Unfortunately that’s true for in-house projects too. I try to explain that the specs don’t care if there is one or a million of any one item; if it’s on the project it requires a spec section. If they want a short-form spec for items they consider minor I will gladly let them direct me to provide them as long as they understand that switching to long-form down the road is going to cost them double.
Perhaps one day they’ll understand.
Hope you’re keeping busy with the stuff that pays you.