Construction Setting Out London | Da Vinci Engineering

What Our Setting Out Services Cover

Foundations, ground beams and RC slabs

Setting out of pad foundations, strip footings, ground beams, pile caps and reinforced concrete slabs to the required coordinates and levels.

Piles and structural gridlines

Precise positioning of piles, pile groups and structural gridlines – including one-day pile setting out packages for foundation contractors.

Frames, columns and cores

Setting out of RC frames, steel frames, columns, core walls and lift shafts, including centre-lines, faces and control points for ongoing checks.

Brickwork, blockwork and stud walls

Internal and external walls, openings and key partitions set out to drawings so bricklayers and dryliners can build accurately and keep to programme.

Façades, cladding and openings

Setting out of façade lines, cladding rails, fixing positions and window/door openings to support envelope installation and interface coordination.

Drainage, services and external works

Drainage runs, manholes, invert levels, ducts, service trenches, kerbs, roads, footpaths and hard landscaping set out for civil and external works.

Grids, datums and reference points

Establishment and maintenance of control points, datums and check marks that the whole site team can work from throughout the project.

If it needs lines, points or levels marking on site, our setting out engineers can set it out with precision – whether for a single day or an entire project.

No control network in place? We can establish one

New control for your project
If your site does not have an existing control network, our engineers can establish a reliable, project-specific system of coordinates using high-accuracy surveying instruments.

OS grid or local grid
Control can be related to Ordnance Survey National Grid and datum, or to a local site grid agreed with the design team, depending on project requirements.

Robust, repeatable control
Control points are set, checked, and documented so that setting out remains consistent and repeatable across the entire construction programme.

No DWG drawings? We can still help

Working from PDFs and sketches
While CAD / DWG files are preferred, we can also work from PDFs, marked-up drawings, sketches, or design briefs where required.

Conversion to coordinates
Our engineers convert your design information into practical setting out coordinates and levels so the site team can continue without delay.

Early-stage and smaller projects
For early-stage schemes and smaller jobs, we can support setting out based on the best available information and update setting out as design information develops.

Setting Out Engineering Workflow

Our setting out engineering workflow follows a clear, methodical process to ensure accuracy, coordination, and consistency on site from initial instruction through to construction.

Scope and requirements

We confirm which elements need to be set out — for example piles only, reinforced concrete slabs, gridlines, steel frames, or brickwork — along with required tolerances, preferred grid or datum, drawing revisions, and any programme constraints.

Control establishment and checks

Where required, we establish or verify a site control network, tying into existing control, Ordnance Survey National Grid, or a structural or project grid. Initial checks are carried out to confirm accuracy before setting out begins.

On-site setting out

Using Leica robotic total stations and proven site-engineering methods, we set out points, lines, and levels clearly and unambiguously for groundworkers, steel fixers, bricklayers, and other site trades.

Verification and documentation

Spot checks, check measurements, and sketches can be provided on request to confirm that critical elements have been set out correctly before construction works proceed.

One-Day Setting Out Visits

Ideal for small and focused tasks
Many clients only require a site engineer for one day — for example to set out piles, a ground beam layout, a single reinforced concrete slab, or a key grid with a small number of reference points.

Clear day-rate service
We offer a straightforward day-rate setting out service, ideal for small projects or specific tasks where you only need an engineer on site for a single visit.

Simple booking process
Send us your drawings and a brief scope of works, we confirm availability and the agreed day rate, and you have a qualified setting out engineer on site for the scheduled day.

Optional follow-up visits
If additional visits are required later, we can return on the same day-rate basis or agree a small package to cover the remaining works.

Applications of Our Setting Out Services

New-build and structural frames

Accurate setting out for reinforced concrete frames, steel frames, cores, and structural elements on residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

Groundworks and infrastructure

Foundations, retaining structures, drainage, roads, and external works for groundworks and infrastructure contractors.

Refurbishment and extensions

Setting out new structural elements, openings, and interfaces when tying into existing buildings and structures.

Industrial and logistics units

Precision setting out for slab grids, racking lines, service trenches, and external yards on industrial and logistics projects.

Fit-out and internal works

Setting out partitions, ceilings, joinery, and key internal features to support fit-out contractors and interior schemes.

Consistent, accurate setting out reduces rework, supports quality, and keeps projects aligned with design and programme — whether delivered as a one-day visit or as part of a full build.

Why Clients Choose Us as Their Setting Out Engineer

Dedicated construction setting out expertise

Specialist experience in construction setting out, site engineering, and grid control on live building projects.

High-precision instruments and methods

Use of Leica robotic total stations, GNSS, and proven workflows to achieve high-precision positional and level accuracy.

Rapid mobilisation and flexible support

Ability to attend site at short notice, offering single-day visits, short-term packages, and longer-term site engineering support.

Clear communication on site

Direct contact with the engineer carrying out the setting out, ensuring quick decisions and clear coordination with site management and trades.

Problem-solving mindset

Practical, solutions-focused approach when drawings, control, or site conditions are challenging or evolving.

Reliable records and documentation

Setting out sketches, check measurements, and supporting notes available on request for QA records and future reference.

We act as a site engineering partner, giving contractors and developers the confidence that their works are built on accurate control and reliable setting out.

Setting Out Output Standards

Clear setting out information – Setting out information is taken from the latest approved drawings and issued in a clear, practical format that can be used directly by site teams.

Sketches and mark-ups – Where required, we provide setting out sketches, marked-up plans, and coordinate schedules for key elements to support site operations.

Consistent reference to grids and datums – All setting out is related to agreed grids and datums, ensuring that checks, verification, and follow-on works can be carried out reliably and consistently.

Integration with other surveys – Setting out can be coordinated with topographical, measured building, and as-built surveys where projects require multiple survey services.

Setting Out Services Pricing

Day rates for one-day visits
For pile setting out, single slabs, gridlines, and other focused tasks, we offer clear, competitive day rates for a qualified setting out engineer on site.

Project-specific rates for ongoing works
For longer programmes and repeated visits, pricing depends on project location, site conditions, and the complexity of the setting out scope. We can agree day rates, part-day rates, or small packages as appropriate.

Transparent, competitive pricing
Pricing is always clear and itemised so you know exactly what is included in each visit or package.

Send your drawings and programme
Send your latest drawings, grid information, and outline programme to receive a tailored setting out engineering quotation from qualified site engineers in London.

Schedule Your Setting Out Engineer

Short-notice and programme-driven availability
Short-notice setting out visits are often available, including single-day bookings, and attendance can be aligned with critical programme dates such as pours, pile rigs, and steel deliveries.
Competitive, like-for-like pricing
We offer competitive pricing and can match like-for-like quotations where scope and deliverables are comparable.
Free, no-obligation quote
Send your project address, drawings, and a brief description of the works to receive a tailored, free, no-obligation setting out quotation and reserve the next available site engineering slot.

Prefer to speak to someone? Call us on 073 9966 1860 or email info@davinciengineering.uk to discuss your setting out requirements directly with a site engineer.

Construction setting out using Leica robotic total station

Construction setting out carried out using Leica robotic total stations on a live building site.

Construction Setting Out Services London & UK