Projects
Why Homeowners Choose TX Metal Barndos
- Local know-how: Experience with Bastrop County codes, utilities, soil types, and floodplain considerations.
- Turnkey delivery: Design, engineering, site prep, slab, shell, and finish-out — streamlined and accountable.
- Transparent pricing: Clear scopes, options, and allowances so there are no surprises.
- Pro craftsmanship: Steel crews, concrete teams, and finish carpenters who care about details.
- Longevity: Metal systems engineered for Texas heat, wind, and rain.
Building in the Area: Land, Lifestyle, and Location
This area offers room to spread out, quick access to Austin, and a relaxed, small-town feel anchored by the lost pines and the river. That combination makes it an ideal place for a modern metal home. Large spans and flexible layouts allow a generous great room, an oversized garage, or a separate shop with roll-up doors — all under one roof. Your project benefits from shorter build times, durable exterior panels, and energy-smart insulation that can tame long summers without sacrificing comfort.
Advantages of a Barndominium Structure
- Speed: Pre-engineered framing and panel systems accelerate dried-in milestones.
- Strength: Steel resists rot, pests, and many forms of storm damage better than traditional framing.
- Flexibility: Big open spans create living, hobby, and work zones without interior load walls.
- Efficiency: Tight envelopes, spray foam, and Low-E windows reduce cooling loads.
- Value: Competitive build costs and long service life keep ownership affordable.
Our Services
Turnkey Barndominiums
From concept to keys, our turnkey approach covers design, structural engineering, permitting, dirt work, slab, steel, roof, windows, doors, mechanicals, insulation, drywall, and finish-out. You work with one accountable builder and a documented schedule.
Barndominium Kits
For experienced DIY owners or clients with a preferred GC, we supply engineered steel packages, panel systems, fasteners, trims, and plan sets, plus tech support during delivery and erection. We can optionally assist with concrete and erection labor.
Custom Floor Plans
We tailor plans for open living, lofts, bonus rooms, home offices, and guest suites. Many local clients request combined shop-home layouts, RV bays, or covered breezeways that connect a garage to the main house.
Site Preparation & Dirt Work
Proper pad elevation, compaction, and drainage are critical in this region. Our team performs clearing, rough grade, select fill, moisture-conditioned compaction, and culvert or swale design to shed water away from the foundation.
Exterior Design Options
- Modern farmhouse: Light siding, dark trim, standing-seam roof, and large covered porches.
- Ranch classic: Deeper hues with stone wainscoting, wood accents, and timber posts.
- Industrial modern: Clean lines, larger glazing, and mono-slope or low-pitch roof profiles.
- Mixed materials: Brick, board-and-batten accents, and glass sliders for indoor-outdoor living.
Interior Finish Options
- Kitchens: Island workstations, walk-in pantries, gas ranges, and quartz or butcher-block tops.
- Baths: Walk-in showers, freestanding tubs, and double vanities.
- Living spaces: Vaulted ceilings, shiplap or clean drywall, and polished concrete or LVP.
- Storage: Mudrooms, built-ins, and hidden safes or storm closets.
Local Expertise & Permitting
We coordinate with county and municipal offices in and around the county, including areas like Cedar Creek, Red Rock, Camp Swift, Smithville, and Paige. Our process includes structural stamps where required, wind load verification, energy code compliance, and inspections scheduling. We also help plan for well and septic if you’re beyond city utilities.
Utilities & Infrastructure
- Septic: Coordination with licensed designers and installers for soil testing and permit packages.
- Water: Connection to city systems or well coordination outside service areas.
- Power & data: Conduit planning for future security cameras, networking, and EV charging.
Energy Efficiency & Sustainability
We specify insulated panels, spray foam, radiant barriers, and Low-E glazing to manage solar gain. For clients interested in energy independence, we pre-plan roof structure and conduit for solar arrays and battery storage. Efficient HVAC sizing paired with a tight envelope keeps interiors comfortable here without runaway utility bills.
Build for the Long Term
Steel shells resist pests and moisture, reducing maintenance. Exterior finishes are selected for UV stability and fast water shedding. Roof pitches and overhangs are tuned to regional rainfall to move water off the structure and away from the slab.
Popular Ways to Use a Barndominium
- Primary family residence with oversized kitchen and great room.
- Shop-house layouts combining workspace and quiet living quarters.
- Ranch or weekend retreat with bunk rooms for guests.
- Short-term rental near the river or parks.
- Event-friendly spaces with covered patios and catering access.
Floor Plan Ideas
Open-Concept Living
Kitchen, dining, and living flow together for effortless hosting. Large sliders lead to covered outdoor rooms for year-round enjoyment.
Two-Suite Configuration
Separate owner and guest wings with private baths. Add a flex room for a nursery, studio, or gym.
Loft + Balcony
A loft creates a quiet reading space or game room and can open to a balcony to capture breeze and views in the pines.
Shop + Home Combo
Detached or connected shops with roll-up doors, tool storage, and clean access to the house through a mudroom corridor.
