When preparing a home for sale or simply seeking to improve long-term value, making strategic updates is key. In Leawood, KS—a community known for its well-maintained homes, desirable neighborhoods, and competitive housing market—homeowners are especially focused on improvements that yield measurable returns. Understanding which projects provide the best return on investment home improvement is essential for anyone looking to make wise decisions about where to spend renovation dollars.
The local real estate market in Johnson County reflects strong buyer demand for updated, functional, and aesthetically pleasing properties. While not all upgrades are equal in terms of resale impact, certain improvements consistently stand out. These updates not only boost visual appeal and functionality but also increase the likelihood of a faster, more profitable sale.
Kitchen Upgrades: High Impact, High Return
Among the top-ranked improvements in terms of resale value, kitchens remain the focal point of many homebuyers’ decisions. In Leawood homes, kitchens often serve as both cooking space and social hub, and buyers expect this area to feel modern, clean, and efficient. However, a full kitchen remodel isn’t always necessary to achieve a strong ROI.
Minor kitchen updates—such as replacing cabinet hardware, upgrading lighting fixtures, installing new countertops, or adding a fresh coat of paint—can offer a meaningful return. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, even a minor kitchen remodel yields a return of nearly 85% on average nationally, with Leawood homes seeing similar or better performance depending on the neighborhood.
For homeowners considering larger investments, updated appliances, quality cabinetry, and modern tile backsplashes are worth prioritizing. These choices consistently rank as best return on investment home improvement projects because they appeal to both aesthetic and practical buyer expectations.
Minor kitchen updates—such as replacing cabinet hardware, upgrading lighting fixtures, installing new countertops, or adding a fresh coat of paint—can offer a meaningful return. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, even a minor kitchen remodel yields a return of nearly 85% on average nationally, with Leawood homes seeing similar or better performance depending on the neighborhood.
For homeowners considering larger investments, updated appliances, quality cabinetry, and modern tile backsplashes are worth prioritizing. These choices consistently rank as best return on investment home improvement projects because they appeal to both aesthetic and practical buyer expectations.
Curb Appeal and Exterior Improvements
First impressions are incredibly important in the Leawood housing market, and exterior updates often generate some of the highest ROIs. Simple changes such as updated front doors, fresh paint, well-maintained landscaping, and new garage doors can significantly enhance curb appeal.
Landscaping improvements in particular offer dual benefits: they boost beauty while also improving functional outdoor living. In Leawood, where homeowners value backyard entertaining and neighborhood aesthetics, these upgrades contribute meaningfully to both daily enjoyment and resale value.
More substantial exterior projects like fiber-cement siding replacements and stone veneer accents can offer returns of 90% or more. Buyers are willing to pay a premium for homes that appear well-cared for from the outside, making this one of the best return on investment home improvement categories.
Landscaping improvements in particular offer dual benefits: they boost beauty while also improving functional outdoor living. In Leawood, where homeowners value backyard entertaining and neighborhood aesthetics, these upgrades contribute meaningfully to both daily enjoyment and resale value.
More substantial exterior projects like fiber-cement siding replacements and stone veneer accents can offer returns of 90% or more. Buyers are willing to pay a premium for homes that appear well-cared for from the outside, making this one of the best return on investment home improvement categories.
Bathroom Renovations That Buyers Notice
Bathrooms are another area where modest investments can lead to meaningful returns. In many Leawood homes, primary bathrooms and powder rooms can benefit from updated tile, modern vanities, and energy-efficient fixtures.
A mid-range bathroom remodel typically involves upgrading the sink, countertop, lighting, and flooring. This type of project often recoups 60–70% of its cost upon resale. However, in high-demand neighborhoods where buyers prioritize move-in-ready properties, these updates can make the difference between a home that sits on the market and one that receives multiple offers.
For older homes or properties where the bathroom layout feels outdated, even structural changes—such as adding a walk-in shower or expanding a half-bath—may be worth the investment. These types of improvements not only modernize a home but often signal to buyers that a property has been thoughtfully maintained over time.
A mid-range bathroom remodel typically involves upgrading the sink, countertop, lighting, and flooring. This type of project often recoups 60–70% of its cost upon resale. However, in high-demand neighborhoods where buyers prioritize move-in-ready properties, these updates can make the difference between a home that sits on the market and one that receives multiple offers.
For older homes or properties where the bathroom layout feels outdated, even structural changes—such as adding a walk-in shower or expanding a half-bath—may be worth the investment. These types of improvements not only modernize a home but often signal to buyers that a property has been thoughtfully maintained over time.
Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Homebuyers are increasingly prioritizing energy efficiency when evaluating properties. In Leawood, where seasonal temperature shifts can be significant, upgrades that improve comfort and reduce utility bills are particularly attractive.
Improvements like replacing old windows with energy-efficient models, adding attic insulation, or upgrading HVAC systems can increase a home's appeal and lead to real cost savings. These updates are often less visible but can be highlighted in listing descriptions and showings as selling points.
Energy-efficient appliances, smart thermostats, and LED lighting are smaller investments that also contribute to a property’s green profile. These changes typically recoup 70–80% of their costs and align with growing buyer interest in sustainable living—making them part of the best return on investment home improvement strategy, especially for eco-conscious buyers.
Improvements like replacing old windows with energy-efficient models, adding attic insulation, or upgrading HVAC systems can increase a home's appeal and lead to real cost savings. These updates are often less visible but can be highlighted in listing descriptions and showings as selling points.
Energy-efficient appliances, smart thermostats, and LED lighting are smaller investments that also contribute to a property’s green profile. These changes typically recoup 70–80% of their costs and align with growing buyer interest in sustainable living—making them part of the best return on investment home improvement strategy, especially for eco-conscious buyers.
Basement Finishing and Functional Square Footage
Maximizing usable square footage is one of the most effective ways to increase a home’s value. In Leawood, where basements are common, finishing this space adds functional living area without requiring an addition.
A finished basement that includes a family room, guest space, home office, or gym offers significant lifestyle flexibility. These features are particularly appealing to today’s buyers who may work from home or need additional private space. While basement finishing can require a larger upfront investment, it typically delivers a return of 70% or more—especially if the layout includes high-quality finishes and consistent design with the main living areas.
Because finished basements often expand a home’s livable square footage in listing descriptions, this upgrade can also improve how the property performs in online searches and MLS filters.
A finished basement that includes a family room, guest space, home office, or gym offers significant lifestyle flexibility. These features are particularly appealing to today’s buyers who may work from home or need additional private space. While basement finishing can require a larger upfront investment, it typically delivers a return of 70% or more—especially if the layout includes high-quality finishes and consistent design with the main living areas.
Because finished basements often expand a home’s livable square footage in listing descriptions, this upgrade can also improve how the property performs in online searches and MLS filters.
Paint, Flooring, and Interior Refresh
Cosmetic updates like paint and flooring may not seem as dramatic as structural changes, but they are among the most cost-effective ways to improve a home’s appeal. In Leawood’s competitive housing market, homes with neutral, modern palettes and updated flooring often sell faster and for a higher price.
Repainting interiors in calming, contemporary tones—such as soft grays, off-whites, or warm taupes—can refresh the entire feel of a home. Replacing worn carpet or outdated tile with hardwood, engineered wood, or luxury vinyl plank flooring brings an immediate lift to both aesthetics and perceived value.
These updates not only photograph well but also allow potential buyers to visualize themselves in the home—key factors that contribute to a positive showing experience. As such, paint and flooring are often considered among the best return on investment home improvement options for both sellers and long-term owners.
Repainting interiors in calming, contemporary tones—such as soft grays, off-whites, or warm taupes—can refresh the entire feel of a home. Replacing worn carpet or outdated tile with hardwood, engineered wood, or luxury vinyl plank flooring brings an immediate lift to both aesthetics and perceived value.
These updates not only photograph well but also allow potential buyers to visualize themselves in the home—key factors that contribute to a positive showing experience. As such, paint and flooring are often considered among the best return on investment home improvement options for both sellers and long-term owners.
Work with Jennifer Weaver for Smart, Value-Driven Real Estate Decisions
In a dynamic market like Leawood, knowing where to invest in your home can make all the difference—whether you're preparing to sell or planning for future value. From kitchens and bathrooms to landscaping and basements, the right projects can yield lasting benefits and strong financial returns.
Contact Jennifer Weaver to get personalized advice on which upgrades offer the best return on investment home improvement for your specific property. With in-depth local knowledge and a keen eye for market trends, Jennifer Weaver helps homeowners make informed decisions that enhance both day-to-day living and long-term equity.
Contact Jennifer Weaver to get personalized advice on which upgrades offer the best return on investment home improvement for your specific property. With in-depth local knowledge and a keen eye for market trends, Jennifer Weaver helps homeowners make informed decisions that enhance both day-to-day living and long-term equity.
