Home builders, contractors, construction resources, building permits, and everything you need to put down foundations in Bastrop County, Texas — thirty minutes from Austin, a world apart.
Why people choose to build here, and what the dirt and the structure actually cost.
Land is affordable compared to Austin. Beautiful Lost Pines setting. A growing community with improving infrastructure. Bastrop County permits are more straightforward than Travis County. Thirty minutes from Austin but a world apart.
Raw acreage in Bastrop County: $15,000–50,000 per acre depending on location and road access. Closer to town is more expensive. East of 71 is generally cheaper. Check for deed restrictions, easements, and flood zones before buying.
Custom home construction in Bastrop County: $150–250/sq ft depending on finishes. A 2,000 sq ft home runs $300K–500K for construction plus land. Modular/barndominium options: $80–150/sq ft. Container homes: see cargotown.com.
Most rural Bastrop County properties require septic. Conventional septic: $5,000–10,000. Aerobic systems (required in some areas): $10,000–20,000. Get a perc test before buying land. City sewer is available within Bastrop city limits.
The paperwork path — county versus city, utilities, and a realistic timeline.
Building permits are required for all structures. Apply through Bastrop County Development Services. Residential permit: $500–1,500 depending on project size. Plan review: 2–4 weeks. Inspections at foundation, framing, and final.
More requirements within city limits: zoning compliance, setback requirements, and design standards in the historic district. Building Department at City Hall. The process is well-organized but slower than county.
Electricity: Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative (most of county) or Austin Energy (some areas). Water: city water, water co-op, or well depending on location. Propane/natural gas varies by area. Internet: Spectrum, AT&T, or Starlink for rural.
Typical custom build: permits (4–8 weeks), site prep & foundation (2–4 weeks), framing (4–6 weeks), mechanicals (2–4 weeks), interior finish (4–8 weeks), final inspections (1–2 weeks). Total: 5–8 months.
Picking a builder, building to survive the Lost Pines, and the barndominium route.
Get 3+ bids. Check Texas DSHS registration. Ask for references and visit completed projects. Verify insurance. Get a detailed contract with fixed price and timeline. Tie the payment schedule to milestones, not dates.
After the 2011 wildfire, fire-resistant construction is critical in the Lost Pines. Use Class A roofing (metal or concrete tile), fiber-cement siding, tempered glass, enclosed eaves, and defensible space — 30+ feet clear around the structure.
Texas heat demands good insulation. Spray foam in walls and attic. Low-E windows. SEER 16+ HVAC. Consider solar (see cargosolar.com). A whole-house fan handles the shoulder seasons. Proper overhangs for shade.
Metal building homes are popular in Bastrop County. A 40x60 barndo shell: $30,000–50,000. Interior finish: $50–100/sq ft. A finished 2,400 sq ft barndo totals $150K–300K. Faster to build than conventional. Check county regulations.
Twenty home-building videos worth watching — cost breakdowns, owner-builds, and Texas barndominium tours.
Hand-picked, independent sites on building science, codes, and how-to.
Quick answers on permits, costs, timelines, and getting started.