Van conversion budget: how much does it cost? (+ free online budget)

Updated 3 October 2026

Not counting the van itself, a DIY van conversion usually costs between 4,000 € and 15,000 €. Most of the spread comes from three items: electrics (lithium battery or not, solar), the kitchen and heating. Here are typical ranges item by item, so you can build your own budget.

Three budget levels

Level	Typical budget	What it gets you
Budget build	4,000 € – 8,000 €	Insulation, fixed bed, simple kitchen, battery and small solar, jerrycans
Mid-range	8,000 € – 15,000 €	Lithium battery, diesel heater, compressor fridge, windows and roof vent
Comfort / high-end	15,000 € and up	Large lithium bank, inverter, shower, hot water, high-end finish

The budget, item by item

Item	Details	Min	Max
Insulation	Armaflex, wool, cork… walls, roof and floor	300 €	1,200 €
Wall & ceiling panelling	Plywood, tongue and groove, battens	300 €	1,000 €
Floor	Plywood, floor covering	150 €	500 €
Electrics	Lithium battery, DC-DC charger, inverter, cables, fuses	1,000 €	4,000 €
Solar panels	Panels, MPPT controller, mounts	300 €	1,200 €
Furniture and bed	Wood, hardware, runners, hinges	800 €	3,000 €
Kitchen	Sink, gas or induction hob, compressor fridge	600 €	2,000 €
Water	Tanks or jerrycans, pump, water heater	200 €	1,000 €
Heating	Diesel or gas heater	150 €	1,800 €
Windows and vents	Windows, roof vent, extractor fan	300 €	1,500 €
Toilet and shower	Dry or chemical toilet, shower	100 €	1,500 €
Textiles and comfort	Mattress, curtains, cushions	300 €	1,200 €
Tools and consumables	Screws, glue, sealant, small tools	200 €	800 €
Registration as a motorhome	Inspection, paperwork, new papers	400 €	1,500 €
Total		5,100 €	22,200 €

Adding up the ranges gives 5,100 € to 22,200 € for a complete conversion. These figures are estimates based on typical retail prices for new parts in a DIY build; they vary with brands, second-hand finds and where you live.

A free budget, ready to fill in

Your conversion budget, ready to fill in

All these categories online, with min / max ranges, contingency and tracking of what you have paid, linked to your 3D plan. Free, no spreadsheet to download.

Create my free budget →

How to keep the budget under control

Keep 10–15 % for contingencies: you always run short of screws, a fitting or a cable.
Write a range (min / max) for each item rather than a single figure: you immediately see where the real uncertainty is.
Track real spending as you buy, not at the end: that is when you can still catch an overrun.
Size the electrics on your real needs (fridge, lights, laptop) rather than “just in case”: it is the item that overruns the most.
Buy second-hand what does not wear out (windows, sink, hob) and new what touches safety (gas, cables, fuses).

A cost calculator linked to the 3D plan

A spreadsheet works, but it does not know your bed is 1.40 m wide or how many square metres of insulation you need. In OurVan, every item of the 3D plan can be linked to a budget line: the app works out insulation areas and cable lengths, and compares planned versus actually paid, with a contingency percentage. Free, and you can share it with others.

FAQ

What is the average cost of a van conversion?

Not counting the van, most DIY conversions cost between 4,000 € and 15,000 €. A simple build can stay under 6,000 €; a well-equipped one easily goes past 15,000 €.

What is the most expensive part of a van conversion?

Usually the electrics (lithium battery, DC-DC charger, solar, inverter), followed by furniture and the kitchen.

Is there a spreadsheet template for a van build budget?

No spreadsheet needed: OurVan gives you a free online budget with all these categories, min / max ranges, a contingency percentage and expense tracking, linked to your 3D plan. You can also export it to keep a copy.