# Confusion on deficiencies definitions **URL:** \ **Category:** Misc. Discussion\ **Created:** [June 1, 2021, 9:07pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/confusion-on-deficiencies-definitions/198773 "2021-06-01T21:07:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 2
**Author:** ![mcyr](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mcyr/32/173319_2.png) [@mcyr](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mcyr)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2021, 9:33pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/confusion-on-deficiencies-definitions/198773/2 "2021-06-01T21:33:18Z")
> [@tanderson23](#): > > minor deficiency See if this helps you here; > **[Material Defects Defined for Home Inspectors](https://www.nachi.org/material-defects-for-home-inspectors.htm)** > > Material defects defined for home inspectors is defined in this home inspection article by InterNACHI. - **material defect:** A specific issue with a system or component of a property that may have a significant, adverse impact on the value of the property, or that poses an unreasonable risk to people. The fact that a system or component is near, at or beyond the end of its normal useful life is not, in itself, a material defect. - **major defect:** A condition of a system or component that renders it non-working, non-performing, non-functioning or unsafe, and requires a professional contractor to further evaluate and repair, correct or replace. - **minor defect:** A condition of a system or component that renders it non-working, non-performing, or non-functioning, and may be repaired, corrected or replaced by a professional contractor or the homeowner. - **cosmetic defect:** A superficial flaw or blemish in the appearance of a system or component that does not interfere with its safety or functionality. > **[Here’s How a Certified Home Inspector Defines Defects and Material Defects | ICA](https://icaschool.com/2017/06/30/heres-certified-home-inspector-defines-defects-material-defects/#:~:text=It%E2%80%99s%20defective.%20But%20a%20material%20defect%20takes%20the,know%20about%20them.%20The%20Law%20Defines%20Material%20Defects)** > > Defects and material defects aren’t necessarily the same thing to a certified home inspector. > [@Minor vs Major Deficiencies](https://forum.nachi.org/t/minor-vs-major-deficiencies/151988): > > I want to start a discussion on identifying “minor vs major” defects. As I read through the forums there seems to be a wide range of what one inspector calls a minor defect and another that would call it major. Another inspector might not call it either and report it as they see fit. Question: When you identity a “minor defect”, what process of elimination are you using to determine it is a minor and not a major, if a different inspector would find it to be a “major defect”? Happy inspecting! … --- _[View the full topic](https://forum.nachi.org/t/confusion-on-deficiencies-definitions/198773)._