Three things to know
- Building setting out and utility information are separate matters.
- Link marks to the current drawing and level reference.
- Identify who hands over the brief on site.
Contents of this guide
What exactly do the site marks mean?
Distinguish setting out a proposed structure from marking existing utilities. For excavation, obtain current positions and level requirements from the responsible person. Each mark should clearly represent a centreline, corner or other reference. Do not infer its meaning from how the site looks.
VŠB–TUO — building setting out and earthworks terminology (Czech) ↗
Provide one clear version of the brief
Attach the relevant drawing, its date or version reference and associated dimensions. Clarify whether it shows the future structure or the excavation shape itself. A building's external dimensions may not describe the whole earthworks scope.
If you have older and newer designs, do not leave both on site as equal alternatives. The responsible person must confirm which applies. Supply position, structural or dimensional changes before starting and check that the on-site references match.
Explain marks and level references
Agree who explains setting-out meanings and their relationship to the drawing to the operator. A mark may represent a centreline or another reference; it should not be guessed to mean an excavation edge from its appearance. Resolve ambiguity before digging.
Levels must clearly state their reference and which document defines the required elevation. Existing ground, future floor and excavation bottom are different levels. This guide provides neither a surveying procedure nor universal foundation dimensions.
Name the handover and variation contact
When arranging the date, provide the contact who knows the current documents and can explain the brief. If another contractor accepts the excavation, involve them in clarifying the required condition. The owner's phone number alone may not answer a technical question.
If marks are damaged, become illegible or conflict with documents, arrange verification before proceeding. Do not replace missing setting out with an estimate from an adjacent structure. The relevant responsible person determines how to rectify it.
What to confirm before the excavator arrives
Review readiness as several distinct items. Alongside positions and levels, establish utilities, equipment access and soil arrangements. The operator must know what is ordered, what is verified and what remains for someone to complete.
SORTI excavates to an agreed brief. Surveying is not automatically included. If documents are still being prepared, state their status at first contact; execution can then follow their readiness.
Swipe sideways to see all columns.
| Information | What to hand over for excavation |
|---|---|
| Drawing | The current version and defined earthworks scope |
| Position | The meaning of marked elements and their relationship to the drawing |
| Levels | A reference and the required elevation from the brief |
| Utilities | Separate information and necessary service marking |
| Contact | The person responsible for handover and resolving queries |
Example message for ordering earthworks
'I need excavation for [purpose] in [municipality]. The current brief is [drawing, version]. Positions and levels will be handed over by [person, contact]; setting-out status is [details]. Utility document status is [details]. Soil arrangements are [plan]. The result will be accepted by [next contractor's contact].'
Attach overall and access photographs. Marks in an image can explain the situation but do not replace a clear on-site handover. Link dimensions and excavation purpose to documents rather than inferring them from a photograph alone.
Frequently asked questions
Are pegs on the site enough?
Their meaning and relationship to the current brief must be clear. Unexplained marks do not define the full scope.
Is building setting out the same as utility marking?
No. They are different information. Services and any necessary marking need addressing separately.
Does the excavator operator automatically provide setting out?
We do not promise that as part of this service. Identify who supplies the required information and handover in advance.
What if the design changed after setting out?
Before continuing, have the responsible person confirm the current version and any necessary updates to on-site references.
Send current documents and the handover contact
Identify the version, position and level handover status, and outstanding items. We will discuss the actual earthworks brief.