A Historic Window Replacement in Fayetteville, NY

Central New York is home to countless villages filled with unique historic homes, from Cazenovia to Skaneateles to Fayetteville, and it’s one of the things we love most about working in this region. These homes tell stories through their architecture, materials, and details. Restoring these historic properties takes a careful balance of craftsmanship, modern solutions, and respect for original design. When it comes to replacing windows in a home like this, there’s no such thing as “standard.”

Our team tackled a full window replacement for this historic late-1800s home in Fayetteville. It was a complex and rewarding project, one that required planning, skill, and a lot of patience.

“McClurg was the only company I wanted completing our complex and unique project.”— Fayetteville Homeowner

Why Replacing Windows in Historic Homes Is Different

Window replacement in newer homes often means working with stock sizes, clean openings, and predictable installations. In a 150-year-old home? Nothing is ever that simple.

Each window in this Fayetteville home had different dimensions, trim styles, and framing conditions. Some windows had shifted slightly over time. Others had rot, missing insulation, or weren’t level. Every opening had to be measured and re-measured before ordering custom-sized windows.

Installing Custom Andersen Windows

To maintain the home’s historic look while improving energy efficiency, we installed custom Andersen windows throughout the property. As Certified Andersen Installers, we ensure a precise fit, durable performance, and finish work that honors the home’s character.

Custom windows also mean every component needs to be tailored:

• Screens

• Shutters

• Trim

Every detail had to be thoughtfully designed and installed to feel like it had always belonged there.

Energy Efficiency Meets Historic Design

Upgrading to modern windows in older homes offers clear benefits, especially when it comes to comfort and energy savings. These new windows help reduce heat loss in the winter and keep things cooler in the summer. They also help quiet outside noise and bring in more natural light.

While aesthetics are important, performance matters too. The Andersen windows we used meet today’s high standards for energy efficiency and are backed by the Energy Star certification.

Craftsmanship and Care

This project called on the skills and collaboration of our experienced carpenters. Lead Carpenter Derek led the installation process with care and efficiency, managing each unique opening and coordinating the sequence of work throughout the summer. Once the windows were in, Marty, known for his detailed finish work, stepped in to assist with replicating the original trim, both indoors and outside, so the final look felt seamless.

These kinds of projects are truly a labor of love, not just for the carpenters, but for the homeowners as well. In a time when everything moves fast and technology makes so many things instant, it can be easy to expect quick results. But restoring a historic home the right way takes time, care, and patience. These homeowners understood that and were not looking for shortcuts. They wanted the work done thoughtfully and with integrity. That trust allowed our team to approach every detail with the level of craftsmanship a home like this deserves.

A Grateful Client and a Memorable Gesture

After the last window was installed and the final trim piece nailed into place, the homeowners were so happy with the result that they treated our crew to courtside seats at a Syracuse University basketball game—a gesture that meant a lot to our team.

Our Experience with Historic Homes in Central New York

In Central New York, we’re fortunate to live and work in a region filled with architectural history. Projects like this are reminders of how important it is to partner with a team that understands both the construction challenges and the historical context.

If you're planning to replace the windows in your historic home or you're not sure where to start,  our team is here to help. From exploring design options to final installation, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

If you’re considering updating the windows in your home, we’d be happy to talk through the process with you. No pressure—just possibilities.

Thinking about updating your windows?
We offer free consultations and are proud to be certified Andersen window installers, trusted by homeowners across Central New York especially for projects that require experience, care, and craftsmanship. Reach out to schedule a consultation with our team.