Willow Brook Gardens

Background 

Located in Brookfield, WI, Willow Brook Gardens is a multi-building residential community managed by Sentry Management. IOC Construction was selected to restore and protect the property’s exterior surfaces after years of weather exposure and wood deterioration. The project covered 12 buildings, with scope including full exterior painting, wood replacement, and chimney chase repairs, designed to extend the life and curb appeal of the community. 

Problem 

The property’s cedar siding and trim had suffered from rot, water infiltration, and fading finishes. Several chimney chases showed advanced wood deterioration beyond surface-level damage. Previous coatings were peeling, and some areas required deep cleaning and re-priming due to mildew and moisture exposure. Additionally, surface prep revealed the need for extra coats of paint in certain cul-de-sacs to achieve proper color uniformity. 

How We Fixed It 

Our team took a proactive, communication-driven approach: 

• Comprehensive Preparation: 
  Power washing and surface inspections allowed us to identify underlying wood damage early. This minimized delays and ensured accurate change orders for extra repairs and a second paint coat where needed. 

• Efficient Coordination: 
  Daily logs show seamless coordination between IOC’s carpentry and painting teams, ensuring no lost time between trades. Dumpster rotations, door painting schedules, and resident notifications were handled proactively to reduce disruption. 

• Problem-Solving in Real Time: 
  When rain slowed progress and a fire alarm system interfered with power washing, our team quickly adapted — implementing a safe test mode and continuing production with minimal delay. 

• Resident Experience: 
  The on-site team, led by Dean Bielawa, maintained open communication with Sentry Management and homeowners. Feedback was consistently positive, with reports of “nothing but happy residents” throughout completion. 

Outcome 

The project was completed on time and within scope, delivering: 

• Enhanced curb appeal and consistent color matching across all buildings. 

• Extended exterior lifespan through proper priming, sealing, and cedar replacement. 

• A 7-year proactive maintenance plan ensuring cost-efficient upkeep moving forward.