---
title: "Prefab informal care home"
date: 2026-01-09
icon: "fas fa-truck-loading"
description: "Everything you need to know about the advantages, construction process, and installation of a turnkey prefab informal care home in the Netherlands."
weight: 1
feedback: true
---

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.

1. **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.
2. **Transport:** The home is transported as one or two large modules. This often happens in the early morning hours to avoid disrupting Dutch traffic.
3. **The "Lift":** Using a specialised crane, the home is placed onto the foundation with millimetre precision.
4. **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:
1. **Accessibility:** The location must be accessible for a large lorry and a crane. Narrow Dutch streets or low-hanging trees can pose a challenge.
2. **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](/en/erkende-bouwers) for an on-site assessment.

[^1]: [Rijksoverheid - Building rules for informal care homes](https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/bouwregelgeving/vraag-en-antwoord/bouwregels-mantelzorgwoning)