This is a question I get asked a lot.
During my conversion I wrote down everything I spent – from the big solar panels to each and every tiny screw. Below is a summary of spending in each category of the build.
THE VAN – £7500
THE CONVERSION
| External (eg. windows, roof rack etc.) | £1654 |
| Building supplies (screws, wood etc.) | £1957 |
| General appliances (hob, fridge, toilet) | £1104 |
| Electrical system | £1671 |
| Gas system (inc. professional fitting) | £2271 |
| Plumbing | £767 |
| Other | £787 |
| Furnishings | £546 |
TOTAL £10757
It is possible to do a van build that’s much cheaper. I chose to add in luxuries because this van is my home, I live in it full time. Having things like a big sink, a shower, hot water and heating were important to me. Compared to buying and redecorating a house…. I hardly spent anything.
Other costs not mentioned above include:
Insurance – around £800 per year (more when travelling around Eurpoe)
Tax – £262 per year
Mechanical repairs – £900 so far in the 3 years I’ve owned my van