School Bus Conversion Tour - A Very Honest Look into an Amateur Tiny Home Build

It took me 2.5 years to convert this school bus into a tiny home on wheels and many mistakes were made. In this video i take you through the full tour of my amateur build, mistakes and all.
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[@David_S52]

You are such a joy to watch and listen to. It’s been a fun journey watching you build your home. The bus is you! Your personality shows from the front door to the bedroom. Be proud of what you’ve done

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

thank you 😊

[@Charmander97]

Absolutely agree.

[@Matticus-mb6wl]

You are funny! I so related to your getting bored with a project and it never quite finishing the way you want. I love you can accept it about yourself. I am not quite there yet. 😅

[@beeenn649]

Agree, and it's refreshing to see a nice young lady that isn't covered with tattoos and has every body part pierced.

[@ygrittesnow1701]

First your dress is incredibly hot. You have a space that meets your needs. And you made it what it is. You have every right to feel a sense of pride in what you've accomplished. People spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to buy a manufactured RV to accomplish what you did on your own. What you call imperfections most of your fans would call character quirks. At the end of the day when you decide this isn't the life for you any more I have no doubt you will have people lining up to buy this from you. Lots of love. Stay safe and happy Emma.

[@dcheever07]

I got happier and happier as your story unfolded, My jaw hurts from smiling.

[@kenhoward3512]

Emma is so expressive and articulate (not to mention the construction skills). This bus's interior seems much more livable and home-like than most vans.

[@vincentshellard1273]

Probably thee most authentic and interesting van or bus build i've watched ,and very much enjoyed.

[@darkside7656]

I got to say I'm thoroughly impressed for someone that does not have a lot of knowledge about how to do certain things you did an excellent job I hope when I start mine it goes that well

[@stephenrosumek3503]

Emma, the bus is you,you’ve done a fantastic job converting it,and you look stunning in that dress

[@MartyG1957]

Emma, you look really good in a dress! ok, back on topic...your bus turned out good, and looks really comfortable. You should be proud of yourself. It's been fun following you on your journey

[@darangemaster1]

i actually think you did a pretty good gob for not having any experience ! i also think you are adorable

[@ianedwards9136]

you look stunning in that dress. so cute. you have done a great job building the bus, well done

[@DeAnnaG_KissingFrogsMedia]

Emma, you have done a wonderful job on your bus. Brava! I do have one piece of unsolicited advice though, no matter what you do for the next few chapters of your life, don’t get rid of Birdie the bus, and take care of her. Life is gonna life, but that bus can be a very useful asset later on down the line. Think of her like an insurance policy, escape pod, mobile office, sanity saver, whatever. Not really telling you what to do, but please just consider it from the perspective of an older woman who has had life kick her in the shins a few times. Again, Brava ! And whatever you decide may you always be blessed. Much Respect.

[@marioilmoro3224]

Probably the most entertaining skoolie tour I have watched. Your sense of humor is refreshing and funny.

[@michaelmitten2977]

I've enjoyed watching you build your bus with all your great touches, and all your singing. I saw where you said you may be giving up bus life. That'll be a sad day. You looked great in that dress. :)

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

thank you!

[@sheilacaroselli6485]

Your hilarious and you've made a 50 yr old women feel like I can actually do this.

[@prettyinpinky5937]

This is the BEST bus I’ve seen so far. I think it’s the owner and how you told us about it. I like it more than the other more aesthetically pleasing ones!

[@williamwoolcock]

Nice to see an honest non presumptuous tour.

[@btownes5632]

Happy Bus Shenanigans!!! You definitely deserve it!! You should be very proud.

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

thank you!

[@francoisg1393]

You look stunning in that dress. Seriously gorgeous. The skylight is indeed the showstopper of this bus. Be proud of all the work you've put in. You made your build a journey worth following. I enjoyed every moment of it.

[@vrusimov]

Perfect tour. Perfect dress. I remember all the projects...some of which didn't go so well. But...confidence and perseverance have grown immensely even "if" accuracy has not.

