How do I Choose the Correct Location for my Structure?

08/31/2016 · HT036

Where you place the structure can affect the overall esthetics of the entire building site. Taking a little time to stake out the dimensions of your structure can help you visualize how the new structure will interact with existing landscaping and the other buildings or features of your site.

Staking out your structure is easy to do.  All you need are the dimensions of your structure, four stakes, a hammer, a line level (A line level is several inches long and hooks onto a string line – they’re available at just about any hardware or home improvement store), and a measuring tape.

To begin, get an idea of how you want the structure to be oriented and place two stakes in the ground to designate the front and back of one side of the structure – this is your building length.

• • Measure across from each stake the width of your structure and tap in the remaining two stakes.  These stakes will designate the other side of the structure – just tap them in a little as they will probably be moved in the next step.

• • Next, measure diagonally from one corner stake across to the other and note the measurement.  Take a measurement (corner to corner) of the two remaining stakes.  If your structure is “in square” the two measurements should match.  

• • Adjust the two tapped in stakes until the diagonal measurements match while maintaining the width dimensions at the front and back. When you’re finished, the front to back and side to side measurements should reflect the dimensions of your structure and if the diagonal measurements match, the stakes are squared up.

• • Now string a line around the stakes to designate the floor height you expect the garage to have when complete – use your line level to ensure the line is level all the way around the perimeter. If you plan to use concrete, allow for four inches of concrete and several inches of gravel below for support and drainage.

If the outline appears to match the dimensions of your structure, stand back and take a look – here are a few issues to consider:

• • Drainage – how will the structure affect the overall drainage of the yard? You don’t want it located in a spot that might cause water to pond after a rain and the last thing you need is for water to actually run into the structure during a downpour.

• • Foundation – if the floor height line on one or more sides is quite a bit higher than the existing ground level, this means you may have to do some block work on your foundation. You might want to move the structure site to eliminate this added expense.

• • Overall look – how does the proposed structure location fit with your home and the rest of the lot? As trees and shrubs continue to grow, will there be any potential problems? How will the location affect your home’s curb appeal?

Not pleased with the proposed site?  No worries, just pull up your stakes and start again.  Soon you will be ready to prepare the foundation without any guesswork.