Why Improving Your Layout
Process Is Worth Prioritizing
The layout phase of a construction project is critical to bringing the plans to life as a physical
structure. It's an important step to get right as it can have a significant impact on the success of the
entire project. But because so much hinges upon layout, it's also one of the most time-consuming
and complex tasks on a construction project.
If you've long been accustomed to using manual methods for layout, making the switch to a new
system may seem unnecessary at best and downright disruptive at worst. Often it's a case of the
devil you know vs. the devil you don't. You and your team may not immediately see the value in
adopting a new tool, so sticking with the manual processes you're familiar with is more comfortable.
But what feels familiar now isn't doing you any favors in the long run. The negative effects of using
manual methods are hard to ignore, including adverse impacts on the schedule, budget, and even your
professional reputation.
Increased Potential for Rework
When you're relying on manual layout methods, you introduce the probability of human error. Your
field crews have a higher likelihood of making measurement mistakes or missing measurements
altogether. Given the complexity and sheer volume of work involved in manual layout, it can also be
harder for them to identify potential layout problems or discrepancies between the site conditions
and the plans. If layout errors aren't caught quickly—or at all—they can cause much bigger issues
down the road, leading to costly rework.
Rework is a nagging problem in the construction industry that kills profit margins. And one of the
leading causes of rework is inaccurate and incomplete project details. If mistakes are made during
measurement or there's limited ability to uncover potential problems on the construction site, let
alone share those concerns with other key stakeholders, your firm could be at risk for having to redo
work later. You could incur a serious financial burden and damage your reputation as a result.
Layout can account for as much as 25% of a contractor's costs.
2
Rework costs average
nearly 6% of the total
contract amount,
plus indirect costs of
5.5%.
3
