baseboard and doorframe cracks, shifts, etc...

I doubt you have a structural problem.  But now that rick suggested it, you have to rule it out.  I would bet that when you say cracking you mean that the joints have opened.  this can happen and does happen and we get very nervous about it – sometimes to the point that we use a lot of glue if we are working on good moldings, particularly on crown around kitchen cabinets.  A good guess is that this wood went in a little moist – and that coupled with the dry heating season dried the wood out causing it to contract.  over the summer, the joints will close.   This issue is such that many woodworkers try to purchase wood from suppliers who store it in a climate controlled environment but that in itself is no guarantee that there will not be issues.  Also, if the core of the wood is humid, it can take months to really get it down to a proper level – and contactors do not really have the room nor time to store wood like that on their premises.   Steve

stevecym

in Brownstoner Renovation 12 years and 4 months ago

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chrisemma | 12 years and 4 months ago

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We had some serious work done on the groundfloor of a brownstone – basically gutted the floor and redid everything. The work was finished a few months ago. I am surprised to see that the baseboards and some of the doorframes are already pretty seriously cracked, shifted, etc… Accounting for the fact that these features are made from wood and that admittedly it is winter and the house is being heated using a steam system and that there are therefore rather strong temperature variations in the house, how much unglueing, cracking and shifting should be considered tolerable after a few months time? Has anyone had similar issues or has anyone thoughts on this? Any help much appreciated, Thanks, chrisemma

rh | 12 years and 4 months ago

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When you say “gutted” do you mean the joists had to be repaired? Did the house have any settling issues (sagging and slanting) before the renovation that weren’t addressed? Does your basement have enough support? If it’s not a structural issue, then perhaps the contractors didn’t do a great job? You make it sound like it’s beyond the normal amount of shifting. I mean…like the wood actually “cracked”?

Rick | 12 years and 4 months ago

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Can you post some photos? Shifting and cracking should not happen, You may have a structural problem.