Building Set-Out

Set-out & Building Surveys Melbourne & Regional Victoria

At Mackie Surveying, we provide precise Set-out Surveys to accurately locate and mark the position of new buildings, house extensions, council services, and infrastructure projects including roads and rail in accordance with approved plans. Our experienced surveyors ensure that construction starts on the correct alignment and levels, saving time, money, and compliance issues.

We service Metropolitan Melbourne and operate a Regional Office in Woodend VIC, allowing us to efficiently manage both city and regional projects. From residential houses to large-scale commercial and infrastructure developments, our team ensures your project is set out accurately according to plans and council requirements.

What Is a Set-out Survey?

A Set-out Survey sometimes referred to as a building survey transfers your architectural drawings to the physical site.
Our cadastral surveyors connect to a local datum relative to the Title Boundary position and place clear, durable marks that show:

• Exact building wall positions and grid lines
• Floor levels and Temporary Bench Marks (TBMs)
• Critical positions and offsets to title boundaries, easements, and key engineering features

This precision lets builders and other trades work efficiently and ensures your construction complies with design plans and council requirements from day one.

Who We Work With

We partner with builders, architects, developers, and infrastructure contractors to provide reliable set-outs for projects of every size, from small residential extensions to multi-stage commercial and transport developments.

Our Set-out Process

1. Consultation
We undertake a desk review of your design plans and project requirements to fully understand building dimensions, boundary constraints, and design specifications.

2. Office Computations
Using your architectural drawings, we create precise digital linework for on-site marking and flag any setback or dimensional concerns so they can be addressed before we arrive on site.

3. On-Site Set-out
Our experienced surveyors place accurate set-out marks for walls, grid lines, and floor levels, all referenced to your Title boundaries using modern surveying technology.
For building extensions, we also locate the existing structure to ensure the new work aligns perfectly, and we collaborate with the architect and builder on any anomalies discovered in the field.

4. Survey Report
After the site visit, we provide a detailed Set-out Plan and documentation showing every mark placed, ready for builders, designers, and any relevant authorities.

Why Choose Mackie Surveying?

• Extensive Experience – We’ve helped thousands of clients successfully complete residential builds, commercial projects, and large-scale developments.
• High-Quality Service & Documentation – From the first site visit to the final survey plan, our work is meticulous and fully documented for builders, designers, and authorities.
• Competitive Rates – No Hidden Costs – Transparent pricing and clear quotes mean you know exactly what to expect.
• Fast Turnaround – Quick response from quote to job completion keeps your project on schedule.
• Licensed Surveyors – Registered in Victoria with extensive cadastral and construction expertise.
• Builder & Trade Friendly – Clear marks and easy-to-read plans help every trade start right the first time.

FAQ

How soon before construction should I book a set-out survey?
Ideally immediately after site clearing and just before the builder needs to excavate or pour footings.

What happens if set-out marks are disturbed during construction?
We can revisit the site to re-establish the marks. However, performing the survey after site clearing greatly reduces this risk.

Can you work directly with my builder or architect?
Absolutely. We coordinate with your construction team to ensure all marks align with approved plans.

How soon can you get to site and set-out my build?
Typically within a week of accepting our quote and receiving your architectural drawings in CAD and PDF formats. Timeframes may vary slightly depending on the quality of the drawings and the specific requirements of your project.