Norden Built - Custom Sprinter Van Conversions
Norden Built - Custom Sprinter Van Conversions

About Us

Norden Built - About usVan Conversion - Family Weekender

How It
Started

Hailing from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada our family of 5 always wanted to take advantage of our closeness to the Rockies.
The problem was, that as our family grew, finding sizeable accommodations that could comfortably fit our family at a moment's notice were hard to come by.
This problem spurred Karol’s curiosity in the “Van Life” movement. No stranger to vans, having owned Sprinter vans for 10 years prior as a contractor, he realized that the solution had been right under his nose. It was 2018 when the realization manifested into Karol’s first van conversion, a passion project done on his Sprinter Crew work van that spanned over a couple of weekends. "Soon, our family was able to go on weekend trips whenever life allowed and our family-friendly camper conversion quickly became a member of our family - lovingly named Helmut."

Since then, the journey continued and we decided to share our passion, building for clients throughout Canada and the U.S. We can't wait to see where else our journey with Norden Built will take us.

Our
Values

Craftsmanship Without Compromise

We obsess over the details - because details make all the difference. From precision carpentry to seamless electrical systems, every van we convert is built to stand the test of time, adventure, and the unexpected.

Sustainability in Motion

We care deeply about the planet we explore. That’s why we prioritize eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and low-impact design practices. Responsible travel starts with responsible building.

Collaboration Over Transaction

This is your home on wheels, and we treat it that way. We work hand-in-hand with you to understand your lifestyle, needs, and aesthetic - because your van should reflect you, not just a spec sheet.

Innovation Through Experience

Every build teaches us something new. We combine hands-on experience with forward-thinking design to push the limits of what’s possible inside a van. Smart storage, modular layouts, and off-grid readiness.

The Van Conversion
Build Process

Designing a custom van conversion involves a thorough and collaborative consulting process with clients to understand their unique needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Here's what you can expect for our process:

Understanding
Your Vision

Van Conversion - Cross Section
Van Conversion - Cross Section
Van Conversion Build
Van Conversion Build

- The process typically begins with an initial inquiry from the client. This could be through a website, email, or a phone call.

- We introduce our capability and expertise in van conversions to establish a friendly and open line of communication.

- Send the client a detailed questionnaire to gather basic information about their lifestyle, travel preferences, and specific requirements for the van conversion.

- Questions may include the number of travelers, preferred amenities, budget constraints, and any special considerations like pet accommodation or specific storage needs.

- Schedule an initial consultation meeting, either in person, over the phone, or through video conferencing.

- During this meeting, establish rapport, discuss the client's responses to the questionnaire, and delve deeper into their vision for van life.

- If feasible, conduct a site visit to assess the client's current van or help them choose a suitable base vehicle for conversion.

- Evaluate the available space, take measurements, and discuss potential design options based on the van's layout.

Bringing It
To Life

- Develop preliminary design concepts based on the gathered information and present these to the client.

- Utilize visual aids, such as sketches or 3D renderings, to help the client visualize the proposed van layout and features.

- Once the client approves a concept, collaborate on refining the details of the design. Discuss materials, colors, finishes, and specific features.

- Consider aspects like insulation, lighting, ventilation, sleeping arrangements, kitchen facilities, and bathroom options if desired.

- Provide the client with a detailed estimate of costs associated with the proposed design.

- Discuss any potential budget constraints and explore alternative options that align with the client's financial parameters.

- Iterate the design based on client feedback until a final design is agreed upon. This may involve multiple rounds of revisions and adjustments.

- Draft a comprehensive contract outlining the scope of work, deliverables, payment schedule, and project timeline.

- Ensure that both parties have a clear understanding of the terms and conditions.

"Karol builds well thought out campervans that are of a high quality where you can see it and more importantly where it counts the most behind the walls."
Diver Ralph, Edmonton, Alberta
"Karol and the guys from Norden Built are top notch, very friendly, well informed, and they ensure their products are well built."
JLM, Edmonton, Alberta
"The quality and craftsmanship of these customized vans goes above and beyond any travel van i've ever camped in. The insulated walls make winter easy."
Edward G, St Albert, Alberta
"The team at Norden Built are absolute PROFESSIONALS, experts in their craft and did a phenomenal job with everything I needed in my custom travel van."
Henery A., Okotoks, Alberta
"These vans are huge but still very easy to drive and they come fully stocked with everything you’ll want for a great exploration trip."
Kathleen D., Canmore, Alberta
Sprinter Van ConversionVan conversion buildVan conversion build

Starting
Your Adventure

Sprinter Van Conversion

- Keep the client informed during the construction phase with regular updates, photos, and milestone progress reports.

- Address any unforeseen challenges or changes in a transparent and collaborative manner.

- Schedule a final inspection with the client to ensure that the van conversion meets their expectations.

- Provide a thorough walkthrough of the van, explaining the functionality of each feature.

- We provide post-purchase support and guidance on maintenance, troubleshooting, or any additional modifications the client may desire.

FAQ's

Absolutely, we love having visitors! Just make sure to reach out to us to schedule an in-person visit.

As of right now we only work on Mercedes Sprinters. However, we are excited to announce that we are planning on expanding to Ford Transit based conversions in Fall 2024

We are happy to do partial conversions for our locally based clients. Keep in mind that all components installed in the build must be parts sourced by Norden Built.

In addition to our Canadian clients, we also do conversions for clients based out of the United States.

A van conversion can range anywhere from $60,000 to upwards of $150,000 CAD. Tell us more about the kind of van you're looking for and we can provide you with a rough price estimate.

If you're ready to start on your journey with Norden Built, reach out so that we can get you in the lineup. Make sure to let us know whether you have a van, or if you are needing one, so that we can prepare for your build accordingly. No van, no problem. We are more than happy to help you source a chassis.

As of right now we are booking a year out. So, if you contact us in September 2024, the expected start date of your conversion is September 2025.

This number varies as each conversion is unique. A ballpark estimate for a full conversion is anywhere from 3 to 6 months depending on parts availability and project complexity - however, completion time is subject to change for any number of reasons.

Occasionally we will have showcase builds available for sale! Be sure to regularly check out XXXX page - if a finished van is up for sale it will be posted there.