We are building with Henley and just about to sign our final quotation to go to tender- can I ask, when you guys have chosen your facades have any of you just gone with Option 1 Brick, rather than the rendered option as the prices are ridiculous!!
I have replied to your main post as well but wanted to let you know we went with face brick. We chose to render the front of house later as that will give us choice and also cheaper. I have spoken to quite a few vendors regarding this and they all mentioned it will be Ok to render afterwards even with down pipes etc.