Local Developer Says Modular Homes Are Wave of Future

“You wouldn’t build a car in the woods, so why would you build a house outside,” said Michael Hill, President of of F.M. Properties in Middletown.  

Hill started out building traditional stick-built homes, but he quickly became frustrated with uncontrolled factors such as weather that can drive up costs and throw off schedules.

Fifteen years ago, he gravitated towards the construction of modular homes, which he said can provide homebuyers with not only considerable cost and time savings, but a superior home. He said today, with heating and cooling prices on the rise, these houses are more popular than ever.  

A house F.M. Properties recently built on Champlin Place in Newport is 65 percent more efficient than an average new construction, said Hill.

Another draw for clients is there are fewer on-site construction days, which can get families into their new homes faster.  Families do not need to be displaced from school, church and neighbors for long periods, which is often the case with stick-built homes.

According to the manufacturer Westchester Modular Homes, when the home arrives on-site, it is 80 percent complete.  

F.M. Properties said a real life example is a current construction on Miller Street in Middletown.   and is on-schedule to be move-in ready by September.  

Hill said the entire project, from the design phase to completion will take less than six months for this property.  

Another reason modular homes are becoming increasingly more popular is the construction cost savings.   Hill said on average, modular homes are 15 percent more affordable than a traditional new construction.  

“The construction is quicker and it’s better built,” said Hill.  “The outside walls are thicker, there is better insulation, it’s more efficient to heat and cool.”

Clients can choose between Colonials, Ranches, Capes and rebuilds, according to Westchester.  Hill said the houses are more customizable than in years past, which he believes is one reason more and more people are choosing modular homes.

The interiors can include cathedral ceilings, fireplaces, wet bars, large master bath suites and other customized amenities.  

Hill said looking into the future, he anticipates the homes will become more 'green' and even more efficient to run.

“It’s the wave of the future,” said Hill.