Setting Out Engineer Deliverables
| Deliverable | Description | | --- | --- | | Gridlines | On-site marking | | Levels | Bench marks established | | As-built check | Final verification |
2025 Setting Out Costs (ex VAT)
| Project | Cost | | --- | --- | | Residential extension | £300–£600 | | New build house | £500–£1,200 | | Small commercial | £800–£1,500 |
Construction Setting Out Deliverables
Understanding what setting out deliverables you receive helps you commission the right service and use the data effectively. This article describes typical deliverables from a construction setting out commission.
Pre-Start Survey Deliverables
Pre-start survey deliverables establish the control network:
Survey control report: Documents the primary control points, coordinates, and datum. Includes accuracy statements for control network.
Control point schedule: Lists all control points with coordinates, descriptions, and sketches for location.
Benchmark schedule: Lists all level benchmarks with elevations and location sketches.
Pre-start deliverables are provided in PDF format. Control data is also provided in DWG format for use in CAD software.
Setting Out Drawings
Setting out drawings are issued for contractor use:
Grid line drawings: Show grid line positions, coordinates, and line pin locations. Drawing in DWG and PDF formats.
Level transfer drawings: Show benchmark positions and target levels for each floor and construction stage.
Boundary drawings: Show boundary positions verified against title plans. Drawing includes dimensions and positions.
Setting out drawings are issued at the start of construction. Updated drawings issued as construction progresses.
Setting Out Markers
Physical markers are installed on site:
Line pins: Steel pins driven into the ground marking grid line positions. Markers referenced to control points.
Timber profiles: Timber boards installed at grid line positions for string lines. Profiles set out from line pins.
Benchmarks: Physical marks establishing level reference points. Benchmarks protected and documented for recovery.
Markers are installed by the surveying team. Markers remain in place throughout construction unless removed by the contractor.
As-Built Survey Deliverables
As-built surveys verify construction at each stage:
As-built drawings: Show positions and levels of constructed elements. Drawing in DWG and PDF formats.
Deviation reports: Document any deviations from design positions. Reports include dimensions and photographs.
Level check records: Record levels at each verification stage. Records include measured levels and required levels.
As-built deliverables are issued after each verification survey. Final as-built survey issued at project completion.
Monitoring Survey Deliverables
Monitoring surveys track movement during construction:
Monitoring reports: Document crack measurements and level observations. Reports issued weekly during critical construction phases.
Trend analysis: Analysis of monitoring data over time. Shows whether movement is stable or progressing.
Alert notifications: Immediate notification if trigger levels are approached or exceeded. Alerts issued by phone and email.
Monitoring deliverables keep all parties informed of construction impact on adjacent structures.
Final Survey Deliverables
Final survey deliverables complete the project record:
Complete as-built survey: Full record of all constructed elements. Drawing in DWG and PDF formats.
Monitoring summary: Summary of monitoring data from throughout construction. Document for client records.
Control network documentation: Final control network data for future reference. Document for FM and future development.
Final deliverables are issued at project completion. All data is archived for future reference.
CAD and PDF Formats
Setting out deliverables are provided in standard formats:
DWG format: For use in AutoCAD and other CAD software. Compatible with standard software versions.
PDF format: For reference and printing. Print-ready PDF drawings.
Coordinate data: Provided in CSV or DXF format for import into other software.
All deliverables reviewed by senior surveyor before delivery. Quality assured data for construction use.
Coordinate Reference
All setting out deliverables use consistent coordinate reference:
OS National Grid: Horizontal coordinates referenced to Ordnance Survey National Grid.
OS Datum: Vertical levels referenced to Ordnance Survey datum.
Site coordinate system: Local coordinate system may be used where agreed. Consistent reference throughout project.
Coordinate reference is documented in all deliverables. Reference is consistent from pre-start through completion.
Fixed-Fee Setting Out Packages
icelabz provides fixed-fee setting out packages. Packages include all standard deliverables. No hidden charges.
