Structural Engineer, Contractor, or Home Inspector- who to call?

a Licensed Contractor would be the least expensive way... ask him over to give you a bid for some work you plan on doing... ask him if there seems to be a problem related to those cracks... he'll be happy to write you a bid and give you info about it... you don't actually have to hire him.

If he feels there is a big problem, then look into an engineer, or hire the contractor, if you think he can repair it.

For an Engineer or Home Inspector to come out, it will cost you money.

Most likely, it is just settleing cracks... nothing to worry about... unless those cracks are large, and if they extend into the foundation.

No, this does not make experience. Does this Structural Engineer have his "expert Engineer" license? seem on the drawings, is there a stamp with the engineer's call, license, and so on... If he does no longer have his PE, then he can no longer legally make that layout right into a settlement. He can nonetheless do the layout with with an EIT (Engineer in practise). even in spite of the undeniable fact that, he will desire a PE to study and stamp the drawings.

Save you money in hiring a structural engineer or home inspector. A professional contractor will know what to do. Bring in one or two to give you an estimate to see what they will charge, and how they would fix it. Won't cost you anything that way. Ask for a written contract, then you get what they would do in writing.

I agree also, a contractor is the person to call, except I recommend one that is in the business of repairing foundations. Older homes do usually suffer some settling, though many develop issues with their foundation, often causing the settling to be worse.

I'm with the first poster. Call a reputable contractor, who will call in another expert if it's necessary. What you describe doesn't really sound as if it's likely to be a big deal. Could be, but probably isn't.