Vertical and diagonal cracks
Vertical cracks in poured concrete walls are frequently shrinkage or a cold joint. They can also appear where a footing has settled unevenly, which tends to produce diagonal or stair-step patterns in masonry. Width, whether the crack is stepped, and whether it is still moving all matter more than the fact that a crack exists.
Stair-step cracks in brick veneer often follow mortar joints. Sometimes that is the veneer talking, not the foundation wall behind it. An engineer looks at both.
Horizontal cracks
A horizontal crack in a basement or crawlspace wall is a different conversation. It can indicate lateral soil pressure — water-heavy backfill, poor drainage, or a wall that was not designed for the load against it. Bowing, shearing at mid-height, or inward displacement make that reading stronger.
This is not a diagnosis from a photo alone. Photos help Bob prepare. The wall still needs to be seen in person so remaining capacity and the right next step — drainage, monitoring, or structural work — can be stated honestly.