Which type of defects are visible to the eye?

The correct answer is patent defects. These defects are clearly observable and can be easily identified without requiring specialized tools or equipment. Examples of patent defects include cracks in walls, water stains on ceilings, or broken windows. Since they are visible to anyone who inspects the property, they can be readily assessed during a home inspection or appraisal.

Concealed defects, on the other hand, are hidden from view and may not be discovered upon a standard inspection. These could include issues like plumbing problems behind walls or electrical faults that are not immediately apparent. Latent defects are similar in that they exist but are not immediately discoverable; they may require invasive investigation to reveal. Structural defects refer to problems that affect the building's framework but aren't inherently defined by visibility. While some structural issues may be patent, the term itself encompasses a broader category of concerns that may or may not be visible without further analysis.