Home builders, contractors, construction resources, building permits, and everything you need to build in Bastrop County, Texas.
Land is affordable compared to Austin. Beautiful Lost Pines setting. Growing community with improving infrastructure. Bastrop County permits are more straightforward than Travis County. 30 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: $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 systems. Conventional septic: $5,000-10,000. Aerobic system (required in some areas): $10,000-20,000. Get a perc test before buying land. City sewer available in Bastrop city limits.
Building permits 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, design standards in historic district. Building Department at City Hall. Process is well-organized but slower than county.
Electricity: Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative (most of county) or Austin Energy (some areas). Water: depends on location (city water, water co-op, or well). Propane/natural gas: depends on area. Internet: Spectrum, AT&T, or Starlink for rural.
Typical custom home build timeline in Bastrop County: 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.
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. Payment schedule should be tied 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), fire-resistant siding (fiber cement), tempered glass, enclosed eaves, and defensible space (30+ feet clear around structure).
Texas heat demands good insulation. Spray foam in walls and attic. Low-E windows. SEER 16+ HVAC. Consider solar (see cargosolar.com). Whole-house fan for shoulder seasons. Proper overhang for shade.
Metal building homes are popular in Bastrop County. 40x60 barndo shell: $30,000-50,000. Interior finish: $50-100/sq ft. Total for a 2,400 sq ft finished barndo: $150K-300K. Faster to build than conventional. Check county regulations.