What is a Van Life Build?
A van life build is a creative way of converting a van into a fully functioning and comfortable living space. This could include anything from just adding insulation or rearranging the interior, to gutting and rebuilding an entire interior from scratch. It is the perfect way to turn a unwanted vehicle into your very own cozy home on wheels. For those seeking to leave the conventional lifestyle behind and take to the open roads, it is a great option.
This type of build is, however, no small task and requires a considerable amount of planning. This is especially true if you would rather build your own van rather than buying a ready-made camper. As with any sort of project, there are two ways to go about it - DIY and professional. Each have their own pros and cons and it is important to consider which one is most suitable for you.
DIY Van Life Build
If you’ve ever watched any sort of DIY home improvement show, you know that this can be a very rewarding experience. Doing something yourself gives you the opportunity to customize it to your exact needs and tastes. The same applies when it comes to a van life build. Of course, it does require a lot of hard work and patience, but the satisfaction that you get from the finished product is unbeatable.
When doing it DIY, the first and probably the most important thing to do is research. Read as much as you can about the process and even watch some YouTube tutorials. It is also important to make sure you have the correct tools to complete the job to professional-level standards.
Although it is often assumed that doing a DIY build is much cheaper, this isn’t necessarily true. Price depends on the complexity of the van you buy and the level of detail you plan on having in the finished product. And, even with a relatively simple build, it is very easy to get overwhelmed if your lack of experience with such projects.
Professional Van Life Build
If you’d rather not get your hands dirty and opt for a professional build, you can be sure of a solid job done by someone with more experience. When having a van built professionally, you will be able to choose from a range of conversion packages which may include amenities such as appliances, awnings, upholstery, furniture and audio/visual systems.
The price for having a van done professionally depends on the budget you are willing - and able - to spend. Hiring a professional means that you may potentially save some money by not having to buy all the necessary tools - although, if you are doing it DIY, these will almost certainly be necessary for a professional finish. Depending on the conversion company, they may also be able to source materials for you at a discounted rate.
The downside to having a van built professionally is, of course, the cost. And then there’s the fact that the conversion can take up to several months which many people will find hard to stomach. However it does guarantee a well executed job that you can trust to last for many years.
So, Which is Best - DIY or Professional?
Only you can decide what option is best for you. If you have never had any sort of construction experience, it may be safer to get a professional build, as mistakes can be very costly. If you do decide to go for the DIY route, make sure you are well-prepared and able to handle the potential risks and challenges that come with it.
In either case, you should be aware that a van life build is no small feat. It requires a lot of pre-planning and research, and even then you may face serious issues along the way - do not enter into either of these tasks lightly. It can be easy to get carried away with the idea of having your own custom-built camper, and forgetting the reality of the hard effort you need to put in.
In conclusion, whether you choose to do it DIY or professionally, the main thing to remember is that it is a huge endeavor and deserves careful consideration. If you go into it with the right attitude and planning, you should have no problem with either option.