This church fire in Hamilton, MO was a challenge from the start. Zipco started this project in early winter and completed the following summer. Our biggest challenge was the project location being rural, affecting our ability to acquire adequate subcontractors for some trades and specialty contractors due to the travel time involved.

Another formidable challenge was the smoke and soot that penetrated the plaster. Most of the building suffered extensive smoke damage, which was difficult to remove, and we had to get more aggressive with a coal slag media versus the corn cob media that is typically used. The main level walls and attic space along with the basement ceiling, kitchen and HVAC rooms were media blasted and encapsulated.

Framing was replaced in the HVAC room, which was the source of the fire. There was significant interior demolition along with a lot of plaster repairs with some brick work on the exterior. We installed new drywall, insulation, electrical, plumbing, gas lines, windows, furnaces, interior doors, a few exterior doors, new kitchen cabinets, countertops and appliances. Additionally, we remodeled the main level bathroom bringing the building to ADA compliance.

We installed carpet tiles over the concrete in the chapel floor and the stage and installed LVP throughout the rest of the church. Finally, we worked alongside the audio video and fire alarm subcontractors that the church hired above and beyond the insurance scope of work. The AV added surveillance throughout the building along with wall mounted monitors and a sound system in the chapel.

This project was as fulfilling a reconstruction project Zipco has completed and the church was overwhelmed by the finished project, our attention to detail while finishing on time and on budget. Zipco was proud to help this customer restore their church.

Customer Review:

We are incredibly grateful to Zipco for the outstanding job they did in the remediation and restoration of our church after a devastating fire. From start to finish, their team demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and genuine care for our congregation and building.

What truly stood out was their commitment to doing what was best for the church — even when it wasn’t the most profitable choice for them. That kind of honesty and selflessness is rare, and it made all the difference during such a challenging time.

The quality of their work was excellent, and they kept us informed every step of the way. Thanks to Zipco, our church is not only restored but better than ever. We highly recommend them to anyone in need of restoration services — you won’t find a more trustworthy or dedicated team.