Common Mistakes in Setting Out – And How to Avoid Them
Setting out is one of the most critical steps in any construction project, but it’s also where some of the most costly and common mistakes occur. For busy project managers, understanding these pitfalls can mean the difference between smooth delivery and expensive rework.
If you’re managing site teams and trying to improve quality and coordination, this guide is for you.
Land Surveyor using a leveling instrument on a busy construction site during setting out works, with excavator in the background and assistant holding a staff — demonstrating precise setting out for highways projects.
🏗️ Not Checking Drawings or Performing Due Diligence
One of the most common setting out mistakes is failing to verify the latest IFC (Issued for Construction) drawings before work begins. Site engineers often receive outdated or superseded files, and if these aren't cross-checked against revisions, the result is misaligned structures, incorrect levels, and rework.
📌 Best Practice: Establish a drawing review process and maintain a live drawing register. Use tools like the CITB Project Document Control Guideance to stay compliant.
📍 Assuming Topographic or Site Surveys Are Correct
Even experienced PMs make the mistake of trusting existing survey data without validation. Control points shift. Ground conditions change. GNSS error margins vary.
🔎 Always ask your site engineer or surveyor to validate control points and survey data before setting out begins.
Relevant reading: Ordance Survey Control Guideance.
🧩 Inexperience Reading Drawings Causes Site Errors
Site layout errors often stem from a lack of understanding of construction drawings, especially among newer staff. Misinterpreting datum levels, misreading gridlines, or confusing sections with elevations can create major onsite issues.
👷 Provide drawing-reading training and supervision for junior engineers and subcontractors. You can also refer to resources like this one: Understanding Architectural Drawings: A Beginner’s Guide
📏 Misunderstanding Tolerances = Contractual Headaches
Incorrect application of setting out tolerances can breach specs or lead to contractual disputes. For example, tolerances on pre-cast concrete or drainage levels are often tighter than general works.
🚩 Always clarify what tolerances apply and where. Standard tolerances can be found in BS EN 1090 for steelwork and NHBC Standards for residential works. For highways projects, refer to the Specification for Highway Works (SHW), Series 000 to 900, and relevant design drawings or project-specific requirements.
🔧 Mistakes with Prefabricated Elements Cost More
Misalignment of anchor bolts or columns means prefabricated steel or bridge components won’t fit. These errors are expensive to fix and can delay programme milestones by weeks.
📐 Coordinate layout checks for pre-fab items with the supply chain well in advance.
✅ Avoid These Errors With Our Free Guide
Want a practical resource that helps you avoid setting out mistakes?
📥 Download our 📏 Setting Out Essentials Guide, designed for project managers who want to manage better, communicate clearer, and get quality results on site.
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