Brick veneer or real brick walls—worth the extra hassle?

Good points made here, but from experience, the veneer route can still deliver solid results. Recently worked on a reno where budget constraints ruled out solid brick early on. We went with a veneer plus high-quality insulation instead, and honestly, the homeowners haven't noticed any real comfort issues—even through a pretty harsh winter. Sure, solid brick has its perks, but with thoughtful insulation planning, veneer can hold its own just fine.