An Introduction to Construction Staking

Construction Staking involves taking a set of plans or blueprints from paper and laying out stakes in the field so the contractors have a physical representation for construction.

Connor Llewelyn, the Construction Staking department manager at FOCUS Engineering & Surveying, discussed how his team builds a better place.

Q. What is the pivotal role of Construction Staking in building projects?

A. It’s the basis for everything. It determines where the buildings and utilities go, horizontally and vertically, and the elevation of buildings. Quality assurance and quality control are significant parts of our role. As the last line of defense, we are responsible for catching any issues between the engineer’s plans and their real-world application for the general contractors. The FOCUS Construction Staking team plays a crucial role in the coordination between the engineer and the general contractor. We ensure the plans are followed as laid out, acting as the middleman between the field and the office.

Our responsibilities include:

• Interpreting the engineer’s plans
• Setting out the physical markers in the field
• Verifying that the construction aligns with the original design

Q. What are the consequences of skipping the crucial construction staking step in a build?

A. Skipping the crucial step of construction staking can lead to a range of issues. These include building houses too close together or on the wrong property, leading to legal disputes and costly rework. It may also result in problems like a curb and gutter getting built with low points and not draining correctly, affecting the functionality and aesthetics of the project. Furthermore, it increases the risk of utilities being installed at incorrect depths, which can be costly to rectify and may cause safety hazards. When selecting our services, you are making a wise investment in a cost-effective solution that reduces the risk of high insurance fees due to issues that can be prevented by utilizing CAD services.

Q. What are the main principles and techniques involved in construction staking?

A. The FOCUS core ideology of customer service is not just a guiding principle for us in Construction Staking; it’s a commitment. It helps us understand what the client wants and how they want it. We strive to understand their end goal from the beginning of the project, ensuring that their needs and expectations are always at the forefront of our work. Our techniques involve employing a high level of accuracy in our measurements, using modern technologies such as GPS and digital mapping, and investing in top-tier training for our team to ensure they are proficient in these tools and techniques.

Q. What role does technology play in modern construction staking practices, and how has it revolutionized and streamlined the process?

A. When I began in the industry 12 years ago, each crew had a goal to stake 40 points daily. Because of technological advancements and overall efficiency from the field crews, we now stake 60 to 70 points daily. I attribute the marked increase in productivity to the following:

• High-speed internet access via wireless Wi-Fi packs, which gives us the ability to access the most updated plans in the field
• Portable tablets, which means we no longer need to work off printed documents
• Bluetooth capabilities
• Faster GPS satellite systems
• Wireless, cordless drills, which means we no longer rely on bulky generators and corded drills

Q. What common challenges or considerations are associated with construction staking, and how can they be addressed?

A. A big challenge is maintaining constant communication with the engineers, architects, project managers, and project owners to ensure we work from the most current plans and establish processes, highlighting when things have been revised. One consideration is that we must understand how our clients manage their information. Some use online software like Procore or Building Connected (a database for plans), where subcontractors, concreters, or framers can view the plan and all revisions. Additionally, we set up processes in-house. We utilize thorough in-house systems regardless of whether we’re working internally or externally.

Q. How does construction staking contribute to the environmental sustainability of construction projects?

A. We work frequently around wetlands, mountainous areas with dense foliage, and woodlands. We need to know where the limits of disturbance lie. Our team marks the boundaries of protected areas so the contractors can see what they can and cannot disturb.

The FOCUS Construction Staking team comprises highly skilled professionals who excel in staking various projects, from expansive industrial facilities to individual single-family dwellings. Their expertise and attention to detail result in successful construction projects and satisfied clients, regardless of the job’s size or scope.

For experienced, efficient, and accurate construction-staking, partner with the experts at FOCUS Engineering & Surveying. Contact our structural engineering team at info@focus-es.com or (801) 352-0075.