@mimico_polak as for the sanity of the plan, we have been working along the idea of, to quote Arnim Zola "
The sanity of the plan is of no consequence.... Because he can do it."
As you know the ROI is terrible. IMO your brick is not my favourite but also not that bad to justify the costs based on cosmetics and others may like it (and covering may be negative resale...). Your construction is "double brick" and it does not transfer heat like (as bad as) stick construction without insulation. Insulation outside of the thermal mass is better than inside but....
What I would do (and more or less am doing):
- Avoid using credit if possible.
- Do an energy audit.
- Steer into the skid and do trim colours that make the brick work the best it can.
- Focus on air leaks as that is likely one of your biggest issues if you have old windows etc.
- Replace windows and doors that are not special. Original architectural ones can have weather stripping added to make them sealed up.
- Insulate all the rim joists, cut small holes in the basement ceiling to do so.
- Insulate the area that are not brick outside (like bay windows, dormers etc.).
- Attic insulation, from what I remember you posted you did this one.
- Heat pump if not already there.
- In some key rooms where there is concern or a reno insulate from the inside but keep R value down (like discussed), I would do 2" closed cell foam over the current wall board and drywall on-top.
On the last point, outside is better thermal mass wise, dew point in the brick, etc..... but going inside if one must I would leave the existing wall board in place, it is likely rock-lathe which is crazy heavy to dispose of but also given the age asbestos in the plaster and lead in the paint is a removal (and disposal) concern, specially living in the house.
For brick colour there are evil designers that paint it... but I have seen masonry stain that can do wonders these days, worth investigating if it is a problem.
