What tends to turn up in new builds
Missing or compressed insulation, ductwork that came loose in the attic, plumbing that was never fully secured, bath fans venting into the attic instead of outside, flashing details rushed at the roof to wall transition, grading that slopes back toward the foundation, and finish work that was signed off in a hurry. None of it is scandal. It is what happens when twenty trades work one house.
Timing around your walkthrough
The useful moment is before your final walkthrough, so the punch list you hand the builder is documented and specific rather than a memory of something you noticed once. Photos with locations make items much harder to wave off.
Talking to the builder
A written report changes the tone of the conversation. It is no longer your opinion against the superintendent's, it is a documented item with a photo. Most builders in this market will address a clearly documented finding without much argument.
Then do it again at eleven months
The first year of a house reveals settlement, seasonal movement and anything installed wrong that has not failed yet. Pair this inspection with an eleven month warranty inspection and you have covered both ends of the warranty period.
The items worth holding the closing over
Not everything on the list carries the same weight. Anything involving water getting into the structure, anything electrical, and anything that will be permanently covered by finish work should be corrected before you close, because your leverage drops to nearly zero the moment you sign. Cosmetic and adjustment items can reasonably go on a punch list to be handled after. We flag which category each finding falls into so you are not spending your leverage on paint.