclear plans, specs, or site conditions. Sourced 2026 contractor guide.\",\n  \"author\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"name\": \"SimplyWise\"},\n  \"publisher\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"name\": \"SimplyWise\", \"logo\": {\"@type\": \"ImageObject\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/icon-512x512.png\"}},\n  \"datePublished\": \"2026-06-08\",\n  \"dateModified\": \"2026-06-08\",\n  \"image\": \"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1608303588026-884930af2559?w=1400&h=700&fit=crop&q=80&auto=format\"\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What is a RFI in construction?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"A RFI, short for request for information, is a formal written question a contractor sends to the architect, engineer, or owner to clarify something that is unclear, conflicting, or missing in the contract documents. It does not change scope, price, or schedule by itself; it asks for an interpretation of the existing documents. The question, the answer, and the date all become part of the permanent project record.\"}},\n    {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What is the difference between a RFI and a change order?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"A RFI asks for clarification of the existing plans and specs and does not change scope, price, or schedule. A change order formally changes one of those three. If the answer to a RFI reveals the work as designed costs more or takes longer, the contractor then submits a change order based on that answer. A clean RFI log is often the evidence base for a later change order or claim.\"}},\n    {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How long does it take to answer a RFI?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The Navigant Construction Forum studied over 1,300 projects containing more than 1 million RFIs and found the average response time per RFI was just below 10 days. The study also found that a large share of RFIs went unanswered, with regional no-reply rates ranging from under 20 percent to about 35 percent. A clearly written RFI that references the exact sheets, asks one question, and proposes an answer gets a faster response than a vague one.\"}},\n    {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How much does a RFI cost?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The Navigant Construction Forum report found that the cost to administratively review and respond to a single RFI was slightly more than $1,000 each, based solely on the review labor and not counting downstream delay or rework. Catching document gaps during estimating, before they become field RFIs, saves real money.\"}},\n    {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Who writes and answers RFIs on a construction project?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The project manager and field superintendent usually identify RFIs, the project engineer or coordinator writes and logs them, and the architect or design engineer answers them. The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks construction managers under occupation code 11-9021 with a median annual wage of $106,980 as of May 2024.\"}},\n    {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How do you write a good RFI?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Number the RFI and reference the exact sheets, details, and spec sections; state one clear question per RFI; propose your own recommended answer when you have one so the reviewer can simply confirm; attach the marked-up drawing, site photo, or spec excerpt that shows the conflict; flag what work is held up and by when; and log every RFI with the date sent, date answered, and resolution.\"}}\n  ]\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\",\n  \"itemListElement\": [\n    {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 1, \"name\": \"Home\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/\"},\n    {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 2, \"name\": \"Blog\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/\"},\n    {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 3, \"name\": \"How to Estimate\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/category\/how-to-estimate\/\"},\n    {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 4, \"name\": \"What Is a RFI in Construction\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction\/\"}\n  ]\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n<div class=\"rv-site-footer\">\n<div><span class=\"rv-bgi rv-wm\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"SimplyWise\" style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/static-pages\/static\/main-landing-page\/assets\/brand\/wordmark-white.svg');aspect-ratio:546\/87\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"rv-tag\">Smart tools for contractors<\/p>\n<ul class=\"rv-foot-links\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/simplywise.com\/login\">Log in<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/#program\">New Business Program<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/about\">About<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/support\">Support<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/privacy\">Privacy<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/terms\">Terms<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/\">Blog<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><small>&copy; 2026 SimplyWise<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Estimates Receipts Mileage Room scans Visualizer Log in Estimates Receipts Mileage Room scans Visualizer Blog &nbsp;&rsaquo;&nbsp; How to Estimate Construction &middot; Project Documents What Is a RFI in Construction? A Plain-English Guide A request for information (RFI) is the formal, written way a contractor asks for clarification on unclear plans, specs, or site conditions. Sourced [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_linkdex":"91","_yoast_wpseo_content_score":"90","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","_yoast_wpseo_canonical":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[181],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7127","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-how-to-estimate"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Is a RFI in Construction? Contractor Guide 2026<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What is a RFI in construction? A request for information that gets a written answer on unclear plans or specs. Sourced 2026 contractor guide.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Is a RFI in Construction? Contractor Guide 2026\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"What is a RFI in construction? A request for information that gets a written answer on unclear plans or specs. Sourced 2026 contractor guide.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"SimplyWise Cost Estimator\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-06-22T09:00:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-10-28T16:16:16+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1608303588026-884930af2559?w=1400&h=700&fit=crop&q=80&auto=format\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Daniel Chinchilla\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Daniel Chinchilla\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.simplywise.com\\\/blog\\\/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.simplywise.com\\\/blog\\\/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Daniel Chinchilla\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.simplywise.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/c6b02975b13398fa4764650c8d5610ac\"},\"headline\":\"What Is a RFI in Construction? A Plain-English Guide\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-06-22T09:00:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-10-28T16:16:16+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.simplywise.com\\\/blog\\\/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":3395,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.simplywise.