Lay Out Posts, Footings, and Structure Lines

A. Finished-Project Specification

Deliverable: one recorded Structure Layout containing a controlling baseline, squared and diagonal-verified corners, batter boards or offset stakes set outside the excavation limits, marked post and footing centers, and a completed layout worksheet ready for approval.

B. Assessed Layout Schedule (Component Schedule)

Component	Quantity	Format	Standard	Preparation / Purpose
Controlling baseline	1	Marked line + worksheet entry	Established from site plan and Project 01 controls	Single reference every other measurement is taken from
Squared corners	4 or as designed	Marked stakes	Set using an approved squaring method	Defines the structure perimeter or post grid
Diagonal verification	1 per rectangular section	Worksheet measurement table	Diagonals equal within approved tolerance	Confirms the layout is actually square, not just measured square on one side
Batter boards / offset stakes	1 per corner	Set boards or stakes	Located outside excavation limits	Preserves the verified reference through excavation
Post and footing centers	Per framing plan	Marked points	Spacing matches approved framing plan	Locates every footing for Project 04 excavation
Layout record and approval	1	Signed worksheet	All dimensions, diagonals, offsets, elevations recorded	Authorizes handoff to Project 04

C. Material and Resource Takeoff

• Layout materials: stakes and batter-board stock sufficient to set offsets at every corner, plus mason's string and marking paint or flags.
• Reference documents: approved site plan, structural drawings, footing schedule, and framing plan for the selected structure type.
• Prior project records: the signed Project 01 readiness package and the Project 02 work-area layout.
• Documentation: the layout worksheet, diagonal-measurement table, and any sketch updates required for the readiness package.

D. Acceptance Standards

Check	Standard
Baseline	Established from the approved site plan and confirmed against Project 01 survey and property controls
Squaring	All corners set using an approved squaring method and confirmed by measured diagonals within the approved tolerance
Side lengths	Rechecked and recorded after any diagonal adjustment
Offsets	Batter boards or offset stakes set outside excavation limits at every corner, with structure lines transferred and marked
Post and footing centers	Marked and verified against the approved framing plan spacing
Property limits	Confirmed layout remains within verified property lines, setbacks, and easements
Layout record	All dimensions, diagonals, post centers, offsets, and elevations recorded and the worksheet approved before excavation is requested

E. Preparation — Plan Review and Baseline Selection

1. Review the approved overall dimensions, post grid, footing centers, beam lines, wall lines, elevations, setbacks, and structure orientation. Confirm these match the structure type selected in Project 01.
2. Confirm survey controls, utility markings, drainage findings, and permit conditions from Project 01 and Project 02 are still valid and undisturbed. Resolve any discrepancy before proceeding.
3. Establish the controlling baseline. Select the single reference line the site plan calls for — a property line, the face of an existing structure, or a fixed survey point — and confirm it against the recorded Project 01 corner flags.

F. Corner Setting and Squaring Procedure

1. Set the first corner or control point on the baseline. Mark it clearly and record its position relative to the baseline origin.
2. Measure and mark the first structure line from the first corner. Record the measured length against the approved dimension.
3. Establish the perpendicular line at the first corner using an approved squaring method. Use a framing square for an initial reference, then confirm with a measured method rather than the square alone.
4. Set the remaining corners along the established lines. Record each corner's measured distance from the baseline and from the adjacent corner.
5. Measure both diagonals of the rectangular layout. Record each diagonal on the worksheet diagonal-measurement table.
6. Adjust control points until the measured diagonals meet the approved tolerance. Move only the corner or corners needed to bring the diagonals into agreement.
7. Recheck side lengths after any diagonal adjustment. Confirm every side still matches its approved dimension before continuing.

G. Offset Transfer and Reference Marking (Repeat at Each Corner)

1. Set batter boards or offset stakes outside the excavation limits at each verified corner. Position them far enough outside the footing area that they will not be disturbed by excavation.
2. Transfer the verified structure lines to the offsets using string line and the recorded corner positions. Confirm the transferred lines still intersect at the approved corner points before removing any original corner stake.
3. Mark beam centerlines, post centerlines, wall faces, and footing centers on the ground and on the offset string lines. Use the marking-paint or flag color reserved for structure-outline marking from Project 01.
4. Verify post spacing against the beam, joist, fence-rail, pergola, or wall framing plan for the selected structure type. Confirm no post or footing center conflicts with a marked utility, a setback, or an easement.
5. Mark doors, gates, stairs, landings, utilities, drains, and other fixed obstacles on the layout. Record their position relative to the structure lines.
6. Establish the finished elevation and post-top or beam reference point. Record it using a hand level, string level, or laser level referenced to a fixed benchmark.

H. Verification and Approval

1. Verify the completed layout remains within the property lines, setbacks, and easements confirmed in Project 01. Adjust and re-measure if any conflict is found.
2. Record all dimensions, diagonals, post centers, offsets, and elevations on the layout worksheet. Confirm every entry corresponds to an actual field measurement, not an assumed or transcribed plan value.
3. Obtain layout approval before excavation begins. Route the completed worksheet through the required review before Project 04 starts.
4. Protect all reference controls. Flag or barricade batter boards, offset stakes, and string lines so they are not disturbed before excavation begins.

I. Recheck and Closeout Procedure

1. Recheck every incomplete or unclear item. Classify each gap as a missing dimension, an unconfirmed diagonal, an unresolved spacing conflict, or an unprotected reference control before closing it out.
2. Label and retain the completed layout worksheet. Store it with the Project 01 readiness package for reference throughout excavation and framing.