Concrete Foundation: Using a Transit-Level

The first step in any building process is to shoot the grade of the ground.  The concrete footers will be the first concrete that Tom will pour.  He will then work on the concrete slab floor for the new addition to his shop.  This first step is vital to insure that the footings are set properly.  Large beams will set into the concrete footings.

A transit-level is a must have tool when beginning the building process.  A transit-level aids in providing a level line of site so the entire building project is level.  It is often difficult to simply eyeball a level surface when grading the dirt.  A transit-level is used during various steps in the building process. 

A transit-level consists of the transit, tripod and measuring rod. 

The transit-level operator looks through the viewing lens while someone holds the measuring rod.  Since the transit view provides a constant level line of site, the variation is shown on the measuring rod.  Gradation can then be recorded.  A builder uses differences in measurement figure how much to dirt needs to be added or taken away from the building site to provide for a level surface.

Transits-levels are used to set elevation for footings on buildings.  Concrete contractors use a transit-level to set up  new curb and gutter job.  In fact, the very first step to a new subdivision is for the engineer to survey the entire lay of the land. 

A transit-level can also be set up at the corner of a building to help create a right angle for the building walls.  The transit should be set up using a plumb bob and using the scale on the side of the transit, a right angle can be measured.  While this is a good way to get started, it is always a good idea to measure diagonals as well. 

A basic transit-level should run around $350. 

Most professional contractors use a laser level.  A laser level shoots a laser beam in a circular motion allowing for one operator.  As the laser beam spins around, the operator holds the rod, or measuring stick.  As the laser beam hits a sensor on the rod a sound is created to let the operator know the elevation of the beam.