We're working with an architect. We have 100 pages it would seem of pans. All that stuff you detail as missing are on our plans. However our builder points out that he rarely gets this level of detail. Usually either the builder has to query you about what you want that's not specified or more typically, they make an allowance for how much it should cost given the level of finish you seem to be requesting.

It took much longer for mine to bid out since everything was specified and the builder had to actually check the prices on them but there should be fewer surprises.

Anything not specified or drawn by the architect should be specified by the builder in the contract either by full description, unit prices, or as part of an allowance with approximate prices to be corrected later by change order later.

Allowances are small Cost-Plus contracts within a Fixed Price contract. The fewer you use the better but there is a trade off between the cost of full documentation and how expensive the allowances might be (remember, there is no limit on his sub's price or where he can buy the materials).

I think the amount of documentation should depend on the design quality desired by the owners and their ability to deal with compromises, surprises, disappointments, and cost overruns. I find it varies greatly between owners, between spouses, and between issues so it can be like finding your way through a minefield.

I was so glad our architect DID specify on so many details, including a very detailed electrical plan. In cases where she (or we) didn't specify, our builder used (or tried to use) the absolute cheapy-cheapiest materials he could. Not a nice situation. And he became even more of a cheapskate towards the end when he realized he wasn't making the killing he does on his spec houses. Even tried to say the shower door "wasn't in the bid". Guess what: our architect DID put it in the door schedule. hah!