It is possible to install vinyl over the brick. That would save the labor of removing the brick. But it is very unlikely to enhance the saleability of the house or enhance the price.

The only other facing I think of that would have enough depth to cover the brick ledge would be stone. Why do you want to remove the brick? It would be possible to do stucco, and build out the bottom enough, by creating decorative bands or a water table, but I think it would require a good bit of trial and error with some mock ups to create something that would look good.

Where are you, what kind of site, neighborhood, climate? Difficult to offer design advice without that information.

I have never liked brick ranch houses but I agree that a half brick wall is not as attractive as a full height one. If appropriate for the region I would strap the wall, add shingles and flare the bottom edge over the brick shelf. Double dipped stained white cedar shingles might have to be washed in 10 years and restained in 20 years unless you live in a very humid climate or deep in the woods. On the water I've seen them go without maintenence for over 40 years.

My home in Texas is a full brick large ranch built in 1959. The type of antique style brick is long gone. Your options include stone or a similar brick. I presume you are dealing with the front of the home that faces the street? If all of that brick is the same, that fact that it does not exactly match the rest of the brick on the other sides of the home may only be known to you. Another option is to paint your brick so matching brick is no longer a problem.

The home is located in a well preserved 50's suburban development in the Northwest Puget Sound region. Climate is near that of Seattle. The homes .25 acre lot sits on a hill with full south and west exposure which is where our typicall weather patterns come off the sound.

Mightyanvil, your idea intriques me. I had a thread over on the building-a-home forum a day or so ago (wrong forum) titled "Full hip or gable roof" that was prompted by my desire to change up the homes image. I went into a little detail about the structures feel. Here is the link.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/build/msg0110571710408.html?8

Upon further thought, there is another aspect of the exterior wall framing that needs to be addressed. To bring the wall insulation up to code (R21) I have to have a 5.5" deep wall cavity. Currently the walls are 2x4 studs, this means I need to fur the framing out 2 inches. If I did that on the exterior, maybe by adding 2x material to rim joist and studs, it would be a better retrofit (if choosing shake siding). The brick ledge would then be reduced to near 2-2.5". The only thing I can see it affecting is the eve overhang, it would be 22" instead of 24" (before facia/gutter). A plus would be not losing any interior space in the already small rooms, by performing the furing on the inside. It would also leave the normal subfloor/framing/sheetrock interfaces/nailers alone...which I like. If I'm missing anything feel free to correct me, please.

I'm in a similar situation, and I'm curious to know how you proceeded. I'd really like to replace our brick exterior with additional framed wall to beef-up the rather poor amount of existing insulation.

We pulled the half brick wall off the front of our garrison colonial house, wrapped the whole house with 2" of rigid foam, new sheathing, rain shield, and clapboards. It's made a world of difference in the comfort and energy efficiency of the house. It looks way better now than the ugly painted brick that was there before. The foam and new materials pretty well matched the depth of the brick.

I'm glad to hear that it worked out! I've got a 1-story 60's ranch style house with brick exterior, and I was even wondering if, beyond adding insulation, I could pull off the brick and use the brick ledge to support a doubled wall to facilitate the addition of a 2nd story.

I'd avoid brick removal. It's probably unnecessary.