What Home Improvements Add Value in Salina, Kansas?

By John Klassen, The Klassen Group at Salina Homes | November 10, 2026

Before You Remodel, Ask Yourself One Question

Will this improvement make my home worth more, or will it just make me happier living there?

There's nothing wrong with remodeling a home for your own enjoyment. But if you're planning to sell in the next year or two, it's worth looking at improvements a little differently.

I've spent years working on home renovations, and one thing I've learned is that it's easy to spend more money on a project than you'll ever get back when you sell. I've also seen how relatively inexpensive changes can completely transform the way a home looks and feels.

Here are some improvements I would consider before putting a home on the market in Salina.

1. Fresh Paint Can Make a Big Difference

Painting is one of the first improvements I recommend considering. A fresh coat of paint can make an older home feel cleaner, brighter, and more updated without requiring a major renovation.

Neutral colors generally appeal to a wider range of buyers because they make it easier to picture their own furniture and decorations in the home.

That doesn't mean every room needs to be painted. If the existing paint is in good condition and the colors are fairly neutral, you may be better off leaving it alone.

My advice: Focus on rooms with worn walls, unusual colors, or visible damage before spending money repainting the entire house.

2. Kitchens Matter, but You Don't Always Need a New One

Kitchens are one of the areas buyers pay close attention to. However, there's a big difference between improving a kitchen and completely replacing it.

Sometimes painting cabinets, updating hardware, replacing an outdated light fixture, or installing a new backsplash can make a noticeable difference. A complete kitchen remodel can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and there's no guarantee you'll recover that investment when selling.

In many Salina homes, especially in more affordable price ranges, a clean and functional kitchen may be more important than expensive finishes.

My advice: Before tearing out cabinets and countertops, consider whether smaller updates could accomplish what you're trying to achieve.

3. Curb Appeal Is Worth Paying Attention To

Buyers begin forming opinions about a property before they ever walk through the front door. Overgrown landscaping, peeling paint, dirty siding, or a neglected entryway can create a negative first impression.

Fortunately, improving curb appeal doesn't always require much money. Trimming bushes, cleaning up flower beds, power washing appropriate surfaces, painting the front door, and improving exterior lighting can help a home feel better maintained.

My advice: Stand across the street and look at your home as if you're seeing it for the first time. What catches your attention? That's often a good place to start.

4. Bathrooms Don't Always Need a Complete Remodel

Bathrooms are another area where homeowners can spend a lot of money. New tile, custom showers, vanities, and fixtures can look beautiful, but those improvements don't always translate into an equal increase in resale value.

Sometimes replacing an outdated mirror, improving lighting, installing a new faucet, or refreshing caulking can make a bathroom feel significantly better. Of course, if a bathroom has water damage, leaks, or other functional problems, those issues should be addressed first.

My advice: A clean, functional, well maintained bathroom is usually a better starting point than an expensive remodel.

5. Don't Ignore the Things Buyers Can't See

This is where I think homeowners sometimes make a mistake. It's easy to get excited about new flooring, countertops, and paint. But buyers also care about the condition of the roof, heating and cooling system, plumbing, electrical systems, and foundation.

A beautiful kitchen won't necessarily make up for a roof that needs replacing. And while a new HVAC system might not create the same excitement as a remodeled bathroom, it can remove a major concern for potential buyers.

That doesn't mean you should automatically replace every older system before selling. Age alone doesn't always mean something needs to be replaced.

My advice: Address known problems and understand the condition of your home's major systems before investing heavily in cosmetic improvements.

6. Be Careful About Improving Your Home Too Much

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners can make is improving their property far beyond what the surrounding neighborhood typically supports.

For example, spending $75,000 remodeling a home doesn't automatically make that property worth $75,000 more. For perspective, $75,000 is more than a third of Saline County's September median sale price of $213,000.

Buyers and appraisers still look at comparable properties, location, square footage, condition, and other factors. That's why it's important to understand your home's potential resale value before beginning a major project.

You might love expensive countertops, custom cabinetry, or high end flooring, but the next buyer may not be willing to pay substantially more for those features.

What Improvements Would I Avoid Before Selling?

If your main goal is preparing your home for sale, I would be cautious about spending large amounts of money on:

• Complete kitchen remodels when the existing kitchen is functional
• Luxury bathroom upgrades that exceed neighborhood expectations
• Highly personalized finishes or unusual design choices
• Expensive landscaping projects
• Replacing items that are older but still in good working condition

Every property is different. Sometimes a major renovation makes sense, especially when the existing condition significantly limits buyer interest. But that decision should be based on the property and local comparable sales, not assumptions.

So What Should You Fix Before Selling a Home in Salina?

I generally encourage homeowners to start with three things:

1. Take care of obvious maintenance problems. Leaks, damaged surfaces, broken fixtures, and other visible issues can make buyers wonder what else hasn't been maintained.
2. Focus on cleanliness and presentation. Decluttering, deep cleaning, and making rooms feel bright and inviting can go a long way.
3. Understand your home's value before spending money. A renovation that makes sense for one property might be unnecessary for another. I wrote about why online estimates can miss in why your Salina home's online estimate is off.

Sometimes the smartest decision is to make a few improvements. Other times, it's better to sell the property in its current condition and let the next owner make it their own.

My Final Thoughts

Having worked with both home renovations and real estate, I enjoy seeing what a property can become. But I've also learned that spending more money doesn't automatically mean making more money.

The goal when preparing a home for sale isn't necessarily to make it perfect. It's to make smart decisions that help the property appeal to buyers without spending more than necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What home improvements add the most value in Salina, Kansas?
Fresh paint, curb appeal improvements, minor kitchen and bathroom updates, and necessary maintenance can help a home appeal to buyers. The financial return depends on the property's condition, price range, and neighborhood.

Should I remodel my kitchen before selling my house?
Not necessarily. If the kitchen is functional and in reasonably good condition, smaller updates may be more cost effective than a complete remodel.

Does replacing flooring increase home value?
It can improve buyer appeal, especially when existing flooring is damaged or heavily worn. However, the cost of new flooring isn't always fully recovered in the sale price.

Should I replace my roof before selling?
That depends on its condition. An older roof that is still functioning properly may not need replacement. A roof with leaks, significant damage, or insurance concerns may need attention before selling.

Can you sell a house as is in Salina, Kansas?
Yes. Homeowners can sell properties in their current condition. However, buyers may factor needed repairs into their offers, and certain loan programs may have property condition requirements. Sellers still need to comply with applicable disclosure obligations.

How do I know whether a renovation is worth the money?
Start by comparing your home's current estimated market value with what similar updated homes have recently sold for. Then compare the potential difference against the renovation cost, time, and risk.

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John Klassen is a licensed REALTOR and co founder of The Klassen Group at Salina Homes, serving Salina, Saline County, and surrounding communities. Reach him at 785 201 4341 or through SalinaLiving.com/contact.