Top Texas Pool Builders – September 2018

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An HBW review of the latest pool permitting data and leading builders throughout Texas during the month of September 2018

In September, the combined Texas metro areas of Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio had more than 680 new swimming pool permits added to the HBW database.  Out of the four major metro areas reviewed, Austin carried the highest average value of new pool construction (average value: $61,517), while Dallas held the lowest average value ($46,312) and the highest volume (358 permits) for the month.

When reviewing the leading pool builders for the one-month period, for the most part companies were specific to each region; that being stated, Cody Pools (Austin and San Antonio) and Anthony & Sylvan Pools (Houston, San Antonio and Austin) had some cross over and were on the leader board in two and three metro areas respectively.

Here is a closer look at the breakdown of new pool construction by area:

Dallas

Total # of Permits: 358 (Highest volume of new permits for the month out of all metro areas)

Average Value of Construction: $ 46,312 (Lowest average value of new pool construction in Texas)

Out of the approximately 140 active builders on file for the month, the following ranked in the top five for total pool starts:

1. Riverbend Pools
2. Gold Medal Pools
3. Foley Custom Pools
4. Venture Custom Pools
5. Claffey Pools Inc.

 

Houston

Total # of Permits: 181

Average Value of Construction: $ 52,815

Out of the approximately 105 active builders on file for the month, the following ranked in the top five for total pool starts:

1. Anthony & Sylvan Pools
2. Platinum Pools
3. Premier Pools
4. Preferred Pools
5. Horizon Pools

 

Austin

Total # of Permits: 97

Average Value of Construction: $ 61,517 (*Highest Average Value in Texas)

Out of the approximately 47 active builders on file for the month, the following ranked in the top five for total pool starts:

1. Cody Pools
2. Anthony & Sylvan Pools
3. Texas Pools & Patios
4. Innovative Pools & Spas
5. Trinity Pools & Scapes

 

San Antonio

Total # of Permits: 45

Average Value of Construction: $ 48,958

Out of the 17 active builders on file for the month, the following ranked in the top five for total pool starts:

1. Keith Zars Pools
2. Cody Pools
3. Blue Haven Pools
4. Gary Pools
5. Anthony & Sylvan Pools

To gain more information on the pool builders and permits for the construction activity above, check out HBW for your copy of the latest construction data reports. To gain access to the HBW database and receive custom and detailed reports on the latest residential and commercial building activity in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma, please contact HBW for details.

Dallas Leads Texas in New Residential Construction – September 2018

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An HBW review of residential construction permitting activity for the month of September.

During the month of September, Texas experienced an estimated 13% month-over-month decline in housing starts resulting in a total of 5,827 new residential construction permits with a total construction value of nearly $1.5 billion.  All major metro areas reviewed, with the exception of Dallas, experienced decreases ranging from 19% to (Austin) to 24% (San Antonio) in residential permitting activity.

Dallas was seemingly immune to the monthly drop as it experienced a 3% month-over-month increase in residential construction.  The Dallas area ranked #1 for both total housing starts (2,436 permits) and average value of construction (average value: $302,592).  On the flip side, San Antonio experienced the most significant month-over-month decline (-24%) in new home construction, landing it at the lowest end of the spectrum for both housing starts (421 permits) and average value of construction (average value: $198,418).

When taking a look at the home builders leading the area, D.R. Horton continued its long-term reign in Texas as it ranked #1 for total new permits in Dallas, Houston and Austin.  In San Antonio, Fieldstone Communities took top spot holding just about 10% of all new permits in the area for the month.

Here are the stats on new residential construction in the four major metro areas of Texas last month:

Dallas* (#1 for total housing starts and average value of construction):

Total permits: 2,436 (+3% | month-over-month increase)

Total Construction Value: ~ $737M

Average Value of Construction: $302,592

Top County(s) for Total New Permits: Collin (753 permits); Tarrant (706 permits)

Houston (#2 for total housing starts)

Total permits: 2,171 (-22% | month-over-month decrease)

Total Construction Value: ~ $450M

Average Value of Construction: $207,306

Top County(s) for Total New Permits: Harris (1,183 permits)

Austin

Total permits: 799 (-19% | month-over-month decrease)

Total Construction Value: ~ $198M

Average Value of Construction: $247,687

Top County(s) for Total New Permits: Travis (366 permits); Williamson (318 permits)

San Antonio

Total permits: 421 (-24% | month-over-month decrease)

Total Construction Value: $83.5M

Average Value of Construction: $198,418 (lowest of four metro areas)

Top County(s) for Total New Permits: Bexar (278 permits)

To gain more information on the builders, homeowners and permits for the construction activity above, check out HBW for your copy of the latest construction data reports. To gain access to the HBW database and receive custom and detailed reports on the latest residential and commercial building activity in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma, please contact HBW for details.

