Demo is starting today so I need to decide soon about the brick. Please give me your honest opinions.

That house will be so much larger that the context for "beachy" will be completely changed -- i.e., the current version is sort of a cute bungalow (for which I might have wanted the chimney washed white), but the new version will be a real substantial house. I think as long as you're having a chimney, brick will be fine there. It feels a bit off for the porch, though -- maybe change that to white wood to match your (presumably white) trim?

I'm not crazy about the top windows either. I asked about making it just one large triangular window following the roof line, but I can't because there is something structural there to held up the roof. I'd love any suggestions to make this look better-get rid of windows there altogether or different windows.

We have the windows upstairs different because we have a view of the bay from up there. Trying to keep the cottagy look, but if it looks bad, I can reconsider. Windows have not been ordered yet.

I like the brick, but would lime wash it.

The downstairs windows (set of 3) on the far left and far right were not going to be changed. I have already talked to my builder on pricing those out for us. He did say that if we put in new windows (not mullions) it it will save us on painting costs because they are a pain to paint! Part of my problem is that I've already gone way over budget and we have barely even started!!! Welcome to the land of remodeling, I guess. haha

BeverlyFLADeziner-----I like what you did!

Can the lime washing be a DIY, or should it be done by a professional?

I would make posts by the front door larger and more square. And if you don't like budget now before starting, I would reconsider some of the design as it will get much worse during and really bad by the end.

I totally agree with making the front posts larger and I want the sidelights by the front door to go all the way down, not just part way. This is going to be my forever home and properties hold their value well in coastal San Diego----but I may have to work until I'm 80!!!!

Lime washing is DIY. Can I just ask a question that maybe should have been asked at the beginning? Why is this new design so very complicated in appearance? I love the simple appearance of your present home, I guess I would have simply added a second floor with a deck and kept the exposed rafter tails details in the new home. Charming detail for the beach

Good luck to you. I'm sure it will be great

I think you may keep the brick, but I would tell you to consider painting it in some capacity to match either the shingles, shutters, trim, etc. Also, in order to really achieve the look you're going for, I HIGHLY recommend shaker siding. Would look great with the look you're going for. Consider this photo, only with shaker siding.

I would keep the brick, but just white wash it to tone down that red.

Sheila F, wonderful project! You can mock up the beach look with our hi-tech stone! DIY! Good luck!

Roozen-is this your first time doing an extensive remodel/addition? I'd love to know what you are doing!!! This is my first time so I'm very new to all of this. I do like what Beverly showed with her picture. I'm supposed to send the window #s to the builder to change to get a bid.