Frequently asked questions

  • General
  • Quote/Finance/Insurance
  • Building
  • Technical
  • Additional services
General
What is the expertise of Living Solutions?

At Living Solutions, our expertise lies in manufacturing prefab building solutions for residential, tourist, commercial, and office purposes. However, that is just the beginning. We also offer a comprehensive range of services to fully support our clients. This includes buying and selling holiday homes, managing holiday parks, local expertise, customized solutions, and the rental and management of holiday homes.

How can I get in touch with you?

You can contact us via phone, WhatsApp, email, or by visiting our model home on the way to West Point. For the Curacao head office, call +5999 565 1314. For the Netherlands office, dial +31617949937

Where are you located?

We have our main office situated in Curaçao, and to better serve our Dutch customers, we also have a branch located in the Netherlands (Uitgeest).

Why choose a prefab home?

In our technical company brochure, we provide detailed explanations of the 7 unique selling points (USPs) of building with prefab: Cost-efficient, Green and energy-neutral, High quality control, Fire-resistant, Termite-resistant, and Water-resistant.

Where do the prefab homes come from?

Living Solutions Curaçao BV is an exclusive partner of the renowned international construction company "Quick Steel House Turkey, Hekim Yapi Prefab Housing." Thanks to this collaboration, we are able to offer sustainable construction solutions for the six islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Sint-Eustatius, Saba, and Sint-Maarten) of the former Dutch Antilles, as well as Suriname and the Guyanas, with a unique portfolio of possibilities.

What is the lifespan of a prefabricated house?

This is difficult to say, many homes that have been delivered have been standing for decades. It is indicated that the lifespan is comparable to traditional building (blocks).

Is it possible to purchase a house without interior finishes?

That's an option. Living Solutions will construct the basic structure of the house, and the interior finishes like tiles and kitchen can be arranged through consultation.

Do you also supply container homes?

Yes. You can also contact us for a container home. Can be used for various purposes such as office, workplace, living space or care home. The model, which also has a fibre cement coating on the outside, is also protected against extreme weather conditions thanks to this coating. Our container homes are not shipping container homes!! A container home from Living Solutions, which is no different from a real house in this respect. We deliver all our container homes Turn-key, i.e. including bathroom, kitchen, electricity and floors.

Are the homes available for viewing?

We have a showroom model type 'Denton' located on the road to Westpunt (Curaçao). This is also where the office of Living Solutions is situated.

Quote/Finance/Insurance
Why are you cheaper than traditional construction?

The biggest advantage is in fast construction. Additionally, our products arrive as complete homes, allowing us to pay a fixed and reduced rate for import duties.

How long is a price proposal valid?

Our quotations have a validity period of up to 1 month. The reason for this is that the costs of transport and constructing a home in the Caribbean are highly dependent on fluctuations in currency exchange rates (exchange rate risk) and variable steel prices.

What payment terms do you use?

We request a 60% down payment upon confirmation of the order. The second payment of 30% is due at the start of assembling the foundation and the home. The third payment (remaining balance) is due upon completion of the home.

What is included as standard in the quotation?

(Basic) 2.4m long kitchen, (Basic) shower cubicle, (Basic) bathroom furniture, (Basic) toilet, Tiled kitchen back wall, Tiled bathroom (floor and walls of the shower cubicle), Floor tiles throughout the house, Installation of the kitchen and bathroom, Placement of windows and doors with hinges and locks, Interior and exterior painting is part of the package, Electrical and plumbing systems within Living Solutions Homes are included and ready for connection (no external connection), Gutters and rainwater drainage are included, Containerized houses: Final finishing of the house (including the application of strips, PUR, and tape to complete the corners) before delivery.

What costs are not included in the price?

A lot to build the house(s) on, ground cleaning, site preparation for construction, garden landscaping, rental of a generator if construction power is not available yet, main cable Aquaelectra from the road to the house, application for R.O.P for building permit, application for measurement certificates for plot area, inspection costs Aquaelectra, Curgas inspection costs, appraisal costs for financing application, costs of drafting the construction drawing by the architect, extra sockets or sockets in a different place (standard 2 sockets per 7m2), indoor and outdoor lighting (lamps and fixtures), tiling bathroom walls (except shower cubicle), kitchen appliances (dishwasher, fridge, microwave, etc.). The house is delivered without fencing, balustrades, or other terrace fences. If there are additional costs, we will include them in our offer.

Do you provide a warranty for the homes?

Absolutely. We offer a standard 2-year warranty on our materials and construction process. This warranty covers only direct damage. Indirect damage resulting from natural disasters or other calamities is not covered under the warranty.

Special points of attention!

