When a repeat client in Brookside, Kansas City reached out about replacing a few drafty, sticking windows in their 100-year-old Dutch Colonial home, our handyman team was happy to help. Window replacement is one of the most common requests we see in older Kansas City homes, and it’s something we truly enjoy—especially when it improves comfort, safety, and energy efficiency.
This project was led by Lester Withers, with help from Montana Ralstin, and Emily Robins, and took place over five days to ensure the historic home’s character was preserved while upgrading performance.
an existing window
a newly installed window
The Project Overview
- Location: Brookside, Kansas City, MO
- Home Style: 100-year-old Dutch Colonial
- Project Type: Partial window replacement
- Timeline: 4–5 days
- Rooms: Bedroom currently used as a home office
- Windows Replaced: 2 total
The homeowners were experiencing drafts, sticking sashes, and poor operation, which are common issues with original or aging windows. These problems can lead to:
- Higher energy bills
- Reduced comfort
- Windows that won’t open or close properly which is a potential safety hazard
Because we’ve spent decades working inside homes, we’re also able to recognize when an issue may be more than it first appears. If that happens, and something turns out to be larger in scope, we’ll talk it through with you and help determine whether it’s better addressed through our remodeling services. Either way, you’ll have clear information and an honest recommendation.
Window Replacement Details
We furnished and installed custom Marvin Elevate double-hung windows to match the style of the home while delivering modern performance.
New Window Specifications
- Brand: Marvin Elevate
- Style: Double hung
- Configuration: 6-lite over 1-lite
- Hardware: White
Window #1
- Approx. 42" wide x 54" tall
Window #2
- Approx. 34" wide x 54" tall
To maintain the historic look of the home:
- KC Millwork created custom trim and casing to match the original profiles
- Existing architectural details were carefully preserved
- New windows were integrated seamlessly with the rest of the home’s style
Day 1: Demolition, Prep, and Window Installation
On the first day, our team focused on protecting the home and preparing the space for the new windows. To begin, we set up full dust and floor protection to keep the work area clean and contained. Once this was in place, we removed and disposed of the existing windows, including the sashes and jambs, and hauled all debris off-site.
One of the existing windows right before demo.
After completing the demolition, the window openings were carefully prepped to ensure proper fit and performance. Finally, both new Marvin Elevate windows were installed and flashed from the exterior, creating a solid, weather-resistant seal to start the project off right.
Window #1 just installed
Window #2 just installed
Day 2: Insulation, Interior Trim, and Exterior Progress
Day two was dedicated to insulating and refining the installation. First, the newly installed windows were foamed to improve air sealing and energy efficiency.
Next, inside the home, interior trim was installed on both windows to begin restoring the finished look of the space.
On the exterior, our team began by installing one sill nose and one leg of trim, continuing to tie the new windows into the existing siding and architectural details. After completing the exterior work, the day wrapped up with a thorough cleanup to keep the home tidy and livable throughout the project.
Day 3: Exterior Trim, Interior Prep, and Finishing Work
On the third day, the team focused on preparing for painting and completing the exterior trim. To begin, they visited Sherwin-Williams to gather interior and exterior trim paints, and stopped at Lowe’s for Quad, Bondo, and mud. Once supplies were ready, they finished installing trim on the west-facing window and caulked it. Then, they completed the trim installation on the north-facing window, except for two pieces of molding at the top, and caulked it as well.
Ensuring everything is even and level
Inside, nail holes were filled and sanded, raw wood and filler were primed, and the first coat of mud was applied around the window openings. The workday concluded with another full cleanup.
Day 4: Final Trim Details and Surface Preparation
On day four, the team concentrated on finishing the interior prep and trim work. First, they obtained the remaining piece of molding needed to complete the exterior trim. Next, they sanded and brush-primed interior wood, masked the windows, and sanded pre-primed wood surfaces. After that, they sanded the mud around the windows, vacuumed, and wiped surfaces with a tack cloth. Finally, they caulked one of the window trims to ensure a clean, professional finish.
Day 5: Final Install, Painting, and Cleanup
On the final day, the team brought everything together. They picked up a storm window from the shop and installed it on the front window. Before reinstalling the existing shutters, they used golf tees to fill the shutter holes in the shakes, ensuring a secure and clean attachment. Next, they removed the interior masking, installed the window hardware, and carefully cut in and applied two coats of wall paint around the new windows.
