I think that I would look at homes that have had all the bugs worked out of them. Some of the new ones may have terrible flaws in them. But if you insist on a brand new one, then go for it.
If you know anyone who inspects new and old houses for insurance companies, that is the person to talk to. I did that when a family member wanted to buy a house in one of the new developments right out of town. He told me one group cut corners and those houses would have some serious problems down the road and were being made to clean them up, but the other out of town group had a very good reputation, and he passed all of them. They bought one of those houses and are still pleased at it, 2 years on.
I'd do as others suggested, have a good talk with your DH. Maybe he's worried about a health problem he doesn't want to bother you with. Or perhaps he suspects that he may lose his job, or you might. Straight talking is the only thing to do when one of a couple wants something and the other one does not.