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This couple's DIY 'Skoolie' bus conversion took 4 years and cost $20,000. See inside their 'mid-century' dream home.

Joshua ZitserMar 17, 2024, 18:00 IST

Joshua Beaman and Anna Morgan in front of their school bus, and the interior of their converted "Skoolie."Courtesy of Joshua Beaman/ The Haus Moves

Anna Morgan and Joshua Beaman bought a 30-foot school bus for $4,000.
They spent four years renovating it, using carpentry and bargain-hunting skills to save money.

Anna Morgan and Joshua Beaman have worked together for about eight years doing finish carpentry.

Being tradespeople helped them when they set out to renovate an old school bus.

It meant they didn't need to outsource work and could save money on the project. But they also saved a lot by being resourceful, using leftover wood and finding deals on Craigslist and at estate sales.

Look inside "The Haus Moves" and see how Beaman and Morgan completed their dream project.

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Joshua Beaman and Anna Morgan bought an old school bus for $4,000.

Courtesy of Joshua Beaman/ The Haus Moves

It was the perfect size and 'built like a tank.'

Courtesy of Joshua Beaman/ The Haus Moves

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The process of converting it into a home took around four years. They're glad they took their time.

Courtesy of Joshua Beaman/ The Haus Moves

Taking it slow meant they could take their time finding bargains. The couple searched far and wide for cheap materials.

Courtesy of Joshua Beaman/ The Haus Moves

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Morgan used Craigslist, estate sales, and even managed to get some materials for free.

Courtesy of Joshua Beaman/ The Haus Moves

They did all the work themselves.

Courtesy of Joshua Beaman/ The Haus Moves

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In total, it cost them around $20,000.

Courtesy of Joshua Beaman/ The Haus Moves

They saved a lot of money by using their skills as carpenters.

Courtesy of Joshua Beaman/ The Haus Moves

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They could also use their own tools, saving even more cash.

Courtesy of Joshua Beaman/ The Haus Moves

One area they tried to outsource was getting solar panels installed. But they ended up teaching themselves how to do it.

Courtesy of Joshua Beaman/ The Haus Moves

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They also taught themselves about plumbing.

Courtesy of Joshua Beaman/ The Haus Moves

The couple is still working out how to perfect certain aspects of the bus.

Courtesy of Joshua Beaman/ The Haus Moves

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Building the roof deck was complicated, they said, but they achieved what they wanted.

Courtesy of Joshua Beaman/ The Haus Moves

They also had to get creative to make sure their bed fit properly.

Courtesy of Joshua Beaman/ The Haus Moves

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There's lots of storage under the bed.

Courtesy of Joshua Beaman/ The Haus Moves

The tiny kitchen has a surprising amount of features.

Courtesy of Joshua Beaman/ The Haus Moves

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The couch also has multiple uses.

Courtesy of Joshua Beaman/ The Haus Moves

The couple spent a long time designing their perfect chairs.

Courtesy of Joshua Beaman/ The Haus Moves

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In addition to the furniture, the curved ceiling gives it a mid-century flair.

Courtesy of Joshua Beaman/ The Haus Moves

The bus can function as a music studio.

Courtesy of Joshua Beaman/ The Haus Moves

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The couple plans to continue traveling. They're enjoying life on the road.

Courtesy of Joshua Beaman/ The Haus Moves

They also plan to buy a piece of land to build a community of 'people on the move.'

Courtesy of Joshua Beaman/ The Haus Moves

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Their main piece of advice is to really think about what you're doing before you decide to embark on van life.

Courtesy of Joshua Beaman/ The Haus Moves

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