The photos and floor plan displayed in the offer and on the website serve as illustrations of the potential appearance of the house. These examples are not binding, and no rights can be derived from them. The standard kitchen we provide is 2.4m long, with the option for a larger and more luxurious kitchen upon request. Any luxury or larger kitchen will be explicitly detailed in the quotation. The standard practice includes tiling the floor of the bathroom and the shower cubicle. If you wish to tile the entire bathroom, this will be explicitly outlined in the quotation.

Do you also finance prefabricated houses?

We understand the crucial role of financing in your construction project. Therefore, we are ready to support you in finding financing options that seamlessly align with your needs.

Where is the best place to insure the home?

For insuring our homes, you can contact the Guardian Group, specialists in appraising and insuring prefab solutions. However, you can also consult your own intermediary or insurer.

Building
Are you building on more islands?

Yes, indeed. We build on the islands: Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Sint Eustatius, Saba, and Sint Maarten, Suriname, and the Guyanas, with a unique portfolio of possibilities.

I want to build the house myself. Is that possible?

Unfortunately, this is not possible. This is related to the warranties we provide for our materials and construction process. It requires expertise and experience to assemble the homes quickly and correctly. Our contractors are trained to do this professionally. We only want to establish well-built homes; otherwise, it's not feasible.

What is the average construction time?

The average construction time depends on the type of home, but on average, you can expect 5 to 8 weeks for the assembly of the home on-site.

Which materials are used as standard?

The exterior walls comprise a 10mm outer layer of cement board, galvanized steel frames, and an 8mm inner wall cement panel, with Rockwool insulation. Interior walls consist of 8mm cement board on both sides with a galvanized steel frame and Rockwool insulation. The ceiling is made of 8mm cement board with an additional layer of Rockwool insulation. The roof consists of three layers: 16mm thick cement board, roof felt, and a steel plate. PVC or aluminum door and window frames are included. On request we can upgrade the house with thicker walls, other roof constructions such as, tiles or shingles. We build homes that can withstand hurricane force 3/4.

What is the average turnaround time?

The average lead time, from signing the contract to the delivery of your prefab home at the destination, typically ranges from 3 to 4 months. This includes the down payment, manufacturing, and sea transport.

Can I also use my own design?

We offer custom solutions for your own design; however, please be aware of additional design fees (construction, material, and electrical planning) for translating your home into a prefab solution. For this, we charge a one-time setup fee of USD 3,620,-

Do we need a building permit?

In Curaçao, you need a building permit for every type of structure. If you want to build on the other islands, it is advisable to check this with the relevant authority responsible for issuing building permits.

Is the foundation included as standard?

The foundation is included as standard in our price. If the foundation is specifically excluded, we will mention this in our quote.

Do I have the freedom to add more luxury?

Absolutely. You can enhance your home with raised ceilings, luxurious exterior cladding (stone strips, wood look, etc.), shutter windows and doors, solar panels, solar collectors, a kitchen with an island, and more...

Technical
Distinction between prefab and traditional (block) construction?

The material. It is better insulated, but most importantly, all components are custom-made in the factory with the best technology. This allows for quick and efficient construction. Additionally, everything comes in one shipment, so price changes no longer have an impact.

What does the prefab construction consist of?

The construction of our homes is based on a solid foundation. The "Basic" structure, consisting of walls, roofs and the entire framework, is made of high-quality galvanized steel and finished with fiber cement boards with an A1 fire resistance.

How are you energy neutral?

Energy efficient fits better. Due to the good insulation properties of rock wool (also on the ceiling), little coolness is lost. Materials are natural and often reused.

Are the houses insulated?

All our homes are insulated with Rock Wool (Stone Wool Isulation).

Benefits of Stone Wool Insulation:

Stone wool is utilized as insulation material in various applications, including cavity walls, floors, and roofs. Here are some advantages:


1. **Non-flammability:** The foremost benefit of stone wool, according to Frank van der Lei from Isolatieloket, is its non-flammability. The material complies with the highest Euro Fire Class A1, reducing the risk of flames spreading rapidly.


2. **Sound Insulation:** In addition to thermal insulation, stone wool also serves as sound insulation. This means you not only enjoy a comfortable temperature but also experience reduced external noise.


3. **Water Repellency:** Stone wool is not only fire-resistant but also water-repellent, preventing the formation of mold.


4. **Environmentally Friendly:** The production of stone wool does not release harmful substances, making it environmentally friendly. Choosing stone wool insulation is a green option.


5. **Flexibility:** Stone wool is a flexible material that simplifies insulation in tight corners.


6. **Longevity:** Stone wool has a long lifespan, making it a sustainable investment for your home. Stone Wool can last approximately 75 years, meaning it may not need replacement if installed now.


Insulation Value of Stone Wool:

Stone wool has an average lambda value of 0.033 to 0.040, indicating the thermal conductivity coefficient. With an average value lower than commonly used insulation materials (0.035), stone wool is a popular choice.


