In the world of construction, setting out is one of the most crucial steps. It is the process of transferring the dimensions of a building plan onto the ground so that construction can begin. Simply put, it’s about marking the exact position where your walls, columns, and foundation will stand.
In Kenya, where land is valuable and building approvals are strict, a single mistake during setting out can cost you millions in rework, legal disputes, or even demolition. Yet, many property owners and fundis (site workers) still get it wrong due to carelessness or lack of proper supervision.
At Makaobora.com, we’ve seen both the successes and the costly mistakes made during this stage. Let’s explore the most common setting out errors in Kenyan construction – and how you can avoid them.
1. Wrong Baseline
The baseline is the backbone of your entire project. Starting off with a crooked or misplaced baseline will automatically shift your entire building out of position. Imagine completing a house only to realize it doesn’t align with the approved plan or site boundaries.
✅ Tip: Always start your baseline from a clearly marked boundary or survey beacon and confirm with a licensed land surveyor.
2. Poor Squaring
Crooked walls are not just ugly – they weaken the structure. Failure to apply the 3-4-5 rule or Pythagoras theorem when squaring corners often results in misaligned walls. In Kenya, where most buildings rely heavily on masonry, this error can throw off your entire superstructure.
✅ Tip: Double-check squareness before excavation. Use string lines, set squares, or digital tools for accuracy.
3. Inaccurate Measurements
A simple misreading of the tape measure or skipping the step of double-checking can distort the dimensions of your building. This leads to wasted materials, uneven spaces, and expensive corrections.
✅ Tip: Always measure twice (or thrice) before you dig. Use professional tools and ensure at least two people verify each critical dimension.
4. Ignoring Profiles
Many fundis set pegs too close to the trenches. Once excavation starts, the reference lines disappear. Without profile boards (timber structures placed outside the trenches), workers lose the original reference points. This is one of the top mistakes in rural and peri-urban sites in Kenya.
✅ Tip: Always set profile boards at a safe distance from trenches to maintain reference lines throughout the project.
5. Encroachment on Neighbor’s Land
In Kenya, land disputes are common. Building without confirming boundaries may cause part of your structure to sit on someone else’s property. This can lead to demolition orders from county authorities or court battles with neighbors.
✅ Tip: Before setting out, have a licensed surveyor confirm the beacons and ensure your building fits within the approved site plan.
6. No Professional Supervision
Leaving setting out to untrained fundis is a recipe for disaster. Without the guidance of a qualified engineer, architect, or surveyor, mistakes are inevitable. Unfortunately, many property owners in Kenya skip professionals to save money – only to spend much more fixing costly errors later.
✅ Tip: Always involve a certified professional during setting out. The small supervision fee is nothing compared to the losses from a misaligned building.
🏗️ Final Word: Accuracy and Supervision are Non-Negotiable
Setting out may look simple, but it is the foundation of every successful construction project. Get it wrong, and everything else – from your walls to your roof – will go wrong.
If you’re planning to build in Kenya, remember this rule of thumb:
👉 “Measure twice, cut once. Set out correctly, build confidently.”
At Makaobora.com, we’re dedicated to guiding you through every step of the property journey – from land acquisition to construction best practices.
