Starter kit: what the first paid job needs
Window and door work is about getting the opening right: measuring, shimming, flashing and sealing. The kit is part carpenter, part siding tools, plus a way to carry big units without damage.
| Item | Why you need it | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Tape measure and a notebook of rough openings | Ordering the right size is the whole job | Varies by brand |
| 4 ft and 6 ft levels | Plumb, level and square units | Varies by brand |
| Oscillating multi tool | Cutting out old frames and trim | Varies by brand |
| Pry bars and a flat bar | Removing stops and casing without damage | Varies by brand |
| Cordless drill and impact driver | Fastening frames and hardware | Varies by brand |
| Caulk gun and low-expansion foam gun | Sealing gaps without bowing the frame | Varies by brand |
| Flashing tape roller and utility knife | Weather-tight openings | Varies by brand |
| Multi-position ladder | Second-story windows and stair landings | $535 (Little Giant Revolution 2.0, Model 17, Little Giant) |
| Door and window carrying straps | Moving units without dropping them | Varies by brand |
Pro kit: what a busy shop adds
Add these when the calendar is full and the starter kit is slowing you down. Most window and door installers buy them one at a time, when a job pays for one.
| Item | Why it pays | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Glass suction cups | Handling large sashes and glass panels | Varies by brand |
| Reciprocating saw | Cutting nails and old frames | Varies by brand |
| Finish nailer and compressor | Interior trim after the install | Varies by brand |
| Hinge jig and a router | Mortising new door hinges | Varies by brand |
| Trailer or racks for the truck | Moving several units in one trip | Varies by brand |
Van stock: what you restock every week
Parts and supplies that let you finish on the first visit. Keep a short list on your phone and restock on the same day each week.
- Composite and wood shims. Every unit needs them.
- Flashing tape and sill pan material. The part that keeps water out.
- Low-expansion foam and sealant. Sealing the gaps around the unit.
- Installation screws. The fasteners the maker calls for.
- Backer rod. Larger gaps before caulking.
- Drop cloths and floor protection. Clean worksites in occupied homes.
What a window and door kit costs
The 1 starter kit items we could price add up to $535 at the maker's listed price, out of 9 on the list. The rest vary too much by brand and size to give one honest number, so price them with your supplier.
None of the 5 pro kit items has one maker's list price we could check, because brands and sizes vary so much. Price them with your supplier.
The truck and a way to haul large units swing the total more than the hand tools do. Many installers start with standard replacement windows and add patio doors once they can move them safely.
Prices are the ones shown on each maker's own site on the date in the sources. Dealers and sales change them, so treat them as a starting point.
Where to buy it
Most window and door installers buy hand tools and small parts wherever is closest, and set up a trade account for the items they buy every week. Our window and door suppliers list names the distributors and pro programs for this trade, and the Home Depot Pro vs Lowe's Pro page compares the two big-box programs row by row.
With Koira: the office side of the kit
The kit gets you to the job. Koira runs the rest: estimates with signing and deposits, invoices and card payments and your day plan, all on the free Office plan. Start with the window and door services list to set your prices.
Sources
- Little Giant: Little Giant Revolution 2.0, Model 17, checked October 9, 2026
- Insureon: Insurance cost for door and window installers, checked October 9, 2026
Last checked October 9, 2026. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and differ by state and city, so confirm with the agency named before you act.