FAQ

What are the credentials of FHB?

We at Joosten Real Estate are working in an exclusive partnership with our Frame House producer in Latvia, that has been operating for over 20 years and is regularly ISO 9001:2015 certified, confirming the reliability and quality of their services. We give 10 years warranty on our product.

Can FHB help us find a plot of land?

We at Frame House Balearics are happy to provide the service of finding the perfect plot of land to build your Frame House on. We have an extended network of real estate agency 's and land owners in and outside Mallorca that we cooperate with. So even if you don't find the right plot for your needs on our website, don't hesitate to contact us, we are dedicated to find your perfect property match.

What permits and licenses are required to install a Frame House on my plot?

The permit process for timber prefab homes has become simpler in many areas as timber construction continues to gain popularity due to its many advantages. You will need a standard construction permit from the local authority. We will bring you in contact with one of our local architects, that will guide and advice you on all the necessary documentation to facilitate the process of obtaining the licence to start building a frame house or multiple frame houses.

What materials are used in the manufacturing of your Frame Houses and are there quality guarantees?

Our company specializes in the construction of prefab timber frame houses. The frame is fabricated from robust softwood, measured at 195 by 70 mm, conforming to the strength classes C24. However, our primary focus is on C24-grade timber.

All materials are subjected to a detailed impregnation process to bolster the wood's resilience to moisture, decay, and pests. This treatment process extends the durability of the timber, making it better suited to withstand harsh environmental conditions compared to untreated wood. In addition to wood, we incorporate OSB boards, mineral wool insulation, polymer building membranes, gypsum board, and wooden cladding for finishing in our prefab houses.

Our goal is to supply our clients with the finest materials, so we carefully control their quality at every stage of production. Our company guarantees that the materials meet the declared specifications in terms of moisture content, strength class, and absence of defects. All our timber undergoes strict quality control and is certified by PEFC and FSC confirming that the wood comes from specially certified forests.

Quality is important for us and for our clients. Therefore, every wooden component used in our prefab houses is CE marked, affirming its quality. This certification ensures they fulfill all vital parameters such as U-value, material classification, fire safety, and fire resistance. Rest assured, each prefab house project is built using certified materials and adheres to European standards. Our quality assurance is further backed by the regular ISO 9001:2015 certification process, attesting to the excellence of our business procedures.

What is the technological process used for a timber Frame House production?

We combine traditional methodologies with contemporary innovation. We use technology widely employed in countries known for superior construction quality standards, like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Our process enables an expanded cross-section of the materials used in our prefab houses, with a width of 70 mm as opposed to the conventional 45 mm.

We give particular attention to the junctions of frame elements, employing distinctive "mortise and tenon" connections, adhesive bonding, and screw reinforcements. This extended cross-section, coupled with fortified connections, adds increased rigidity to the overall structure, enhancing its solidity.

To implement this technique, we use specialized CNC production lines from the renowned German brand Hundegger. Our arsenal includes the Hundegger Speed Cut, the most efficient line available on the market, as well as the legendary Hundegger K2, a 5-axis machine with virtually limitless processing capabilities, even for larger sections.

What are the advantages of disassembled panel elements vs assembled panel elements?

Significant savings on transport.
The assembled panels take up more space than the disassembled panel elements. Thus, in a standard 40′ HQ container, you can carry 5 times more disassembled panels than assembled ones.

No panel size restrictions.
In case of delivery of assembled panels, the height of the panel is limited to the height of the container door (2.50 m). This either limits the maximum floor height or leads to a significant complication of the design.

The possibility to complete panels with any options.

How is the Frame house frame's resilience to external factors such as weather, humidity, wind, etc., ensured?

The robustness of the wooden frame against various external elements is assured on several fronts:

Firstly, during the design phase, we take into account a broad spectrum of operational conditions, ranging from climatic specifics to seismic activity. This allows us to increase the safety margin by 30 % and use beams of a specific cross-section for the structures.

Then, throughout the construction process, we employ German adhesive for connections and special vapor and windproof membranes to shield the frame from external elements while still allowing the wood to breathe.

Lastly, we calculate all our load-bearing elements according to the European standards Eurocode 5 and 8, ensuring stability against wind and snow loads. If required, we can implement additional construction methods to reinforce joints and offer additional stability

Is there a risk of moisture infiltrating and damaging the timber?

To preserve the integrity and moisture resistance of our timber, certain techniques must be applied. These include covering the components until installation, quickly erecting the roof, and protecting the structure from moisture with specialised vapour and wind barriers. Proper foundation construction and installing the timber frame on a waterproof surface also help to keep moisture out. Furthermore, our treated wood is engineered to withstand moisture penetration and external effects, extending its lifespan.

Is it challenging to obtain maintenance or repairs when needed?

Let me assure you, we stand behind our products with unwavering dedication to comprehensive after-sales support.

Our team, composed of competent managers and engineers, is always available to address any issues related to maintenance or repair. Should the need arise, we will ask one of our partners to go to your location for an in-depth assessment.

