What To Put in a Heavy Timber RFQ: A Builder Checklist That Produces Faster, Cleaner Quotes

Published March 17, 2026 by MVP Pro Timber

A practical RFQ checklist for builders: drawings, scope boundaries, connection assumptions, delivery constraints, and schedule inputs that reduce back-and-forth.

# What To Put in a Heavy Timber RFQ: A Builder Checklist That Produces Faster, Cleaner Quotes Heavy timber quotes slow down for one reason: missing inputs. When scope boundaries, connection assumptions, delivery constraints, or install windows are unclear, the quote becomes a back-and-forth interrogation. That time costs schedule, and it can lead to apples-to-oranges pricing comparisons. A builder RFQ that produces a faster, cleaner quote is not longer. It is clearer. ## The builder-side heavy timber RFQ checklist ### 1. The latest drawings (and which set is authoritative) Send the most current architectural and structural set, and state which revision is authoritative. If there are pending changes, list them explicitly. ### 2. The scope boundary in one paragraph State what you want included and excluded. Example: timber package only vs timber + steel plates vs timber + install support. Clarity here prevents re-quoting later. ### 3. Connection intent and assumptions If connection details are still evolving, state what is assumed. Are concealed plates expected? Knife plates? Exposed straps acceptable? If you want a specific look, say so. ### 4. Post base / embed constraints If embeds, brackets, or layout constraints exist, include them. If the foundation is not poured yet, state the planned timeline and what tolerances you expect to hold. ### 5. Delivery access and staging constraints Include site access limitations, turning radius issues, laydown zone constraints, and whether a crane plan is already defined. Delivery assumptions affect packaging and sequencing. ### 6. Install window priorities State your target delivery week and your target install week (or critical milestones). A quote can be framed around schedule reality when the timeline is known. ### 7. Project location and jurisdictional factors Provide the county/state and any known permitting or inspection considerations that could affect sequencing or documentation. ### 8. The decision criteria (what you will compare) If you will compare price, lead time, delivery coordination, connection approach, and install support, say so up front. It reduces misalignment and produces quotes you can actually compare. ## Builder move that improves quote speed If you send drawings plus a one-paragraph scope boundary, connection intent, delivery access constraints, and install window priorities, most quote cycles get dramatically cleaner. ## Where MVP Pro Timber helps We help builders turn rough heavy timber RFQs into quote-ready packages. If you are preparing a lodge, barn home, clubhouse, or custom residence, send your drawings, timeline, and scope boundary and we will help you clarify the RFQ inputs so you get a faster, cleaner quote and fewer coordination surprises.