There are plenty of things I know I'll do differently next time.Abigail Robertson for Insider In 2020, I spent two months turning a 2012 Ford Transit Connect into a micro-cabin on wheels. Since taking it on the road, I've realized there are plenty of things I wish I'd done differently. Tackling a fast reno schedule in the middle of winter while working full-time wasn't a good combo. When 2020 hit with all of its uncertainties, I knew there was no better time to start van life.I was working remotely, so I retreated to my childhood home in Ohio and spent two months and $12,500 turning a 2012 Ford Transit Connect into what I fondly call my micro-cabin on wheels.There are lots of things I'm proud of, but since hitting the road, I've learned a lot about what I should and shouldn't do for my next build.Here are my biggest regrets from the renovation process.Working full-time while converting the van wasn't idealMost mornings, I worked on the van from 7 or 8 a.m.