The house was delivered on Nov. 22, 2010, in pieces, “and they assembled them kind of like Lego blocks,” said Cary Orlandi of Millbrook Homes. According to Orlandi, farmer Frank Scimone of Minot Road was instrumental in helping house the 10 trucks while they unloaded the boxes. Concord Police also assisted in traffic control. By the end of day one, the cement had been placed and bolted together, and within two days the house was complete with a four-car garage and master suite attached. “The benefits of building your own house is you get exactly what you want, how you want it,” said Orlandi. “Everything is brand new.”

And according to Bilkish Malek, things couldn’t have gone smoother, especially as both husband and wife work full-time with two young kids, and little time to watch over the process from “morning to night,” said Bilkish. “It definitely eased the process,” she said, of Millbrook helping to overlook everything. “Everybody’s on top of it, and I would recommend it to anybody.”

The modular foundation was put in within four hours, having already dried in the factory. Made with a high-density cement, Orlandi said the walls prevent against water and air and “that dirt smell” often prevalent in basements. “They started out a while ago and they’ve perfected them,” said Orlandi of the modular foundations. “I think it’s America’s future.” Factories pump out roughly one modular home each day, producing an average of 360 homes each year. Because of this, prices for modular homes range 20 to 25 percent less than a stick-built home, costing an average of $200,000 to $250,000 to assemble from ground up. “It’s fast. It’s quick. It’s inexpensive, and you get it your way,” said Orlandi.

The final construction process consists of finishing the hardwood floors, putting in a fireplace and painting the interior. A driveway made of paver stones will also be put in this spring, once the weather clears. The house has a 10-year guarantee and the foundation is guaranteed for 15. The family hopes to move in by February.