Site Development Steps
Land Clearing
Selective clearing preserves shade trees and view corridors while making room for drives, utilities, and the house pad.
Driveway & Approach
All-weather access with correct base depth and compaction. We consider heavy delivery trucks and turning radii during design.
Pad Construction
Engineered fill, moisture conditioning, and compaction testing help protect your investment. Final grading ensures water flows away from the slab.
Drainage Strategy
Swales, culverts, and downspout routing reduce ponding and erosion around the building envelope.
Project Timeline
- Discovery & Budget: Goals, wish list, and investment range clarified.
- Pre-Design: Site visit, orientation, and utility review on site.
- Design & Engineering: Plans, structural review, and selections.
- Permitting: Submittals and approvals.
- Site Prep & Slab: Clearing, pad, forms, plumbing rough-in, and concrete.
- Steel & Shell: Frame, panels, roof, windows, and exterior doors.
- Rough-Ins: Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and low-voltage.
- Insulation & Drywall: Envelope sealed, walls finished.
- Interior Finish: Cabinetry, tops, flooring, tile, paint, and trim.
- Finals & Walkthrough: Punch list and handoff.
Financing & Insurance
We can introduce lenders familiar with land + build scenarios and barndominium construction draws. Our engineered plans and documented specs support underwriting and appraisal. We’ll also outline maintenance items that help keep insurance cost-effective for homes in the region.
Pricing & Allowances
Every site and plan is unique, so we build estimates from real quantities and selections rather than generic square-foot numbers. Your proposal will list structural specs, envelope details, interior allowances, and optional upgrades so you can prioritize where it matters most.
Quality Standards & Warranty
We align materials to service life: galvanized or coated fasteners, panel systems with manufacturer warranties, and roofing with tested wind ratings. Interior finishes are selected for durability and cleanability. You’ll receive warranty documentation at handoff.
Where We Build in Bastrop County
We serve properties in and around Bastrop, Cedar Creek, Red Rock, Smithville, Paige, Camp Swift, and rural acreage throughout the county. If your land is near county lines, ask about service to adjacent towns.
Barndominium FAQs
How long does a typical build take?
From permit to move-in, most projects range four to eight months, depending on scope, weather, and selections. Kit-only and shell-only timelines are shorter.
Can I customize the floor plan?
Absolutely. We design around your land, view, and daily habits. Many owners in this area want large kitchens, mudrooms, and covered outdoor rooms for year-round use.
What about financing?
We can connect you with lenders who routinely fund barndominium projects. Pre-approval helps us align design and budget from day one.
Is metal louder in the rain?
With proper insulation and drywall, interior sound is similar to conventional homes. Many clients find the sound pleasantly muted.
Do you offer shell-only?
Yes. We can build the slab and steel shell and hand off for your preferred interior contractor, or we can finish turnkey.
Barndominium vs. Traditional Home
Conventional homes are great for many needs, but a barndominium shines when you want big, clear-span spaces, integrated shops, or faster dried-in schedules. Steel is dimensionally stable and resistant to many common issues that plague stick framing. Owners here also appreciate panel finishes that are easy to clean and maintain.
Barndominium vs. Pole Barn House
Pole structures can be economical for some uses, but an engineered steel frame with slab foundation typically offers superior rigidity, finish quality, and long-term serviceability for year-round living.
Start Your Project
Tell us how you plan to live in the space — daily routines, hobbies, guests, vehicles, animals — and we’ll translate that into a plan and budget. A quick discovery call leads to a site review and a detailed estimate.
Call for a Free Barndominium Consultation
What Owners Say
“TX Metal Barndos handled our design and build with clear communication and a predictable schedule. The shop-home layout is perfect for our family.” — K. Miller
“Solid shell, quiet inside, and the slab is flawless. The crew respected our property and finished ahead of the rain.” — R. Alvarez
Pre-Build Checklist
- Confirm property boundaries and easements.
- Evaluate driveway approach and delivery access.
- Plan for water (city or well) and septic design.
- Identify views, sun angles, and prevailing winds.
- List the spaces you need now and those you might add later.
Selections Roadmap
- Exterior panel color, trim style, and roof profile.
- Window type and door packages.
- Insulation, HVAC, and water-heating strategy.
- Cabinet style, counters, tile, flooring, and paint.
- Lighting plan and low-voltage options.
Safety, Codes, and Inspections
Our projects follow applicable building, electrical, plumbing, and energy codes. We schedule inspections and maintain jobsite safety protocols. Locally, we also consider wildfire and wind exposure during design and material selection.
Care & Maintenance
Metal exteriors are easy to maintain. Keep gutters clear, wash panels annually, and inspect caulks and sealants as part of seasonal care. Interior finishes are selected for durability, so touch-ups are simple and infrequent.
Ready to Build?
Bring us your ideas or a napkin sketch and we’ll take it from there. With practical design, proven crews, and clear communication, TX Metal Barndos delivers barndominiums that feel like home on day one.