In summary, the higher cost of stone wool is justified by its non-flammability, sound insulation, water repellency, environmental friendliness, flexibility, and long lifespan, making it a durable and effective choice for insulation purposes.

What is Turn-key Construction?

Turn-key construction is a highly respected approach within the construction industry, where a developer or construction company bears full responsibility for every facet of the construction process, from the concept phase and planning to the final delivery of a full-fledged and finished building or project.

What type of prefab solutions are there?

Homes can be supplied via Living Solutions in 3 production systems, depending on the requirements, structure/type, floors and design, namely: Container system for standard homes, office solutions and business units. System construction; Panels come ready-to-use from the factory, with integrated socket boxes and pipes, and are assembled easily and quickly using steel corner profiles (columns). Skeleton or skeleton construction: these are usually modern houses, with many outstanding

What about fire safety?

At Living Solutions, safety and comfort go hand in hand. All our prefabricated houses are equipped with non-combustible material, with the exception of the furniture in the house.

Will the house be connected to a sewer?

We supply a cesspool (closed concrete container) with the house as standard, but of course it is also possible (optionally) to purchase a septic tank or to connect your house to the sewer (if possible).

Why do you use fibre cement boards?

Fiber cement products are distinguished by a series of exquisite properties, including: high water resistance, fire resistance, waterproofing, energy-saving, long service life, and aesthetic properties. For detailed information, you can download our technical company brochure.

Are the homes resistant to termites?

Yes, our houses are termite-proof. Pests such as white ants can be devastating to building structures in the Caribbean. Our houses are built with fibre cement panels, so termites don't stand a chance!

Are the homes climate-proof?

Our homes meet all the climatic requirements of the Leeward Islands as standard, making them resistant to even the most merciless storms up to hurricane class 1/2. But for those who want even more certainty, we can make adjustments to withstand wind speeds of 200 to 250 km per hour (hurricane class 3/4).

Can I opt for shutter windows and/or doors?

Yes. We offer a range of options for doors and windows as standard, ranging from PVC, galvanised steel, decorative steel, MDF and aluminium. We can supply shutter windows and doors as an option. Ask about the possibilities.

What roofing material do you use?

Our homes come standard with steel roof profiles (including tile motif), but we also offer the option for roof tiles and bitumen shingles. Flat roof constructions are also possible, although they are considered a more luxurious option, especially for villas.

Can I choose my own model of kitchen?

We supply standard Turn-Key inventory, but of course you also have the option of using external suppliers (e.g. a kitchen from Ikea). We do charge a surcharge for these exceptions. Ask about the possibilities.

Are air conditioners included as standard?

If you want to provide the house with air conditioners, this is no problem. We include the connections in our standard calculation, but the air conditioning itself is optional.

What is included as standard with the bathroom?

The standard bathroom includes a toilet, washbasin, shower, shower cubicle and taps. Of course, there is also the option to opt for a more luxurious bathroom.

Can the cement fibre boards withstand water?

Cement fibreboards have excellent resistance to water, moisture and mould. As a result, the panels are often used in damp rooms such as bathrooms. Even after decades, moisture and pests do not affect the plates.

Do you have more information about the materials?

On our website you can download the technical company brochure.

Additional services
Can you help to find a lot?

Yes, if you are looking for a lot, you can register by means of a special request form. We will then include you in our database and keep an eye on the market for you.

Do you also build swimming pools?

You can also contact Living Solutions for the construction of swimming pools. To this end, we work closely with a number of renowned companies.

Do you also supply solar panels?

Yes. Our vision is based on a commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. Solar panels certainly contribute to this.

Do you also supply fencing?

Fencing, fencing (walls) are optionally available. Ask about the possibilities.

Can you also help with Aquaelectra?

It is not included in our price, but if desired we can take care of this at an additional cost.

Can you also arrange the building permit?

You must apply for a building application yourself. Living Solutions does provide the right information to ensure that the building application runs as smoothly as possible.

What is the cost of a building permit?

The price of a building permit depends on the value of the property and the cost of assembling the property. You can request information from the licensing authority.

Do you also do property management?

Because we have this expertise in-house and are frequently asked for it, we do indeed manage homes and parks. We also work closely with real estate agents for the purchase and sale of holiday homes.

Do you also do home maintenance?

Not at the moment. But if a larger park requires this service, we can carry it out with our regular contractors

Is it possible to treat the foundation directly against termites?

Sure. And despite the fact that we do not use pest-sensitive materials, it is sensible. The entire island is full of termites, and before you know it, your furniture will be the victim.

I want to make my house more sustainable with brick slips. Do you also deliver this separately?

Yes, you can buy luxury façade cladding such as brick slips and cladding with a wood look. We also supply these materials separately from our prefabricated houses.

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