Staking column lines

It's been a while, but I always set a baseline, sometimes two. One running N-S, one E-W. Sometimes it was required too, so the contractor can pull tapes, etc. But no matter where I set them, even after discussing with the Super, the next time I come to the site, there's usually something parked on, dumped on, or blocking at least a few of the baseline points or targets.

And that's the problem with pricing. Give an estimate, but do it T-M. Even a not-to-exceed price can fail, depending on what else is going on on the site.

Construction staking is a lot of waiting, and none of it is your doing. So, you can have the best setup on your first site visit, but it can all unravel on the next ones. And it's funny how much faster everything gets cleared up or moved out of your way, when you're on the clock, and not on lump sum, or task priced.

Liability.

I charge a lot. I have never claimed to be the cheapest. Nor do I strive to be.

Three days to setup your control box and range out offsets. I'm assuming they don't need every column line set, unless you're setting the anchor bolts.

Two days a floor to bring up control, snap lines and set bench marks.

Make sure to budget some cad time and PLS time for each visit to check the math.

Stay on top of the budget and make sure you're field crews get daily work logs signed by the super at the end of the day. Writing down each task performed. If extra tasks are requested, and they will, split those out on the logs with the time needed. The super is going to want you to layout everything, and doesn't care what it takes. The PM is going to lose his mind and not want to pay you. Having everything in writing will help you later.