What is the appropriate term for a defect that can be detected through ordinary inspection?

The appropriate term for a defect that can be detected through ordinary inspection is known as a patent defect. This type of defect is visible or apparent, meaning it can be identified without the need for specialized tools or intrusive investigation. For example, a crack in a wall or a leaky faucet would be considered patent defects because they are observable upon a standard inspection of a property.

Understanding this concept is essential for anyone involved in real estate because it impacts the responsibilities of sellers, buyers, and real estate agents. Sellers must disclose patent defects, while buyers can reasonably expect to identify them during their inspection process. This contrasts with concealed defects, which are hidden and not easily identified through standard inspections, making the distinction particularly important in real estate transactions.