Anyone know of someone who can help build a few things for my van?

[mocean]

Unfortunately, Awesome Possum can't help me build out my van, so I'm looking for a referral to an experienced carpenter (well reputed van conversion co) who can install a floor, sink and one row of open cabinets in my van.  Awesome Possum is great for DIY and if not for my autoimmune issues, I might chance it. 

Really need some good referrals...

Thanks...

 

[desert_sailing]

I am not sure if looking for a van conversion company would be the best way to go. It sounds like the things you need are relatively simple for many experienced carpenter to handle. You could put an ad on craigslist, or search those already listed. You can check the yellow pages or even a church.. as those are known to have carpenters.

There may be someone here on the forums that could help as well..but since you don't indicate your general locale it may be hard to determine.

Hope you find someone. I am not much of a builder and am grateful I had a  buddy to most of the work for me.

I have done a bit of research  lately and comparing costs I think I could have bought prefab counters for a better price than I spent on labor and materials. Maybe that is an option you can check out? Under the heading of "materials" on craigslist you can often find cabinetry listed for sale.

 

[mocean]

Good points. I'm near Prescott AZ. I think if I could find someone to help me install the floor and frame out the walls, I could just buy a sink unit from Ikea. That's a great idea. I think I may need someone to build a row of open cabinets though. I don't think I trust Craigslist. I just thought someone in here might know someone who does good work

 

[nature lover]

desert_sailing - said "churches are know to have carpenters" In fact their boss is a Jewish carpenter.

 

[maki2]

a handyman service that has good reviews might be a source to check out. You can test them on a small project and see how it goes before contracting to have them make larger pieces.

Another place to get a reference for a Jack or Jill handy person is from local real estate companies.
There is also Angie's list.

 

[maki2]

a local company that installs carpet and vinyl flooring would be a good place to head to for getting plywood installed on the floor of the van. You don't have to get everything done by just one person. The floor will be a good job to begin with.

People in the local trades often have more than one skill set. So it could even be that the person who cuts and installs the flooring would take on framing out the walls, doing insulation and building your open shelving as a side job.

 

[mocean]

Thank you so much.

 

[highdesertranger]

I am confused, which is not hard to do.

highdesertranger

 

[jacqueg]

Simple. OP posts this message asking for help at 6 pm.

At 8 pm, he is upset that no one has yet responded. And then, of course, plenty of people do.

 

[Weight]

I got the church carpenter joke, even if it wasn't. I wouldn't work for someone that didn't trust me. or pay me.

 

[nature lover]

Weight - it was.

 

[desert_sailing]

I got the church carpenter joke, even if it wasn't. I wouldn't work for someone that didn't trust me. or pay me.

I wouldn't call it a "joke", but the reference WAS intentional.

 

[Tony's Dream]

I wanted to do a van build too, but didn't want to spend the up front cash. If I lived closer, I would love to help you. I would do it for free, my fee would be the experience I would get. I have general contracting experience, but I lack experience with 12 volt systems and installing windows/AC in a van.

 

[LERCA]

Uh oh, you’re gonna get a line of people. I hope you live somewhere remote. LOL. Want a vacation in California? J/k

 

[jwhite]

I thought that places like lowes had installers for flooring ect I am sure they sub contract I would ask there.

 

[DannyB1954]

I have general contracting experience, but I lack experience with 12 volt systems and installing windows/AC in a van.

There are several good books written for marine 12 volt systems, (boats). 12 volt bible for boats comes to mind. it is about $6. https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-1...SGMaAnsCEALw_wcB#isbn=0071560912&idiq=2334899

About the only difference between RV's and boats is in the bonding of through hull fittings that RV's don't have. AC units are not hard. Cut a hole, brace it well and stick it in.  On my van I built a false wall in the back to give me storage for batteries propane generator and tools. I stuck a window AC into that. I can give you Youtube links to see if you like.

 

[DannyB1954]

I would like that link, please.

I did a series on my build. The one that best shows the solar and AC is
I Started doing the videos to document for myself what I did. I had a problem transferring the large files from my phone to the computer, (kept getting error messages), but the phone was happy to upload the same file to Youtube.
The complete build playlist is here if you want to see the whole process.
I talk pretty slow, so you might want to increase the playback speed to 1.25. Click on the gear thing at the bottom of the youtube video and choose speed.

 

[Qxxx]

Thanks for the links, DB. You have no idea how many of us out here would love to be living in a world such as you've created for yourself (reference to Odysseus). Some of us "can" have it both ways, .

For that matter of course, a number of popular full-time RV youtubers seem to be "going to ground" lately, and/or looking for refuge from the storm. Lenny, Panda, DestOpenRoads, CaravanCarolyn, RVSue, and Enigmatic whatshisname to name a few.

 

[user 423]

About the only difference between RV's and boats is in the bonding of through hull fittings that RV's don't have.

Many years ago I spent a summer on the OR and WA coasts in an old Class B that was my first actual RV.

I didn't know much about the systems but at the small town libraries I found many good books on boat electrical setups that were very helpful.

 

[grandpa pete]

Did we ever find out WHERE this person needs help

I'm in St. Pete Florida  .   Just finished a Promaster. . .l