General guidance, not an inspection or diagnosis. Repair advice has not been independently reviewed by a tradesperson. About this checker and safety sources.
What to do now
Urgent assessment is warranted if cracking is sudden and severe, walls are bulging, doors suddenly jam throughout the house, or there is visible structural movement.
Common causes
- Normal plaster movement
- Foundation or soil movement
- Moisture / drainage changes
- Framing movement or structural defect
The exact cause cannot be confirmed from a symptom alone. The first professional should inspect before repair work is authorised.
What usually happens next
- Photograph and measure crack width
- Check whether it is changing
- Inspect drainage / movement clues
- Repair only after cause is understood
What should I ask about the price?
Ask for an itemised quote covering the inspection or call-out fee, labour, materials, GST, access, disposal and any after-hours charge. Ask what happens if extra damage is found. A reliable price needs details of the actual job; this guide does not provide an estimate.
Who may be responsible?
Owner
Structural investigation is generally an owner responsibility. New homes or recent work may involve builder warranty processes.
Tenancy, strata, insurance and boundary responsibilities vary by circumstance and state, so confirm responsibility before non-emergency work where practical.
Questions to ask before hiring
- Are you appropriately licensed or registered for this work in my state?
- Does the quote include call-out, labour, parts/materials, GST and disposal?
- What is excluded from the quoted scope?
- If you find additional damage, will you get approval before doing extra work?
- What workmanship or product warranty applies?
Run this problem through the checker, then contact a suitable professional of your choice.
Run cracks in walls or ceiling triage →