Verify Foundation Layout and Elevations

A. Finished-Project Specification

Deliverable: one completed Foundation Layout Verification Worksheet recording the building reference corner, baseline, benchmark, principal dimensions, both diagonals, setbacks, footing locations, elevation references, any identified conflicts and their resolution, and a formal release signature authorizing footing formwork to begin.

B. Assessed Verification Schedule

Item	Reference Used	Standard	Purpose
Principal dimensions	Building reference corner	Match approved foundation plan within the plan's stated tolerance	Confirm overall footprint size
Diagonals (both)	Opposite corner pairs from the reference corner	Match each other and the plan within the plan's stated tolerance	Confirm the footprint is square
Setbacks	Survey monument or baseline	Match the approved survey or site plan	Confirm the building is correctly positioned on the lot
Footing centerlines, pads, steps	Building reference corner and baseline	Match the approved foundation plan	Confirm footing locations before formwork
Elevations (footing-bottom, top-of-footing, top-of-wall, slab, sill)	Protected benchmark	Match the approved foundation plan and structural details	Confirm vertical control before formwork

C. Document and Control-Point Takeoff

• Controlling documents: approved site plan, foundation plan, structural details, survey information, benchmark record, permit conditions, and prior inspection documentation, assembled before any measurement begins.
• Control points: every batter board, stake, and flagged point delivered from Book 2, inspected for damage or disturbance before use.
• Replacement materials: stakes, batter-board lumber, duplex nails, and flagging sufficient to restore any damaged or disturbed control point identified in Steps 3 and 13.
• Escalation contact: a named surveyor, engineer, inspector, or designer identified before verification begins, for use if a conflict is found in Steps 14–15.

D. Acceptance Standards

Check	Standard
Principal dimensions	Within the tolerance stated on the approved foundation plan; if no tolerance is stated, treat any measured difference as a conflict requiring escalation per Step 15
Diagonals	The two diagonals differ from each other by no more than the tolerance stated on the approved foundation plan; both diagonals match the plan-calculated diagonal within the same tolerance
Setbacks	Match the approved survey or site plan; any discrepancy is a stop-work condition requiring surveyor or designer direction
Footing locations	Centerlines, pads, steps, and elevation changes match the approved foundation plan
Elevations	Footing-bottom, top-of-footing, top-of-wall, slab, and sill elevations match the approved foundation plan and structural details as verified from the protected benchmark
Control-point condition	Every control point relied upon is undamaged, undisturbed, and located outside concrete-placement, form-removal, equipment, and backfill disturbance zones
Procedure	Document review, site inspection, measurement, elevation verification, conflict resolution, and photographic recording completed independently

E. Preparation — Document Review and Site Inspection

1. Assemble the approved site plan, foundation plan, structural details, survey information, benchmark record, permit conditions, and prior inspection documentation. Confirm the document set is complete before proceeding to Step 2.
2. Confirm that the site is released for foundation work and that required layout controls remain protected and readable. Obtain written confirmation from the Book 2 handoff record before disturbing any control point.
3. Inspect the work area for standing water, unstable excavation edges, disturbed bearing surfaces, damaged batter boards, missing stakes, and equipment conflicts. Record every condition found before continuing.

F. Establishing References

1. Identify the controlling property line, survey monument, baseline, benchmark, and building reference corner. Mark the selected building reference corner on the worksheet before any measurement.
2. Verify the building orientation and required setbacks from the approved survey or site plan. Measure each required setback from the survey monument or baseline identified in Step 4.

G. Dimensional and Diagonal Verification

1. Measure the principal foundation dimensions from the specified control references. Hook the tape on the building reference corner for every principal dimension.
2. Measure both building diagonals from the same defined corner references. Record each diagonal measurement immediately after taking it.
3. Compare measured dimensions and diagonals with the approved plan and stated tolerance. Identify any measurement outside the stated tolerance before continuing.

H. Footing Location and Excavation Verification

1. Verify footing centerlines, wall faces, pier locations, thickened areas, steps, pads, and changes in elevation. Compare each location to the approved foundation plan.
2. Confirm that excavation limits provide the required working room without disturbing property or protected site features. Note any excavation limit that conflicts with a property line, easement, or protected feature.

I. Elevation Verification and Control Transfer

1. Verify footing-bottom, top-of-footing, top-of-wall, slab, and sill elevations from the protected benchmark. Use the calibrated laser level or optical level and rod for every elevation check.
2. Transfer required elevation references to protected grade stakes, batter boards, form-control stakes, or other approved controls. Mark each transferred elevation clearly and note its location on the worksheet.
3. Confirm that control points are located outside concrete-placement, form-removal, equipment, and backfill disturbance zones. Relocate any control point found inside a disturbance zone to an approved protected position.

J. Conflict Resolution

1. Identify conflicts involving dimensions, setbacks, excavation, utilities, soil conditions, or plan revisions. Record each conflict with its measured value and the approved-plan value.
2. Stop work and obtain surveyor, engineer, inspector, or designer direction for any unresolved conflict. Do not proceed past an unresolved conflict on independent judgment.
3. Correct authorized layout discrepancies and repeat all affected measurements. Re-verify every dimension, diagonal, setback, and elevation affected by the correction.

K. Recording and Release

1. Record final dimensions, diagonals, setbacks, footing references, benchmark elevations, and correction history. Complete every field on the Foundation Layout Verification Worksheet.
2. Photograph the verified controls from fixed reference positions. Photograph the building reference corner, benchmark, and every transferred control point.
3. Complete the foundation-layout readiness checklist and release the work for Chapter 2 only after all required checks pass. Sign and date the release section of the worksheet.