Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 3 Exam Practice

Which of the following would typically be considered a latent defect?

1. A cracked foundation behind drywall.

2. A broken window.

3. A sagging ceiling.

4. Chipped paint on exterior walls.

5. A leaking roof.

6. Peeling wallpaper.

The correct answer is: A cracked foundation behind drywall.

A cracked foundation behind drywall is considered a latent defect because it is not readily observable during a typical home inspection. Latent defects are issues that are concealed and not easily identified without thorough investigation, making them significant in real estate transactions. They can affect the value and integrity of a property but often go unnoticed until further problems arise. Factors such as accessibility behind walls or structural components typically hide these defects, making them a concern for both buyers and sellers. In contrast, broken windows, sagging ceilings, leaking roofs, and peeling wallpaper are generally visible and can be identified during a routine inspection. These issues are classified as patent defects, which are apparent and can be managed more easily during transactions. Chipped paint, while it might indicate maintenance needs, also falls into this category, being a visible condition that does not require specialized inspection techniques to discover.