Masonry repair basics: Replacing bricks yourself is apporopriate only if the damaged area is small (four or fewer adjacent bricks) and you're dealing with a non-load bearing wall. For more extensive repairs or repairs to load-bearing walls, a service professional is your best bet.

To help prevent future unnecessary repairs, treat your masonry siding to a bath once a year with a power wash or a long-handled brushing with a light detergent. Caulk joints where different building materials meet and fill or patch small holes.

Height considerations: If your home has multiple stories (levels), your contractor may need to have special equipment to get to the taller areas of your home. Remember, siding can be heavy and awkward to work with, so they may not be able to carry this stuff up ladders..