An approved NYC set for a mid-rise can run to a hundred sheets across architectural, structural, foundation, mechanical, plumbing and sprinkler drawings. For a takeoff, read them in this order.
1. General and zoning sheets
Construction type and fire ratings (the G-series), the wall type schedule, and the zoning sheets for the site and building outline.
2. Floor plans (A-100 series)
Walls, wall tags, doors and windows with their tags, room names and areas. Check each sheet's printed scale against a printed dimension before measuring.
3. Sections and elevations (A-200, A-300)
Floor-to-floor heights, ceiling heights, parapets and bulkheads.
4. Schedules and details (A-500, A-600)
Door and window schedules, partition details, sills, lintels and stair details.
5. Structural (S-series) and foundation (FO-series)
Framing plans with member sizes, the masonry schedule, standard details, footings and grade beams.
6. MEP and sprinkler
Fixture counts, risers, mains and heads.
When two sets disagree, write the question down and get an answer before you count. Setout records each answer with the lines it changes. See construction takeoff for NYC buildings.