Modular/prefab Home vs. Custom building options?

[Lowell Bailey]

Hi All,

My wife and I are planning to subdivide a property in Chittenden County, VT which will result in a 1.5-acre building lot.  Upon some initial research, it seems like a modular home might be the right option for us if we can achieve a high-enough quality and energy-efficiency standard.  Our goal is to build something that is energy-efficient but that we could sell in a few years for a profit.  Are their any recommendations on new construction practices and/or modular/prefab builders that find the balance between energy-efficiency and value?  Specifically, we would want to be able to list the home for sale in 2-3 years and have it appreciate in value so that our basis is less than our sales price (less real estate commission)?  I have heard that it's hard to make a profit on new builds so I'm wondering if anyone has experience in this area and would be willing to share their thoughts.

Thanks in advance.

-LB