About Our Professional Setting Out Services
At Nelhams & Sons, we provide precise setting out services that form the critical foundation for every successful construction project. Our setting out work ensures your building is positioned exactly according to approved plans, meets all boundary requirements, and provides the accurate framework necessary for quality construction from foundation to completion.
Our Setting Out Services
We provide comprehensive setting out for all types of construction projects, ensuring accuracy and compliance from day one. At Nelhams & Sons we specialise in:
New Build Setting Out
Precise positioning of new houses, commercial buildings, and developments according to approved plans, including boundary compliance, drainage runs, and service connections.
Extension & Conversion Setting Out
Accurate marking out for house extensions, loft conversions, and structural alterations, ensuring seamless integration with existing buildings and compliance with planning permissions.
Site Preparation & Marking
Complete site preparation including boundary verification, utility marking, excavation guidelines, and coordination with surveyors and engineers for complex projects.
How We Work
Professional setting out requires precision, planning expertise, and meticulous attention to detail. Our systematic approach ensures your project starts correctly and proceeds without costly positioning errors.
| Step | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Plan Review | Detailed analysis of architectural and structural drawings to understand all setting out requirements |
| Site Survey | Comprehensive site survey to identify existing features, boundaries, and reference points |
| Boundary Verification | Confirmation of property boundaries using Land Registry documents and existing boundary markers |
| Datum Establishment | Setting up permanent reference points and levels that will guide all construction phases |
| Building Positioning | Precise marking of building corners, walls, and key structural elements according to approved plans |
| Level Setting | Establishing accurate floor levels, drainage falls, and vertical reference points |
| Service Routing | Marking positions for utilities, drainage systems, and service connections |
| Quality Verification | Double-checking all measurements and positions before construction commences |
| Documentation | Providing detailed records and photographs of all setting out work for future reference |
| Ongoing Support | Re-establishing marks as needed throughout construction and providing additional setting out |
Precision Accuracy
Professional surveying equipment ensuring millimetre-perfect positioning and levels
Planning Compliance
Ensuring all positioning meets planning permission requirements and boundary regulations
Time Efficiency
Swift, professional setting out that keeps your construction project on schedule
Risk Prevention
Preventing costly construction errors and boundary disputes through accurate initial positioning
Why Choose Nelhams & Sons for Your Setting Out?
Our experienced team understands that accurate setting out is the foundation of every successful construction project. With 48+ years of experience across Surrey and West London, we combine traditional surveying skills with modern laser technology to ensure your project starts correctly. Every measurement matters, and our meticulous approach prevents costly errors whilst ensuring full compliance with planning permissions and building regulations.
- Professional surveying equipment including laser levels and total stations
- Expert knowledge of planning permissions and boundary requirements
- 48+ years experience with Surrey and West London site conditions
- Coordination with architects, engineers, and Building Control
- Comprehensive documentation and ongoing construction support
Best Surrey Business Award
Frequently Asked Questions About Setting Out
What exactly is ‘setting out’ in construction?
Setting out is the process of transferring architectural plans onto the actual construction site, marking the precise positions where buildings, walls, foundations, and other structures will be built. It involves establishing reference points, measuring distances and angles, and marking ground levels to ensure construction follows approved plans exactly. This crucial step prevents errors and ensures compliance with planning permissions.
Why is professional setting out important?
Accurate setting out prevents costly construction errors, boundary disputes, and planning compliance issues. Even small positioning errors can result in thousands of pounds in remedial work, planning problems, or structural complications. Professional setting out ensures your building is positioned correctly from day one, with proper drainage falls, accurate levels, and compliance with all planning requirements.
What equipment do you use for setting out?
We use professional surveying equipment including laser levels, total stations, electronic distance measurers, and GPS systems where appropriate. This modern equipment provides millimetre accuracy for positioning and levelling. We also use traditional surveying tools for verification and situations where electronic equipment isn’t suitable, ensuring accuracy regardless of site conditions.
How do you ensure boundary compliance?
We verify property boundaries using Land Registry documents, existing boundary markers, and coordinate with neighbouring properties where necessary. We check planning permission requirements for setbacks from boundaries and ensure all structures comply with permitted development rights or planning conditions. Our experience with local planning requirements helps prevent boundary-related issues.
Can you work with my architect’s plans?
Yes, we work with architectural plans from any practice. We review drawings for clarity and completeness, requesting clarification where needed. Our experience allows us to identify potential issues early and suggest practical solutions. We coordinate closely with architects, structural engineers, and other professionals to ensure accurate translation of designs onto site.
What happens if setting out marks get disturbed during construction?
We establish permanent reference points that remain protected throughout construction and provide ongoing support to re-establish working marks as needed. This is normal during construction, especially for larger projects. We maintain detailed records of all positions and can quickly restore any disturbed marks, ensuring construction accuracy is maintained throughout the project.
