„The husband took the opportunity while his wife was away to give her dreary kitchen a complete makeover! 😲 Picture the housewife’s astonishment upon returning and witnessing the transformed result, with photos available in this article! 👇👇👇“
A couple took their skoolie conversion to the next level by incorporating a loft, overcoming the challenge of creating a spacious living space for their family of seven. Jeff and Ann embarked on this project in 2017 after having their fourth child, purchasing a school bus that would eventually become their comfortable and functional mobile home six years later.
The exterior of their skoolie may appear modest, but the interior space is surprisingly perfect for their large family. Fully equipped with amenities comparable to a traditional home, they have a washer-dryer, a 120-volt fridge, a spacious sink, butcher block countertops, storage for pans and pots, and a 24-inch propane stove.
During the initial construction, they built the main level, and after three years, they progressed to the next phase, taking into account lessons learned and improvements desired. The second phase involved repositioning the entry door, countertop, and washer, along with constructing new cabinets and storage. Jeff’s workspace as a remote software designer was also integrated during this phase.
Safety was a priority, and the skoolie was equipped with fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors, and smoke detectors. The mobile home boasts plenty of hidden storage, including a couch with pull-out cushions and side storage that transforms into a table. The living space features a bookcase, mini-split climate control systems powered by solar energy, and an ingenious bathroom with a composting toilet, an Ikea sink and cabinet set, and a ceramic tile shower with a nine-foot ceiling.
The master’s bedroom includes a king-sized bed with storage underneath, and the skoolie’s bathroom retains its original mirror as a decorative touch. The children’s room is cleverly designed with three bunk beds to provide each child with their own space.
An essential aspect of their adventure is the tow jeep behind the bus, required due to the challenges of moving a large skoolie. Jeff and Ann faced initial difficulties but learned to navigate efficiently using an RV-specific GPS app that considers weight, height, and length for route planning.
The total cost of their skoolie conversion reached $50,000, with the bus purchased for $4,000 and $35,000 spent on the initial phase, followed by an additional $15,000 in the second phase. Despite the cost and challenges, Jeff encourages others to pursue their dreams of building a mobile home, emphasizing that the effort is worthwhile. Watch the family’s incredible skoolie conversion in this video.