After completing the painting, the team removed all floor and dust protection, reset the furniture, and hauled away tools, existing storm windows and screens, and trash. They also cleaned up the remaining demo debris from the flowerbed, leaving the home and surrounding area clean and finished.
The Final Result
The new windows:
- Eliminate drafts
- Open and close smoothly
- Improve energy efficiency
- Maintain the historic character of this Brookside home
This bedroom-turned-office is now more comfortable, safer, and quieter, making it a better space for daily use.
Front view of home with one new window (upper left window)
Side view of home with one new window (upper right window)
Why Window Replacement Is a Common Handyman Request in Kansas City
Older homes throughout Kansas City—especially in neighborhoods like Brookside, Waldo, Prairie Village, Old Overland Park, Mission Hills or Leawood—often have:
- Original or outdated windows
- Poor insulation
- Sticking or inoperable sashes
Replacing just a few problem windows can make a huge difference without the need for a full-home replacement.
Trust a Local KC Handyman Team for Window Replacement
Projects like this are where our handyman team truly shines. In this case, with Lester leading the project and support from Montana and Emily, every detail—from demolition to final paint—was handled with care and intention. For that reason, our priority on every job is providing the ultimate client experience from start to finish, which means treating each home as if it were our own.
We’ve been serving homeowners throughout the Kansas City area for over 45 years, and we’re proud to now offer those same trusted handyman services at the Lake of the Ozarks as well. After decades of working inside homes of every age and style, we’ve learned how to look beyond surface issues and understand what’s really going on beneath them. That experience allows us to fix the cause, not just the symptom—avoiding quick fixes that don’t last and making repairs that blend naturally into the existing space.
It’s the difference between a temporary solution and a repair built to stand the test of time. That’s because our handyman services are backed by decades of hands-on remodeling experience and built around long-term relationships, not one-off jobs. From start to finish, we show up prepared, protect your home while we’re there, communicate clearly throughout the process, and clean up when the work is done.
From Small Repairs to Long-Term Partnerships
Many homeowners start with just a few interior repairs and continue working with us for years. That kind of trust is earned, and we don’t take it lightly. Whether you’re dealing with drafty windows, aging materials, or a growing to-do list, our team is here to help—across Kansas City, the surrounding communities, and now the Lake of the Ozarks.
If you’re dealing with drafty, sticking, or inefficient windows in your Kansas City or Lake of the Ozarks home, we’d love to help.
Contact us today and let's fix those windows!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I hire a professional handyman for window replacement instead of doing it myself?
Window replacement involves more than removing an old window and installing a new one. A professional handyman installs proper flashing, insulates the opening, integrates trim, and finishes the work so the window performs correctly and blends seamlessly with the rest of your home. Without proper installation, drafts, water damage, and energy loss can occur over time. That’s why hiring an experienced handyman team helps you avoid costly mistakes and ensures the job is done right the first time—especially in older Kansas City homes where construction details vary widely.
Can a handyman handle drywall repair and surface prep after window replacement?
Yes. In fact, window replacement often requires drywall repair, patching, sanding, and surface prep around the opening. Our handyman team repairs cracks, fills nail pops, and smooths settling-related issues to create paint-ready surfaces. By handling both installation and repair together, we deliver a cleaner, more finished result—without requiring you to coordinate multiple contractors.
Can you take care of trim, cabinets, and small detail repairs during a project?
Yes. Many of our projects include trim, baseboards, casing, cabinet door adjustments, drawer repairs, and hardware replacement. While these details may seem small, they significantly improve how finished and cohesive a space feels. When we handle them during window replacement or other handyman projects, everything comes together cleanly and consistently, with far less disruption to your home.
Do you offer painting, flooring, or finishing work as part of handyman services?
We do. Our handyman team performs paint touch-ups and full painting related to repairs, installs flooring such as LVP, tile, and other materials, and completes flooring transitions, thresholds, and finish details. Whether we paint around new windows, install new floors, or finish surface prep after repairs, we focus on work that looks intentional, blends naturally with your home, and lasts for years to come.