Construction Staking, also known as a Site Layout Survey, is the process of interpreting construction plans and marking the location of proposed new structures such as roads or buildings. Construction staking is performed to ensure a project is built according to engineering design plans. The staked reference points guide the construction of proposed improvements on the property, and will help to ensure the construction project is completed on schedule, on budget and as intended.
Accurate construction staking is a critical step in ensuring the success of a construction project. Engaging an experienced and licensed surveyor will guarantee accuracy and reliability of results.
During site development, the land surveyor takes the engineer’s or architect’s design shown on their plans and places (stakes) their correct location on the ground so the construction sub-contractors can place the buildings, roads, fences, electrical and other underground utilities, etc. in their correct location.
Construction staking may consist of Rough Grade Staking to map the general location on improvements at a site, or precise Site Layout Surveys for actual construction purposes.
Rough Grade Staking Rough Grade Staking defines the location of the site improvements with their respective reference to the location and final grade elevation. This is done for the construction of slopes, building outlines, parking lots and roadways, and enables the contractor to grade and prepare the site for the next sub-contractor to commence his work.
Site Layout Staking Once the site has received inspection and approval from the local agency, the contractor can move right into the various stages of construction of the underground utilities, retaining walls, buildings, site lighting and parking lot or street paving.
This Site Layout Staking phase typically begins with those features that are underground such as sanitary sewer lines, storm drain lines, water lines, electrical lines etc. Once all underground utilities are installed the above ground features are staked for construction. The building corners are staked along with any interior grid lines throughout the building, as well as onsite items such as fire hydrants, curb and gutter, walls/planters, catch basins and area drains.
Partner also offers paving support staking, and staking services to verify compliance with ADA accessibility requirements.
A topographic survey locates all surface features of a property, and depicts all natural features and elevations. In essence it is a 3-dimensional map of a 3-dimensional property showing all natural and man-made features and improvements. Specifically, it shows their location, size, height and any changes in elevation.
Topographic surveys, also known as contour surveys, may be required as part of real estate transactions, civil engineering design and construction projects, including:
Topographic surveys are required by many local government bodies to determine the existing conditions and elevations of a site. Together with a boundary survey, topographic surveys are used by architects and engineers to create accurate and appropriate designs based on existing conditions.
Measurements for topographic surveys are done either with a surveying-quality GPS unit, or with an electronic EDM instrument. The results of the topographic survey are presented as contour lines on a site map, and can be enhanced by computer software to provide interactive views. Partner’s CAD specialists are able to input this data to model how the topography may change through planned improvements.
Clients can use topographic surveys to determine and plan features such as drainage ditches, grading, or other features, using the natural landscape as the basis for such improvements. Engaging a professional surveyor to conduct a topographic survey prior to real estate transaction or the commencement or a construction project will ensure that the land’s features will be suitable for its intended use. In addition, a topographic survey can provide valuable insight in to how a site’s previous or current use how affected the land, enabling better planning for future use.
A boundary survey is an important component of pre-construction due diligence. The boundary survey establishes the perimeter of a property as it relates to a site’s legal description.
Partner’s licensed surveyors will review recorded documents and do a physical inspection to determine the physical boundary of the site. A record of survey will be filed with any relevant agencies as required to help determine if there are any encroachments on or over the site boundary. If this is the case, partner can provide the expert services to resolve these issues by establishing an easement or boundary line agreement.
The services of a licensed land surveyor are generally required to conduct boundary surveys.
A boundary survey is recommended before buying, subdividing, improving, or building on land. Surveying the parcel before these activities ensures that the expense and frustration of defending a lawsuit, moving a building, or resolving a boundary dispute can be avoided. Determining the location of legal land ownership lines may minimize real estate transactional risk and are required by many title and lending companies to minimize risk of their transaction.
The purpose of the As-Built Survey – also commonly called a Physical Survey – is to show the property “as it is built” at a particular point in time. While a pre-construction survey is performed to document conditions prior to construction work being performed, the As-Built survey is conducted to show the current state of the site at various stages throughout the duration of a project. It also serves as a close-out document to verify that the work authorized was completed to plans and in compliance with all relevant standards and regulations.
An As-built survey builds upon the base map of a project and includes research at local agencies, ground-level topography data, and the documentation of visible site improvements. The advantage of this survey is that the new Base Map can be updated to show the current conditions of the site.
Partner’s team of professional surveyors can customize the As-Built survey to suit clients’ needs. An As-built survey can be basic and depict only the level of detail the client requires for a specific phase of the project. Alternatively, the client may request a higher level of detail with elevations and contours, street cross sections, and detailed sketches of sewer and storm drain depths and pipe sizes.
The As-Built survey can be expanded to a more comprehensive Design Survey, which includes mapping of existing underground utilities based on review of agency and service provider documentation. This survey is detailed enough to be used for civil design purposes by engineers or architects throughout development.
Partner provides clients with accurate As-Built surveys that show exactly what has been completed by a certain date. This can be a valuable project management tool to adjust construction schedules as required and can also be used to plan subcontractor work schedules and payments.
Partner’s certified surveyors can provide the full range of surveying services that may be required at various times during construction projects, including: