Our family is relocating and we're looking at buying a house with block foundation, conventional frame, vinyl siding and a Basement. The concern I have (only viewed it on-line) is the walkout basement is exposed cinder block. Is it possible to put vinyl siding on cinder block (home was built in 1990)? Are there other options to covering it? I like the house except for all that exposed cinder block! There's a fair amount showing at the front of the home around the base, but I think landscaping could go a long way towards improving the look of that.

There are many options for this. You could put siding on it, stucco, stone veneer. I think stone looks best for rthe exposed foundation in most cases. Vinyl siding would work but it is always nice to change it up down low for some character. See what your neighbors are doing as well , you might see something you really like.

I totally agree, I like faux stone the best and used it on my log cabin inside and out. Not real cheap but not that hard to install and looks great.

Great suggestions -- thanks! I hadn't considered stone veneer or the idea of varying the look for the main floor and the basement. I appreciate the input:D

This is what I used. Eldorado Stone (http://www.eldoradostone.com/flashsite/main.html) Corning also makes a very good brand of faux stone.

I appreciate the specific information. I'll check out the Eldorado Stone.

The stone is very nice. I like the looks of it myself, however I have clients who don't like to spend the money sometimes. I have covered a lot of block with mastic. I generally buy mine from Lite-Form but you can get it at any box store as well. It can be troweled on and then left smooth or you can brush it for design or texture. I usually spray it on and it has a nice orange peel effect. You can leave it gray or paint it after 30 days.
MIke

Mike is right about costs. Its boils down to the home owners pockets in the end. Stucco, parge or Lite Form are all options that are less expensive than Eldorado but you get what you pay for, curb appeal.