New Townhome, Are these serious problems? Cracks and Drywall Nails showing?

We moved into our brand new townhouse in May 2006. They contain 6 units per building, the garages are underneath, and there are two floors above the garage. We are noticing 1 to 2 inch long cracks showing up in the corners of half the windows, cracks down the corners of a couple walls and other places in corners and edges. Could it just be in the paint? We are also noticing the drywall screw heads are starting to show, like they are easing out and the paint cracking around the heads. We live in Nevada, these townhomes are build on hills. Also, when we walk on the master bedroom floor it has squeeking of the board beneath. You can hear it from the rooms below. Are these things to worry about?New Townhome, Are these serious problems? Cracks and Drywall Nails showing?
Were the cracks there when you had the home inspection before you purchased the unit? If so, what did the inspector say? A little cracking is normal and so are a few drywall nails - this sounds like more than a little. I don't think anyone could say if it were structural except an inspector or a structural engineer. Are any of the neighbors experiencing anything similar?New Townhome, Are these serious problems? Cracks and Drywall Nails showing?
it appears to me that the structure has some defect or there is shrinkage/settlement crack. if base is not strong enough the soil sinks down then this kind of crack takes place if this what has happened it is takes some time to settle down and once settled the crack will get stabilaise after which crack filling activity can be done. if it is due to fretting or fatigue then it can be attended immediately with moisturiser like silicones etc
I don't consider 1-2'; cracks and popping screwheads normal in any new house.


If you are getting that much settling in just a few months, I would say the house has a poor foundation, or the ground under the foundation was not properly compacted.


I would call the builder and have him come inspect it.


If he refuses to fix it, call an attorney.
Sounds like more settling than normal. Also sounds like they sided the house after the drywall taping was done. This will pop nails or screws. Contact your builder customer service people and have them come out to see you.
It is a normal occurance, but if your townhome is only 6ish months old, I would call the builder back to repair all these things, and make sure you document the repaired areas, you might be able to make them fix it again if it continues to happen.
If you purchased the home NEW from a Developer, there should be a 1 year warranty to cover these issues. If so contact the Builder/Developer and force them to make the repairs. These type of issues are normal in new home construction materials dry out and some settling does happen.