Today we’d like to introduce you to Patricia Bauerlein.
Hi Patricia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Like many small businesses, we started by taking on the projects we could get. In the beginning, we built a lot of decks, pergolas, carports, and handled smaller remodeling jobs. Every project mattered to us, no matter the size, because we knew each one was an opportunity to earn someone’s trust and build our reputation.
As the years went by, our customers kept coming back. They would ask if we could build an addition, remodel an entire home, or even build a custom home from the ground up. Instead of saying, “That’s not what we do,” we chose to grow with them. We invested in expanding our knowledge, our team, and our capabilities so we could continue helping our clients with whatever they envisioned.
Today, we’re proud to build custom homes, major remodels, additions, commercial projects, outdoor living spaces, and just about anything else our customers need. But even though our projects have become much larger, our philosophy hasn’t changed.
One thing that really sets us apart is that we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Every family is different, every property is different, and every project has its own challenges. That’s especially true here in the Texas Hill Country, where no two lots are alike. We work with steep slopes, rocky terrain, mature trees, and existing homes that require creative solutions. Rather than trying to force a standard design onto every property, we enjoy finding the best way to make each project fit naturally with the land and, most importantly, our client’s vision.
For us, construction has never been about simply putting up another building. It’s about listening to our clients, understanding what they’re trying to accomplish, and creating something they’ll enjoy for years to come.
Looking back, we’re incredibly thankful for every customer who trusted us with those first small projects. They helped build the foundation of our company. Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue serving homeowners and businesses throughout the Hill Country with the same values we’ve always had—honesty, quality craftsmanship, and treating every project as if it were our own.
At the end of the day, we’re still the same company we were when we started. We just happen to build a lot bigger projects now.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like most small businesses, we’ve had our share of challenges. There were times when work was slow and we wondered where the next project would come from. There were long days, long nights, and plenty of moments where we had to make difficult decisions. Building a business takes a lot more than knowing how to build—it takes perseverance, faith, and the willingness to keep moving forward even when things don’t go as planned.
The construction industry has changed a lot over the years. We’ve worked through rising material costs, supply shortages, labor challenges, and the uncertainty that comes with owning a small business. Every obstacle taught us something and made us stronger.
One of the biggest lessons we learned was to never stop improving. Every challenge became an opportunity to learn a better way of doing things—whether that meant improving our communication with clients, refining our processes, or expanding our knowledge so we could take on larger and more complex projects.
We’ve been impressed with T5T Contracting LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
One thing I’d like people to know about T5T Contracting is that we’re not a company that believes in “cookie-cutter” construction. Every client, every property, and every project is unique, and we believe the finished product should reflect that.
We are a full-service construction company serving the Texas Hill Country and the greater Austin area, including Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Liberty Hill, Burnet, Marble Falls, Lago Vista, Johnson City, and the surrounding communities. We specialize in custom homes, major remodels, home additions, commercial construction, outdoor living spaces, decks, pergolas, barns, garages, carports, and just about any type of construction project our clients need. Whether we’re building a home from the ground up or transforming an existing space, our goal is always the same—to build something that is functional, beautiful, and built to last.
What truly sets us apart is our ability to adapt. Every property presents its own opportunities and challenges. Whether we’re building on a rocky Hill Country lot, working with steep elevations, remodeling an older home, or creating an addition that seamlessly blends with an existing structure, we take the time to design and build around the property—not force the property to fit a standard plan. Our focus is always on bringing our client’s vision to life while creating a finished product that looks like it was always meant to be there.
We’re also proud of the relationships we’ve built over the years. A large portion of our business comes from repeat customers and referrals, which tells us we’re doing something right. Many clients who first hired us for a deck or pergola have come back years later for a remodel, an addition, or even a custom home. There is no greater compliment than having someone trust you again with one of their biggest investments.
Our brand is built on honesty, communication, and craftsmanship. We believe our clients deserve to understand the construction process, feel comfortable asking questions, and know that we’re looking out for their best interests from start to finish. We don’t just want to complete a project—we want our clients to enjoy the experience and be proud of what we’ve built together.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
If I could give one piece of advice, it would be this: don’t be afraid to start small.
Too many people think they have to have everything figured out before they begin. The truth is, you learn by doing. We didn’t start out building custom homes and major commercial projects. We started by taking on smaller jobs, doing quality work, treating people right, and building our reputation one project at a time.
I’d also tell people to never stop learning. Every project, every challenge, and even every mistake teaches you something. The construction industry is constantly changing, and if you’re willing to adapt and continue learning, you’ll continue to grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://t5tcontracting.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pergolastexas/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/t5tcontracting
