Stake-outs and as-built surveys
A stake-out transfers a designed building or a cadastral boundary from paper to the terrain with centimetre precision. Before construction it is a legal requirement, and for boundaries the procedure is strictly prescribed — with invitations to neighbours and a signed report. Below is how it works in practice and what is expected of whom.
Building stake-out before construction
Before construction starts we stake out the position of the future building according to the main design and prepare the stake-out report the investor must keep on site. Besides the layout, we also transfer elevation benchmarks (the building zero) and can set out batter boards for the contractor.
Boundary marking step by step
- 1Data acquisition — we obtain the survey data for the parcels and any earlier reports for the area from the cadastre.
- 2Invitations to neighbours — holders of rights on adjacent parcels receive a written invitation at least 8 days before the field procedure, noting their duty to point out their boundaries.
- 3Field procedure — those present point out the boundaries, and we restore the boundary points from cadastral data and mark them with permanent visible marks.
- 4Boundary report — drawn up in the field and signed by the licensed engineer and everyone who attended.
- 5Report and implementation — where the purpose is registration, we prepare the survey report and submit it for review, certification and implementation.
If a neighbour does not attend or does not agree
A duly invited neighbour’s absence does not stop the procedure — cadastral regulations explicitly provide that the boundaries shown and marked by those present are used. If neighbours disagree about the boundary line, that is a boundary dispute decided by the court: our survey and report then serve as the expert basis, and we cooperate with your lawyer where needed.
As-built and topographic surveys
We survey the existing state of terrain and structures — elevations, boundaries, utilities, access — and produce situation plans for design, legalisation, court proceedings or internal planning. Depending on the site and required accuracy we combine total station, GNSS and aerial surveying.
Who does what in the procedure
You as the client
- You provide basic parcel data and any documents you hold — permits, decisions, old plans.
- At the field survey it helps if you or an authorised person point out the boundaries of use, especially for boundary procedures.
- You sign the reports and applications we prepare; cadastral administrative fees are paid per the office’s invoice.
The neighbours
- For boundary determination they receive a written invitation at least 8 days before the field procedure.
- At the procedure they are required to point out the boundaries of their parcels and they sign the boundary report.
- A duly invited neighbour’s absence does not stop the procedure — the boundaries shown by those present are used.
Geoprostor
- We obtain cadastre and land registry data and send the invitations to neighbours.
- We survey, mark boundary points with permanent visible marks and draw up the prescribed reports.
- We prepare the survey report digitally, submit it to the cadastre and follow it through review, certification and implementation.
Frequently asked questions
Is a stake-out mandatory before construction?
Yes — before construction begins, the investor must arrange the stake-out of the building and keep the stake-out report on site. Without it, supervision cannot confirm the building is being erected in the right place.
A neighbour did not attend — is the procedure valid?
Yes. If a neighbour was duly invited (at least 8 days in advance) and does not attend, the procedure continues with the boundaries shown by those present. Absence cannot block the marking or the report.
A neighbour disputes the boundary — what then?
Disagreement about the boundary line is a boundary dispute, decided by the court. Our boundary report, measurements and cadastral data serve as the expert basis in that procedure — so you enter the dispute with clear arguments.
Who bears the cost of boundary marking?
The party ordering the procedure. Neighbours are not obliged to share the cost unless you agree otherwise — and in court boundary proceedings the court decides on costs.
How quickly can you come on site?
For the Ozalj, Karlovac and Vojnić area we usually schedule fieldwork within a few working days. For boundary procedures, allow for the statutory 8-day notice to neighbours as well.
What document do I receive after the stake-out?
A stake-out report showing the staked points with coordinates and elevations, certified by a licensed geodetic engineer — kept on site and included in the building documentation.
Need this service?
Send an inquiry with basic details about your parcel or project — quotes are free and we respond quickly.