There are many ways to improve the beauty and energy efficiency of your home, but few provide the benefits that replacement windows have to offer. Replacing old windows with new more energy efficient windows can provide instant cost savings, and replacement windows can pay for themselves in a very short period of time.

Replacing your windows, however, is not a job to be taken lightly, and it is important to give such an important project the respect and attention that it deserves. The key to replacing your windows like a pro is to plan properly and to know what you want before you start shopping.

One of the most important things, perhaps the most important thing, to do before replacing your current windows is to measure the windows carefully. The old saw measure twice cut once certainly applies when it comes to replacing windows.

It would be a mistake to assume that all the windows in your home are the same size, even if they look exactly alike. The fact is that window sizes can vary from room to room, or even within the same room. This is especially true with older houses, who may have had their windows replaced by previous owners.

After you have all the measurements you need, it is time to go shopping for the replacement windows you need to complete your project. The prices on replacement windows can vary quite a bit from manufacturer to manufacturer, so it definitely pays to shop around for the best deal.

Of course, quality should be the primary consideration when shopping for replacement windows. After all, the last thing you want to do is replace substandard windows in a few years. Buying the best replacement windows you can afford the first time around is the smartest strategy.

It is also important to determine whether you can do this type of project on your own, or whether you should hire a window contractor to help you with the work. Most experienced carpenters will have little trouble installing their own replacement windows, but those with lesser skills may wish to enlist professional help to get started. If you have a family member or friend who is a good handyman, it may be worth your while to get them involved as well.

Installing replacement windows is not an easy project, but it is by no means outside the skills of the average homeowner. With some planning and some hard work, most people will be able to replace their windows, saving time, money and energy in the process.

Brooke Sikula is a freelance writer based in Ventura, CA and writes on a wide range of topics from home improvement to credit repair and everything in between. She is a regular contributor to http://www.get-home-improvement.com and http://www.credit-card-faq.com

For more information and advice on home improvement projects, check out http://www.home-improvement4u.com