Build your conversion budget

The starting amounts are editable examples, not supplier quotes or surveyed average prices. Enter tax-inclusive prices and include delivery in each allowance. Set an item to zero if it does not apply.

Base van purchase (£)Repairs and preparation (£)Windows and ventilation (£)Insulation, lining and flooring (£)Electrical system (£)Water and plumbing (£)Bed, cabinets and storage (£)Cooking, fridge and heating (£)Tools and consumables (£)Paid labour and inspection (£)Other one-off costs (£)

Contingency on conversion costs (%)

Base van: £12,000
Conversion subtotal: £10,700
Contingency: £1,605
Total including van: £24,305

Calculated in your browser; no email or account required. Recurring insurance, fuel, maintenance and campsite costs are outside this one-off budget.

How the estimate works

Each line is an allowance you control. The calculator adds all conversion costs, applies your contingency percentage to that subtotal, then adds the base van. It does not add a second layer of tax: enter the amount you expect to pay, including any applicable tax and delivery. It is a planning worksheet, not a quotation or a prediction of resale value.

Worked example

The starting example includes £10,700 of conversion costs. A 15% contingency adds £1,605; with a £12,000 base van, the total is £24,305. Change one area at a time to see its effect. If you already own the van, enter zero for its purchase price to view the remaining cash budget.

Build the budget from a layout

Decide how many people travel and sleep in the van, which appliances you need, and where the major systems fit before choosing products. Windows, roof openings and hidden services affect both labour and the order of work. Record exact model numbers and quote dates outside the calculator so you can revisit an allowance when the design changes.

Keep the battery, charging, cable and protection costs together under electrics, then use the electrical calculator to develop that system. Use the UK conversion cost guide to review overlooked expenses and the conversion planning hub to organise the build sequence.

Common questions

Does this include paid installation?

Only the amount you enter for labour and inspection. Add specialist work and testing explicitly; free personal labour and paid work are different budget assumptions.

Is contingency applied to the van price?

No. This worksheet applies contingency to conversion costs only. Put vehicle repair allowances in the preparation line.

Can I compare different builds?

Download the CSV for each scenario, then change the allowances. The download keeps your itemised amounts and calculated total.

Is there a version for conversion businesses?

Yes. Businesses can configure their own prices and enquiry flow through the converter calculator embed.