Hey everyone, I’ve just moved into my newly built house and noticed several hairline cracks appearing on the interior walls, especially around the windows and doors. The builder says it’s normal settlement, but I’m worried it might be something more serious.
Has anyone experienced similar issues? What causes these cracks and what steps should I take to assess and fix them?
Hairline cracks are often due to normal drying shrinkage of plaster or minor settlement of the foundation. Check if the cracks are horizontal (settlement) or vertical (thermal movement).
Measure the width of the crack with a ruler over several days. If it’s stable under 1 mm, it’s likely harmless. If it’s widening, consider a structural assessment.
I had the same issue last year. The builder was right – it was just plaster shrinkage. I filled the cracks with a flexible joint compound and applied a skim coat. The result looks perfect now.
Pro tip: Use a polymer‑modified joint filler for better elasticity.
If the cracks are near load‑bearing walls or the corners of the house, you might have a foundation issue. Look for:
In that case, get a licensed structural engineer to inspect the site. Early detection can save costly repairs later.