Handcrafted, fully custom van builds
As ex-van-lifers ourselves, we know how important it is to have a durable, reliable van that is uniquely built around your lifestyle.
There are no pre-designed configuration options here — each van is entirely custom to what you need. From the layout down to the cabinetry hardware, we want to make your home feel uniquely yours.
Below you’ll learn about our design approach and build process, but don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any additional questions.
Our Process
01| Free Design Consult & Estimate
We’ll jump on a friendly, no-commitment call (or come in to our shop!) to better understand your vision for your dream van.
Perhaps you know exactly what you want for some aspects of your build, and feel a bit uncertain about others. With our wealth of experience, we’ll help you identify a build design that perfectly balances your functional needs, aesthetic desires, and budgetary requirements.
We’ll discuss layouts, timelines, amenities and more, with the goal of giving you a free yet highly detailed estimate that will help you get a picture of what your van could look like. We’ll even break out the estimate into separate sections for ultimate clarity, so you know how much of your budget is going to your electrical system, water system, kitchen cabinetry, exterior modifications and more.
02| Deposit & Design Phase
After reviewing your estimate and build proposal, we’ll naturally have some back and forth to fine tune your build. After a few calls to discuss revisions, we’ll undoubtedly land on a project scope and estimate that feels good and gets you excited.
Assuming you are ready to secure your spot on our build schedule, we’ll send over an invoice for 25% of the build cost, and you’ll officially be in our production run!
From here, we’ll start to get into the nitty gritty of your van’s design - primarily the more custom aspects of your build such as lighting design, custom cabinetry, and other personal touches.
Bring your van into our Boulder, CO shop by your scheduled start date, and we’ll get to work. At this time, the second 25% deposit is due.
As we progress with your build, you’ll receive constant updates. We’ll send you routine updates, and answer any questions you have. We’ll also chat with you about prepping for your new rig, whether it be furnishing it with finishing touches, getting insurance set up, or whatever else you need.
Plus, you’re more than welcome to come swing by the shop to see the van’s progress yourself! Once we are at the halfway point of your build, the third 25% deposit is due.
03| Building Begins
04| Hit the Road
With your new van complete, it’s time to pick up your keys!
Arrive at our shop and we’ll lead you through a comprehensive walkthrough and operation guide of your new build, to ensure you feel fully confident taking your new rig out on the open road.
From here, we’re always around to help, available via our cellphone, 24/7. That’s right - you’ll have Chris on speed dial for any questions you may have. Plus, your build comes with a 2 year warranty. Upon pickup, the final 25% deposit is due, and you are officially on the road with your new home on wheels.
Gallery
Client Testimonials
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"Cosmo" - Zach W
I have been thinking of doing full time van life for a while and thankfully found Chris at Dicot through my research. His aesthetic and craftsmanship drew me in, and as I got to know him more, his overall professionalism and trust he built sealed the deal and I couldn’t be more stoked with how everything turned out.
Working with Chris has been so much fun, and he put so much care and passion into this project to make Coco and my new adventure home truly perfect. No one I would trust more with this type of investment.
So a big S/O and thank you to Chris for creating this masterpiece from the ground up, and I can’t wait for all the adventures Coco and I are going to have in Cosmo. -
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"Jo" - Sally T
Choosing to use Dicot Designs for my van build was the absolute best decision! Chris was so incredibly helpful, patient, communicative, and thorough throughout the entire process. I have a unique work setup that I needed for the van and Dicot Designs tailored every single cabinet, drawer, and workspace exactly to what I needed for my setup.
I'm still wrapping my head around how beautiful the van is. Every single detail is well crafted and my vision for the interior turned out exactly as I wanted. The functionality aspects are incredible too – the storage space, electrical, water, and so on. I sleep a lot better at night knowing this van was made by the experts, and I can't wait to make some awesome memories traveling and working on the road. -
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"Velora" - Abel R
Chris just wrapped up a beautiful Sprinter build out for my partner and I, and we’re thrilled with the outcome. Chris preempted most of our questions throughout the process by proactively offering solutions to some of the different challenges presented by optimizing space in a van. He particularly excels at the aesthetics and craftsmanship of the van build process, and we’re especially pleased with the woodwork and lighting in our new van. Chris has been with us every step of the way in figuring out all the new features of our van, and went above and beyond in troubleshooting a one-off water system issue while we were on the road, even diagnosing and fixing the problem himself when it came to it. I’ve happily recommended Dicot to friends looking into vans and will continue doing so!
