I want to replace my exterior brick with siding. It is old, old, old and ugly. I don't want to repair it and I don't want to paint it. I want to take it all down, add a few windows, doors, etc. Looking for any advice out there on where to start and how to go about it in the safest and least expensive way. Would like to do most of work myself.

This is a first. Do you realize the cost in trucking away the old brick, not to mention the differences in thickness for adding to the soffits back towards the house etc.

In the field we use 3/4 furring strips and tap con/shoot the strips on. 16"oc then hang the siding. Add to widows jambs which etc.

To add a few windows is a rough cut from a masonry saw and sawzall wood wall. The other danger is a normal brick ledge is 4" away from the house. The brick is laid at 4 1/2" to 4 3/4" away from the house. This gives us masons finger room between the house and wall to lay brick. The greater effect is the block foundation is capped and a drip ledge is established past the foundation. With this ledge being exposed after brick is removed then a mortared sloped CAP needs done and pitch and or aluminum flashing seal to shed water off that big offset. If not water can easily penetrate the foundation wall and water freeze problems.

That brick would have to be falling off by the dozens before I would even think about this project. I would repair the brick. Why is that not an option? You can still add doors windows etc. In the long run I think repair would be easier and most likely cheaper. Like 21 said think of the cost of hauling off the brick. It would cost me a fortune here. Good LUCK, AC

Someone may haul away the Brick for free?
I see things recycled all the time.
People will even buy old bricks.
If you attempt this, it is a Major project.