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IWASE (I was a structural engineer)
Any large trees or bushes removes nearby recently? If something that previously sucked up a load of water has been removed, depending on the local soil (London clay is pretty affected), it can significantly affect your foundations, particularly if it is an older house with shallow foundations. Similarly, if a new tree/bush has been introduced and is sucking up more water than before.
Have a look here if you think it might affect you:
http://nhbccampaigns.co.uk/landingpages/techzone/previous_versions/2011/Part4/section2/appendix.htm#42A -
If no obvious tree/building related cause, there are neighbours here who reckon their houses crack and then close again with hot dry weather. They say if it isn't getting worse year on year not to worry about it... I'd still get an engineer in to have a look.
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Could you lift a floorboard or to by the window and see the condition underneath? Damp soil/rubble collecting
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@NotThamesWater
Has anyone here had to have their place underpinned?
Our bay window has developed worrying cracks, both inside and outside.
My guess is that there is settling going on, but I've no idea if it's because of getting wet or getting dry.
Is it a structural engineer that I need, or a surveyor? And if underpinning is required, how much of a disruption is it?
The silver lining is that we have very disruptive plans for the room anyway (stripping plaster, lifting floors etc...) but not for a year or so.