3 Things to Look for in a Van Builder
It seems more and more, everyday van builders are popping up and claiming to be professionals, after building their own van. We’ve heard and seen so many stories from our clients and others who have had major issues with their vans. So, we’ve curated a list with the most important points to look for when searching for your new van builder!
Do they have a portfolio?
Saying you have experience is one thing but showing you, is another. Think of this as your van builder’s resume. We live in a day and age where, before we book any of our services, we Yelp it, we YouTube it and we ask our friends about it. So why not do the same with someone who is going to potentially be building your new home on wheels? Past projects build report and showing off their work via pictures, videos and / or client testimonials is key to knowing what you’re getting into. Remember, just because a van looks aesthetically pleasing, doesn’t mean your van builder is a pro. Ask for past projects!
Paperwork + Warranties
We all hate paperwork but honestly, it’s what will save your butt! Make sure that after you have your initial consultation with your van builder to discuss your wishes, that you receive a detailed quote with pricing on everything discussed so there isn’t anything hidden later. Invoices for progress payments should also arrive with ample time for payment based on your builder’s policies. Remember to also ask for their entire process procedures so you know what to expect through the entire build. Warranties for each component as well as any craftsmanship warranty offered should also be discussed early on.
Training + Ongoing Support
What happens after you’ve paid for your van? You have a shiny new vehicle and have no idea how to operate it! Make sure that your builder offers orientation, training, onboarding, operations and instructions on how to use and troubleshoot your systems. We typically spend 3-4 hours with our new clients going over every detail of the van as well as anything that can go wrong because we all know of Murphy’s Law and we believe it’s better to be prepared than otherwise. We also provide component manuals for all your systems as well as a simplified EGM manual that provides digestible tips on how to operate and troubleshoot your conversion’s operations. Chat with your considered van builder about what their onboarding looks like. Also ask about ongoing support. What happens if you have questions after you’ve left? Can you still reach out for ongoing support? It’s imperative to have someone that will answer your questions when in doubt!
