I would like to thank everyone for their two cents. It does seem like opinions are divided on the matter. Some are calling this a poor build while others have stated that a list of issues like this one is normal in a new build.
This particular construction occurred during the winter, during particularly cold weather. Perhaps the tradesmen rushed the job?
Anyhow, as others have pointed out, I hope the city inspector will perform adequate follow ups for each of the problematic items. Like I said in my original post, I just wanted everyone’s expert opinion on whether the items on the report set off a “red warning light” for anyone.
There is nothing “normal” about improper building. Unfortunately improper building is “common” which is vastly different from “normal”.
There are only three people/parties that can make sure you receive a good build and to halt the build when issues are found.
The builder themselves. There are good builders out there and even the reported bad ones have good Building Supervisors that will do this. However on such a large purchase trusting the supplier is no better than allowing the Fox to guard the hen house.
The local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) over building which is typically the local Building Inspections Department for the municipality. There are good AHJ Inspectors out there but even they are typically running under time constraints and generally can not spend the time to watch the build as closely as a good Third Party Inspector of your own choosing.
You the buyer who has a contract with the builder. If you are unsure of what is occurring you should consider hiring a good Third Party Inspector to not only inspect the build but provide a proper report you can use to approach the builder with.
Hopefully this works out for you but please come back and let us know if the builder corrected the deficiencies.