VAN BUILD PROCESS

CONSULTATION

Every custom build begins with a conversation. A consultation—whether in person or over the phone—helps us get on the same page about your goals and ensures that I’m the right builder for your project. This is where we talk through where you are in the process, what you’re hoping to achieve, and how we can turn your ideas into a well-functioning adventure rig.

We’ll discuss your needs, timeline, and budget, and if you’re still exploring van options, I can help you navigate the decision-making process. Whether you’re comparing diesel vs. gas, evaluating different makes and models, or deciding between a low, mid, or high roof, I’ll walk you through the real-world pros and cons so you can choose a vehicle that truly fits your travel lifestyle.

Already have a van but feeling overwhelmed by the build process? I can help with that too. Together, we’ll create a clear plan of action and a thoughtful design that aligns with your goals—then I’ll handle the build so you end up with a camper that’s functional, reliable, and tailored to your adventures

SCHEDULING AND DEPOSIT

If you decide to move forward after the consultation, the next step is to reserve your spot in our full build schedule. At this stage, we’ll review general scheduling details and outline what the timeline will look like for your project.

To secure your position in the queue, we require a $1,000 non-refundable deposit. This deposit guarantees your build slot and is applied directly toward the Final Payment of your completed van.

Once the deposit is received, we’ll provide you with an estimated start date. Most full builds take 2–3 months or longer, depending on the complexity, customization level, and scope of the project.

This step ensures your build is locked in and allows us to begin preparing for a smooth, efficient start to your custom van conversion.

DESIGN

At Hilltop Van, every build is custom tailored—to the individual, their lifestyle, and their specific van. After our initial consultation, we move into the design phase, where we start shaping a layout that truly supports your intended style of travel.

Whether you already have a clear vision, a folder full of inspiration images, or you’re looking for guidance, I’m happy to walk through ideas, provide layout suggestions, and show examples of what’s possible. This is a collaborative process designed to help you make confident decisions.

During design, we’ll explore everything from materials and finishes to functional systems such as secondary power setups, plumbing, heating, solar, and more. Want a camper packed with the comforts of home? I love getting creative and building systems that make life on the road smooth and enjoyable.

We’ll talk through how you plan to use your space:

– Do you want the social, open feel of a bench-to-bed layout?

– Prefer the simplicity and comfort of a fixed bed so you never have to set it up after a long drive?

– Need clever storage solutions or multi-purpose cabinetry that makes the most of every inch?

I think through every piece of the van puzzle, drawing from both industry knowledge and my own experience traveling by van. Together, we’ll design a layout that doesn’t just look good—it works beautifully for the way you actually live and travel.

Every detail matters, and this is where your custom build truly begins to take shape.

COST AND BUDGET

Every build at Hilltop Van is fully custom, which means the final cost depends on your design choices, materials, and the overall complexity of the project. While materials certainly factor in, time is the biggest driver of cost—and more intricate builds naturally require more hours. Our work is billed on a time-and-materials basis at a shop rate of $125/hour.

One of the first questions we hear is, “What will it cost?” It’s a big question, and we want to be as transparent as possible. Most full builds take 300–500+ hours to complete, depending on the features, systems, and details involved. Labor for a full build typically starts around $25–30k, with materials and components added on top. Items such as refrigerators, electrical systems, heaters, plumbing, or solar setups will increase the total cost—not only because of the component prices, but also due to the time required for proper installation.

With that said, I’m always happy to discuss your wants and needs relative to your budget. We can create something simple and functional or go all-out with a fully equipped, comfort-forward build—whatever best matches your lifestyle and travel goals. My aim is to keep your project as close to your target budget as realistically possible while still delivering a safe, reliable, and highly functional van.

Reach out and share what you’re envisioning. From there, I can give you a general cost expectation so you know what to plan for before moving forward.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

To keep the build process smooth and transparent, we follow a simple, milestone-based payment structure. This approach ensures materials are covered upfront and labor payments align with progress, giving both you and Hilltop Van clarity and confidence throughout the project.

1. Deposit — $1,000
This non-refundable deposit reserves your spot in our full build schedule. It is applied toward your final payment.

2. Start of Build — 50% of Estimated Labor + All Materials
Before work begins, we collect half of the estimated labor cost along with the full cost of materials. This allows us to source and order everything needed for your custom build without delay.

3. Midway Payment — 25% of Estimated Labor
At roughly the halfway point of the project, we collect another portion of the labor cost. This aligns payment with the progress made on your van.

4. Final Payment — Remaining Labor + Any Additional Costs
Upon completion, the remaining labor balance is due, along with any additional materials or change-order items added during the build. Your initial deposit is credited here as well.

This payment schedule ensures that your project is properly funded from start to finish, while keeping the process clear, fair, and predictable. If you have questions or need to discuss how this fits with your budget, we’re always happy to talk through the details.

BUILDING

Once your project is underway, we keep you informed every step of the way. You can request photos at any time, or schedule a visit to see the progress in person. Updates are as frequent as you’d like, so you always know where your build stands.

The building process is a major undertaking. While photos can show progress, it’s not always easy to capture the time, detail, and planning that go into each stage. Every step is carefully thought out to ensure that your van is built with purpose, intention, and long-term functionality.

We appreciate your patience and trust as we bring your custom van to life—what may look like a small detail often represents hours of planning, craftsmanship, and problem-solving behind the scenes.

Build Completion & Pickup

This is the day we’ve both been waiting for—your custom van is ready! Once the build is finalized, we’ll reach out to schedule a pickup date.

When you arrive, we’ll walk you through every feature, explain how everything works, and answer any questions you may have. At this time, the final remaining balance—minus your $1,000 scheduling deposit—is due.

We want you to feel confident and excited as you drive away in your fully functional, custom-built van, ready for all the adventures ahead.

EXPLORE!

Whether it’s traveling in your own hometown or beyond state lines, we encourage everyone to draw lines on maps, and see as much of this world as you can. After all… that’s what we are really in the business of: facilitating a comfortable form of travel for exploration on the open road!