Floorguy, are you saying leave more than the normal 1/4 space between floor and wall? I have been reading and noticed that some brands allow lengths of 25 and others 40 and others 35. My room is 27ish and product allows 35, so I am ok. It was suggested that I use a T-molding at the mid point if I wanted to really be safe. My prior home was about the same length and I had no problems. I too used the 1/4 round along the baseboards, mostly because I liked the look. My current floor, installed by prior owner, has the floor flush to some walls and I have so many raised joints I give up counting. Then in summer they move even differently. He did not even remove the baseboards, just slipped them under. I will be replacing floor shortly and will be doing it right. This thing about the extra allowance does intrigue me though. More info please.

Looks like the tool they used is to manage cracks. There should be a full expansion joint. This can easily be fixed by cutting the joint, then sealing it with a foam backer and self leveling crack caulking.

Re. frost line: Since what my mason is doing is basically a dry stack wall; from here: http://www.doityourself.com/forum/lawns-landscaping-outdoor-decor/451549-frost-line-retaining-wall.html#b A dry stack wall does not matter. The joints have enough space to allow this heaving movement. The large spacious joints in a dry stack wall are like expansion joints in other strucures, they will take movement.

If the house is 58 years old, I assume the ceiling may be plaster. Plaster is a great finish, but has nearly zero flexibility. If any of the framing or other structure in the house moves, the plaster nailed to it will usually crack instead of flexing. In most cases the cracks are not significant and do not mean there is structural damage. Your painter has the right idea - cut into the cracks so there is a V-shaped divot to provide a surface to for the repair to adhere to, and fill with repair compound. The one plaster problem to watch out for is when the plaster begins to pull away from the ceiling joists and you can see it sag. Plaster is much heavier than drywall, and if pulls away enough and finally falls down, it could seriously injure someone. Bruce