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Architecture Student’s $10k Skoolie Bus Transformation


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Caleb hated paying for rent, so he started saving up for a school bus conversion. He found his rig for $3K on Facebook Marketplace, and used the remaining $7k on renovations. You would never believe he spent so little! This has to be one of the most gorgeous skoolies I’ve seen, and it strays from the norm with it’s innovative layout.

He (@roamerbus) is currently a architecture Master’s student, and he put his training into action when creating his floor plan — you walk right into the kitchen (complete with semi-truck-bed countertops), and then move back through an eating area with a hidden keyboard and a huge closet, and finally to the open living and bedroom area.

In the very back, Caleb tucked his toilet and shower (which he is still waiting on funds to complete). I can’t say enough good things about his design, so check out the video tour with Tiny Home Tours below!

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Gorgeous Budget Bus Conversion with Industrial Design

Architecture Student’s $10k Skoolie Bus Transformation 2

Images via Tiny Home Tours

Love the way he did the flooring down there.

Architecture Student’s $10k Skoolie Bus Transformation

Images via Tiny Home Tours

Because Caleb is taller, he added this cut out in the roof for more space.

Architecture Student’s $10k Skoolie Bus Transformation 7

Images via Tiny Home Tours

He has the keyboard under his table and then there’s the huge closet.

Architecture Student’s $10k Skoolie Bus Transformation 6

Images via Tiny Home Tours

The living room and bedroom flow seamlessly together.

Architecture Student’s $10k Skoolie Bus Transformation 4

Images via Tiny Home Tours

That copper piping is actually PVC!

Architecture Student’s $10k Skoolie Bus Transformation 3

Images via Tiny Home Tours

VIDEO: Architecture Student & His Gorgeous DIY School Bus Conversion

Highlights:

  • Kitchen with stove and electric cooktop
  • Uses Airfryer and Instant pot for most meals
  • Apartment-sized refrigerator
  • Giant closet
  • Hidden keyboard
  • Bathroom in back of bus
  • Just $10k for bus and conversion costs

Learn More:

Related Stories:

Our big thanks to Allison for sharing! 🙏

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Natalie C. McKee

Natalie C. McKee is a contributor for Tiny House Talk and the Tiny House Newsletter. She's a wife, and mama of three little kids. She and her family are homesteaders with sheep, goats, chickens, ducks and quail on their happy little acre.

Latest posts by Natalie C. McKee (see all)

{ 13 comments… add one }
  • RONN
    November 19, 2020, 7:28 am

    ONE OF THE BEST CONVERSIONS IVE EVER SEEN!
    and on a great budget to boot. kudos…………….

    • Natalie C. McKee
      November 19, 2020, 1:16 pm

      I agree! It’s stunning.

  • Marsha Cowan
    November 19, 2020, 9:00 pm

    Really impressive! Absolutely gorgeous! I love the lights everywhere and it looks like some are in jars over the table. How clever! The living/bedroom area is a marvel of design, and I love how you did the lights in the overhead “grillwork”. Love the floor and kitchen work area. Everything is exceptionally thought out. A great build!! A wonderful home. . .

    • Natalie C. McKee
      November 20, 2020, 1:09 pm

      Yes he said they use those empty mason jars as their cups! So they screw them off, use them, wash them, and put them back. Too neat.

  • Sheila
    November 20, 2020, 1:05 am

    Caleb, you did a beautiful job on this bus. Is breath taking in the inside. I actually said wow! Thank you for sharing your beautiful creation. The bedroom is very classy. The entire inside is stunning.

    • Natalie C. McKee
      November 20, 2020, 1:00 pm

      Totally agree. And for such a great price!

  • Troy Reimer
    November 20, 2020, 3:33 am

    Wow what an incredible bus my friend for such a young fella very inspiring so many excellent custom ideas you are a very bright man ! Love the video as a matter of fact I’m going to save it I’m going to go look for a bus for sale right now I’ve considered buses before but I changed my mind after watching your video you got my juices flowing again thanks my friend keep on Roaming absolutely one of the best buses I’ve ever seen and I’ve seen a lot ! Troy from Vancouver eh ! 👍🏻🤘🏻🇨🇦🇺🇲🏆🥇🏅🍻

    • Natalie C. McKee
      November 20, 2020, 12:57 pm

      So glad you loved it. I am a huge fan of this one!

      • Troy Reimer
        November 20, 2020, 9:00 pm

        I couldn’t agree more such an awesome bus it’s really inspired me to start looking for my own now hope you’re doing well

  • Ursula
    November 20, 2020, 10:09 am

    Absolutely great looks fab so warm and cozy looking

  • Nancy M.
    November 27, 2020, 8:30 pm

    Love the layout. I love the fact that you left it as open as possible, and that you kept all the doors. Nice work on the outside paint job, too. Looks very livable, has everything needed, and pretty in every detail! Great work!

    • Natalie C. McKee
      December 1, 2020, 9:27 am

      The open feeling is incredible

  • Julie B
    May 27, 2022, 1:19 pm

    Wow, Amazing, outstanding job. Young man you have such a bright future ahead of you. I shared this with a few people and like the website guy said “This is the most gorgeous school’s I have ever seen” he hit it right on the nail. Your hard work, you love, heart and soul shows in your bus. You have a great sense of yourself and it matters to you what all the reason for the use of this bus show well thought out. I’m stealing some ideas would love to use them all, but my bus won’t be as long. Your ideas brilliant, I truly believe given your chosen job future you will go far. You rocked this out of the park Great job and happy trails.

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