DIY vs Pro Conversion Cost Calculator

Should I count my own time in the DIY cost?

It depends on your situation. If you will take time off paid work or could realistically earn money elsewhere, you should give your time a euro value. That shows the **true** cost of DIY. If you build slowly in spare evenings and see it as a hobby, you can leave the hourly rate at zero and only compare **cash out of pocket**.

What hourly rate should I use for my time?

A simple rule: start with what you earn (or could earn) per hour in your main job. If your work is seasonal or flexible, use a conservative average. The goal is not to be perfect, but to answer: “If I spend these hours on the van, what income am I giving up?” Even a rough rate already changes how DIY vs Pro looks.

How do I pick a realistic sale price for the finished van?

Look at **actual listings** for similar vans: same base model, age, mileage and build quality. Ignore unrealistic “dream” prices that sit unsold for months. Use a **slightly conservative** estimate in the calculator so you do not rely on the very top of the market to make the numbers work.

Does this tool tell me what my van will really be worth?

No. The tool only applies simple maths to the numbers you enter. Real resale value depends on market demand, condition, documentation, layout, and how well the build is executed. Treat the result as a **scenario planner**, not a professional valuation.

What if I am not planning to sell the van at all?

You can still use the calculator. Set the expected sale price to something rough or leave it low, and focus on **total cost** and **difference between DIY and Pro**. In that case the key question is: “How much extra am I paying (or saving) for doing it myself vs paying a shop?”, not the final ROI.