Laying Out Foundations

1
The general pattern for foundation layout is from the top down.
The process begins on the ground, where there are no straight lines,
no level surfaces, and no square corners. It’s up to you to create these
references from scratch. The first step in this process is to set up a
leveling instrument to project a level plane above the ground. From
this level plane, you establish the elevation of the top of the founda-
tion. All subsequent elevations are then measured down from this
top-of-foundation elevation.
Leveling instrument Top of foundation

At the top-of-foundation elevation, you can install several batter

TOP TIP
boards that hold strings within a level plane at that height. You can
then use the strings to precisely lay out the positions of the footings
and foundation walls in plan view. On some foundations, however, It’s Essential Not to
Overexcavate
it’s easier to excavate the opening for the house, then drop down to
the top-of-footing elevation. At that elevation, you can use a combi- Digging too deep, then put-
nation of batter boards and forms to lay out the precise positions of ting dirt back in the opening
the footings and walls. compromises the integrity of
Whether you lay out the footing and walls at the top-of- the soil under the footings. To
foundation elevation or at the top-of-footing level, the layout is avoid overexcavating, check
the bottom of the opening
suspended above the ground. It has to be this way for two reasons.
with increasing frequency as
First, the suspended layout establishes the exact elevations of the
you get closer to the desired
key components of the foundation. Second, the flat, level plane
elevation.
ensures that the key parts of the foundation are the right size and in
the right place. You can’t execute a precise layout on the ground; the
sloped and uneven surface will distort the dimensions and render
them inexact.
The following section uses two examples to show how to lay out
two different kinds of foundations. The designs presented here are
common; however, some of the details might not be accepted where
you live. Check with your local building officials to find out what’s
needed in your area. Although specific examples are used here, the
basic procedures can be adapted to just about any foundation.

F R A M I N G F L O O R S , WA L L S , A N D C E I L I N G S 11