Reno:
I'll start only on this comment...
"That one must follow the law is assumed. Yet, simply not having any electric work done at all will 'meet code.'"
For resi, how can 'not doing any electric work' possibly fly? You can't do an addition (habitable space) without the 'minimum' NEC required receptacles, and a lighting outlet controlled by a switch, and possibly smoke detectors. Can you 'finish' a basement without required wiring?
Receptacle locations are usually installed at 'code' required spacing, and anything 'additional' goes back to design intent, as we see in a 'basic' SFD or in multi family condos/apts/townhouses, etc.
Comm is another issue, as we all know the 'plain vanilla box' routines.
As to office finishes not being compatable with the electrical device locations, that is 100% design.
