Outdoor Structures (Home Repair and Improvement, Updated Series).pdf

Before building any outdoor structure and size of the structure you want to
near a neighbor's land, be sure you know build. Distances can be measured fairly
exactly where your property lines lie. accurately with a mason's line, wooden Tape measure
Start by studying the lot plat, or map, that stakes, and a carpenter's tape measure, Maul
was furnished with the title to the land. but keep at least 12 inches from a proper• Shovel
When mapping the land, the surveyors ty line when siting a structure to avoid ac• ic stud finder
drove metal stakes into the ground at the cidentally straying onto a neighbor's land. Transit level
corners of the plot to serve as property To sight lines for pouring foundations, or
markers. If you can locate one of them, to establish perfect parallels or right an•
your property map and a little basic gles to property lines, use a transit level.
geometry will enable you to find the
others. You can determine the boundaries
by driving stakes next to the markers, Before positioning or excavating Wooden stakes
then stretching string between the stakes. trenches, find the locations of Tall poles
Once the boundaries are established, underground obstacles such Powdered chalk
a few simple surveying techniques and as dry wells, septic tanks, and cesspools, Mason's line
tools will enable you to map the location and electric, water, and sewer lines. Clear plastic hose
Working from two known markers.
• With a maul, drive a wooden stake next to a known
marker. (Property markers may be lost in undergrowth or a
few inches underground.)
• Attach a length of mason's line equal to the distance be•
tween the known marker and the lost marker, as indicated
on your property map.
• Mark an arc on the ground near the lost marker with
powdered chalk (right).
• Repeat the procedure at another known marker.
• Dig for the lost marker at the intersection of the arcs (inset).
Working from a single marker.