Bierman Painting

In the fall of 2013 I hired Mr. Bierman to paint the metal roof on my barn. He and his crew did an excellent job, and on the strength of that performance I hired him to paint my house, which he did in May of 2014. His estimate came in slightly higher than those of competitors, but my previous experience with his work led me to hire him. My house was a challenge. It is of wood and had not been painted in 25 years. It required extensive cleaning and scraping of old, flaking paint. Windows needed to be caulked, facia needed to be replaced, and knot holes and woodpecker damage needed to be filled. Then it needed two coats of solid stain. Mr. Bierman and his team accomplished all of this and more using Sherwin-Williams products. Because I had myself already stained the most damaged side of the house, I was only asking him to do the other three sides. However, he felt that my work needed another coat and he provided it. He also swept all of the pine needles off the roof of the house as well as an outbuilding. Pine needles were removed from the gutters. And he washed the outside of all of the windows. All of his workers were friendly and helpful throughout, and the work area was as clean when they left as when they arrived. I highly recommend his services.

I found Mr. Bierman's card at local Sherwin-Williams dealer, and he was one of several painters I called. He responded quickly to my call (even though he was on his honeymoon), and we set up an appointment for an appraisal. He showed up exactly on time
and evaluated my barn roof. Over the course of twenty-five years the galvanized metal roof had begun to rust (i.e. about 20% had rusted) and I knew that good preparation with sanding and priming was needed. He seemed confident and his suggestions confirmed what I had already learned from the internet. I also interviewed a couple of other painters, some of whom seemed competent but who, I felt, had little experience with metal roofs. I then went on Angie's list to look for info on the various candidates. I found info only on Mr. Bierman, but the one review was atrocious. He was given an F. Consequently, I asked him for references and he supplied about six or seven. I knew that these were likely to be biased in his favor, but I called them nonetheless. All that I reached gave him high praise. So I decided to hire him. He sent me a contract asking for 50% of the cost up front and said that it would be six or seven weeks before he could begin. I told him that this was fine with me.
He showed up earlier than expected. His workers spent two whole days sanding the roof by hand. I had expected him to use power sanders or sand blasting, but Mr. Bierman seemed to believe that hand sanding would protect the roof surface better.
It took another day to cover the roof with primer and still another to paint it. All of his workers were courteous and eager to please us. They offered to paint the cupola and did so without charge. I also asked Mr. Bierman to inspect some flashing around
a skylight on my house. He did so, but didn't charge me for it. In all regards I was very pleased with the work of Mr. Bierman and his team. In the coming spring I hope to paint my house, and I hope that Mr. Bierman will be available to do it.

boards or wood needing replacement, I want it done. There is no point in painting over rotten wood. I was assured there was no more. The second crew-subcontractors that Bierman called- to replace the boards. I pointed to other boards and a 5/4 X 1 board asking if they were rotten. After a pause, all the workers on site said they were good. They were on a ladder, I was not.
The job was complete and looked good no indication of rotten wood until.... the next day (July 24, 2012) On July 23, 2012. I finished paying Bierman Painting not knowing of any problems.
The gutter company of quality workers on July 24th immediately notified me of the rotten wood next to the replaced lap boards that I inquired about days before. It needed replacement. This was the same wood I asked if it was rotten and told it was okay. The gutters were put up. They did an excellent job. Weeks later, I found a professional who began replacing the wood that Bierman told me was acceptable. Not only is the site where wood is having to be replaced, this professional has found other noticeable areas of rotten wood needing replacement. Now I have to pay another person to repaint areas that Bierman Painting did, once the wood is replaced. The job is still in progress and I spent thus far over $300 for wood. This was the job Bierman Painting was to do. I have the name of the owner of Bierman Painting if needed and some photos of the work thus far.
Bierman Painting has not returned my calls or emails inquiring about this matter. Painting was good but a professional never paints over rotten wood. If the crew is not allowed to talk to the customer by order of the boss and the boss doesn't tell the customer of the problem, then there is a problem. Next time: Angie's list.
Currently, I have a great repair person correcting Bierman Painting. Bierman came out after repeated calls and painted the wood after seeing the damaged wood. I should note that during the entire painting process, Bierman's permanently crew did an excellent paint job. During this entire time, Bierman company owner made many appointments that he never showed or called. It was always an excuse- the weather. As I learned he took on other jobs as he told me and left mine hanging. I have the receipts.