‘Tis the Season for Holiday Marketing

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If you haven’t already set your plans for holiday marketing, then now is the time.  The holiday season is right around the corner, and it is the perfect time to plan your happy holiday wishes to current clients while providing holiday “gifts” and offers that are perfectly wrapped for the season.

According to the Conference Board, Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) figures are at an 18-year high.  In recent months, the CCI increased in September, following a large improvement in August.  Consumers’ assessment of current conditions remains very favorable and is bolstered by a strong economy and healthy job growth. According to Lynn Franco, Director of Economic Indicators at The Conference Board: “The historically high confidence levels should continue to support healthy consumer spending and should be welcome news for retailers as they begin gearing up for the holiday season”. (Source: Conference Board)

With the economy and consumer confidence levels in your favor, you should be gearing up to take advantage of this positive position in the form of holiday marketing strategy.  Here are a few areas to review and sharpen as you plan for the season ahead:

1 – Focus on Social Media – As recently published by Mobile Marketer, social media ranks #1 for holiday ad spending. In the study reviewed, FaceBook was determined to be the most popular social media platform with nearly 42% of SMBs stating that they will primarily spend on the social network (followed by Google – 28%), and more than a third (36.4%) of advertisers will allocate the majority of their holiday ad budgets to social media, followed by email marketing (15.2%).

2- Make Content Count – Generic messages and predictable holiday notices will most likely fade into the background of the many similar announcements that your target audience will receive throughout November and December.  For this reason, your email subscribers and social media followers should receive content that is of value to them and makes them want to share it with others.  Whether it is something truly unique and entertaining or tips and technology that they will find useful, make sure your content matters.  Of course, one-of-a-kind gift ideas, packages and holiday discounts and deals will also be enticing for the holiday shopper.

3 – Make Sharing Easy – Don’t assume that because your email has been “opened” or your social post was scheduled that you have made the most of this opportunity.  Your campaigns must be easy to share, and with a few minor adjustments you can increase the likelihood of expanding your reach. This can be done by adding social share icons to the top of your e-newsletters, encouraging shares and retweets, asking followers to tag friends, and keeping the main message at the front of the post so that it can be quickly and easily viewed.

4 – Be Authentic – With the many automation tools available, it is easy to just let technology handle your campaigns for you, but you should resist the urge.  To be unique, it is important that you add a personal touch, and while automation tools make it easy to keep your accounts active, it will benefit you to be deliberate with your posts, customizing them to your audience and each distinct social network.

5 – Join the Holiday Cheer – From your customers to your suppliers, there are bound to be plenty of holiday conversations and posts being generated that relate to your business.  Join the conversation by sharing others’ posts that can link back to your services, as well as respond to customer feedback and industry conversations; offer your expertise, solutions and packages that will meet their needs long after the holiday season has ended.

For more information on construction business and marketing tips, stay connected with the HBW Blog.  To get ahead of construction activity and gain access to the latest permitting data in Florida, Texas, Georgia, Alabama and Oklahoma, contact HBW for more information on construction data reports and industry leads.

Facing the Labor Shortage

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If you are a contractor, construction professional, roofer… really anyone in the trades, then you know that the labor shortage is taking its toll on the construction industry.  How did it get to such a depleted level that it almost seems irreparable?  Well, there are a number of contributing factors that got us to what can feel like a point of no return.

