Step cracks mortar - rear and gable wall

[RB199]

Hi, bought a house 2 years ago. Last year I noticed some cracks in the mortar. I took pictures then and again recently and the cracks do not seem to have increased in size. The cracks in the mortar are visible on two walls, each between upper windows and lower doors. The house was built in 1996 and there is a large sycamore tree near the rear corner of the house. I had a builder look at these and he dismissed them as nothing, however I am getting a structural engineer in as this has me worried sick. Please advise

 

[bristolben]

Advise on what?

You have a structural engineer coming in to advise you?

 

[RB199]

True.. I guess it would be nice to hear opinions or if anyone has seen or dealt with this before, I am not sure if I am making a big deal out of nothing or I am rightly worried

 

[^woody^]

Listen to your builder. Unless there are cracks internally, in which case listen to a structural engineer.