I just ran across something new (to me). I am looking at a significant vertical crack on a townhouse shared basement foundation wall. Interior. It starts under an I beam and runs to the floor with no difference in gap width top to bottom. I repeat, not an exterior wall so no pressures from soil etc. The townhouse is about 24 years old. Any ideas? I will be referring the client to a structural engineer but for the moment I am very curious. Thanks
Ideas about what?
(Visually, that crack looks slightly larger at the top than the bottom, but I was not there.)
Something I would note only and not make it out as an issue.
Explain what load that beam is carrying, and what load beyond that beam that the wall is carrying.
Where exactly is that wall placed in the design of the “foundation”?
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I would write it up like this - A crack was viewed in the foundation wall located ___ . Have a qualified Foundation contractor make corrections as needed.
The good thing is no water is leaking in if it’s between units.
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Vertical cracks tend to be more from shrinkage than stress, BUT in your photo, we see that it has gapped maybe 1/8-3/16" which shows movement. But it is also a 24-year-old structure, so, I would note the crack and gap, but if that is the only thing going on, I would not recommend any further action. I’ve seen a structural engineer draw a 4" line across cracks like that, date it, and tell the owner, “If that 4” line ever changes, call me."
The water stains are likely unrelated.
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Were there any clues as to whether it was an old crack or a new one? Makes a big difference on the level of concern. Old = likely due to some settling after construction - normal. New = some new stress has perhaps been introduced.
1st Question: Is the crack the same width on the other side?
2nd Question: How long is that wall?
My thoughts as well. What did the other side look like?
Unfortunately the other side is the next townhouse. It’s a shared wall. No access to view it
So your Home Depot runs were worth it… 
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Here is a couple from today’s pre-drywall inspection. Maybe you guys can take a gander and tell me your thoughts.
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Looks to me like a “V” crack.
I would write it up like this - A crack was viewed in the foundation wall located ___ . Have a qualified Foundation contractor make corrections as needed.
Well, that’s almost pornographic! 
Any other available adjectives?
Which part, the “V” or the “crack”?
Nevermind.
A “gap” was viewed in the foundation wall located ___ . Have a qualified Foundation contractor make corrections as needed.
Wait, that might not work either.
HMMM.
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Exactly, I think that will be my narrative!
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No brainer. Call it out. Even if it was not new construction, that looks like a wall moving.
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