Deficiency
A condition that is not performing as intended, is unsafe, or is at the end of its service life — the general term many report forms use for a reportable finding.
What is Deficiency?
What is Deficiency?
Different standards and state forms use different vocabulary for what an inspector reports. Texas TREC forms ask the inspector to mark items as Deficient. Other standards use material defect, and some inspectors use tiers such as safety, repair, monitor and maintain. Whatever the label, the disciplined habit is to describe the observed condition, its likely implication, and a recommended action, rather than to diagnose a cause you did not verify. Writing 'active water stain at the ceiling below the upstairs bath, moisture meter elevated, recommend evaluation by a licensed plumber' is defensible; writing 'the shower pan has failed' is a diagnosis you did not confirm.