Construction field guide
Site instruction versus RFI: direction or question?
A site instruction tells someone what work is required. An RFI asks for information needed to understand or proceed with the work. Mixing the two creates avoidable delay and commercial confusion.
Last reviewed: 21 July 2026
Reviewed by Dallas, Founder of ConvoeA site instruction gives direction
The authorised party communicates what should happen, subject to the project contract and procedure.
An RFI asks one answerable question
The site team identifies missing, conflicting or unclear information and asks the responsible consultant or party to clarify it.
Why the distinction matters
A response to an RFI can lead to an instruction or scope change, but the RFI itself should not quietly issue work or conceal a commercial claim.
One site is enough to start
Start with one project. See what your team stops losing.
The crew can keep working in conversation while confirmed tasks, owners, dates and status become visible.