[@D_Cali_Life]

This girl is so entertaining lol

[@cmayne777]

I really like the rawness in showing and telling it how it is. Great video

[@michaelirizarry5037]

yes! it's finally emma day!💖

[@maratb5291]

Very nice work, Emma. Maybe it's not "done", but it's looking great. Birbie is a reflection of your bubbly personality, and very practical.

[@robbyoliver4953]

Hey just a suggestion, the front door the boards that bolted with a blunt bolt end sticking out. You can make that a little safer by, cutting those bolts off with a hack saw. And putting a cap nut on the end of the bolts if you leave threads. Cap nut have a rounded cap over one end. And smooth and would less likely to catch on you clothes or may help keep you from injuring yourself on the blunt bolt ends sticking out. In case you never thought of this or knew about cap nuts. Only thing is you probably have hacksaw the bolts off some. Or you could just cut the bolt ends off. But may need to file the ends some to make them smooth. I know you don’t want to work on the bus this summer, but these could be a little bit dangerous. And wouldn’t take long to do, maybe a hour. Pointer you can put another nut on the bolts for length of how much bolt need to leave for a cap nut and also a guide for cutting straight. Be careful and don’t catch yourself on them until do or if you do this.

[@squigtonianmayhem4602]

What a breath of fresh air, you are! Yer outlook and optimism caught me off guard. You are going to do so well with yer quest. Just because ya don't know it all, ya don't let that get in the way of figuring it out. Good luck.

[@johnhenry8424]

Not for sale. Enjoy , Have fun this summer. You earned it. Don't forget to bring us along

[@luciacuevas6419]

Girl you did more and better than I think I would have been able to do! The only thing I would have more of in my build (if I attempt one) is way more dead plants.. Great job, loved the little touches and personality you see everywhere but most of all, your story, sense of humor and how you bring it all to life but all very effortlessly made it also fun to watch! Natural talent girly keep it up!

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

dead plants are better than no plants, i guess? 😂😅 thank you!!

[@markhendrix5440]

I just love your sense of humor. Keep up the good work.

[@altarnation1580]

Your endearing charm captured my attention in your very first video. Your Birbie journey has been much more than entertaining, and you've done a great job! Thanks for letting us come along with you!

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

Thank you! 😊

[@tommotomlinson3370]

It's been great to see the bus evolve over the build....love the monkey on the front..such a good bike to get around on. Really pleased you love being in it with all of its quirkiness 🚌💨

[@jamesbeaman5944]

Not just the bedroom being you, but all of it. So great to watch your enthusiasm and taking full authorship of your personal build. Beautiful!!!

[@shereeallen4012]

Funny! Would like to see it in a year! Never had a tour like this before...I liked it.

[@spiceoflife4677]

I really enjoyed your walk -through video. It was funny and entertaining. I like how you mentioned the imperfections which I think are beautiful. You created a wonderful Skoolie.

[@sonjadlong7554]

Love Burbie!!!!! and you have done the MOST AMAZING THING!!!!! IT'S ALL AMAZING!!!!! I fell in love with the exterior color and watching that painting process. It's been so much fun and frustration watching the trial and error of tools, supplies and measurements. I remember the first time you attempted to drive the bus!!!!! Look at you now..... breaking down and still just taking on the challenge with confidence. I think the kitchen is perfect. That rolling chair at the desk ❤️ I think if I had a bus I would be tempted to find a matching couches that could oppose each other in velvet. Something vintage. The electric is great! Plugs exactly where they are needed. We got to watch a puppy grow. We got to watch a baby grow. We got to watch you grow! I know you are proud ❤️ Thank you so much for taking me on this journey. BLESSED

[@JustAskingAndCurios]

Sounds like pride of ownership and effort

[@stevenpeck5949]

Shenanigans, I love it. A reason to get up in the morning. 🌄🌅🌇

[@charlesdyer2376]

The Bus looks Great , and So Do You !!

[@samanthavincent9476]

Nicely done. You’re such a joy to listen to, I like your honesty.

