"Maybe it's the charm factor or perceived durability...not sure."
Yeah, you're onto something there. Solid brick definitely has that classic, timeless look buyers seem to love. When we were deciding, our builder mentioned veneer can sometimes limit your resale in high-end markets—but it really depends on your neighborhood. I'd say check out recent sales nearby; if solid brick homes consistently sell higher, then maybe the extra hassle is worth it. Either way, sounds like you're considering all the right things!
We had veneer on our first house, and honestly, it held up pretty well. But when we moved into our current place—a solid brick home built in the 60s—I noticed a difference right away. It just feels sturdier somehow, quieter inside too. Not sure if it's psychological or what, but neighbors who've renovated veneer homes seem to deal with more moisture issues. Could be coincidence, but I'd lean toward solid brick if budget allows...just my two cents.
Interesting points about moisture issues—I've seen that happen too, especially if the veneer wasn't installed properly or the drainage wasn't thought through. Solid brick definitely has its perks, but I'm curious: have you noticed any difference in insulation or heating costs since moving into your solid brick home? Older brick houses sometimes have their own quirks when it comes to energy efficiency...would be interesting to hear your experience on that front.
"Older brick houses sometimes have their own quirks when it comes to energy efficiency..."
You're spot on about older brick homes having quirks. I've lived in both veneer and solid brick houses, and honestly, the solid brick place felt noticeably chillier in winter. Even with decent insulation upgrades, heating bills were still higher than expected. That said, summers were surprisingly comfortable—brick seems to hold cooler temps longer. So it's a bit of a trade-off...depends if you're more concerned about winter heating or summer cooling costs, I guess.
I totally get what you're saying about the chill factor in solid brick houses. My grandparents had this old solid brick farmhouse, and I remember visiting as a kid—winters there were something else. They'd crank up the wood stove, and we'd still be huddled under blankets because the walls just seemed to soak up all the heat. But summers? Man, that place was a lifesaver. We'd come in from working outside on hot afternoons, and it felt like stepping into a cool cellar.
Funny thing is, years later when I built my own place, I went with brick veneer thinking I'd dodge some of those winter chills. It definitely helped with insulation and heating bills, but honestly, it never quite matched that natural coolness in summer that solid brick had. Guess there's no perfect solution—just depends on which season bugs you more...