Building Layout

•          Foundations can be marked off in a number of ways. The use of a level and rod though is one of the most accurate and efficient.

•          Procedure

•          Step I

–        Choose a sight and clear all vegetation.

•          Step II

–        Establish a minimum grade

•          Grade should allow for water drainage without excessive slope.

•          Step III

–        Locate the building corner stake

•          Drive a stake at one corner of the intended foundation (stake A)

•          On sloped ground place stake A at highest elevation.

•          Measure off the correct distance along one side of the foundation and place a second stake (stake B)

•          Keep this line parallel with existing sidewalks, fences, roads, etc. if needed.

•          Locate the center of the stake tops by drawing 2 diagonal lines across the top, drive a nail part way where the two lines cross

•          Attach a builders line to the nails in the stake tops.

•          Position level directly over stake A and sight to stake B.

•          Hold a plumb bob over the nail in stake B and align the vertical cross hairs of the level with the string.

•          Hold a plumb bob over the nail in stake B and align the vertical cross hairs of the level with the string.

•          Turn the level exactly 90°

•          Measure off the correct length of the foundation.

•          Align a plumb bob with the cross hairs to locate stake D.

•          Connect stakes A and D with builders line.

•          To determine location of the fourth corner (stake C).

•          Measure distance from stakes B to D measure same distance from stake A to C.

•          Measure correct length of foundation from stake A to C then from stake D to C.

•          Where all three points meet mark stake C with a nail.

•          Step IV

–        Right angle batter boards must now be placed on all four corners of the foundation.

–        Place batter boards approximately 6-8 feet from corner stakes and parallel from foundation walls.

–        The batter boards may be set at any convenient height but higher than the highest foundation elevation.

Setting Batter Boards

 

•          Step 1 – Setting batter boards to elevation.

–        Set up level in the center if possible.

–        Locate position of batter boards at corner A.

–        Construct batter boards slightly above elevation and drive stakes until proper elevation is reached.

–        Take several rod readings for accuracy.

–        Do this at each corner

•          Step II

–        Tie strings on the batter boards to intersect directly over stake nails at each corner.

–        Mark the string location on the batter board so the string can be easily replaced.

Building Layout

•          Now foundation is staked out to the proper dimensions, to the proper elevation, and perfectly square.