For Deb and Doug Varcoe, the decision to replace the shingle roof on their historical home
wasn’t driven by an emergency – it was about being proactive and protecting their remarkable
investment.
Little did the Varcoes realize when they purchased their overgrown 16-acre property 14 years
ago that they were acquiring a piece of Civil War history. And little did they know that they were
about to discover the craftsman of their dreams to help them preserve this 19th century treasure.
A Hidden Treasure
The Varcoe’s journey began in 2011 near Galway, NY, when they purchased what seemed like
an abandoned property. “The house was so overgrown that we couldn’t even see it and we hardly
even realized that it was there,” Deb recalls.
What they discovered was remarkable: a historical home built in 1853 by a colonel in the Civil
War. Unfortunately, much of the documented history was lost when the local library burned, but
the house itself told its own story through stunning architectural details that had survived more
than 165 years.
But it was hanging by a thread. The a 3,300-square-foot American Foursquare-style home with
its big front pillars was a house in desperate need of rescue. “It’s an amazing house that was
falling off the sill plate; it was so rotted,” Deb explained. “The building was literally leaning.”
But the Varcoes saw the potential. “It’s a tall building — the first floor is 10 feet and the second
floor is 9 feet,” Deb noted. “Both floors had beautiful pine flooring that had never been touched,
and a curved staircase that was also untouched. And in the attic, you can see the original trees for
the floor joists.”
They made the decision to restore rather than rebuild. Deb related, “We called in a restoration
company and put the money that we would’ve put into a new house, into this old house.” The
$85,000 purchase price investment 14 years ago has paid off handsomely – the property is now
worth over $1 million.
The restoration included a 5-car garage, and the results were spectacular. The side porch became
the focal point, while the front porch remained as a classic stoop with stairs leading to double
doors. Crowning it all was a hip roof that would eventually need Willie’s expert attention.
Meeting Willie: The Beginning of a Partnership
The Varcoe’s relationship with Goldspire Roofing began not with roofing at all, but with
admiration for craftsmanship they encountered by chance.
“I passed this beautiful building every day and it was amazing, and I wanted this Amish builder to
build my home,” Deb shared. Impressed by the quality of construction she observed, she decided
to track down whoever was responsible.
“I called the builder number and Willie called me right back and we set up a time to meet
and he showed up right on time.”
Willie designed a large garage and breezeway to add to the Varcoes’ historical home, and the
experience exceeded their expectations. “He was so precise with everything he did and said —
timeframe, etc.,” Deb remembers with satisfaction. “It literally took 5 days to put that building
up.”
The quality of Willie’s work and his reliability made such an impression that when future
projects arose, there was never any question about whom to call.
Roofing a Historical Home
The shingle roof on the historic house was 10 years old when the Varcoes purchased the
property. By the time they decided to replace it, it was 20 years old – not failing, but approaching
the age where being proactive made sense.
“I decided to be proactive and replace the roof,” Deb said. For a house of this historical
significance and value, waiting for problems wasn’t an option.
The hip roof design of the American Foursquare style presented its own challenges, but Doug
and Deb were confident that they knew someone who could do it easily.
“I Only Use Willie”
When it came time to choose a roofing contractor, Deb didn’t even consider shopping around. “I
didn’t research anyone. I only use Willie.”
As a realtor, Deb frequently sees roofs that need attention. “I only refer Goldspire in my
business. And I refer them as often as I can.”
This level of loyalty speaks volumes about the trust Willie and Goldspire has earned through
their work for the Varcoes.
The Roofing Process: Precision and Efficiency
The roofing project for their historical home did not disappoint. The process was straightforward
and efficient from start to finish.
“Willie gave me the quote quickly, we chose a date, and they showed up on time,” Deb recalls.
“He told me it would take a little over a day and it did.”
The Goldspire crew didn’t cut corners. They completely tore off the old shingle roof rather than
installing over it – the right way to do the job, even if it takes more time and effort.
The quality of workmanship was evident in both the new Goldspire shingle job and the working
environment. “They are so neat and precise,” Deb noted with satisfaction. “There wasn’t a nail
around; there wasn’t a shingle around; it was better than when they started.”
What Do You Love?
When the dust settled – or rather, when there was no dust to settle because of Goldspire’s
meticulous cleanup – the Varcoes were thrilled with the results.
“It was beautiful,” Deb said of her initial reaction. “I’ve seen contractors leave such a terrible
mess. Everything was cleaned up. It was done quickly and efficiently with no nonsense. It was
beautiful.”
The new roof didn’t just look impressive – it provided something even more valuable for the
owners of a historic property. “It gave us peace of mind,” Deb explained. “Now we have a roof
until we decide to sell the house.”
For a couple who has invested so much in restoring a piece of American history, that peace of
mind is priceless.
“Would You Recommend Goldspire Roofing to Others?”
As she said, Deb doesn’t just recommend Goldspire — she actively promotes them. “When my
customers need roofing, I only refer Goldspire. And I refer them as often as I can.”
Her confidence in the company extends to future projects as well. “If I was to buy another
home and it needed a roof, I would definitely use them – without hesitation.”
The project concluded with a personal touch that speaks to the relationship Willie and Goldspire
build with their clients. Deb shared, “I sent Willie a note after the job was done. I thanked him
for the beautiful job and said, ‘You never disappoint me.'”
Wrapping It Up
The Varcoe roofing project represents everything homeowners hope for in a contractor
relationship: quality workmanship, reliable timelines, meticulous cleanup, and the kind of service
that builds trust over years.
For Deb and Doug, their experience reinforced why they turn to Willie and Goldspire time and
again. When you decide to restore and maintain a piece of American history, you need
contractors who understand that they’re not just installing a roof — they’re preserving a legacy.
The new shingle hip roof now crowning their 1853 American Foursquare home stands as
testament to both the original craftsmanship of a Civil War colonel and the modern precision of
Willie and his Goldspire team.
Ready for Your Own Exceptional Roofing Experience?
In need of roofing services and want the same reliable, quality experience as Deb and Doug
Varcoe?
Give Willie at Goldspire Roofing a call or find out more about Goldspire today!
