If you've never done it before, the process of bidding, planning, and executing brick veneer on a custom home can seem pretty intimidating. There are always a lot of unfamiliar details to think through whenever you work with a new material, and brick is no exception. Foundation design, structural headers, flashing and sealing around doors and windows all require a new way of thinking when the house is clad with brick. Fortunately, brick has been around for a long time, and there are plenty of resources available. First, you should familiarize yourself with the Brick Institute of America (BIA, 11490 Commerce Park Dr., Reston, VA 20191-1525; 703/620-0010). For a dollar each, you can order
