Wall Cracks --> mud & paint OR big problem?

[Alex S.]

I've got an offer in on a fixer upper that has 3 wall cracks.  These cracks are 12-24inches and maybe 1/16th of an inch thick (just through the paint).  They are half way up a cathedral ceiling in the great room.  The listing agent says he has sold the same floor plan in the neighborhood and it had the same cracks which the buyer just sanded, mud, and painted.

My offer is contingent on getting a structural inspector in there to check it out.

So, my question is this: Are there wall cracks that you are "okay" with?  Or, are wall cracks a "buyer beware" red flag that you run away from?

Thanks for your thoughts!

[Wes Blackwell]

@Alex S. -- what you're describing sounds like something that is extremely common in most older homes. In fact, there's probably some other cracks that you don't see because they've been patched up over time. These ones can probably be taken care of with a simple DIY kit you can buy from Home Depot for less than $20.

Here's a couple links to sites that will show you how to identify whether or not your cracks are a potential problem:

• http://homeguides.sfgate.com/determine-cracks-walls-serious-37395.html
• https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/do-cracks-in-walls-indicate-a-structural-problem/
• http://thestuccoguy.com/identifying-various-cracks/