First, you and the builder need to agree that the foundation needs to be repaired.
In the Dallas – Fort Worth area, all concrete slab foundations move with seasonal changes in soil moisture. The foundations are designed with reinforcing steel to allow for some of this movement.
Brick veneer walls have expansion joints to allow for some foundation movement. Sheet rock and hard floor tile are not as forgiving.
So when is a crack a foundation problem?
Often there is not a clear line between cosmetic foundation problems and structural foundation problems. Some cracks are almost inevitable. A good home builder can discern the difference and will fix a foundation problem.
There are a few bad apples in the home building industry who have never seen a foundation problem. At least not with any home that they have built.
How do you resolve a standoff with your builder? You are still within the 10 year warranty period and the clock is ticking. The best way to resolve a standoff is to have a professional evaluation of your foundation. A reputable foundation repair company can spot the clear cut problems as well as the grey areas. For the grey areas, your builder will most likely insist upon an evaluation by a professional foundation engineer. Do yourself a favor, and hire an independent engineer who has not ties with the builder. The evaluation will cost $350-$500, but the professional resolution is priceless.
Don’t fret about the problem. Call a professional. Once you have the professional’s report in hand, you will be in a better position to reach a satisfactory resolution with your builder.