63: Red Flags to Watch Out For When Hiring a Van Builder with Kristen Bor of Bearfoot Theory

The Wayward Home Podcast

An Instagram-worthy van only goes so far - you need it to be functional and reliable for an enjoyable van life. Our guest, Kristen Bor from the popular outdoor and vanlife blog Bearfoot Theory, has lived on the road for 7 years and undergone 3 different van builds. She shares the nightmare experience of her first van build and the tough lessons she learned about hiring a custom van conversion company.
Kristen walks us through the most important considerations when hiring a van conversion company. First, learn what to look out for in a builder, from asking for references to examining their work firsthand. Kristen stresses the importance of getting educated on van systems beforehand so you can assess builders’ expertise, and to make sure their construction approach matches your planned van use.
We also compare notes on the many van builds we've each experienced, uncovering some key insights on features, materials, and components that might look good but do not always hold up for real life on the road. This episode will not only equip you with the necessary insights for a successful van build but also avoid the potential pitfalls in the process.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Free Van Life Email Series
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Chapters

1. Nightmare Van Build Experiences & Tips (00:00:00)

2. Considerations for Hiring a Van Builder (00:13:11)

3. Designing Van Layouts and Choosing Materials (00:24:31)

4. Barefoot Theory Blog and Van Life (00:39:43)

5. Innovation and Layouts (00:43:33)