I would be inclined to leave the top open as the drip cap (kudos for who put that in) should handle that moisture and I want anything that does get behind there to be able to drain out easily.

My spouse has been in insurance for over 13 years and knows the laws and regulations and is licensed in 45 states. But the exterior was up to code other than a panel along the bottom on the side of the driveway and it was that way when we moved in and so we did not change it. in 2017 the 10 month notice was to difficult to have all the work done as we lost my spouses income completely and the medical treatment bill was $500,000.00 and that was top priority to save my spouse's life. So yes the home got put second. Our state told we do not qualify for any assistance as they would take my spouse's prior income into account. I was able to find a family member that is willing to help with the siding, but said we will have to buy the materials and his crew can handle the installation for labor the cost is $5500.00 I am hoping that is not too steep. We will now just have to figure what supplies for the exterior we will want to upgrade the home as if we are going to put money in, we want to make it worth it.

@decoenthusiaste LOL! I regretted the 'modern farmhouse' when I wrote it. I think I mean a monochrome look, darker overall, with siding, trim and fascia all one color. I am just not into the white highlighter outline look so many are doing. Want to be ahead of the trend and stand out. However, I am so afraid to get it 'wrong.' We did choose a roof color that pulls all the brick colors together. It's an overall medium to darker gray, with hints of warmth and black through. We would ideally like to avoid coating the brick. We would consider after, if it looks bad. We would really like to keep it and roll with it. The garage doors will be converted to one larger door, but yes, there is brick between, with a strip of hideous siding above currently. All to be redone. Unfortunately, we are headed into winter and the siding color needs to be selected this week, or we push to next year...and we just don't want to do that.

Thank you Celerygirl for all of the mock ups....they are so appreciated! I['m still unsure at this point but what are your thoughts on shutters? Also, what is the closest Sherwin Williams color to your suggested Benjamin Moore Timber Wolf? I tried to google it with no success. I'm still so torn, Granite Peak was always my top but maybe a Gray is what I should go with? I literally can't sleep with this hanging over my head but I'm going to try, and probably like in the past, I'll dream of color and paint yet again! jck910 & katinparadise - I so appreciate your feedback too. Do you know what Sherwin Williams paint color is closest to BM Storm by chance? When you mentioned the blues weren't resonating with you, can you be more specific on the paint samples I have on my house? I wasn't sure if you were looking solely at the mock ups or those as well? (And I know have some dark blues in there) as well as some lights, the one on the left up top (Poolhouse) is my fiance's favorite but it's been a NO for me almost immediately. LOL Thank you all again, and please respond if/when you can, I greatly appreciate it. I don't know if I have to give the painter the answer tomorrow morning though I'm hoping I have until late afternoon....fingers crossed! Until tomorrow, good night!