Homebuilders and land developers require a procedure commonly referred to as construction layout. Surveyors travel to the site to layout various improvements as they appear on a detail set of drawings. Construction staking or construction layout requires precise calculations measured from existing site control points also known as traverse points previously set by a land surveyor. Sometimes the site control points are the boundary corners of the land being improved. Construction staking by the construction layout surveyor involves the surveyor setting wood stakes at a known distance from the point of interest. For example, a stake may be set ten (10) feet from a building corner. This is referred to as an “offset stake”.

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The construction layout procedure can be utilized for home building. Still, it can also be used for other building structures, including sewer lines, roads, electrical features, and much more. This procedure helps in construction and assures that no errors are made.

Generally, there are two significant types of construction layouts: site layout staking is an accurate tool that leads to precise construction, whereas rough staking is often used when the site is not completely graded and in need of additional construction staking. This permits subcontractors to do their work more efficiently and professionally and helps eliminate the possibility of mistakes and the cost associated with regrading part of the site.