What a set-out survey involves
A set-out survey transfers positions from the approved drawings to the site. For a house this typically means pegging the building corners or offset lines and providing a reference level. For larger or civil projects it can include grid lines, footings, columns, retaining walls, kerbs, drainage structures and services.
Before set-out, the design needs to be final and approved. Set-out from superseded plans is one of the most common and expensive mistakes on site, so we confirm the drawing revision before we attend.
Boundaries come first
Setbacks are measured from the boundary, so the boundary position must be reliable before a building is set out. Where the boundary has not been confirmed recently, the set-out quote may include boundary investigation. This matters most on tight lots, near-zero-lot-line designs and older Illawarra subdivisions.
Check surveys during construction
Certifiers and engineers sometimes ask for checks at key stages, such as confirming slab or formwork position and level, or the setback of a frame to the boundary. Check your approval conditions, then book these checks in advance so they don't hold up the next trade.
Set-out pricing and booking tips for builders
Set-out cost depends on the number of points and levels to be marked, how complex the design is, whether boundaries must be confirmed first, and how many separate visits the construction program needs (for example, an initial set-out followed by slab or frame checks). Larger civil and commercial jobs are quoted against the drawings and program.
Book early, send the current approved drawings, and make sure the site is cleared and accessible on the day. That avoids the most common cause of wasted visits. When the work is complete, the next step is usually a work-as-executed or final survey.
When you may need one
- Before excavation or footings for a new house, duplex, granny flat or extension
- When positioning slabs, piers, columns or retaining walls
- For civil works such as kerbs, drainage, pits and services
- When a certifier or engineer requests position or level checks during construction
How it works
Plans
Send the approved, stamped plans and any engineering drawings.
Check
We review the design, boundaries and datum before attending.
Set-out
We mark the agreed positions and levels on site.
Record
We provide a record of the marks placed for the builder.
What you receive
- Building corners, offset pegs or grid lines marked on site
- Reference level or benchmark as agreed
- Set-out record or sketch of the marks placed
To get an accurate quote, send us:
- Approved architectural plans (current revision)
- Engineering and structural drawings, if available
- Construction stage and date the builder needs the set-out
- Whether the site is cleared and accessible
Construction Set-Out FAQs
When should I book a set-out survey?
Book once the plans are approved and the site is cleared and ready, ideally a week or more before the builder needs it. Allow time for us to review the plans first.
Do I need a boundary survey before set-out?
Setbacks are measured from the boundary, so the boundary position must be reliable. If it hasn't been confirmed, boundary investigation may be part of the set-out scope.
What if the pegs get knocked out?
Offset pegs are usually placed clear of excavation so they survive earthworks. If marks are disturbed, a return visit can be arranged.
Do you set out civil and commercial works?
Yes. Set-out for civil and commercial works is quoted on the drawings, staging and site requirements. Send the design files and program.