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Setting Out Surveys / Site Engineering

Precision Setting Out On Sites Across London & The UK.

For structural engineers and contractors, accurate positioning of elements like piles, foundations, and steelwork is crucial. Mistakes can result in expensive rework and project delays. Our service ensures precise placement, avoiding costly errors and keeping your project on schedule.

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What Is a Setting Out Survey?

A setting out survey in construction and engineering is a crucial process that involves transferring architectural and engineering plans into physical markers on the construction site. This process ensures that all structures are built in the correct location and to the precise dimensions specified in the design.
 
It involves the use of various tools and techniques, such as total stations and GPS equipment, to accurately mark reference points and lines. These markers guide the construction team in placing foundations, walls, and other structural elements, ensuring the project is built according to the approved plans and specifications.

Benefits of Professional Setting Out Surveys

Accuracy & Precision

Using a professional setting out service ensures high accuracy in translating plans into physical markers on the construction site. Professionals use advanced surveying tools and techniques, significantly reducing the risk of errors. This precision is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the design and avoiding costly mistakes and rework, ensuring that all elements are constructed exactly as specified. Efficiency

Efficiency and Speed

Professional setting out services enhance the efficiency of the construction process. Experts equipped with the latest technology can perform surveys more quickly and accurately than non-professionals. This speed not only accelerates the project timeline but also allows other construction activities to proceed smoothly, reducing delays and increasing overall productivity on site. Compliance

Compliance

Professional setting out services ensure that the construction adheres to design specifications and regulatory requirements. This compliance is essential for the project's legal and structural soundness. By relying on experienced professionals, construction projects can avoid potential legal issues and ensure that the final structure meets all necessary standards and approvals.

Our Setting Out Survey Process

Our goal is to make your construction project run smoothly by providing experienced site setting out engineers who accurately position elements like piles, bolts, and floor levels.

With global experience—from navigation towers in Liberia to helipads in Edinburgh—we use modern Leica robotic survey equipment, eliminating the need for a second person. Trust our skilled surveyors and advanced technology to ensure precise set outs, enhancing your project’s success.

Get a Quote

Following your enquiry, we will provide a detailed quotation for the specified setting out services. This quotation will be either a fixed price or based on a day/half-day rate, depending on your needs. Additionally, we will inform you of the earliest possible date we can commence work on your site.

On-Site Setting Out Survey

Upon arrival at the site, our site engineers will commence the setting out of the required elements, such as foundations, walls, spot levels, and more. Typically, we provide setting out markers, including flags and timber stakes, free of charge.

As-Built Drawings

If needed, once we return to the office, we will process the data we have set out or marked on-site and produce a CAD/PDF as-built drawing for your records.

Typical Setting Our Survey Applications

Foundations and Footings

Setting out surveys are essential for accurately positioning the foundations and footings of a structure. This ensures that the building’s base is correctly aligned and level, which is critical for the stability and integrity of the entire construction.

Structural Elements

Accurate setting out is vital for the placement of structural elements such as walls, columns, and beams. This process ensures these components are located precisely according to the design plans, maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetic appearance of the project.

Brickwork

Setting out surveys are crucial for ensuring brickwork is laid accurately and uniformly. Precise measurements and markers guide the placement of each brick, ensuring that walls are straight, level, and built according to design specifications. This is key for both the structural soundness and visual appeal of the masonry work.

Utilities and Infrastructure

Setting out surveys are used to precisely locate underground utilities and infrastructure, such as drainage systems, electrical conduits, and water lines. This accuracy prevents conflicts and ensures the efficient and safe installation of these essential services.

Setting out pile positions on a pile matt using a total station.
A surveyor using a total station to survey a mini prim.

Why Choose THS Concepts For Setting Out Surveys

Full TSA Member

THS Concepts are an accredited member of The Survey Association body.

UK Wide Service

We operate across the United Kingdom and internationally.

Years Of Experience

THS Concepts was formed over 10 years ago in 2013.

Fully Insured

£1 million in liability cover, employers and public liability.

