Foundation, Wall and Floor Problems in a House
Most houses crack. What matters is the pattern, width and rate of change. Hairline shrinkage cracks under 1/16 inch in the first two years are normal concrete curing. Stair-step masonry cracks, horizontal foundation-wall cracks, and cracks that widen month over month indicate movement that a structural engineer should evaluate.
Walls
Drywall cracks, nail pops and separation.
Floors
Sloping, bouncy, squeaking and sinking floors.
Ceilings
Sagging, cracking and stained ceilings.
Doors & windows
Sticking, gapping and out-of-square openings.
Structural noises
Creaks, pops and bangs in the building.
Foundation & Structure questions homeowners ask
Which foundation cracks are serious?
Horizontal cracks in a block or poured wall, stair-step cracks wider than 1/4 inch, and any crack with displacement between the two faces indicate lateral soil pressure or settlement. Those need a structural engineer, not a crack-injection salesperson.
Should I hire an engineer or a foundation contractor first?
Hire a licensed structural engineer first for a $400–$900 independent evaluation. Contractors who diagnose and sell the repair have a built-in conflict of interest.