Construction setting out carried out using Leica robotic total stations on a live building site.
What Our Setting Out Services Cover
Our setting out engineers transfer design coordinates and levels accurately onto site — from initial groundworks through to finishes — so every trade builds in the right place to the required tolerances.
Foundations, ground beams & RC slabs
Pad foundations, strip footings, ground beams, pile caps and RC slabs set out to the required coordinates and levels.
Piles and structural gridlines
Piles, pile groups and structural gridlines positioned precisely — including one-day packages for foundation contractors.
Frames, columns & cores
RC and steel frames, columns, core walls and lift shafts set out with centre-lines, faces and control points for ongoing checks.
Brickwork, blockwork & stud walls
Internal and external walls, openings and partitions set out to drawings so bricklayers and dryliners can build accurately.
Façades, cladding & openings
Façade lines, cladding rails, fixing positions and window/door openings set out to support envelope installation.
Drainage, services & external works
Drainage runs, manholes, invert levels, service trenches, kerbs, roads and hard landscaping set out for civil and external works.
Grids, datums & reference points
Control points, datums and check marks established and maintained for the whole site team to work from.
Levels & finished floor levels
Floor zones, slab levels and finished floor levels set out to ensure surfaces meet design and tolerance requirements.
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.
Setting Out Engineering Workflow
Our setting out workflow follows a clear, methodical process to ensure accuracy, coordination and consistency on site from initial instruction through to construction.
Scope & Requirements
We confirm the elements to be set out, required tolerances, preferred grid or datum, drawing revisions and any programme constraints with your team.
Control Establishment & Checks
We establish or verify a site control network tied to existing control, OS National Grid or a project grid, and carry out checks to confirm accuracy before setting out begins.
On-Site Setting Out
Using Leica robotic total stations and proven methods, we set out points, lines and levels clearly for groundworkers, steel fixers, bricklayers and other site trades.
Verification & Documentation
Spot checks, check measurements and sketches are provided on request to confirm critical elements are correct before construction proceeds.
Site engineer carrying out pre-pour checks on a reinforced concrete slab in London — verifying levels and positions before concrete is poured.
daily pricing
& flexible
out engineers
insured
Applications of Our Setting Out Services
Our construction setting out services across London and the UK are used on a wide range of residential, commercial and infrastructure projects, including:
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.
One-day setting out visits
Many clients only require a setting out engineer for a single focused task — pile setting out, a ground beam layout, a slab or a key grid. We offer a clear day-rate service with simple booking and optional follow-up visits.
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.
No Control Network or DWG Drawings? We Can Still Help
We work with what you have. Whether your site lacks established control or your drawings are not yet in CAD format, our engineers have practical solutions to keep setting out on track.
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.
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 Output Standards
All setting out is carried out to professional standards and backed by clear, practical information that site teams can use directly.
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.
Da Vinci Engineering site engineer setting out on a live construction site in London, working to survey-grade precision on a tight programme.
Why Clients Choose Da Vinci Engineering
Dedicated setting out expertise
Specialist experience in construction setting out, site engineering and grid control on live building projects.
High-precision instruments & methods
Use of Leica robotic total stations, GNSS and proven workflows to achieve high-precision positional and level accuracy.
Rapid mobilisation & 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 & 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.
Transparent Fees.
No Surprises.
Every project is priced individually — fairly and transparently. You know the full cost before we arrive on site.
For pile setting out, single slabs, gridlines and other focused tasks, we offer clear, competitive day rates. For longer programmes and repeated visits, pricing depends on project location, site conditions and the complexity of the scope.
- Day rates for one-day focused visits
- Project rates for ongoing works
- Like-for-like quote matching available
- Transparent, itemised pricing — no hidden extras
Flexible scheduling to support your construction programme — with fast mobilisation across London and the South East. Short-notice and next-day bookings are regularly available.
- Short-notice & next-day appointments
- Attendance aligned with pours, pile rigs & steel deliveries
- Optional follow-up visits on same day rate
- Free no-obligation quote within 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Ideally we need the latest approved drawings in DWG or PDF format, details of any existing site control, the required grid or datum reference and a clear description of what is to be set out and when. The more information we have upfront, the more efficiently we can prepare and mobilise. If drawings are not yet finalised or control is not established, we can still help — we work with what is available and set out practical solutions.
DWG CAD files are preferred as they allow us to extract coordinates directly and reduce the risk of errors. However, where only PDF drawings or marked-up sketches are available, our engineers can work from these, converting the design intent into setting out coordinates and levels. We will flag any ambiguities in the information before work begins.
We work to the tolerances specified in the contract or by the structural engineer. In the absence of project-specific requirements, we follow accepted industry standards such as those set out in CIRIA C741 and relevant British Standards. Tolerances vary depending on the element type and construction method, and are confirmed with the project team at the scoping stage so there is no ambiguity on site.
Yes — many clients only need a setting out engineer for a focused task such as pile setting out, a ground beam layout or a slab grid. We offer a clear day-rate service with straightforward booking, and follow-up visits can be arranged on the same rate. Short-notice and next-day attendance is regularly available.
Design changes are common on live sites. We always set out from the latest approved revision and flag any conflicts between drawing issues before marking up on site. Where significant changes affect previously set out work, we advise the site team immediately so that remedial action or re-checking can be arranged without delay.
Yes — if your site does not have an existing control network, we can establish one using Leica GNSS and total stations, tied to the Ordnance Survey National Grid or to a project-specific local grid agreed with the design team. Control points are set, checked and documented so that all setting out throughout the project is consistent and repeatable.
Schedule Your Setting Out Engineer
Send your drawings and a brief scope of works — we will return a clear, competitive quotation within 24 hours and confirm the next available site engineering slot. No commitment required.