Inspect and Plan an Outdoor Structure Project

A. Finished-Project Specification

Deliverable: one Site Inspection and Project Readiness Package containing a marked site sketch, photographs of existing conditions and utility markings, a completed drainage and slope assessment, a structure-type recommendation with rationale, and a signed readiness worksheet.

B. Assessed Inspection Schedule (Component Schedule)

Component	Quantity	Format	Standard	Preparation / Purpose
Site conditions record	1	Worksheet + photos	Covers grade, vegetation, structures, access	Baseline record of existing conditions
Property limits sketch	1	Marked sketch	Corners, setbacks, easements flagged and measured	Confirms buildable area within legal limits
Utility locate confirmation	1	Locate ticket + photos	All marked lines recorded on sketch	Confirms build area is clear before any digging
Drainage and slope assessment	1	Worksheet + sketch notes	Multiple points checked across build area	Informs footing, post, and floor decisions in later chapters
Structure-type recommendation	1	Written rationale	Compares at least two candidate types against site conditions	Selects the structure type this book's later chapters will build
Readiness sign-off	1	Signed worksheet	All sections complete and confirmed	Authorizes handoff to Project 02

C. Material and Resource Takeoff

• Marking materials: flags and stakes sufficient to mark property corners, utility locate results, and the proposed structure outline in three distinct colors.
• Reference documents: property survey or plat if available; local setback, permit, and HOA requirements for the jurisdiction.
• Utility locate: one confirmed locate request submitted to the regional utility locate service, with the results marked on site and recorded on the sketch.
• Documentation: the site-inspection worksheet, structure-type comparison notes, and photographs required for the readiness package.

D. Acceptance Standards

Check	Standard
Site conditions record	Grade, vegetation, existing structures, and access are recorded and photographed for the full build area
Property limits	All relevant corners, setbacks, and easements are flagged, measured, and shown on the sketch
Utility locate	Locate request submitted and confirmed; all marked lines recorded on the sketch before any structure flag is placed
Drainage and slope	Slope and drainage path recorded at multiple points across the build area
Structure-type rationale	At least two candidate structure types compared against site conditions, with a documented reason for the final selection
Readiness sign-off	All sections of the worksheet completed and signed before Project 02 begins

E. Preparation — Document Review and Site Walk Planning

1. Gather available reference documents. Locate the property survey, plat, or deed description if one exists, and note the recorded lot dimensions and any recorded easements.
2. Look up current local requirements. Confirm setback distances, permit thresholds, and any HOA restrictions that apply to the jurisdiction where the site is located.
3. Walk the full site once before flagging anything. Note existing grade changes, vegetation, structures, fences, and access routes without yet marking the ground.
4. Identify the general area under consideration for the structure. Confirm it appears to fall within the buildable area based on the reference documents.
5. Assemble marking materials by category. Confirm one flag or stake color is reserved for property corners and setbacks, a second for utility markings, and a third for the proposed structure outline.

F. Site Inspection and Layout Verification Procedure

1. Locate and flag the property corners nearest the build area. Cross-check the flagged corners against the survey or plat where available.
2. Measure and mark the required setback distance from each relevant property line, easement, or restriction. Record each measured distance on the worksheet.
3. Record existing structures, fences, trees, and grade changes within and adjacent to the build area. Photograph each condition that may affect the structure's location or design.
4. Confirm the build area falls entirely within the property limits and outside any easement or setback. Adjust the proposed area and re-measure if any conflict is found.

G. Utility Locate and Drainage Assessment (Repeat Drainage Checks at Each Point)

1. Submit a utility locate request for the confirmed build area. Provide the locate service with accurate boundaries for the area to be marked.
2. Wait for the locate to be completed and marked on site before proceeding. Do not place any structure-outline flag before the locate is confirmed.
3. Record every marked utility line on the site sketch and photograph each marking. Note the utility type for each marked line where indicated.
4. Check drainage and slope at each corner and at the center of the build area. Use the string and line level to record relative rise or fall between points.
5. Note the direction water currently flows across the site during or after rainfall. Record whether the proposed structure location could block or redirect that flow onto a neighboring property or the house foundation.
6. Record the drainage and slope findings on the worksheet. Flag any condition that will need to be addressed during footing, post, or floor planning in later chapters.

H. Structure-Type Selection and Readiness Sign-Off

1. Compare at least two candidate structure types against the recorded site conditions and intended use. Weigh grade, drainage, access, size limits, and property restrictions for each candidate.
2. Select and document the structure type with the strongest fit, including a stated rationale. Record the rationale on the worksheet for reference in later chapters.
3. Flag the proposed structure outline using the reserved third flag color. Confirm the outline stays clear of all marked utilities, setbacks, and easements.
4. Compile the completed sketch, photographs, worksheet, and rationale into the readiness package. Review every section for completeness before sign-off.
5. Sign and date the readiness worksheet. Confirm the package is ready to hand off to Project 02.

I. Recheck and Closeout Procedure

1. Recheck every incomplete or unclear item. Classify each gap as missing documentation, an unconfirmed measurement, an unresolved utility marking, or an unresolved drainage condition before closing it out.
2. Label and retain the completed readiness package. Store it for reference and reuse throughout the rest of this book.