Our prefab homes are designed to be easy to fix and maintain. The timber frame must be protected from moisture exposure, though. Every case is handled separately, and we constantly try to offer the best solutions possible based on the circumstances.

How long will your Frame houses last? Can they be constructed in seismic zones?

Our prefab houses are designed to stand the test of time. They can last for over a century, some even up to 350 years, if properly maintained!
We guarantee the stability of our buildings even in earthquake-active zones thanks to the use of high-strength timber beams with a cross-section of 195 by 70 mm and an additional safety margin of 30%. The unique characteristics of timber frame prefab houses, especially the flexibility of the connections between the elements, allow them to withstand seismic activity successfully, while more rigid structures might crack and fail.

What are on average the prices per m2 of a timber Frame House?

FHB superstructure excl. transport and montage:

250 Euro per m2 Basic Preset
350 Euro per m2 Standard Preset
550 Euro per m2 Passive Preset

FHB superstructure incl. transport:

450 Euro per m2 Basic Preset
550 Euro per m2 Standard Preset
750 Euro per m2 Passive Preset


FHB superstructure incl. transport and montage:

550 Euro per m2 Basic Preset
650 Euro per m2 Standard Preset
850 Euro per m2 Passive Preset

Your FHB superstructure, incl. foundation, roofing, doors, windows, flooring, heating system/ Airco, toilet(s), bathroom(s), kitchen and white goods etc. starts at 3000 Euro per m2.

Please note, for the exact cost calculation of a project, we are guided by the individual needs of the client, which is why the cost of a Frame House is always unique. Using our exclusive cost estimates formula, we are devoted to providing you with the most complete and detailed estimate possible. Your requirements and preferences will be taken into account throughout the price calculation.

All prices excl. plot, licences and VAT.

Can I visit one of your Frame houses before placing an order?

Absolutely! We give customers the chance to see our Frame Houses on the Balearics in person. We are happy to set up a visit to a client's house that we built. This will give you a thorough overview of our prefab homes and the opportunity to hear directly from our satisfied consumers.

Please don't hesitate and contact us to schedule a viewing.

What are the steps to order a Frame House?

1
We are happy to provide you with an estimate quotation to give you an indication of the budget needed for your project. For a more extensive quotation, (including a rendering), we ask 200 Euro excl. VAT. This amount is completely deductible from your final invoice.

2
After your payment and receiving the project drawings from you, we provide you with a quotation for the design documentation and production of elements, plus a rendering of your project.

3
As soon as the quotation is accepted, we develop the TDP, (Technical Design Package), and send it to you for approval.

4
After you have paid the first invoice, (40% of the total payment), a TDP will be developed and we prepare the control codes for the CNC equipment and produce all elements of your Frame House in our factory.

5
Before the Frame House kit will be transported to your location, the final invoice, (60% of the total costs), has to be paid. After which each element is carefully checked, numbered for easy on-site identification and packed. The kit will then be transported in containers or by trucks.

6
After you have received the Frame House kit at the production site, all panels will be assembled within approximately 10-12 days by our staff.

Can I order a custom-designed Frame House?

Absolutely! Our commitment to bespoke solutions shines through every project we undertake. Each prefab home should be a unique reflection of its owner's personality. We work closely with our clients to create a prefab home that perfectly encapsulates their vision and fulfills their needs. Our company takes pride in creating custom prefab house projects. Our expert team is fully equipped and ready to materialize any concept you have, regardless of the project's complexity. Every prefab house we build is the culmination of our dedicated professional team's efforts, turning the unique visions of our clients into tangible reality.

Whatever your specific preferences or ideas might be we will bring them to life in your new home.

What are the size limitations for your timber Frame houses?

We aim to push the boundaries of our technology to meet all your requirements. The only constraint is the height of the frame structure. Prefab houses up to five storeys can be adapted to our technology. To establish the feasibility of prefabricated houses with more than five storeys further study is required.

Can I still make changes after FHB confirmed my proposed design?

No worries if you want to change something after we've said "yes" to your design. We can look at all your new ideas and make the changes you want, even if it means we have to start the drawing again, all the way up until we start building your house. We really want to make you happy. You can even make some tweaks to the house after it's all set up. But remember, we need to give any changes the thumbs up first, to make sure they are safe and will make your life in the house better.

Which environmental standards do you follow when constructing timber Frame houses?

We hold the environment in high regard, consistently aiming to reduce our ecological footprint. We use sustainable, renewable resources such as wood. Furthermore, our prefab houses are designed to be energy-efficient, reducing overall carbon emissions. Notably, compared to traditional concrete homes, the construction and operation of our prefab houses result in a 53% reduction in CO2 emissions.
We manufacture our prefab houses adhering to the ISO 9001:2015 standards and European building codes, such as Eurocode 5 and 8.
We use eco-friendly materials such as FSC or PEFC-certified wood, which indicates responsible forest management, and environmentally friendly Rockwool mineral wool insulation derived from natural rocks. Our production processes are designed to minimize our impact on the environment.