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"Manny" - Allie O
I could not be happier with my van conversion! Chris did an excellent job taking the time to learn about my needs in outfitting my 2020 Ford Transit (which I had started to convert myself before I got overwhelmed). The work he did was so professional. He's great with communication; I never felt left of out of the process. Chris finished my van before the timeline we originally discussed and was accommodating in fixing some continual issues with the heater (manufacturer defect). He took his time to go through all of the systems, including how to winterize the van, and has continued to answer my novice questions that come up from time to time. I would recommend Dicot Designs to anyone who wants a smooth custom van conversion experience. I've been in the van for over six months now (both hot and cold weather), and I can truly say that I love it more every day. Thanks Chris!
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"Onyx" - Jenilee
We bought "Onyx" from Chris & love every bit of our adventure van! The functionality, ingenuity, & attention to detail clearly show how great of a woodworker & craftsman Chris is! Plus the bonus of post-purchase advice & guidance is unmatched; he brings customer service to a whole new level! Not only are we happy & comfortable in our new travel home but we are supported & confident knowing Chris has done an amazing job.
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"Griam" - Geoff B
Working with Chris was a joy. From picking the van up from the dealership for us, to taking time to explain all the components of a van conversion to us (complete novices) in detail, Chris made the build process easy and enjoyable. We loved his creative suggestions for the woodworking and appreciated his patience when we took ages making decisions. It stood out to us that Chris really does do custom work - some other van converters we considered had a standard build and therefore less actual flexibility. He’s also just a really nice guy to work with, and gave us a wealth of helpful advice and suggestions. As others have pointed out, Chris’s woodworking is beautiful. We didn’t see the van until it was finished and we were so happy with it we have already talked to Chris about building some furniture for us.
Custom Van Builds - FAQ
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At this time, we primarily focus on Mercedes Sprinter vans.
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Our van builds are completely custom for our clients, which means each build has a different price based on the amenities and complexity.
That said, our more basic builds equipped with essential comforts like electrical, water, sleeping and heating typically start at $60k.
For our more premium, fully-equipped off-grid vans with suspension, exterior modifications, and other premium upgrades typically range from $85k - $150k.
Please note that this pricing is for the build itself and does not include the Sprinter van.
Reach out for a free, no-commitment estimate.
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Since all of our builds are entirely custom, timelines can vary quite a bit. That said, most builds take 8-10 weeks to complete.
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Absolutely!
We work with Mercedes-Benz dealerships across the country to access special fleet pricing as a van builder. By working with us, you gain access to Sprinter vans at reduced prices, based on the time of year.
Purchasing the van is easy, and the van can be delivered straight to our shop, reducing the hassle and getting you in a built out van even sooner.
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We do not offer financing ourselves, but we refer our customers to Lightstream, who offer private loans for most applicants. You can learn more here.
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We do it all! While we pride ourselves on our cabinetry and woodworking, we handle all aspects of your van in house, whether it be exterior modifications, electrical, plumbing, you name it.
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We build with longevity and durability at the heart of our work. But if something goes wrong with your build that was a result of our craftsmanship, we’ll fix it at no cost to you. We are happy to offer two year warranties on our builds for our customers.
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Absolutely! We’ve built a plethora of wide-ranging vans and have lived in them too. We’re experts on knowing what you might want out of a van build based on your lifestyle, and will help you discover how to build the perfect van for you within your budget.
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We are based in Boulder, Colorado, so you’ll have to deliver the van to the shop, or we can arrange a pickup for you. You should come for a visit though - we’ve got great beer, great people, and great views.
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Yes, we do offer delivery for finished custom builds. Send us a message to learn more about delivery.
Contact us
chris@dicotdesigns.com
(973)-903-6711
4700 Sterling Dr. Ste E
Boulder, CO 80301
By appointment only