ASI vs. RFI, with RFI examples that get answered.
An RFI (request for information) is a contractor's question to the design team. An ASI (architect's supplemental instruction) is the architect's instruction or clarification, often issued in response, intended not to change contract sum or time. When it does, a change order follows.
Send one plan set. See what the AI extracts and what it flags for review. No obligation.
- Who issues what
- Cost impact
- Good RFI examples
RFI vs. ASI.
| RFI | ASI | |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | Contractor (often via GC) | Architect |
| Purpose | Ask a question, request clarification | Clarify or give minor instruction |
| Cost/time | None by itself | Intended none; if impact, use change order process |
Questions that get usable answers.
- "Sheet E-201 shows 42 type A fixtures in Area B; the fixture schedule lists 38. Please confirm the quantity."
- "Detail 5/S-501 calls for HSS6×6×1/4 at grid C-4; framing plan S-201 shows W8×31. Which governs?"
- "Finish schedule lists WC-1 in Room 214; no WC-1 product is specified. Please provide product."
- "Partition type P3 is shown to ceiling; general note 7 requires rated walls to deck. Confirm P3 at corridor walls."
From plan set to reviewed quantities.
AI-powered, human-approved. Each stage records what ran, what changed and who approved it.
Send one plan set
Upload the plan set, legends and schedules, the spec sections for your scope and any addenda. Add an addendum if you have one.
AI proposes quantities
Counts, lengths and areas come back with the source sheet and location attached to every row.
Estimator review
Low-confidence items surface first. Your estimator accepts, corrects or rejects each one.
Map to your assemblies
Approved quantities map to your items, assemblies and estimating assumptions.
Price reviewed rows
Labor units, material pricing and supplier quotes apply only to rows that passed review.
Hand off with evidence
Approved quantities move on to pricing and visual CPQ with the evidence trail still attached.
Supported files and tasks depend on your trade and implementation. Confirm them in the free sample run.
What we checked (November 2026)
- G710 wording matters. The form says that proceeding with the work under the instructions indicates your acknowledgment that there will be no change in Contract Sum or Contract Time. If an ASI adds cost or time, raise it in writing before you proceed.
- Minor changes come from A201-2017 Section 7.4. Anything with a price or schedule effect belongs on a proposal request, a construction change directive or a change order.
- Rule of thumb: one question per RFI, with the sheet, the detail and the conflict cited, plus a proposed resolution. The examples above follow that pattern.
An ASI changes six 2×4 troffers to 2×2 in Room 214 "at no change in contract sum". Your fixture quote shows the 2×2 at a higher unit price. Before installing, send a written notice that the change affects cost and ask for a proposal request. Proceeding without notice can waive the claim.
The AI drafts. Your estimator decides.
Speed is easy to promise. Defensible numbers are the job, so RenderDraw keeps the estimator in control of every quantity that gets priced.
- Source on every row. Each quantity keeps its source sheet, location and reviewer decision.
- Lowest confidence first. The review queue shows the drawing tile with the detection highlighted and the extracted value.
- Uncertain items flagged, not hidden. Anything the AI can't confirm goes to the estimator rather than being guessed.
- Nothing priced before approval. Rows move on to pricing only after they are accepted.
Questions estimators ask
What is the difference between an ASI and an RFI?
An RFI asks a question; an ASI is the architect's instruction or clarification.
Does an ASI change cost?
It shouldn't; if it does, follow the change order process.
What makes a good RFI?
Specific sheet and detail references, the conflict, and a proposed resolution.
Can AI find RFIs?
RenderDraw shows counts with the sheet they came from and flags low-confidence or unclear items for estimator review. Your estimator decides what becomes an RFI.
Is there a standard ASI form?
Yes. AIA G710-2017, Architect's Supplemental Instructions, is used for supplemental instructions, interpretations or minor changes that don't change the Contract Sum or Contract Time, as authorized under Section 7.4 of A201-2017. If you believe cost or time is affected, AIA points to G709 Proposal Request, G714 Construction Change Directive or G701 Change Order.
See what the AI reads on your own drawings.
Send one representative trade plan set. RenderDraw reviews it and follows up with what the AI extracted and what it flagged for review. Your files remain private while the request is assessed, and there is no obligation.
- Upload the plan set, legends and schedules, the spec sections for your scope and any addenda.
- RenderDraw reviews the set and the scope you want tested.
- We follow up with extracted quantities, flagged items and next steps.
Related tools and guides
Keep reading on renderdraw.com
Sources and further reading
Vendor pages, standards and references checked for this page. Product features and prices change; confirm current details with each vendor.
- AIA Contract Documents: Summary of G710-2017 — Purpose, A201 §7.4, alternative forms
- AIA Contract Documents: Instructions for G710-2017 — How the form is completed
- AIA G710-2017 sample (PDF) — Acknowledgment wording on the form
Last reviewed November 2026.