Excellent Service

5 Star / excellent reviews on both Trustpilot & Google Reviews

FAQ's

When it comes to setting out works, the cost typically depends on how long the surveyor is on site and where the project is located. Some surveyors offer day rate costs for their services, which means that you will be charged a set rate for each day that the surveyor is on site. Others may offer half-day rates if you only have a small number of things that need positioning.

It’s important to note that the cost of setting out works can vary widely depending on a variety of factors, such as the complexity of the project, the equipment and tools required, and the level of expertise needed.

For setting out surveys, we use industry-leading equipment like Leica robotic total stations and GPS technology. The robotic total stations allow single-person operation, increasing efficiency while maintaining accuracy. Additionally, our equipment undergoes annual calibration to ensure its reliability and precision, further contributing to the quality of our setting out services.

We understand the urgency in promptly setting out projects. Our standard lead times for setting out services range from 3 to 7 days, but we can often accommodate last-minute emergencies. Contact us swiftly for a quote and booking to avoid disappointment!

Our setting our Engineers work across the UK and have even undertaken projects abroad in Africa and Europe.

Primarily we undertake setting out projects in London, Essex and Kent. If you are outside these areas, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Setting out surveys in construction play a vital role in translating design plans into the physical landscape. These surveys accurately position essential construction elements like foundations, steelwork, and brickwork, ensuring that structures are built according to precise specifications. By providing a clear and accurate layout, setting out surveys help prevent costly errors, delays, and potential rework during the construction process.

Setting out surveys utilise advanced surveying equipment, such as Leica total stations and GPS technology, to accurately measure and position construction elements. By comparing design plans with site measurements, surveyors can pinpoint the precise locations for each element, ensuring they are placed correctly and in line with design specifications. This meticulous process helps maintain construction accuracy, reducing errors and potential rework.

  1. Confidence for Professionals: Architects, engineers, and contractors can rely on our setting out survey services to provide accurate positioning information for construction elements. With precise implementation of their designs, professionals can work confidently, knowing their vision will be brought to life.

  2. Enhanced Accuracy: Setting out surveyors employ specialised equipment and techniques to position elements such as walls, foundations, and bolts with pinpoint accuracy, ensuring a well-executed construction project.

  3. Improved Efficiency: The benefits of setting out surveys include streamlining the construction process and minimising delays. Precise setting out enables other trades to commence their work promptly, keeping the project on schedule.

  4. Increased Safety: Accurate setting out is crucial for construction site safety. Properly positioned elements prevent structural issues and potential hazards for workers and the public, ensuring a secure project environment.

  5. Cost Savings: Setting out surveys help reduce the risk of rework and costly mistakes, resulting in significant cost savings for the project.

  6. Quality Assurance: Employing a setting out engineer adds an extra layer of quality assurance for your construction project. Their expertise and specialised equipment guarantee that the project adheres to required specifications and standards, delivering excellence at every stage.

Yes, we can provide setting out services for complex or large-scale projects. Our experienced surveyors are skilled in managing the unique challenges posed by diverse projects, employing cutting-edge equipment and technology to ensure accurate and efficient work. Whether it’s a residential development or a commercial build, our team has the expertise to deliver precise setting out services regardless of project size or complexity.

Setting out surveys reduce the risk of errors and costly rework by accurately positioning construction elements according to design plans. By ensuring that all elements are placed precisely and in compliance with specifications, the likelihood of mistakes or deviations from the plan is minimised. This precision not only streamlines the construction process but also prevents the need for expensive adjustments or rework down the line.

Yes, we offer setting out services for both residential and commercial projects. Our team of skilled surveyors has experience working on a diverse range of projects, from single-family homes to large-scale commercial developments. Regardless of the project type, we are committed to providing precise, efficient, and reliable setting out services to meet your needs.

Other Useful Services

Topographical Surveys

We can survey the land around your building picking up key bits of information such as land heights, tree locations, outbuildings, changes in surface, drainage, and more.

3D Scanning

By default, we utilise 3D scanners on our measured survey projects to produce accurate 3D point cloud files. These are then translated into floor plans, elevations and sections etc.

Utility Scanning

Working alongside our topographical surveys, we undertake underground utility scanning to help work out what is under the ground on your project.

Setting out pile positions on a pile matt using a total station.

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