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.simplywise.com\\\/blog\\\/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.unsplash.com\\\/photo-1608303588026-884930af2559?w=1400&h=700&fit=crop&q=80&auto=format\",\"articleSection\":[\"How to Estimate\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.simplywise.com\\\/blog\\\/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.simplywise.com\\\/blog\\\/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction\\\/\",\"name\":\"What Is a RFI in Construction? Contractor Guide 2026\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.simplywise.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.simplywise.com\\\/blog\\\/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.simplywise.com\\\/blog\\\/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.unsplash.com\\\/photo-1608303588026-884930af2559?w=1400&h=700&fit=crop&q=80&auto=format\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-06-22T09:00:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-10-28T16:16:16+00:00\",\"description\":\"What is a RFI in construction? A request for information that gets a written answer on unclear plans or specs. Sourced 2026 contractor guide.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.simplywise.com\\\/blog\\\/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.simplywise.com\\\/blog\\\/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.simplywise.com\\\/blog\\\/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.unsplash.com\\\/photo-1608303588026-884930af2559?w=1400&h=700&fit=crop&q=80&auto=format\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/images.unsplash.com\\\/photo-1608303588026-884930af2559?w=1400&h=700&fit=crop&q=80&auto=format\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.simplywise.com\\\/blog\\\/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.simplywise.com\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"What Is a RFI in Construction? A Plain-English Guide\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.simplywise.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.simplywise.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"SimplyWise Cost Estimator\",\"description\":\"Blog\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.simplywise.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.simplywise.com\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.simplywise.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"SimplyWise Cost Estimator\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.simplywise.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.simplywise.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.simplywise.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/simplywise-logo-512x512-1.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.simplywise.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/simplywise-logo-512x512-1.png\",\"width\":512,\"height\":512,\"caption\":\"SimplyWise Cost Estimator\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.simplywise.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.crunchbase.com\\\/organization\\\/simplywise\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.simplywise.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/c6b02975b13398fa4764650c8d5610ac\",\"name\":\"Daniel Chinchilla\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/1b1ee77005dde5ba597d7ae9e0e68fa11a123fd406740e5e70c7c1ed738d177f?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/1b1ee77005dde5ba597d7ae9e0e68fa11a123fd406740e5e70c7c1ed738d177f?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/1b1ee77005dde5ba597d7ae9e0e68fa11a123fd406740e5e70c7c1ed738d177f?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Daniel Chinchilla\"},\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.simplywise.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/daniel\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"What Is a RFI in Construction? Contractor Guide 2026","description":"What is a RFI in construction? A request for information that gets a written answer on unclear plans or specs. Sourced 2026 contractor guide.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"What Is a RFI in Construction? Contractor Guide 2026","og_description":"What is a RFI in construction? A request for information that gets a written answer on unclear plans or specs. Sourced 2026 contractor guide.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction\/","og_site_name":"SimplyWise Cost Estimator","article_published_time":"2026-06-22T09:00:00+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-10-28T16:16:16+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1608303588026-884930af2559?w=1400&h=700&fit=crop&q=80&auto=format","type":"","width":"","height":""}],"author":"Daniel Chinchilla","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Daniel Chinchilla"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction\/"},"author":{"name":"Daniel Chinchilla","@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/c6b02975b13398fa4764650c8d5610ac"},"headline":"What Is a RFI in Construction? A Plain-English Guide","datePublished":"2026-06-22T09:00:00+00:00","dateModified":"2026-10-28T16:16:16+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction\/"},"wordCount":3395,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1608303588026-884930af2559?w=1400&h=700&fit=crop&q=80&auto=format","articleSection":["How to Estimate"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction\/","url":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction\/","name":"What Is a RFI in Construction? Contractor Guide 2026","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1608303588026-884930af2559?w=1400&h=700&fit=crop&q=80&auto=format","datePublished":"2026-06-22T09:00:00+00:00","dateModified":"2026-10-28T16:16:16+00:00","description":"What is a RFI in construction? A request for information that gets a written answer on unclear plans or specs. Sourced 2026 contractor guide.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1608303588026-884930af2559?w=1400&h=700&fit=crop&q=80&auto=format","contentUrl":"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1608303588026-884930af2559?w=1400&h=700&fit=crop&q=80&auto=format"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/what-is-an-rfi-in-construction\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"What Is a RFI in Construction? A Plain-English Guide"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/","name":"SimplyWise Cost Estimator","description":"Blog","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"SimplyWise Cost Estimator","url":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/simplywise-logo-512x512-1.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/simplywise-logo-512x512-1.png","width":512,"height":512,"caption":"SimplyWise Cost Estimator"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.crunchbase.com\/organization\/simplywise"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/c6b02975b13398fa4764650c8d5610ac","name":"Daniel Chinchilla","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/1b1ee77005dde5ba597d7ae9e0e68fa11a123fd406740e5e70c7c1ed738d177f?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/1b1ee77005dde5ba597d7ae9e0e68fa11a123fd406740e5e70c7c1ed738d177f?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/1b1ee77005dde5ba597d7ae9e0e68fa11a123fd406740e5e70c7c1ed738d177f?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Daniel Chinchilla"},"url":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/author\/daniel\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7127","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7127"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7127\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13806,"href":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7127\/revisions\/13806"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7127"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7127"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7127"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}