The Budget

Balancing it Out

So, now that the van is ready to use, I thought I would update you on what it has all cost in total.

Back when I first seen the van, away back on the 12th May last year, I guessed a rough figure of £2000 to do the conversion on it (Facebook Post)

I also stated on my thread on eFestivals (Link) about the same figure, as this is what I thought it would have cost.

Ok so as mentioned away back when I started the Blog, I bought the minibus from the RNIB for £750.

As it came with all the seats still fitted, wheelchair ramp, wheelchair restraints etc, I sold everything I could on eBay and Gumtree.

I also had bought a few things 2nd hand from people and salvaged some stuff from caravans which I later sold too.

So the total I made from selling everything on I didn't need, was around £680.

Now for the cost of all the parts, tools, joiner, kitchen accessories and bedding etc was £4300 but this included £300 of B&Q vouchers that I got free anyway so actual cost was £4000.

Cost Calculation

 4000   Conversion
-  750   Minibus
-  680   Sold Parts
--------
£2570


So around £500 over budget, which isn't that bad considering when I started this I really had no idea on what I thought it would actually cost.

I did plan to use a lot of 2nd hand caravan parts for the conversion, but in reality the only items are the toilet, oven and fridge that are used.

The budget also didn't include me spending a fair chunk of money on these items which I didn't initially plan to include in the conversion

• Smev Hob/Sink (£250)
• Solar Panels plus fixings (£230)
• TV/Bracket/Aerial (£140)

If I didn't put them in, it would have been just under the budget I guessed, but I feel they definitely improve the conversion.

Summary

I think it has been worth the money invested, and by not using a lot of 2nd hand parts has improved how the conversion looks, and I have been able to build it to the spec I wanted.

With the van only having just over 14k miles on the clock now, the bodywork is in good condition and is solid underneath, I feel this will last a long time if looked after and hopefully it will still be going in 10 years time.

Being curious to what I think it is worth, if I was to sell it as it is now, I've asked a few people and also looked on eBay to see comparable vehicles.

The approx range I've been told is around £6-7k but nothing lower than £5k

But no, it's not for sale!!


Link to Spreadsheet