Let us assume that whatever you choose will be installed properly, to be weathertight. However, installation cost can be a factor whether it's for a topnotch mason or a crew that actually knows how to install Hardiboard. Do you want something that combines insulation with the exterior? Do you live in a wildfire-prone area, or want the benefits of good fire resistance? Is cost an over-riding factor? That means, does the wallet insist on the least expensive initial outlay, or can it afford a higher upfront cost in order to save down the road such as lower insurance rates for brick or fibre-cement or stucco; or lower heat/AC expenses due to insulative qualities. IMO, the cost of insulation should be included when comparing various exterior materials costs. This is the only way to fairly compare various types of SIPs to more conventional masonry or wood. While opinions and preferences vary as to which insulation is best, folks who live in highly insulated houses seem nearly unanimous in touting both the comfort and savings for heat and A/C. But I think one of the most important things is which 'look' appeals to you. What style is the house? Some styles call for clapboard (or planks of some material), and some look best in brick or stone or stucco, and others use a combination of materials. What appeals to me may not suit you. But if you question is, what did I choose and why did I choose what I chose, then I can tell you that the new house will have a stucco exterior. It's cottage style, which imo looks best in stucco. The location is quite rural and heavily wooded so fire is a definite concern ~~ the nearest fire dept is 12 miles away and has an average response time of 25 minutes to my locale. To me it seems better to build with highly-resistant material, not to mention savings on the cost of insurance. Notice I don't say fire-proof -- true fire-proof is way beyond my budget. But concrete walls and roof (with shutters for doors and windows) will go a long way to lessening the potential for catastrophic damage.

let me show you a bunch of pictures, of similar style homes, and see what look you like. You mentioned farmhouse. more of a modern farmhouse, i'm guessing. I'd lose the shutters completely since you're getting new windows/siding. Let the windows be there own star, maybe do some nice trim work around them. I know this home is slightly different than your colonial style, but just look at the board and batten, the windows, trim around the windows. for the lower portion, you could paint your brick or even lime wash it (Romabio is the best product for brick. look into it) Love the wood posts and the metal roof on the lower roof. absolutely something you could do w/yours same style home as yours, complete transformation. The porch and pathway are the main feature here. you could do something similar, on a smaller basis. again, no shutters. board/batten, metal roof, black framed grid windows, small white trim around them. one story, but you could match what they've done w/the 2nd story. you'd paint your brick w/Romabio masonry paint in white. (or a dark gray or blue) lastly for the farmhouse look, a more vintage style. you get to keep your shutters. any way your could do larger windows on your 2nd story instead of the two smaller ones side by side? It's looks crowded w/the shutters. This home (Joanna Gaines did this one) she painted the brick to match the siding. wrapped posts in white, new porch/landscaping. these before/afters speak for themselves I wanted to show you this one too because it's more of a french country makeover. notice how they enlarged their porch and really lighted up the home. they have dormers, you don't, so you'd have to do the board and batten or siding up on the 2nd story. They did paint their brick white , and have metal on the lower roof. one more w/a darker brick, regular siding and no shutters. I have more photos, but they're a bit more modern looking. i'll post those in my next comment

since you dislike the brick color, why not paint them? Romabio has a masonry paint that is almost maintenance free. paint them whatever color you like and pick whatever siding you like. or you could do a composite wood siding (this is shake, but they make siding)

Great article, JudyG! So many of the points they made are spot on. In fact, we *are* using this split level to form a multigenerational household. My parents own the house. My husband and I (and our two kids) are buying it from them. We are going to live upstairs, and my parents are going to live in the in-law apartment (an addition, which is not pictured in the photo), downstairs. The layout is ideal for us. I really appreciate your ideas about the exterior. I think that I'm going to use your idea of painting the brick and the shingles the same color, to create a cohesive look and not draw attention to the "split" features. The shutters are definitely going to go. As for the color choice of the paint: I have been told that the roof is super old, and in need of replacement. My parents are also strongly advising that we replace all the windows, because they, too, are very old and drafty. So with so many projects/expenses coming up, I want to view this as an opportunity to make some thoughtful design choices and update the look of the house. We haven't met with the window vendor yet, or even decided if we want to go with wood vs. vinyl windows. I just got excited by the idea of being able to use a color other than white, to give the house a cool, well-designed look. But I'm not actually sure if black will look good in this particular house. Thanks again for all your suggestions and comments! I'll keep you updated!