It is up to you! You have the option to hire no one, outsource some work to professionals or outsource the entire bus conversion to professionals. The concept of a tiny mobile dwelling is simple,; however, it is important to know your limits and when to ask for help, especially when safety is concerned. A knowledgeable professional like an electrician or plumber can help you out immensely during those inevitable times of uncertainty, and can give a level of surety surrounding an otherwise DIY project.
If you really want to learn that particular skill, ask the professional if its okay to look over their shoulder and ask questions.
If you’ve started your school bus conversion and aren’t sure of what products to buy, then check out our skoolie supplies and shopping list essentials blog.
Option #1: Hire No One
We have some friends, William and Shelly, that converted their bus completely on their own. William also helps others convert their retired school buses into mobile dwellings, like he did for another friend, Karine.
Unsure of where to begin? Check out our guide to buying a used school bus for conversion.
Option #2: Outsource some work to professionals
This is the path we chose! When we converted our school bus, we started at level zero! My husband did the 95% of the build-out himself on a tight 7 month deadline. Towards the end of the project, a dear friend and carpenter helped us with the finishes and those jobs that are faster done with two people like framing our front door and helping run the propane gas lines.
We hired local electrical and plumbing professionals review our work at the rough-in and finishing stages so we felt comfortable and safe. We also had AC professionals connect our coolant lines since that requires special tools.
After we were on the road, another carpenter help us with some more carpentry finishes and storage solutions, his friend sprayed the interior and ceiling paint so we had a smooth and professional finish, and Eric’s old skydiving buddy installed a sick vinyl wrap on the exterior.
If you are looking into a roof raise for your rig, check out this blog where I list out some professionals and resources for this service.
Option #3: Outsource the entire bus conversion to professionals
Skilled labor costs more so expect to pay a flat fee for daily labor ($200/day) or hourly ($40/hr or more), depending on your location. We were out of Florida and did our conversion from 2020-2021.
Below are recommendations when finding someone to do the work:
- Have they built a
skoolie for themselves or others before? - Find someone with a proven track record for excellence (request past client recommendations, search on forums like Facebook groups and on YouTube)
- Obtain at least two detailed quotes with timeframes for completion
- Make sure everything is in writing
- Break up payments for big milestones (for example: retainer, demolition, build-out, completion)
How to Find Skoolie Builders
If you’ve decided that you want to hire a reputable professional to help you convert your school bus into a stunning mobile dwelling or assist you with fully custom mobile conversion, then check out our skoolie builder directory with 20+ builders across the USA and even one in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pro bus conversion?
A professional bus conversion or a pro bus conversion is a vehicle build-out and modification that is performed by a professional tradesman. A professional will have a portfolio of completed projects and should offer past client reviews as a support of their work.
A pro bus conversion is not done by someone who does this recreationally or as a DIY project (a “non professional bus conversion”).
Can I convert a bus to a camper?
Yes! You will learn so much doing it and you will be frustrated with the project at times but you will have made something with your own two hands that you can live and travel and live your dreams. You can make a school bus conversion as simple or as complex as you need for your travel lifestyle. You can also outsource some parts of the project or the entire bus conversion to a professional.
Not only that, but you can also insure your skoolie and register it as a motorhome (Florida-specific).
Learn more
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