The first impression Meag got from the bus—which had its original black paint chipped away to reveal the dull, red primer underneath—was "don’t come too close, I’ll bite you," but Ben felt that it had great bones and plenty of potential. Photo 19 of 22 in 11 Skillful School Bus Conversions That Get an A-Plus in Our Book from Budget Breakdown: A Prison Bus Becomes a Couple’s First Home For $26K

11 Skillful School Bus Conversions That Get an A-Plus in Our Book

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Meag and Ben Poirier snapped up this 31-foot bus—formerly a prison transport vehicle and a mobile command center for the Sheriff’s Department in Fairfax County, Virginia—on Craigslist for $8,000. Over the next two years, the duo converted the 1989 Chevy B6P into a 165-square-foot home. "Everything from the cabinets and drawers to the bed frame and curtains are fully custom; we made it all from scratch," says Ben.