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 site 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.

• 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.

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.