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School Bus → Mobile Tiny Home
Transform a retired school bus into a road-ready tiny home with sleeping quarters, a full kitchen, bathroom with shower, solar power, and fresh water systems.
Cost Range
$20,000 – $60,000
Timeline
12–30 weeks
Materials Cost
$17,280
Permits Cost
$600
Look for a retired school bus with low mileage and a reliable diesel engine. Inspect for rust on the frame and undercarriage. Government auctions and school district sales are good sources. Budget $3,000-$7,000.
Estimated time: 14 days
Remove all seats, rubber flooring, ceiling panels, and interior walls. This is physically demanding but straightforward. Wear a respirator for dust and old adhesives.
Estimated time: 4 days
Treat any rust spots on the frame and body. If you want more headroom, this is when you would raise the roof — a complex structural modification that adds $3,000-$8,000.
Estimated time: 10 days
Build a wood frame inside the bus walls. Install rigid foam or spray foam insulation in walls, ceiling, and floor. Lay a plywood subfloor.
Estimated time: 12 days
Install a solar panel array on the roof, a charge controller, battery bank (lithium or AGM), and an inverter. Wire the entire bus for 12V DC and 120V AC circuits.
Estimated time: 10 days
Install a fresh water tank, 12V water pump, water heater, and gray water tank. Plumb the kitchen sink, bathroom sink, and shower. Consider a composting toilet to avoid a black water tank.
Estimated time: 8 days
Frame and finish the bathroom enclosure, build kitchen cabinets, install countertops, and construct the bed platform with storage underneath.
Estimated time: 20 days
Install wall paneling, flooring, trim, lighting, and appliances. Add curtains, cushions, and storage solutions. Do a thorough road test and check all systems.
Estimated time: 14 days
| Material | Est. Cost | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Retired School Bus | $5,000 | Required |
| Rigid Foam Insulation | $800 | Required |
| Framing Lumber | $600 | Required |
| Solar Panel Kit (400W+) | $3,000 | Required |
| Lithium Battery Bank | $4,000 | Required |
| Inverter and Charge Controller | $800 | Required |
| Fresh Water Tank (50 gal) | $200 | Required |
| 12V Water Pump | $80 | Required |
| Composting Toilet | $1,000 | Optional |
| Propane Cooktop | $300 | Required |
| Mini Fridge (12V) | $400 | Required |
| Tongue and Groove Wall Paneling | $700 | Optional |
| Vinyl Plank Flooring | $400 | Required |
Transfer the bus title into your name and change the classification if required by your state
$100
Some states require re-registering converted buses as RVs, which may require an inspection
$300
Propane installations may need professional certification for insurance and safety compliance
$200