Our home is 4 years old and I noticed this winter that we have developed some cracks in the drywall around a couple of window frames. It's a very thin hairline crack(almost like just the paint has separated) that extends 1/2 in from the corner of the window and then goes half way down the length of the window(kinda and unside down L shape). Has anyone seen something like this and know what might cause it? Is it poorworksmanship or possible settlement? I would think if it was settlement then the crack would extend all the way to the floor or ceiling.

Our home is 4 years old and I noticed this winter that we have developed some cracks in the drywall around a couple of window frames. Its a very thin hairline crack(almost like just the paint has separated) that extends 1/2 in from the corner of the window and then goes half way down the length of the window(kinda and unside down L shape). Has anyone seen something like this and know what might cause it? Is it poorworksmanship or possible settlement? I would think if it was settlement then the crack would extend all the way to the floor or ceiling.
I think it could be caused by the change in weather mainly heat differences. Or perhaps swelling caused by eavaporating water.

Sounds like the cripple (stud) has shrunk, that would account for the L shaped crack a few inches from the window.