I get where you're coming from on the real brick. I've done a few developments now, and honestly, whenever budget allows, I push for real brick every single time. Sure, veneer is cheaper upfront and quicker to install, but in my experience, it doesn't age nearly as well. A few years down the line, veneer can start looking worn or even artificial, especially if it's not installed perfectly.
Real brick, on the other hand, just seems to get better with age. It weathers naturally, giving the building character instead of looking tired. Plus, there's the durability factor—real brick walls are solid, and they hold up incredibly well against weather extremes. I've seen veneer walls damaged by storms or moisture issues way more often than real brick.
I know some folks argue that veneer is easier to maintain, but honestly, if you do your prep right (like you mentioned with sealing and moisture barriers), real brick maintenance isn't that big of a deal. I've had buildings up for over a decade now with minimal upkeep—just occasional checks and minor touch-ups. Nothing major.
One thing I'd caution anyone considering real brick about is making sure you've got a solid mason crew. Quality workmanship makes all the difference. I've seen some shoddy brickwork that ends up costing more in repairs down the road. But if you've got reliable people doing the job, it's worth every penny.
At the end of the day, it's about long-term value. Real brick adds genuine curb appeal and resale value. Buyers and tenants notice the difference, trust me. Veneer might save you money initially, but real brick pays dividends over time.
Interesting points, but have you ever had issues with sourcing quality bricks consistently? I ran into that once—ended up delaying the whole project. Made me wonder if veneer would've been less of a headache in that scenario...
I get the frustration with sourcing bricks, but honestly, veneer isn't always the easy fix people think it is. Sure, it's quicker upfront, but I've seen veneer jobs that needed repairs way sooner than real brick walls. Plus, real brick adds actual value to your property—something veneer struggles to match. I'd rather deal with a delay once than ongoing maintenance headaches down the line... just my two cents.
