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Custom Homes in Leawood: What’s the ROI on Upgraded Features?

Written by Richard "Rocky" Rhodes | Jun. 25, 2025

When building or remodeling a home in Leawood, it is common to consider the ROI of upgraded features to help determine their worth. 

In our latest blog, the team of the best custom home builders at Dusty Rhodes Homes has discussed the ROI of the best upgrades for those who want to build a custom home in Leawood or remodel their current home

So, without further ado, let's delve into the data to identify which features can enhance your home's value and appeal.

What Custom Features and Design Choices Offer the Best ROI When Building or Remodeling a Home?

So we know that Leawood custom luxury homes can benefit from upgraded features that offer significant ROI, but what are the home upgrades with the best ROI? 

Below, our team of affordable custom home builders has shared custom features and design choices that offer the best ROI when building or remodeling a home in Leawood. 

After you know which upgrades get the green light, you can speak with us about our remodeling or custom homebuilding process:

Garage Door Replacement

We know it isn’t the most glamorous upgrade, but if you care about upgrades that will give you the best ROI, you should consider garage door replacement during a remodel. On average, homeowners recoup about 194% of the cost of garage door replacements in resale value. 

With garage door replacement, you’re improving curb appeal and instantly adding a layer of security and insulation, which buyers in colder regions like Kansas appreciate. Plus, modern garage doors often come with smart features that appeal to tech-savvy homeowners.

Manufactured Stone Veneer

Does your home's exterior not quite match your vision? Why not transform your plain facade into something truly spectacular by opting for a stone veneer during a build or exterior remodel? 

A stone veneer changes your plain facade into a luxury-looking exterior, and buyers in Leawood are often drawn to this upscale aesthetic.

Our research shows that this type of exterior detail has an average ROI of 153%, making it one of the best returns on investment when it comes to cosmetic home upgrades. It's also cost-effective and lightweight while still being durable enough to handle Kansas’s climate.

Minor Kitchen Remodel

When researching which home improvements add value, you should definitely include minor kitchen remodels on your research list. According to the NAHB's buyer trends surveys, the kitchen remains a top priority for most homeowners regarding remodels and ROI upgrades. 

This design choice often includes multiple upgraded features that benefit your home and your family, which is why it offers a positive ROI. We’ve found that a thoughtful update involving cabinetry refacing or replacement, countertop upgrades, and new appliances can recoup about 96% of its overall cost. That's worth it in our books.

Covered Outdoor Living Spaces

In recent years, it has become increasingly popular for homeowners and potential house builders to create or reimagine outdoor living spaces with outdoor kitchens, ceiling fans, and fireplaces. As Leawood home builders, we often construct floor plans that include expansive outdoor living areas with these upgraded materials, which offer a significant return on investment. 

In Kansas, where summers are long and fall evenings are cool, it makes complete sense to have a covered patio or deck that extends your living space and creates a zone for year-round entertaining. If you’re considering this upgrade, you should also know that, according to the National Association of Realtors, outdoor living projects have some of the highest “joy scores” and can recoup around 83% of costs on resale.

Smart Home Integration

It’s no secret that custom homes with smart features like thermostats, lighting, security systems, and voice control are increasingly expected, especially by younger luxury buyers. 

In fact, a Coldwell Banker survey found that 81% of buyers say they’re more likely to buy a home with smart technology already installed. This kind of upgrade doesn’t just raise ROI and future-proof your home in a rapidly evolving market, so it’s worth exploring with our team.

Home Office or Flex Room

It might seem like work-from-home culture has faded, but it hasn’t. Instead, it has evolved when it comes to custom homes in Leawood. A dedicated home office or even a well-lit flex space adds real value, especially in Leawood, where buyers may be dual-income professionals looking for quiet, tech-ready zones. Don’t believe us? Well, reports indicate that adding a home office can offer a 54% return on investment.

Walk-In Pantries and Kitchen Storage Solutions

Custom cabinetry, walk-in pantries, and pull-out organizers offer convenience and visual appeal, which modern buyers have come to crave. In fact, a 2024 NAHB report ranks a walk-in pantry as one of the most desired kitchen features among new home buyers. These upgrades don’t just add storage; they create a sense of daily luxury and offer convenience.

Should You Prioritize Personal Enjoyment or Resale Value?

While it's essential to consider ROI, Leawood, KS, luxury homes should reflect a homeowner's lifestyle and preferences. We often say that balancing personal enjoyment with strategic upgrades during a build or remodel ensures that you love your living space and make wise investment choices. So if features like a home office, gourmet kitchen, or an ultra-modern bathroom give you daily satisfaction and a positive ROI, go for it. 

Build or Remodel Smart, Not Just Big with Dusty Rhodes Homes

In Leawood's thriving real estate market, thoughtful upgrades to your custom home can yield significant returns. By focusing on features that align with buyer preferences and offer high ROI, you can improve your living experience and your property's value. 

With this in mind, it might be time to begin talking with custom home builders in Leawood, KS, like Dusty Rhodes Homes. We have decades of experience helping individuals choose value-adding features during a new build or remodel. Contact our team here