[@hollyvick181]

You've done a great job hun. The bathroom is too cool, and you are a lovely and hilarious young lady.

[@warrengage9536]

Of all the bus builds and overlander videos I've watched for inspiration, and trust me I've watched tons, this is the most realistic and down to earth and applicable to me one I've seen so far!!

[@kannieschrijfnie2042]

The bus is really you and since you’re a very nice person as well as very good looking you know how I feel about Birbie. As always it is a pleasure to watch you and this time is no exception. Have a great summer and 👋 from 🇳🇱

[@WilEngelen]

To be honest, I followed you from the beginning. And whether or not you slowly learned your renovation lesson, it was you who could captivate me. As an experienced judge of people by looking objectively, I got to know a special lady with special gifts. Your honest view of yourself, acknowledging mistakes made, daring to name things that went well, it was all from your heart. That's what tied me to you. A kind of magnet iron experience. You really are a young woman who has learned your lesson through much trial and error and then fall again. Look how you renovated the bus, fantastic. Without the mistakes you had a perfect bus. But it is precisely those mistakes that have made you wiser and are part of your life. I will continue to follow you, you are really a woman to me at an age where I thought they were not yet ready for the age you will be. I've taken longer. It's the little things that make life beautiful and let you enjoy it, of which we as viewers can only thank you for the person you are now! Thank you.

[@ednajohnson8771]

Your bus is beautiful and your dress is fabulous

[@islandwitt1]

👍🏻❤️ love the honest tour 😁👍🏻❤️ I’m living in my bus, it’s ……. Mostly done too. 🤣. I’m a ‘senior’ lady and I’ve had my bus for 3 years now, and like you …… I’m over projects. 😖😆. BUT I do LOVE my bus home. I moved in Jan 2023, at first I felt like I was just “perching” in the bus. I still had lots of projects to be done and moving things here and there to work was a total pain. Now that my things are finding their place, and living routines are settling in, Ive found my favorite comfy spots, and my bus has achieved “Home” status. I’m proud of us. Both you and I, for hanging in there and making it real. I’m also proud of our ability to accept our limitations, and still make it all (mostly) happen as envisioned, though with wise compromise. Watching you has been a joy, your honesty through the process has been appreciated, especially during all those times I was screwing up and I knew I wasn’t alone in figuring stuff out, sometimes the hard way. 😆 I most sincerely hope I run across you out there and we can share build horror stories by a campfire, before you sell her. Bon Voyage & Safe Journey. 🙏❤️

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

💙💪

[@leisacrawford8090]

Your bus is beautiful. As for the "mistakes" you may have made, that's what makes it so special. There is a special beauty to the random & imperfect things in life. Embrace it. Happy trails!

[@Legions_Voice]

Hello from Ukraine! You made such a good house, it was really intresting to see handmade stuff and others not typical things.

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

Thank you! 😊

[@Childplz2221]

Emma I loved every second of your bus build every second thank for letting me watch you work

[@diedredunham7383]

I am glad you got it to this place in your build!! I have watched 98% of your build. So I watched you want to kick yourself because something was wrong and when you were proud of getting it done right. Consultation and I hope, and I'll pray your summer travels will be awesome!!

[@davep6977]

I don't know what your career choice will be, bus builder? It's been fun watching your progress. You'd make a great infomercial model or presenter. You're so interesting to watch. Very animated. Keep building, I'll keep watching

[@0HARE]

Great build for an amateur, and very functional & pleasing to the eye. I’m sure we are all looking forward to the further adventures you get up to. Happy Camping!

[@JeffeysMom]

Whatever makes YOU happy n comfty! I am a disabled senior that travel in a minivan n am searching for a small wheelchair bus. Great job!😁

[@gregtreadway3142]

I first discovered you when you were not so far into this project, and every week I have looked forward to seeing what you would come up with next. I hope to see more from you in the time to come.

