Which of the following is a category used to identify deficiencies in housing?

• A. Visible defects
• B. Invisible defects
• C. Design
• D. Location

Answer: (A)

When assessing housing deficiencies, professionals separate what is visible from what remains hidden. The category that fits best is visible defects—problems you can notice during a standard inspection or viewing, such as cracks in walls, water stains, peeling paint, damaged flooring, or faulty wiring. These are issues that can be observed without invasive testing. Invisible defects, on the other hand, are latent problems that aren’t readily apparent, like structural issues behind walls, mold concealed by finishes, or hidden termite damage. Design and location describe the property's style or site characteristics rather than its condition, so they aren’t used to identify deficiencies.