Light can have a profound affect on the way your house looks and feels. If you're living in a house with small--or few--windows, imagine what well-placed replacement windows can do. This is a home improvement project that can provide a good return on investment.

Where to Add Replacement Windows

The first step is to look around your house and talk with a contractor about where replacement windows could go. Consider adding replacement windows in the kitchen or family room, as these are heavily used areas. Look for:

• Large exterior walls adjacent to the backyard, a patio or another scenic area.
• Areas that would receive morning or afternoon sunlight.
• Areas that are not heavily shaded by trees, as this will limit your sunlight.

Home Improvement Tailored to Your Lifestyle

When looking at replacement windows, let your contractor know how you use the house. Do you want more light for reading books in one area of the family room? Will a large window above the kitchen sink make kitchen cleanup more manageable?

Replacement Window Options

Next, determine with your contractor what types of windows make sense. A large bay window might be perfect for a breakfast room. In a sunroom, you might want the functionality of double hung windows that open and close. Overall, look for ways to gain the most light without sacrificing too much wall space.

There are many ways to use replacement windows to bring light into a house. The key is to examine your lifestyle. Then ask a contractor what is feasible given the structure of the house and your home improvement budget.

About the Author
Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer who has been writing home improvement columns for 15 years.