Fixed-fee packages cover: pre-start survey, setting out drawings, as-built verification, and monitoring if required.
Contact icelabz with your construction requirements for a fixed-fee quote.
Pre-Start Survey Report Contents
Pre-start survey report includes:
Control point listing: Each control point with easting, northing, elevation, description, and sketch.
Coordinate system: Documentation of coordinate system and datum used. OS reference confirmed.
Accuracy statement: Documentation of control network accuracy. Typical accuracy of plus or minus 10mm.
Site plan: Sketch showing control point locations relative to the site. Control points marked on plan.
Setting Out Drawing Contents
Setting out drawings include:
Grid lines: All grid lines with coordinates at intersections. Line reference numbers.
Dimensions: Overall dimensions and grid spacing. Dimensions shown on drawing.
Tolerance notes: Specified tolerances for setting out. Notes on drawing for contractor reference.
Revision history: Drawing revision numbers and dates. All revisions documented.
As-Built Survey Report Contents
As-built survey report includes:
Element positions: Measured positions of all constructed elements. Coordinates and dimensions.
Level data: Measured levels at all key positions. Floor levels, wall tops, and structural elements.
Deviation analysis: Comparison of as-built positions against design positions. Deviations quantified.
Photographic record: Photographs of key as-built conditions. Photographs support written record.
Monitoring Report Contents
Monitoring reports include:
Measurement data: All crack and level measurements. Dates and times recorded.
Trend graphs: Graphs showing movement over time. Visual representation of monitoring data.
Trigger level status: Current status relative to amber and red trigger levels. Status clearly indicated.
Recommendations: Recommended actions if trigger levels are approached. Recommendations for contractor and engineer.
CAD Layer Standards
Setting out CAD drawings follow consistent layer standards:
Grid lines: Dedicated layer for grid lines. Layer named GRID or similar.
Levels: Dedicated layer for level data. Layer named LEVELS or similar.
Boundaries: Dedicated layer for boundary features. Layer named BOUNDARY or similar.
Text and dimensions: Dedicated layers for annotation. Layers named TEXT and DIM or similar.
PDF Drawing Standards
PDF drawings are print-ready and screen-readable:
Title block: Project name, drawing number, revision, and date. Standard title block format.
Scale bar: Scale bar included on drawings. Appropriate scale for drawing size.
North arrow: North arrow included on site plans. Orientation clearly shown.
Deliverable Review Process
All setting out deliverables are reviewed before delivery:
Senior surveyor review: All drawings and reports reviewed by senior surveyor.
Accuracy verification: Data checked against source measurements. Errors identified and corrected.
Completeness check: All required elements confirmed present. Missing data identified and completed.
Client review: Clients review deliverables and confirm acceptance. Revisions implemented as required.
Fixed-Fee Package Contents
Fixed-fee setting out packages include:
Pre-start survey and control establishment. Setting out drawings for all construction stages. As-built verification surveys. Monitoring surveys if required. Final as-built record at completion.
All deliverables in DWG and PDF formats. All deliverables reviewed by senior surveyor. Coordinate reference documentation included.
Bespoke Deliverables
Bespoke deliverables available for specific requirements:
3D model deliverables: As-built data delivered in 3D format. Compatible with BIM workflows.
GIS data: Spatial data delivered in GIS formats. Compatible with GIS software.
Data integration: Deliverables integrated with project management systems. Custom formats as required.
Documentation for FM
Setting out deliverables support future FM:
As-built data: Complete record of what was built. Data supports future alterations and maintenance.
Control data: Control network data for future reference. Supports future surveying and construction.
Monitoring records: Documentation of ground movement during construction. Supports future development.
Contact icelabz
icelabz provides fixed-fee setting out with all standard deliverables. Deliverables reviewed by senior surveyor. Coordinate reference consistent throughout.
Contact icelabz with your construction requirements for a fixed-fee quote.