Reason behind woman’s 32 trips to Bunnings

An Adelaide woman has stunned thousands of online users after she revealed why she made so many trips to the hardware store.

An Adelaide woman has stunned thousands of online users after she shared snaps of her epic caravan transformation that took 32 trips to Bunnings.

Kristy Todd, 41, is no newbie when it comes to renovating caravans. The mother-of-two and her husband, Jay, 42, managed to breathe new life into their first van – Miss Clementine – back in 2020 giving the vehicle a fresh new look.

And they have done it again, this time restoring a 1960s van they bought for $1600.

“We were looking for something to do together and when we came across ‘Penny’ we decided to do another caravan,” Kristy told news.com.au.

The van before … Picture: Facebook/Kristy Todd

The mum said they took a big risk with the van called Penny – removing two of the four single beds and building a small powder room with an electric flush toilet and floating vanity.

“We took out a set of bunks on the left side and replaced it with a powder room, Kristy said.

Her husband Jay built a wall which Kristy said was quite challenging due to the curvy structure of the van.

… and the van after the transformation. Picture: Facebook/Kristy Todd

“He also took out the window so we had a full back wall for the bathroom and put in a floating bench top, vanity, mirrors and a toilet.”

The couple spent $2000 on products from Bunnings including all the paint, bench tops and building materials.

Kirsty said in-between the seven-week project, she made 32 trips to her local Bunnings store that was conveniently located just two minutes from their home.

“Sometimes I would go there three times in one day,” she said.

Kristy made 32 trips to Bunnings for the caravan makeover. This is her at 7pm at her local store. Picture: Kristy Todd

Her husband Jay, 42, working hard. Picture: Kristy Todd

“We learned that plans change particularly when you’re working with old caravans.

“So we found we may needed to change our framing or wood.”

Instead of buying all the materials in one go, the pair bought as they needed it.

The DIY duo worked on the van before work, between 5am and 7am, and again after 4pm when they returned.

The Adelaide couple removed one of the bunks to add a powder room. Picture: Facebook/Kristy Todd

They added a wall between the powder room and remaining bunks. Picture: Facebook/Kristy Todd

“I like to keep a bit of the old; vintage is amazing. They built things strong and we live in a wasteful society so I would rather restore something back to its beauty, than buy something new,” Kristy said.

Kristy gave the van three fresh coats of crisp white paint using Dulux Wash & Wear for the interior and Dulux Metal Shield on the exterior. She also added chic wood-look flooring.

The powder room included a sink and toilet. Picture: Facebook/Kristy Todd

Rather than chuck our the cupboard, door handles, and hinges, the mother-of-two removed them and gave them a good clean.

“I sanded them back, took the surface rust off, primed and painted them,” she said.

The savvy mum also built a ladder with secure footing for the bunks.

The kitchen before … Picture: Facebook/Kristy Todd

… and after. Picture: Facebook/Kristy Todd

Kristy said weight was also a major factor during the renovation.

“When we did the powder room we matched the weight by weighing the materials going out with those coming in.”

Kristy posted ‘before and after’ photos of the transformation to the Facebook group Bunnings Mums, Inspiration, Hacks, Tips And Tricks – where she garnered more than 3700 ‘likes’ and almost 1000 comments.

“Wow, it looks absolutely amazing, well done!!!” one user wrote.

“Seriously great job! Looks like you’ve got a fair bit of space too. Well done,” a second person said, while a third was shocked it was the same van.

Kristy reupholstered the dining booth. Picture: Facebook/Kristy Todd

It can be converted into a double bed. Picture: Facebook/Kristy Todd

“It’s hard to believe it’s the same caravan. Well worth the effort,” one person wrote.

Kristy said she was blown away by all the positive feedback.

“I was really surprised,” she said. “I have a bad habit of not believing what we do is extra special so when people really love it, it blows my mind.”

Kristy said the weeks-long project was “well worth it”, adding she looks forward to handing over the keys.

“I love nothing more than knowing she will have another 50 years in her,” she said.

”She’s got a real homely feel and I’d imagine another family would be able to build their memories with her.”