House Stakeouts

What is a House Stakeout?

A House Stakeout, also known as a Foundation Stakeout or Building stakeout, is a critical step in the construction process. It involves physically marking the exact location and layout of a new house on the ground before construction begins. This ensures that the building is constructed in the correct position, orientation, and according to the approved architectural plans.

Purpose of a House Stakeout

A Stakeout is the immediate precursor to breaking ground on a construction project such as your new home/garage/condo/driveway/etc.

• Accuracy: Ensures the house is built in the correct location, alignment, and orientation (e.g., facing the right direction).
• Compliance: Verifies that the construction complies with local building codes, zoning regulations, setbacks, and property boundaries.
• Foundation Layout: Marks the exact position of the foundation, including footings, walls, and structural elements.
• Utility Placement: Helps coordinate the placement of utilities (e.g., water, sewer, electrical) in relation to the house.
• Prevention of Errors: Minimizes costly mistakes by confirming all measurements and dimensions before construction starts.

Steps in a House Stakeout

1. Plan Review: The surveyor receives the approved architectural plans (site plan, foundation plan, etc.). They carefully review these plans to understand the building's dimensions, location, elevation, and orientation.
2. Control Establishment: The surveyor uses existing property corners (established by a boundary survey) or establishes new control points as a reference for the layout. These control points are precisely located and have known coordinates.
3. Calculations: The surveyor performs calculations to determine the exact coordinates of each building corner and key element based on the plans and control points.
4. Layout on the Ground: Using a total station (or sometimes GPS), the surveyor precisely locates and marks the building corners with wooden stakes (typically wooden lath or hubs) driven into the ground.
   • The stakes are often topped with nails or caps for easier visibility.
   • The location of exterior walls, interior partitions (sometimes), and the top of the foundation are also typically staked out.
   • String lines are often stretched between the stakes to clearly define the building lines.
5. Elevation Transfer: The surveyor also transfers the elevation of the foundation (or finished floor) to a benchmark (a permanent marker with a known elevation). This ensures the foundation is built at the correct height.
6. Documentation: The surveyor creates a stakeout certificate or report documenting the process and confirming the accuracy of the layout. This document is essential for the builder and for any future reference.

Importance of a House Stakeout

Having an Alberta Land Surveyor layout where your new structure will be has the benefit of starting the actual construction phase of your project off on a path for success.

• Accuracy: It ensures the house is built in the correct location on the property, complying with setback requirements, easements, and other regulations.
• Prevents Costly Errors: Building a house slightly off-course can lead to significant and expensive rework. A stakeout minimizes this risk.
• Compliance: It ensures the building meets local zoning ordinances, building codes, and property line restrictions.
• Foundation Alignment: A properly staked out foundation ensures the walls are square and plumb, providing a solid base for the structure.
• Peace of Mind: It gives the builder, homeowner, and lender confidence that the project is starting on a solid and accurate foundation.

A licensed Alberta Land Surveyor is the only professional qualified to perform a house stakeout. They have the training, expertise, and equipment to ensure the accuracy and legality of the layout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Surveyor need to pin footings/walls?

Possibly not. If the structure being built is simple (e.g. 6 or fewer right-angle corners) than the cribber may be able to layout the foundation from the Surveyor's existing marks. For complex structures (those with 8+ corners or non-right-angle corners) a Surveyor should be the person ensuring the foundation's accuracy.

Do I need an certified Alberta Land Surveyor to perform the stakeout?

As buildings are located in relation to property lines, only an Alberta Land Surveyor may undertake this work in Alberta.