[@GervaisingLifeOurWay]

Emma, thankyou for being you, such a refreshing perspective to see the build on a tiny budget and honestly being done. You remind me of my own daughter lol just a little. 😊

[@hollyvick181]

Same! Daughters.😊

[@fredricjulien8738]

I'm proud of what you accomplished on Birbie. I have to be honest and say that I haven't watched every single episode, but I saw most of the build and I know that it all wasn't easy. I'm glad you're taking time off from the build this summer and enjoying life. Thanks for the tour and all the extra effort you put into explaining the process. I'd have to say my favorite part of your build was the bathroom. As you described it being "just the right amount of weird." 🤣 🤩 The flower print dress looked nice on you. Have a great rest of your (build free) summer! 😎

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

thank you!

[@sylgemme]

Good job!🎉

[@BillFieds-tn9yj]

You look very pretty in your little summer dress I really loved the kitchen probably the most because I am 6 ft 4 and I have watched you from the beginning and it's been quite the journey you should be so proud of yourself 🙂❤️👍👍👍

[@bonelifer]

Skylight aside, you did an awesome job. Also Birbie's owner is super cute. Hope you have fun adventures.

[@miriamoverstreet7227]

I thoroughly enjoy watching you build your bus and all your adventures! Great job! Please continue to let us join you! I look forward to your videos!😘

[@themikeh1961]

You should be proud, Emma. It's amazing how much you've learned and done. I hope we'll keep seeing you.

[@tadotto]

I love the progress I'm seeing!!! I've owned my short school buss for four and a half years, and you are definitely farther along than I am.

[@milo341951]

I have loved watching you grow both A A young woman and enjoying all your travels.

[@davidroberts5577]

You've done a great job, you're bus has more space than my tiny home.☮️😉 Makes perfect sense dear soul.

[@davidroberts5577]

🦋☮️🦋🤗

[@crazyeightsable]

very nice.perfect isn't required.That is a cute little bathroom.

[@JohnSaxon-vw5vi]

All I can say is that I wish that I had done this earlier in my life when I was in my twenties as it is amazing and I love the bus please 🙏 stay safe and healthy and prayers and blessings for you and your family love your Aussie family friend John 💚💛💚💛

[@ribbleslipscomb5171]

Emma, I love Birbie, she is absolutely, perfectly, you. Good job, sis. ❤❤❤❤❤😂😂😂.

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

thank you 😊

[@Rich-wu7sf]

You slay me and have from the beginning. You are so real, so courageous, so willing to do what you have decided to do and what a great family and great friends. Bless you and your future endeavors. Enjoy dear one.

[@dannyfilms3790]

hey love your bus and your videos, keep it up! the honda monkey is also dope i ride too.

[@michaelcauser474]

Well done Young Lady. Your presentation was a breath of fresh air, with none of the standard descriptions many others use. Don't be afraid to try anything new that takes your fancy. The person who tells you that they have never made a mistake is either a liar or has never tried something different. Girls can do anything they set their mind to, so keep on being yourself. I wish you well on your travels and all your future projects.

[@44VeniceStreet]

You remind me of a "Bennett" sister from Jane A , original & competent. Thoroughly enjoyable.

[@wild13hawk]

Emma, sorry I'm late to this party, but two things: a. BEAUTIFUL dress; b. thank you for voicing the part about guests in the bus. I'm building mine in a way that isn't going to encourage much inside fellowship, and honestly wondered if I would be missing out on something there. Clearly not. 😘

[@kajuncourier]

That is the NEW definition of BIRBIE - Bus Illustrated Retro Base of Illusional Excellence

[@user-fq7yw4zy3f]

I can honestly say it’s fantastic. Anything that brings you happiness and comfort will lift your heart. I wish you all best in life and your efforts will continue provide everything you desire.

[@kathythorene5873]

I have so enjoyed your building journey. The bus looks good and functional. Good Job!

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

Thank you very much!

[@jodiewhipple9815]

You sure have come along way!!!! Way to go girl!!

[@genevievevalle3286]

You did good the bus looks pretty good inside. Not bad. Give yourself the credit you deserve. Lots of work. Stay safe, God bless.

[@darryllspalding9680]

its been a great Saturday breakfast viewing journey, all good , cheers Emma.

