Latent defects are not as easily identifiable. These are defects that go unnoticed for some time because they are hidden—perhaps within walls or simply out of view. Over time, however, their consequences can be just as devastating. Even the most responsible builders might not be aware of them when they occur.
Many builders present themselves as general contractors handling everything, but in reality, they often hire multiple subcontractors to do the actual work. Even if you’ve researched your general contractor and verified their reputation, you might still be dealing with layers of subcontractors.
Some of these subcontractors may be unlicensed and uninsured, leading to poorly built homes. Sometimes, these practices border on outright fraud.