Before embarking on their DIY renovation, the Cashios knew that the Airstream would become their full-time home—so it would have to be practical and family friendly. For $23,000, they transformed the tired-looking camper into a home with room for the boys to play with their toys, a bedroom that's separate from the living area, and a large kitchen that fits an apartment-sized fridge, a 24-inch oven, a 24-inch cooktop, and a microwave.

$3,000 Trailer	$1,400 Flooring	$1,100 Electrical
$700 Plumbing	$1,900 Air Conditioner & Fans	$2,500 Lumber
$1,600 Tile	$700 Bed Decor	$500 Lighting
$1,000 Toilet	$1,500 Axles & Water Tanks	$1,500 Insulation
$1,000 Rivets & Sealant	$700 Trailer Parts & Accessories	$1,800 Appliances
$600 Couch Cushions	$1,500 Miscellaneous Extras
Grand Total: $23,000

The Cashios relocated the rear bathroom to the middle of the space, and installed electrical appliances instead of gas appliances. “In most RVs, the cooktop, oven, fridge, and furnace all have the option of using propane. The reason we chose electric was for peace of mind and safety. We did not feel comfortable having propane appliances with the kids. Even with having a 50 amp plug and using a microwave, we never had any issues with running multiple appliances simultaneously,” says Colleen.

Before: The Entryway

After: The Entryway

The Cashios ditched the Airstream's worn-out aluminum interior walls for 1/8-inch plywood walls. They custom made all the furniture, and they built the cabinetry using half-inch birch plywood.

Before: The Kitchen

After: The Kitchen

Shop the Look

The Cashios tiled the shower and the kitchen backsplash, and they installed new, child-safe cork floors.

Before: The Bedroom

After: The Bedroom

The most challenging part of the project was an eight-month period during the renovation when the shell of the Airstream sat untouched away from the frame because the couple started to run low on funds.

“This was not only nerve-wracking but also very disappointing. We had to put our dreams on hold. But eventually it all worked out. Another challenging aspect is just renovating an Airstream in general. Airstreams are not like anything else. They are very unique and this was our first time doing this. They are time-consuming, but what renovation isn’t, right?” says Zach.

After: The Bathroom

Project Credits:

Interior Design: Zach and Colleen Cashio / @steadystreamincashios

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Budget Breakdown: A 1972 Airstream Sovereign Is Transformed Into a Family Home For $23K