Module 4

• Laying out and staking


  The process of establishing the point of building outlines or perimeters on the ground or site where the building is to be constructed
• Laying out and staking


  • Includes demolition, clearing, staking, batter boards and establishing the exact location of the building post and walls that will rest on the ground
  • The process of transferring the measurements of building foundation plan to the ground or site of construction
• Basic materials and equipment/instrument in laying out

  • Stake
  • Batter boards
  • Surveying instruments
  • Plastic water hose
  • String or chord
  • Paints, nails and marking pins
• Stake


  Wooden sticks used as posts sharpened at one end and driven into the ground to serve as boundaries or support of the horizontal batter boards
• Batter boards


  Wood sticks nailed horizontally to the stake to serve as the horizontal plane where the building technical measurements are established
• Surveying instruments


  Instruments used in relocating and establishing all reference points, lines and boundaries of the construction
• Plastic water hose


  A transparent plastic tube having a diameter of ¼" to ½" filled with water used to establish horizontal lines. A simple but accurate instrument conveniently used in establishing horizontal plane
• String or chord


  Any medium of material such as steel wire, cotton, plastic or nylon chord used for connecting established points or lines in the batter boards
• Laying out procedures


  1. Secure necessary permits from local authorities

  2. Relocate boundaries of construction site

  3. Clear the site of any existing structures, trees and other obstructions

  4. Provide an on-site construction office and warehousing

  5. Apply and secure temporary electrical and water supply

  6. Securely fence the construction site for security and safety

  7. Determine the building set back from the road line for establishing level lines

  8. Proceed with the construction of stakes and batter boards
• Failure to locate the boundaries prior to the building lay out and excavation


  Several cases filed in court for encroachment to adjoining property
• Related videos


  • How to place your new house inside your property
  • How to lay out Building