Land Surveyors Dictionary

What is Construction Staking?

Surveying measurements that are made prior to, or while a site is under construction, to control the horizontal position and vertical position (elevation).

For example, Surveyors typically place stakes at building corners for a new house site to insure that it is built in the proper location and does not encroach on any building line or easement.  Construction staking is also done for work like curb and gutter, earthwork, sanitary manholes, streets, etc.

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.

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.