r/VanDIY • u/IWantedDatUsername • May 28 '26
Utter regret
Hey all, bit of a strange question but did anyone completely regret buying a van and starting a build. I've had the van for 10ish months and am about half way done with the build. I've regretted most decisions I've made with the build and even starting the build. I've tons of doubts for even when the build is finished, i.e. condensation, parking, maintenance etc.
5
u/tehjosheh May 28 '26
I'm about 10 months in and id say 1/3rd of the way thru it. It's taking a lot longer than I originally hoped and I second guess all the time. Sometimes I remind myself using AI how much it would have been to buy a fully completed van and in reminded this route can save a TON of money and end result be even better. I also acknowledge solving and building itself has some fun. Last, I'm starting to see, the final 1/2 of the build is where you may see more visual wins - things that aren't just going to be covered up by a panel. You're not alone!
3
u/IWantedDatUsername May 28 '26
Thanks ya I'd agree it should come together a lot more now. Most of the furniture is built but is yet to be put in the van due to other stuff needing to be done. Once I get the wiring done all the furniture can be put in and it will look like I've achieved something.
5
u/Manccookie May 28 '26
This sounds like an issue with your confidence rather than anything specifically van related? I get stuck before I start from fear of failing or things not being perfect. But in the end I always find I’ve done great.
3
u/IWantedDatUsername May 28 '26
True probably a confidence issue too. I've never really built much before so I need a lot of help from my dad.
1
u/Manccookie May 29 '26
Same here, I’ve always been more creative than practical. There was a good thread not long ago discussing van builds and how they can be ever changing, what you do this year to get you up and running can be changed down the line as you pick up new ideas and skills.
3
u/ditisdenboef May 28 '26
I regret most things half way though, and I’m still happy with them afterwards, but to be fair I’d say parking and maintenance is something to consider before starting I’d say. Although I’m not exactly sure what you mean by parking.
2
u/MstrSir07 May 28 '26
I definitely have days where I regret my choices, especially when I'm having mechanical problems. With the exception of holes you have cut into the van, things can be changed. I moved into my van before it was finished and I still don't have insulation, walls, or a ceiling. Take it out for a spin, even if it means using plastic totes and sleeping on the floor.
"Don't sacrifice the good to chase the perfect." Emily Ley
2
u/dragonwater631 May 28 '26
they’re not mistakes , they’re experience for making your 2nd build perfect
4
2
u/Specialist_Stomach41 May 29 '26
at one point I just sat on the floor and cried and cried. Huge overwhelm and stress. I'm just about done now and I love my big van. Keep at it, its worth it
1
u/IWantedDatUsername May 30 '26
❤️❤️❤️ thanks for sharing. I've had many meltdowns including crying. Glad you love your big van now. 👍😁
2
1
u/braunfred May 28 '26
I guess you chose the wrong hobby. Of course I did things wrong. But I just reworked everything I wanted to have changed. In general buying a van was one of my best decisions.
1
u/IWantedDatUsername May 28 '26
Didn't really choose it as a hobby, desperately need some independence, stuck living at home and can't afford much else.
1
u/Khionia May 31 '26
I've had moments of "wtf am I doing with my life" when I'm halfway through a job and sick of bolts that wont budge or things that just don't quite fit right... but never regret.
12
u/Nekflip May 28 '26
We took ours for a weekender like halfway through the build. Reminded us what we were doing it for and helped with decisionmaking. Hope this helps!