cracking foundation?

[shoot-straight]

we built a new house thre years ago. cape cod, stick built, 5 course block foundation coated with parge.

heres the issue:

i have many small cracks in the mortar of the blocks in the foundation. most are "hairline" but how concerned should i be?

should i be worried about my footers?

there are a few drywall cracks inside, but i know thats normal. i just wanted to try to get a little input before i called my builder.

thanks
brett

[reskewed]

If the cracks follow the mortar joints (kinda looks like steps) this is normal, it just means the house is "settling in" or getting comfortable in its spot. When you need to worry is when you see a crack that goes straight through the middle of the blocks, that means there is major movement of your footings.:eek2:

[Bob H.]

Touchy subject. Cracks along block joint lines are usually not much concern. You say you have many but without more detail I would be concerned. Cracks in drywall are also common in new construction because the bottom line ($$) means more than quality. As a mechanical and safety engineer, I would be looking certified assessment since you haven't provided much detail. Drywall cracks are the result of a poor foundation which is typical in today's world where there's not time allowed for settling with little concern for the substrate supporting the foundation. Properly "anchored", settling shouldn't be an issue. My last 3 houses have been over 50yo with 1x6 construction (no plywood) with no cracks excepts in the concrete driveway. There's special charm to "old school" construction.

[Windbreaker]

Bob H. is correct. Everything is hurry-up now-days. No concern for quality in most cases. I also believe you should have a certified assessment. But I would at least send a certified letter to the builder with your concerns so as to provide documentation.
I have the same problem with cracking along the mortar line in my beach house on the water. Mine got worse. I am now going to lift and stabilize the corner of the house and remove the block and install new foundation.
Bob