Partially built Skoolie for Beginners

[MastersOfSky]

Good people of the school bus, I have a question!

Do you think there would be any interest in a full sized (40 foot) half built, starter Skoolie? I’m thinking something that has:

• The exterior changed just enough to comply with local laws
• Wood framed, subfloor and spray foamed interior
• AC breaker and circuits wired for a few lights, outlets
• Grey, black and freshwater tanks
• Two basic sinks, faucets, a shower head installed on framing
• An AC only 20 liter water heater
• All water, drainage and vent lines plumbed in
• A toilet installed

Basically a blank canvas with the bare minimum mechanical work done. Functioning hot/cold water, toilet, sinks, showerhead and power all mounted onto 2x4 framing. No cooktop, propane, fridge/freezer, finished floors/walls/ceiling.

With some conservative math, $13,000 ($7000 materials, $6000 for a bus) where I live on Vancouver Island. Labour estimate of 190 hours for a skilled tradesperson.

So, then you have a partially finished Skoolie for $20,000 CDN, would anyone buy it? If they could pay monthly payments, would anyone buy it then? I’m curious if there’s anything here, what do you think fellow Skoolie builders?

Also thank-you everyone for all the great detailed info, this website helped us extensively!

 

[nikitis]

Plenty of people would be fine with a nearly completed skoolie for 20k CDN. Some don't want to do a ton of work and just want to trip and travel.

 

[Rucker]

I like the thinking. This gives someone a leg up if they have the cash, their skills are relatively low and their time limited.

You will for sure get a lot of interest if you offer payments.

Rig mechanical condition would need to be pretty good-these old buses are pretty worn out, and a discerning buyer would want some kind of assurance that you may or may not be able to provide. Another possibility is you assist with finding a bus, and let them pick it out and buy it, then you do the basic work.

Remember also that some of the biggest challenges beyond mechanical repair are a)title and b)insurance. If the buyer is unable to navigate those waters you may find your monthly payments will dry up...might it be worth investing a little further into the bus to get it titled as an RV?

 

[Mr. Beefy]

This will unavoidably come off as cynical, but I can't imagine accepting payments on a partially-completed bus build as ending anything other than unhappilly for all parties involved.

 

[Narrow Path Explorer]

Would the target buyer be Canadian or American? I only ask because of the additional import requirements and expenses that may not be obvious to potential buyers from the states.

 

[nikitis]

This will unavoidably come off as cynical, but I can't imagine accepting payments on a partially-completed bus build as ending anything other than unhappilly for all parties involved.

Yeah I'd want my money up front from selling. Allow them to inspect and test all they want, but it's between them and the bank loan to give you the full asking amount.

 

[desrtdog]

Time for a little poll here…

How many people on this site have applied for and gotten a loan to buy and or build their bus?

I’m gonna wager that the number is very few, if any…

 

[Rucker]

So many of these threads where the rando question comes in, we do our best to answer, and the OP doesn't reply.

C'mon, MastersofSky, didja fall off the cliff? :-')

 

[Bjorkinman]

Don't do payments. If you are selling something rip the band aid off and wash your hands clean.
I liked broccoli bus and his statement when he sold "it has a brake light warranty, as soon as I cant see the brake lights the warranty is up"