Construction staking - Oh the joys

It amazes me how much contractors expect for free. I learned that this is best approached on the front end. A contractor is much more willing to sign a change order before there is wood in the ground. If they are not, then they will make do with what they originally ordered.

BTW-

This little project is a $2.85M build
Site = 21,875sqft
Foundation footprint = 4,250sqft
garage = 1,200sqft

Completely max'ed the setbacks
Architect only allowed 1.2' to spare between setback limits

I have a Request for Staking/Restaking form I carry around just for that purpose. No extra stakes (within reason) or restaking is done until the form is filled out and signed by the contractor.

I know this is not on point, but it reminded me of one project I had here in Houston. The project was on a 10 acre lot in River Oaks (one of the most exclusive subdivisions in Houston, with all homes costing at least 10 million dollars) in the middle of Houston. The home was a little over 36,000 square feet, including the garage. The master bedroon was about 3,400 sq. ft. alone. There were only 3 people in the family, although they were all very polite and friendly when one conversed with them.

Oh, my point was, even with 10 acres, it was hard to fit the home on the lot, as the setback lines were a long way from the lot lines.

FWIW, we usually price residential staking based on time rather than number of stakes. It helps us avoid the haggling over the number of stakes. We'll give a "per stake" price for the cut throats UP FRONT.

Also, some "head gasket blowing" clients turn out to be the most dependable and conscientious...others...not so much.

Oh yes...1.2' from the setback would be a blessing. The typical house around here fits within setbacks...to the block. Add stucco and gingerbread and they're into the setback.

> Crew goes to site today and the builder wants...

> The crew appeases Mr. Builder

Only happened to me once.

I waited until all the crews were in, dragged them out to the parking lot and had everybody read what was painted on the side of the truck out-loud, one at a time.

When they were finished I told them that now that they were familiar with the truck, they could use it as a reference if they ever again forgot who the f$%k they worked for.

I stay away from lump sum bids on staking for this exact reason. Too much headache. Bill them hourly, travel time included. Builder can have whatever he wants as long as he pays my hourly fee.

We just had a similar situation. A $2,000 budget ran over to $5,000. I visited with the client and I saw his point. He recognized he had changed the scope, but the crew agreed to do it and never indicated that it would cost more. He said, “I should have been told that I was spending $3,000.” I had to agree.

My question is: Can I get any CEUs out of this?

We do a lot of lump sum DOT layout. Now, if we have to do something outside our contract, such as restaking, the super has to sign the time sheet, because it's extra work. If he won't sign, we won't work.

My first post here, but see alot of familiar faces (or names). I have a change order form and if you are going to charge by the stake, you have to get it signed upfront. I never use it unless the additional work amounts to over an hour. I try and work with the client a little and I think they really appreciate that effort.
Cliff Wagner

Its universal...I try and work with people. Its tough sometimes.
I have staked buildings right on the setback line...lots of fun..

i will make sure i will never work for you,you sound like a real a hole

> i will make sure i will never work for you,you sound like a real a hole

:good:

Technically, I'm a sarcastic a-hole.

Ding, ding, we have a winner.

It is all but impossible to lump sum a construction stakeout, if you aren't part of the project from day one.

Win/win for everyone is hourly rate. You've just given the contractor incentive to move things out of the way(and there will always be something in the way) as soon as possible to accommodate your crew. If they are sitting for an hour waiting for resteel to be moved by another sub, so they can stake offsets, the meter is running in your favor.

James, I got the same speech from two different former employers, had a lot to do with why I jumped ship. I realized they really didn't understand the dynamics of a construction site and that you have to adapt instantly to changing conditions.

Welcome, right on the button. Whatever deviates from the contract is extra, whether you are the general contractor or the third tier sub. Forget by the stake, charge by the hour for extra work.

Get many jobs with that method? Here in Houston, contractors want (need) an upfront cost. One told me if he wanted to gamble, he would go to Vegas.

Maybe with a long-time repeat client, you could get some stake-out jobs by the hour, but with an estimate or not-to-exceed for a specified scope of staking. It would be the surveyor doing the gambling and at pretty poor odds if he would give a lump sum for any and all staking including extras, restake, etc. Hourly, by the stake, whatever, there has to be a method to keep them from asking for too much and somebody with the authority to sign for staking requests beyond the contract scope.

I talk big but when the equipment is roaring and you get a request in the field, it's not always easy to stop and fill out a change order form and wait for official authorization.

I give my crews instructions as per the job they are to perform (what was bid and what was scheduled). I also tell them that if the General Contractor wants them to vary from that plan, that they tell said General Contractor to call me first.

This helps to avoid those nasty change orders and charge backs.

That's why I am solo. I have never charged an hourly rate to stake a house. I give them a stake at each corner and hubs on the offsets usally four hubs does the job. On the other hand construction jobs like commercial buildings, parking lots, sewers etc. is always per hour.

Bob