Converting an old school bus into a new home on wheels is becoming a trend lately. It allows you to add a personal touch as opposed to buying a factory-made RV. But how much does it cost to turn a bus into a skoolie? Let’s find out!
The Bus
The price of a bus ranges drastically. A low-end used school bus may only be $4,000, whereas a newer, well-kept one can be upwards of $30,000. Considering that the skoolie’s primary function is to be a home rather than a form of transportation, there’s no need to splurge on a luxury bus. However, anything less than $4,000 may not be worth it, as the necessary repairs will likely be costly and there may be too much wear and tear.
Finding a bus dealer you trust can help you find a bus that works well for your renovation efforts. They can work with you and develop a game plan based on your budget. Plus, having someone in your corner who knows the ins and outs of a school bus is highly beneficial.
Maintenance
Assuming you found the perfect bus, you must then consider additional costs that put a dent in your budget. You should plan on setting aside a minimum of $3,000 to maintain your skoolie. Also, set aside an extra $1,000 every other year for more extensive repairs. You still need to do maintenance tasks like changing the oil, filters, and tires. The odds are you will need to make a minor repair.
Appliances
The last step of conversion is adding appliances to your skoolie. You only have so much room inside the bus, so your plans can’t be too extravagant. Nevertheless, most skoolies need a fridge and a range. Adding an expensive, state-of-the-art fridge is an excellent option for a home but not for a skoolie.
A standard-size refrigerator is a better choice. You should use the same strategy for the range as you do for the fridge, which means you should get something practical and small enough to have some wiggle room. You can eventually upgrade down the line if needed, which will only cost a few hundred dollars.
Electricity, HVAC, and Plumbing
Installation of the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems is where your budget will see the most strain. You want the skoolie to be fully functional. Thus, you need to have the features of a standard home inside the bus. In fact, it’s not uncommon for these steps to cost more than the bus itself. If you can get away with spending less than $10,000, consider it a win.
Conclusion
So, how much does it cost to turn a bus into a skoolie? You’re looking at a best-case scenario of around $30,000 for the conversion. That may be more than worth the investment for a constant traveler or an RV enthusiast.
