Totally get your point about insulation...but honestly, I've seen solid brick homes handle cold climates surprisingly well once you get the heating dialed in. Still, veneer definitely makes life easier if you're starting fresh—fewer headaches down the road.
I've gotta say, heating alone might not solve everything. We moved into a solid brick house last year, and while the heating system is top-notch, we still noticed cold spots near outer walls. Ended up installing some interior insulation panels—made a huge difference. Brick definitely has its charm, but if you're starting fresh, veneer might save you from extra steps like ours...just something to think about before committing fully.
We went through something similar when building our place last year. Initially, solid brick sounded fantastic—durable, classic look, etc. But after chatting with our builder (and doing way too much late-night Googling), we opted for brick veneer with proper insulation behind it. Step one: frame walls and add insulation. Step two: moisture barrier (important!). Step three: brick veneer goes on. Result? House stays cozy without extra fuss or interior panels. Real brick has charm, sure...but practically speaking, veneer saved us headaches down the line.
We faced almost the exact same choice this past summer. Honestly, I get the appeal of solid brick—it's classic and sturdy—but after weighing the hassle and expense, veneer was a no-brainer. Our builder explained that modern insulation techniques paired with brick veneer actually outperform traditional solid brick walls in terms of energy efficiency. Plus, repairs or modifications down the road become way simpler. Real brick might win on charm, but practicality matters way more when you’re actually living there every day...
Interesting points, but have you considered resale value down the line? I totally get the practicality angle—brick veneer is definitely easier to manage day-to-day—but I've noticed homes with solid brick walls often command a premium in luxury markets. Maybe it's the charm factor or perceived durability...not sure. Did your builder mention anything about how veneer vs. solid brick might affect property value long-term? Curious if that's something worth factoring into the decision.
