Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Chapter 8 Building Layout 163
In practice, you will find that it is difficult to locate a
stake in a single operation. This is especially true when
using a builder’s level, where the line of sight must
be “dropped” to ground level with a plumbed rod or
straightedge. Usually, it is best to set a temporary stake,
as in Figure 8‑21. Mark it with a line sighted from the
instrument. Then, with the measuring tape pulled taut
and aligned with the mark, drive the permanent stake
and locate the exact point as shown.
All major rectangles and squares of a building line
can be laid out using leveling instruments in the man-
ner just described. After batter boards are set and lines
attached, a carpenter’s level and square can be used to
locate stakes for small projections and irregular shapes.
8.5.3 Finding Grade Level
Many points on the building site need to be set at cer-
tain elevations or grade levels. These points might
include the following: ■
■■ The depth of excavation, such as for a basement
■ The finished height (elevation) of the foundation
footings ■
■■ The height (elevation) of foundation walls
■■ The elevation of floors
■ Site features, such as proper grading to ensure that
surface water is directed away from the building ■
■ Bearing elevation (point at which footings contact
the earth) for footings in order to ensure adequate
frost protection of the foundation ■
■ Establishing rise and run of steps and walkways as
part of the exterior of the structure
Not all building sites are level. Finding the dif-
ference in the grade level between several points or
transferring the same level from one point to another
is called grade leveling. This operation is immedi-
ately useful to the excavator, who must determine how
Nail
2×2
stake
Plumb bob
Measuring
tape
B
B
A
A
C
C
D
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 8‑20. Steps for laying out building lines. Left—Locate the instrument over a stake marking a corner. Line up 0 on the
instrument circle with the building line AB. Swing the instrument 90° to establish line AC. Right—Move the instrument to
point C to establish point D. Rod must be used when the instrument is a builder’s level. Rod must be held plumb using a
level. A transit is a much better instrument in this operation since it is not necessary to use the rod. Simply swivel the transit
telescope and sight on the corner stake.
Distance
measured
with tape
Alignment sighted
from stake A
Mark line
of sight
Temporary
stake
Stake C
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 8‑21. A temporary stake may be used to establish an
exact point. First, set the temporary stake and mark the line
of sight on it. Drive a second stake and transfer the mark
from stake A.
Chapter 8 Building Layout 163
In practice, you will find that it is difficult to locate a
stake in a single operation. This is especially true when
using a builder’s level, where the line of sight must
be “dropped” to ground level with a plumbed rod or
straightedge. Usually, it is best to set a temporary stake,
as in Figure 8‑21. Mark it with a line sighted from the
instrument. Then, with the measuring tape pulled taut
and aligned with the mark, drive the permanent stake
and locate the exact point as shown.
All major rectangles and squares of a building line
can be laid out using leveling instruments in the man-
ner just described. After batter boards are set and lines
attached, a carpenter’s level and square can be used to
locate stakes for small projections and irregular shapes.
8.5.3 Finding Grade Level
Many points on the building site need to be set at cer-
tain elevations or grade levels. These points might
include the following: ■
■■ The depth of excavation, such as for a basement
■ The finished height (elevation) of the foundation
footings ■
■■ The height (elevation) of foundation walls
■■ The elevation of floors
■ Site features, such as proper grading to ensure that
surface water is directed away from the building ■
■ Bearing elevation (point at which footings contact
the earth) for footings in order to ensure adequate
frost protection of the foundation ■
■ Establishing rise and run of steps and walkways as
part of the exterior of the structure
Not all building sites are level. Finding the dif-
ference in the grade level between several points or
transferring the same level from one point to another
is called grade leveling. This operation is immedi-
ately useful to the excavator, who must determine how
Nail
2×2
stake
Plumb bob
Measuring
tape
B
B
A
A
C
C
D
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 8‑20. Steps for laying out building lines. Left—Locate the instrument over a stake marking a corner. Line up 0 on the
instrument circle with the building line AB. Swing the instrument 90° to establish line AC. Right—Move the instrument to
point C to establish point D. Rod must be used when the instrument is a builder’s level. Rod must be held plumb using a
level. A transit is a much better instrument in this operation since it is not necessary to use the rod. Simply swivel the transit
telescope and sight on the corner stake.
Distance
measured
with tape
Alignment sighted
from stake A
Mark line
of sight
Temporary
stake
Stake C
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 8‑21. A temporary stake may be used to establish an
exact point. First, set the temporary stake and mark the line
of sight on it. Drive a second stake and transfer the mark
from stake A.