Would avoid stucco.

Unless you're planning to make additional changes in the foreseeable future -- if you're wanting a permanent solution now -- could you add some small amount of Hardie planks on the other sides as well, such as in the gable end or beneath and/or above windows so it doesn't appear you just ran out of one siding material or the other?

We are in south FL so stucco is one of the best options down here and one which most homes have. We are deciding between that or cement hardie planks. I like the idea of doing the bottom 1/4 or 1/2 on the sides the same as the front, thanks for that!

It is done all the time where I live on the cracker box tract homes. People don't seem to mind.

You think Mark? You’ve never seen it done nicely?

Be super careful of adding stucco. So much of it that I see is detailed incorrectly and let’s moisture into the building which isn’t obvious until there is substantial damage.

HALLETT we’ve had stucco on every home we’ve owned, my contractor has done it successfully a million times. Nothing to worry about. Any comment on my question?

It is a detail developed by tract builders to cheaply build a home. The closer the houses are together the better it looks, using the philosophy that 'if you can't see it, it can't look bad'.

Cost is always a factor, and I would like to think it could be pulled off successfully. Perhaps hire a local architect with a great design eye and have them do their best.

You’ve never seen it done nicely?

Nope. It makes the front look pasted on like a movie set front.

Be super careful of adding stucco. So much of it that I see is detailed incorrectly and let’s moisture into the building which isn’t obvious until there is substantial damage

The builders suck at so many things they do in Florida. However getting stucco done well usually isn't one of them since it's so common. The majority of homes in S Florida are stucco.

A house mullet is just as bad as a hair mullet. 360 design. Always.

Most of Cape Cod (the original houses, not the tract imitations) have shakes in the front and siding everywhere else. Where I live, in Philadelphia, it's not uncommon to have brick in front and stucco or siding in the back. (Sides are party walls.) I think it's fine, especially if all the colors match or harmonize. Lighten up, folks!