Wall Cracks - Common Variety Or Not ?

[Gerb]

We're talking about a two bedroom, terraced house built in the early 80's.

I have recently noticed interior wall cracks in all rooms throughout the house. They appear where there is a 90 degree join between two walls, a 90 degree join where the wall meets the ceiling and where the drywall meets the wooden doorframes. Only one crack in the downstairs kitchen is large enough to fit a paper clip into. All the others are hairline / hairline+. If it was just one room I wouldn't be concerned but because I've noticed these hairline cracks in the kitchen, living room, hallway, bedroom, spare room and bathroom I thought I would ask for opinions and advice here.

There are no ceiling cracks, and only one verticle crack down the middle of the kitchen wall.

Is this the usual common problem where the house is "breathing", or could it be something more structural.

What kind of contractor / surveyor would I need to get in for a more hands on opinion ?

Many thanks for any comments.

[Clanad]

First thing I would do is check your basement, if you have one. In almost all cases, at least here in the western U.S., the causes of wall cracks can be detected by inspecting the basement walls. Often, the walls (especially if they are the bare concrete rather than finished) will show where stress is being applied. In your case I wouldn't be surprised to hear that the house is built on a concrete slab, in which case the footings of such a slab would be suspect.
The numbers of cracks that you're describing would be unusual in a house of that age here. Although we experience fairly severe winters with 20 degrees below zero (F) temperatures which causes the house to contract (and later expand) we have few cracks. Ninety degree cracks you describe, are usually a sign of framing movement within the house... even hairline cracks.
I do have to say, that I'm assuming the standard skim coated dry wall finish and not stucco or something similar. The harder the coating the more susceptible to cracking is usually the rule.
Best of luck!

[The Builder]

Could be nothing Gerb - unusual for a terrace - unless the front wall is moving. Check with the neighbours - they should have similar if there's a problem.
If worried - hire a surveyor - if you don't know of one then try a local estate agent - they often have one "in house". :o)