Choosing Masonry or Brick Siding
Brick is made of fired clay and comes in hundreds of different colors. It can be one of the higher-priced exterior finishes; however, many home owners like it because it's water repellant, easy to maintain and less expensive in the long run. Brick masonry should last 100 years, with the first 25 years free of maintenance. The most common maintenance is repairing loose joints between bricks.
Stone is an antique form of masonry; in theory, it will last a lifetime. (Just check out all the Greek and Roman monuments still standing today!) Stone exteriors work best when installed with old-fashioned techniques.
Trim: If your home is already built, when you have the siding job done, make sure you have all the trim done as well. Most of your painting expense is in the trim, so failing to cover it will mean your painting costs won't go down by much. Also, ask your contractor about adding more wall insulation along with the siding.
Access: You should let your service professional know if there are any difficulties with access to the area where he'll be working. It will help him make decisions about how the work will be done and what equipment he'll be able to use.
Removing old siding: Removing siding can be a dirty and difficult job requiring specialized equipment and protective gear. It's best to leave this job to your service professional. If your house has more than one storey, your job may require more specialized equipment.
-- Tips courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com