What type of defects are structural issues that can be easily discovered during an inspection?

Patent defects refer to flaws that are easily observable upon a reasonable inspection of the property. These structural issues can include things like cracks in the foundation, signs of water damage, or problems with the roof. Since these defects are visible and can be identified without extensive investigation, they are categorized as patent defects.

In contrast, latent defects are hidden problems that are not immediately visible and may require invasive inspection techniques or special knowledge to uncover. Cosmetic defects typically involve superficial issues that do not affect the property's safety or functionality, such as paint peeling or minor scuffs on walls. Superficial defects, while similar to cosmetic ones, further emphasize minor, non-structural issues that don't impact the integrity of the property. Therefore, the nature of patent defects aligns with the easily discoverable structural issues outlined in the question.