Building your own van is obviously more cost-effective, but there are two big variables to consider: the value of your time (and how much spare time you have), and whether or not you’ll actually enjoy the process. Building something physical and complex isn’t for everyone, and it might not be for you.
1. Time is money
How valuable is your time? Do you even have spare time? You’ll be sinking all of it into this if you decide to build it yourself. You’ll be giving up your weekends and evenings for up to 6 months to breathe life into this project.
If you’re genuinely interested in woodworking, electrical, plumbing, and beyond, then great! This will be the only hobby you can accommodate for some time. And an epic hobby it will be.
If you’re only thrilled about the final outcome and really value your time, consider outsourcing the build. If you can afford it, there are plenty of incredible van builders these days.
If you’re genuinely interested in woodworking, electrical, plumbing, and beyond, then great! This will be the only hobby you can accommodate for some time. And an epic hobby it will be.
If you’re only thrilled about the final outcome and really value your time, consider outsourcing the build. If you can afford it, there are plenty of incredible van builders these days.
2. Patience and an affinity for the details
Woodworking and building aren’t for everyone. I think it’s a great thing for everyone to try at some point in life, but maybe trying building a cutting board before you commit to building a home.
Building a tiny home requires you to have immense patience, a love for the details, and the willpower to figure things out. Even with countless YouTube videos and guides at your disposal, it takes some balls to cut a 3x2ft hole in the side of your vehicle and know you’ve got to live with any mistakes you’ve made.
A master woodworker once said most of his skill was in working with and hiding his mistakes. If I’m honest, 80% of the build I was wildly frustrated, anxious, and increasingly impatient with my mistakes. Only 20% of the time was I in a truly meditative state, embracing the hours of repetitive sanding, drilling, or painting.
Building a tiny home requires you to have immense patience, a love for the details, and the willpower to figure things out. Even with countless YouTube videos and guides at your disposal, it takes some balls to cut a 3x2ft hole in the side of your vehicle and know you’ve got to live with any mistakes you’ve made.
A master woodworker once said most of his skill was in working with and hiding his mistakes. If I’m honest, 80% of the build I was wildly frustrated, anxious, and increasingly impatient with my mistakes. Only 20% of the time was I in a truly meditative state, embracing the hours of repetitive sanding, drilling, or painting.
If you choose to build it yourself
You’ll develop an invaluable sense of confidence in yourself and your ability to make anything (or figure out how to). This is a wonderful trait to possess in life, for everything beyond just a van build.
You’ll also gather a deep appreciation for everything built around you. The home is truly an amazing thing. A magical entity that provides us with running water, electricity, regulated temperature, and waste disposal, all tucked away and out of sight.
Oh, and you’ll possess so much pride for your tiny home. When a passerby complements your work, you’ll feel the blood, sweat, and tears that went into it.
Still thinking of building your own van? Read on for some words of wisdom before you embark on your journey.
You’ll also gather a deep appreciation for everything built around you. The home is truly an amazing thing. A magical entity that provides us with running water, electricity, regulated temperature, and waste disposal, all tucked away and out of sight.
Oh, and you’ll possess so much pride for your tiny home. When a passerby complements your work, you’ll feel the blood, sweat, and tears that went into it.
Still thinking of building your own van? Read on for some words of wisdom before you embark on your journey.