I think painting exterior brick could actually take value away from the house because it changes the existing maintenance-free surface to something that will need maintenance (re-painting) in the future.  

Easy to clean usually means easy to reach, smooth surfaces with few crevices where gunk can hide.

I only know of a couple people starting to scratch the surface of this dilemma.

I would go with these and have them in a kitchen that has granite, but not for a cutting surface which means you will seal them. 

Every insurance policy is different; however, most insurance policies have language within their policies as to what an insured needs to do when a loss occurs, and to report the claim in a "timely" fashion.

(It's liable to be location specific, so may be best to describe it in generic terms so people can interpret it where it applies.)David:Sorry about that - I usually define all my acronyms at first use, but missed here.A Phase 1 Environmental Assessment (or Appraisal) is abbreviated in a variety of fashions: Phase 1 EA, Phase 1 EvA, EA-1.  

I did this in round robin fashion until I ended up with the loan I accepted; -4.5% initial rate (Prime + 1)-5 year adjustment (interest rate to adjust to Prime + 1) -9% interest rate cap (maximum interest rate possible)-15 year term – fully amortized (Fully Amortized – meaning no “Renew & Adjust”…just adjust) -No Covenants (They can only call my note due if I did NOT make the payment…they could not call the note due based on any ratios;debt vs. income or appraised value vs. loan balance, etc.) #4.

Shade can drop surface temperatures by 10 degrees or more, which will have an impact on how efficient your unit can be. 

PreventionI will spray or wipe every surface that I touch using an approved disinfectant such as Lysol or Clorox.After each inspection, I will disinfect all of my tools using an approved cleaner.

Then just good old fashioned calling into the line and letting them know your vision.