In short
A solid conversion starts with a clear use case: weekends, remote work, winter trips, or full-time living. At our Sant Julià de Ramis workshop we define priorities, phased budget, and legal limits with you before designing anything.
Before you start
- Note how many days per year you will use the van and in which seasons.
- Define homologated seats, bed, shower, kitchen, and workspace if you work remotely.
- Split budget between workshop labour, equipment, and possible homologación steps.
- Bring interior dimensions and photos of the current condition.
Real use vs. wish list
Many projects balloon because social media meets the garage. With Alexis at Belcampers we review how many people actually travel, whether you need an indoor or outdoor shower, and if the van doubles as an office. Weekend use does not need the same battery or heating as six months of full-time living. We pick three must-have functions and leave the rest for later phases. That keeps the budget honest and stops the van becoming a container for gear you never use.
Phased budgeting
A full workshop conversion includes body prep, insulation, flooring, systems, furniture, and finishes. Budgeting a weekend base is not the same as a project with stationary heating, hot water, and multimedia. The online configurator gives a rough idea; a firm quote comes after we see the van in person or on video. We can split the job into stages: structure and systems first, comfort later. That also allows homologación in steps when the project requires it, without keeping the vehicle off the road longer than necessary.
Travel style and compliance
Travel style drives technical choices: sleeping at altitude or in city parking, entering ITV with structural changes or equipment only. Not every project needs the same homologación; it depends on the vehicle and what you modify. We explain when a reform should be filed before driving with certain changes. In Girona we know the local ITV process and work with engineers when documentation is needed. The goal is not to scare you, but to show what each decision means from the first chat in the workshop.
How the first visit works
In Sant Julià de Ramis we receive the van, take measurements, and listen to your routine: dogs, kids, bikes, surf, remote work. From that we sketch a layout and system list. We do not sell DIY kits—we build and install in the workshop. Pinterest ideas are welcome; we adapt them to your actual base (Transporter, Jumper, Sprinter, etc.). You leave with a clear work order and, when appropriate, a written quote. No obligation to buy a fixed catalogue: every van is different.
Common mistakes
- Copying an online project without adapting it to your van and real use.
- Spending the whole budget on pretty furniture and starving the systems.
- Assuming any interior change needs no legal review.
When to bring it to the workshop
Want us to review your case? Message us from this guide or request a quote—we start by defining use and priorities with you.
FAQ
How much does a conversion cost in your workshop?
It depends on the van, starting condition, and systems you choose. Use the configurator for guidance and ask for a personal quote; we do not publish fixed prices because every van is a project.
Can I convert in phases?
Yes. Many clients start with a habitable base and essential systems, then expand. We plan the order so nothing has to be dismantled twice.
Do I need homologación from day one?
Not always. Some work is interior-only; others, like new windows or a bulkhead, may require a reform. We flag this in the first consultation.