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The Biggest Challenges When Converting A Van Into A Home

Updated: Sep 6, 2023

Whenever you get the keys to your new house, the first step you want to take is to transform it from a building into a home. Whilst it is often a very enjoyable job, it is also much harder than a lot of people care to admit.


However, that challenge is magnified if, instead of a building, your new home is a Volkswagen Transporter T5 that is set to be converted into a motorhome.


With the growing popularity of “van life”, soaring property prices and the ability to live life as a digital nomad, some people are not just using motorhomes for holidays but as a permanent living arrangement.


Whenever you get the keys to your new house, the first step you want to take is to transform it from a building into a home. Whilst it is often a very enjoyable job, it is also much harder than a lot of people care to admit.


However, that challenge is magnified if, instead of a building, your new home is a Volkswagen Transporter T5 that is set to be converted into a motorhome.


With the growing popularity of “van life”, soaring property prices and the ability to live life as a digital nomad, some people are not just using motorhomes for holidays but as a permanent living arrangement.


Here are some of the biggest challenges when converting a van into a home on wheels.


Choosing The Right Van

Any van can be converted into a motorhome with enough engineering knowledge, hard work and careful manipulation of the space, but to avoid considerable headaches, it is best to choose your van carefully to make your life as easy as possible.


By far the most popular van for converting is the Volkswagen Transporter T5, due to its versatility, reliability and straightforward floor plan, although because of this it can also take some shopping around to find the best deal.


Knowing your floor plan can help you know how much room you have to work with and what kind of designs will suit your needs best.


Utilities

The most planning you should do before you start your project is how you are going to manage your electricity, plumbing, gas and water needs.


Typically it is best to seek advice from a professional before you start, and you should at least have someone qualified sign off on your work to ensure your motorhome is safe.


Choosing What You Need

The hardest challenge with a motorhome is deciding what to keep and what to leave behind. A van life is also by necessity a minimalist life, and whatever you choose should have a function or spark joy.


Choosing The Right Van

Any van can be converted into a motorhome with enough engineering knowledge, hard work and careful manipulation of the space, but to avoid considerable headaches, it is best to choose your van carefully to make your life as easy as possible.


By far the most popular van for converting is the Volkswagen Transporter T5, due to its versatility, reliability and straightforward floor plan, although because of this it can also take some shopping around to find the best deal.


Knowing your floor plan can help you know how much room you have to work with and what kind of designs will suit your needs best.


Utilities

The most planning you should do before you start your project is how you are going to manage your electricity, plumbing, gas and water needs.


Typically it is best to seek advice from a professional before you start, and you should at least have someone qualified sign off on your work to ensure your motorhome is safe.


Choosing What You Need

The hardest challenge with a motorhome is deciding what to keep and what to leave behind. A van life is also by necessity a minimalist life, and whatever you choose should have a function or spark joy.


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