[@edrosa5079]

i love the way you look away from the camera when you talk also Great Job on the building of Birbie

[@hollyvick181]

Love her! A.d.h.d. at it's finest.❤😊

[@jeffjackman4888]

Sweet heart in a summer dress, you've done a great job on your build, I've watched every video thus far and plan to watch many more. Happy travels emma

[@StoneUFO]

My favorite bus build, always a treat

[@billsandrelli957]

Your tour was both entertaining and informative. And you drive the cute meter crazy. Keep up the great work I look forward to your videos .

[@richardbrooks3569]

Considering where you started, I think it turned out very nicely.

[@HistoricMetals]

Did a 29 foot rv for a good few years, now I hav e a 40 foot bluebird pusher, done by someone else, but Im gutting it and doing it again, because they made tons of mistakes. Anyway, based on my experience, your personal anecdotes and "mistakes" learned from and the lessons you shared about them, was super accurate. The good news is, every iteration is better than the last. Insert bus/life journey puns here.

[@user-lk2cj2qs1d]

Those dozens of kerf cuts to curve the wood That's how it's done a million thumbs up!

[@youngstersclothing]

Everything has came along really nice been watching since the beginning but haven't been on for a long time, still beautiful as always

[@damontcs]

Great tour. I've been subbed long enough to remember most of those projects. I've always appreciated you showing the bad as well as the good, and while you might have a bunch of things that you'd like a do-over for, I think that the "almost finished" build you show off here is something you can be proud of.

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

thanks for sticking around!

[@randy01usa]

you done a great job love it.but the best part of you'r buss is you cant wait to see you again .

[@Niteskate1]

Well done Emma, you have created a lovely home that you can be very proud of. It has been s joy watching from the very start, seeing the bus evolve. Now that you are pretty much done, I hope you will continue to take us along on your adventures.

[@garyunruh6945]

Love the bathroom, nice job on the toilet!!! Thank you for noting that a composting toilet is just two buckets, that will save me some $$$ if i ever decide to do something that would warrant having a toilet.

[@nealmurphy647]

I must have missed this video when it hit. Anyway, what a success story!!!! Love it!!!

[@seekersofrhythm]

Haven't watch your channel for a while and I have to say how impressed I am given that you had zero experience in this type of prjoect. Its looking lived in (which is how I like a place to feel).it gives the impression that you have lived in the bus foryears and some parts are looking a bit tired. The love way you have done your best work where it counts. (the toilet for example) Anywho, I had almost forgotten how much I love your channel and promise to watch regularly in future. Looking fine by the way. Best wishes and stay safe J. 🎉

[@richallen5408]

have followed you from the beginning and can say it was fun watching you skill levels and knowledge increase you have done a fantastic job now go enjoy the fruits of your labor

[@sangcoeurs]

After this tour I remember all the if and but, questions, good and bad decisions, and funny moments you offered us while building. Keep up the good work you`l ge/t there….waiting for your next video.

[@realamerican6101]

I would love a Bus like yours Emma !

[@sandra-sm2qk]

ur plants r still alive...good for u! luv ur videos...keep up the good work!

[@chadmutchler5062]

The dress is amazing

[@lonniefifer8178]

You did a real good job young lady. It pays to go after your dreams, even when you have ups and downs. Good luck on your summer adventures be safe and God bless you 🤗🐼🙏👍

[@EmmaBuildsBirbie]

thank you!!

[@espnmk]

I mean standing ovation great job KZbin approves, you pulled it off tons to do but your enjoying it and that's all that matters. Amazon can't keep bathroom wall paper in stock it's just jumping onto people's carts ready for purchase, (you should be compensated) the comments prove it love love love. well Rome wasn't built in a day and maybe not in two and half years but your bus has come a long way, just an awesome job I can't wait to see what you do next or what area you choose to work on. happy safe road shenanigans.

[@kaysenapowell5250]

I've been watching since you drove the bus for the first time great job, continue enjoying your journey

[@danielwood2134]

Hi Emma the bus looks great ,glad to see you again