I build custom homes in the mountains, and laying out a foundation when none of the points are at the same elevation (sometimes differing up to 20 ft.) is a time-consuming, frustrating job without an expensive transit or an elaborate system of stepped batter boards.
The tip here is to have the surveyor, with his $20,000 laser transit, set the corners of the house at the same time he locates the initial property lines. The surveyor I use charges only $20 for this extra service, and it saves me what can amount to an entire day’s work.
—Eric Carter, Green Valley Lake, CA
Edited by Charles Miller
From Fine Homebuilding #18
Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products
Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Anchor Bolt Marker
Smart String Line
Plate Level
