What structural problem may be disclosed through a thorough inspection?

A patent defect refers to a visible problem that can be easily observed upon inspection. When an inspector conducts a thorough examination of a property, they are likely to discover any patent defects, such as cracks in walls, visible leaks, or other structural issues that are apparent. The key characteristic of a patent defect is that it is not hidden or concealed, making it possible to identify without specialized tools or knowledge.

The other options represent different types of defects that either require additional expertise, awareness, or are not necessarily structural in nature. Market defects relate to conditions that can affect the property's marketability, psychological defects pertain to stigmas or perceptions surrounding a property that may not be visible or tangible, and obscured defects are issues that are hidden and may not be discovered during a standard visual inspection. Understanding these differences helps clarify how inspections can reveal straightforward, observable issues with a property's structure.