The prefab (prefabricated) informal care home (mantelzorgwoning) is currently the most popular choice in the Netherlands. It offers a fast and high-quality solution for those who need care facilities on short notice, without the burden of a long-term construction site on their property.
What is a prefab home?
In prefab construction, the dwelling is almost entirely (up to 95%) built within a factory. This process takes place under controlled conditions, meaning weather elements have no impact on the materials or the drying time of the structure.
Key advantages:
- Installation in one day: The home is delivered on a low-loader and positioned using a telescopic crane. By the end of the afternoon, the home is usually wind- and watertight.
- High insulation standards: Due to factory production, these homes meet the strict requirements of the Dutch Besluit bouwwerken leefomgeving (Bbl) regarding insulation and sustainability.
- Minimal disruption: No weeks of construction traffic, noise, or piles of building materials on your own grounds.
The process: From factory to garden
The trajectory for a prefab home differs from traditional construction, with the emphasis placed heavily on preparation.
- Foundation and utilities: While the home is being built in the factory, the foundation (often screw piles) and the piping for sewage, water, and electricity are prepared on your plot.
- Transport: The home is transported as one or two large modules. This often happens in the early morning hours to avoid disrupting Dutch traffic.
- The “Lift”: Using a specialised crane, the home is placed onto the foundation with millimetre precision.
- Final assembly: Once positioned, only the utilities need to be connected, and any joints (if there are multiple modules) are finished.
Removability and residual value
A unique feature of the prefab mantelzorgwoning in the Netherlands is its temporary status. Because the home is not ‘permanently attached’ with a traditional foundation, it remains relatively easy to relocate.
- Relocation: When the care requirement ends, the entire unit can be lifted and sold to a new owner.
- Residual value: There is a growing Dutch market for second-hand informal care homes, allowing you to recoup part of your investment after the period of use.
Important considerations
While prefab offers great convenience, there are two crucial factors to consider in the Dutch context:
- Accessibility: The location must be accessible for a large lorry and a crane. Narrow Dutch streets or low-hanging trees can pose a challenge.
- Utilities: The connection to the main house’s meter cupboard (meterkast) must be checked beforehand by an installer to prevent overloading the local network.
Are you wondering if your garden is accessible for a prefab installation? Contact one of the recognised builders for an on-site assessment.