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Project timeline for DIY builders

Nine phases from the first sketch to final approval – with dos, don'ts, tips and hints. The order saves rework and money.

With Pro this becomes your personal checklist

Tick off tasks, save your progress and get extra steps matched to your plan – for example for kitchen, bathroom, windows and bed.

Once your plan contains items, they add extra, personal tasks.

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1 · Planning & budget

This is where you decide whether the build is fun or a never-ending project. The more precise the plan, the fewer costly mistakes.

Tasks
  • Pro: From your plan …
✓ Do
  • Test the layout with masking tape or cardboard in the real vehicle
  • Decide sleeping first, then kitchen, then bathroom – in that order
  • Write down all wishes and sort them into “must” and “nice to have”
✕ Don't
  • Don't buy material before the layout is final
  • Don't trust manufacturer dimensions blindly – measure again
  • Don't start with decoration before technology and furniture are settled
💡 Tip
  • Test-lie on your tape-marked bed – you instantly see whether length and headroom work
  • Used material and clearance stock cut the budget noticeably
ℹ Hint
  • The planner roughly calculates usable space, cost and weight. Re-check all values before buying.

3 · Prepare the vehicle

Clean, dry, rust-free – insulation and adhesive only last on a good base.

Tasks
  • Pro: From your plan …
✓ Do
  • Treat rust immediately before building over it
  • Take photos of cables and clips while dismantling
  • Vacuum drilling swarf and dust thoroughly
✕ Don't
  • Don't insulate or glue over rust
  • Don't drill or grind where wiring or airbags may be
  • Don't just cover rust holes with sealant
💡 Tip
  • After a rainy day, check the inside for water traces
  • For spots that will be hidden later, add an extra layer of rust protection
ℹ Hint
  • Rust and moisture are the most common long-term damage from poorly prepared vehicles.

4 · Windows, roof hatch & mounting points

All cut-outs come before insulation – afterwards every mistake gets expensive.

Tasks
  • Pro: From your plan …
✓ Do
  • Make a cardboard template first, then touch the metal
  • Use only sealants and adhesives approved for vehicles
  • Degrease flanges before installation
✕ Don't
  • Don't cut through load-bearing ribs
  • Don't glue in frost or rain (follow manufacturer limits)
  • Don't leave swarf behind – it rusts quickly
💡 Tip
  • Mask the panel before cutting – protects the paint
  • Use a magnet to pick up swarf
ℹ Hint
  • Check sight lines in the planner: where does your head lie, where is the kitchen? That defines window positions.

5 · Insulation & pre-laying cables

Good insulation means quiet, warmth and protection from condensation. Cables go in now, not later.

Tasks
  • Pro: From your plan …
✓ Do
  • Use material that doesn't absorb moisture and is flame-retardant
  • Lay conduits with spare capacity
  • Photograph all cable routes before closing up
✕ Don't
  • No moisture-absorbing insulation without a vapour barrier
  • Don't route cables over sharp edges unprotected
  • Don't over-insulate if it costs valuable space
💡 Tip
  • Set the insulation thickness in the planner – usable space updates immediately
  • Don't forget doors and tailgate – it pays off especially there
ℹ Hint
  • The planner defaults to 3 cm of insulation. Check whether your material matches.

6 · Power, water & gas (rough-in)

This is about safety. For gas and 230 V: let professionals do it.

Tasks
  • Pro: From your plan …
✓ Do
  • Put the main fuse as close to the battery as possible
  • Choose generous cable sizes and label every line
  • Have the 230 V system checked by a qualified electrician
✕ Don't
  • Don't build or use a gas system uninspected
  • Don't use household cable for 12 V
  • Don't leave the battery loose – it becomes a projectile when braking
💡 Tip
  • Place tank and battery near the axle and low – it helps handling
  • Keep all connections accessible for later service
ℹ Hint
  • Many countries require periodic inspections for LPG systems. Ask your specialist.

7 · Floor, walls & ceiling

The interior starts. Waterproof, light materials pay off twice here.

Tasks
  • Pro: From your plan …
✓ Do
  • Use waterproof boards (e.g. film-faced plywood)
  • Use paper templates for curved panels
  • Plan access hatches for technical parts
✕ Don't
  • No chipboard in the floor – it swells when wet
  • Don't screw the floor down without access to lines and tanks
  • Don't build too heavy: every kilo counts
💡 Tip
  • Floor first, then walls – walls hide the floor edges
  • A marker and paper save material
ℹ Hint
  • In the planner you can hide walls, ceiling and floor – handy to check the build-up.

8 · Furniture & fit-out

Furniture must withstand acceleration, braking and cornering. Build light, fasten solidly.

Tasks
  • Pro: From your plan …
✓ Do
  • Mount heavy items low and near the axle
  • Use brackets and screws, not adhesive alone
  • Keep aisles at least 50–60 cm wide
✕ Don't
  • No loose parts or heavy items without securing
  • Don't load heavy things in lightly fixed overhead cabinets
  • Don't build the kitchen without a water and power concept
💡 Tip
  • A cardboard mock-up before cutting saves expensive wood
  • Light construction with plywood and aluminium profiles saves weight
ℹ Hint
  • The planner shows collisions and tight spots. Fix them before cutting the first board.

9 · Approval, testing & first trip

Now you see whether everything holds, is watertight and respects the weight limit.

Tasks
  • Pro: From your plan …
✓ Do
  • Bring all invoices, certificates and photos to the appointment
  • Keep a snag list and fix issues
  • Make your first trip nearby to test everything calmly
✕ Don't
  • Don't set off without a valid gas inspection if you have a gas system
  • Don't start a long trip without approval
  • Don't postpone safety-related defects
💡 Tip
  • Bring a friend for weighing – two people check more carefully
  • Note what annoys you after the first trip: the best builds evolve in rounds
ℹ Hint
  • Congratulations – your camper is done. Share your plan with friends, or look up builders near you.

Need help? Find camper builders near you →

This guide is general orientation, not legal or professional advice. Rules differ by country. Leave gas, 230 V and load-bearing parts to professionals.