The only time I have asked for drywall control joints in shop drawings was when I have done a very high end interiors package that had very particular locations for them. Those locations were always also shown on our drawings, but we wanted to make sure they were going to go where we wanted them.
In 30 years, I have never asked for them, and in that time no problems.
Why, because exactly as you say, if they are that important, they need to be shown on the design drawings. Afterall, how hard is it, how much time does it take.
We do have a basic restatement of the GA recommended practice for control and expansion joints in in drywall in our spec, and the designers actually use that as their guide to see if they end up where they want them, and if not, they lay out their own pattern. My spec also reads, “unless shown otherwise, provide …” So there is no conflict if they decide to do them or not.
One thing about them on the shop drawings and not on design drawings. When you go to moving them about, they are going to be a potential extra. Especially if they create an atypical condition or if their end up being more of them. They don’t cost that much to do, but it is an opportunity to create an additional expense. Whereas, showing them up front on the design drawings are not likely to really matter to the basic price scheme but be lumped into the overhead for the sub to make his price more competitive to get the job.
Once you get the job, that’s when changes are their opportunity for profit.
As to scope and scale of the office and the kind of work we do…
140 +/- here in DC, another 40 or so in Dallas TX.
High rise residential (including condos), office buildings, corporate headquarters, hotels, and interiors, all out of both locations.
High rise residential and hotels have the greatest concren for getting these joints in the right location. And you don’t want your drywall cracking in a condo for any reason.
William