According to a recent report by PBS News, the 1970s and 1980s have much to blame as they were times when trades fell by the wayside and the pursuit of a bachelor’s degree became revered. That was really just the beginning of vocational programs and careers in trade losing their allure and developing a lesser image.  Fast forward a few decades later, and we are left with upcoming generations that have not learned the true value of vocational training and the opportunities it can bring.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, only 8% of undergraduates are enrolled in certificate programs which tend to be vocationally oriented.  It would seem that now more than ever is a time for a boost in the image of trade occupations, and many company owners that are looking to attract talent are bringing solid facts to the table when rallying for the industry.  It has become a matter of rebranding and getting the word out about the value of vocational training.  The fact is that the U.S. has 30 million jobs that don’t require a bachelor’s degree and pay an average of $55k per year (source: The Georgetown Center). Based on data provided by The Good Jobs Project, nearly half of all the U.S. states have added good jobs in blue-collar industries for workers without bachelor’s degrees since 1991.

So, with all of this solid information on why there should be more individuals seeking careers in construction, what is taking so long to make it happen?  The truth is that we did not get here overnight, and the solution won’t take place that quickly either.  There needs to be a shift in culture, and contractors and business owners will be the ones to propel the industry forward.  In your business, you can make careers in construction more attractive by becoming a desirable workplace with strong compensation and benefits packages to start.  On a broader level, you can begin the work of educating the next workforce in the following ways:

  1. Educate the Community – Share the statistics and resources regarding the value of vocational careers in your social networks and even ads (where appropriate). When running ads for open positions, consider including information about the growing room within the company and industry and mention any additional perks such as paid education, training and/or on the job training.  For tips on recruiting top talent, review our previously published recruiting tips here.
  2. Join the Movement – There are a number of trade associations (ABC, AGC, NRCA, etc.) and industry-related awareness months (National Construction Safety Week) that gain major attention for the industry. By having your company join a special industry day, effort or association event, you build awareness for your company and the achievements that take place within the industry.  Your marketing campaign can get a boost with each event, along with the image of the industry as a whole.
  3. Educate the Worker – In addition to offering training and education on and off the job to your current crews, consider partnering with a local vocational school or creating your own apprenticeship program to provide opportunities for the younger generations. By partnering with a vocational program at a high school and/or offering internships for local trade or vocational certificate programs, you are investing in more than just your potential next hire… you are investing in the future of the industry.

While there isn’t a quick-fix answer to the labor shortage in construction, there are steps that we can begin taking as contractors and business owners that will open the eyes of the next generation to the world of possibilities in construction.

For more information on construction business and marketing tips, stay connected with the HBW Blog.  To get ahead of construction activity and gain access to the latest permitting data in Florida, Texas, Georgia, Alabama and Oklahoma, contact HBW for more information on construction data reports and industry leads.

Florida Top Pool Builders – August 2018

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An HBW report on pool permit data in Florida for the month of August 2018

FL New Pool Permits by Area – August 2018

Each month, we take a look at the latest permits flooding the HBW database.  When looking at pool construction in Florida last month, there were just about 1,700 new pool permits with a total value in excess of $73 million added to the HBW database.  Out of the five major regions reviewed (Tampa, Southwest, Southeast, Orlando, Jacksonville), the southeastern region held the greatest total number of swimming pool starts (450 permits) while holding the lowest average value of construction (average value: $38,969).  On the flip side, Jacksonville held the highest average value of construction (average value: $48,342), while having the fewest total swimming pool starts for the one-month period (168 permits).

FL Average Value of New Pool Construction – August 2018

Out of the hundreds of contractors on file throughout the Sunshine State, the top five pool builders for having the greatest total number of pool starts in August are as follows:

1 – Dreamscapes Pools and Spas ranked #1 having 87 swimming pool starts: Orlando (70 permits); Tampa (17 permits).

2- Aragon Pools and Spas ranked #2 with a total of 51 new swimming pool construction permits in the southwest region of Florida.

3 – All Seasons Pools ranked third highest for new pool permitting activity having a total of 44 swimming pool starts: thirty-six (36) permits in Orlando, seven (7) permits in Jacksonville and two (2) permits in Tampa.

4 – Coast to Coast Pools had a total of thirty (30) swimming pool starts on file with the bulk of new swimming pool construction taking place in the southwest region (29 permits).

5- A & G Concrete Pools made its mark as a leading pool builder in the southeast portion of the state with twenty-six (26) new pool permits on file for the one-month period.

To gain more information on the builders, homeowners and permits for the construction activity above, check out HBW for your copy of the latest construction data reports. To gain access to the HBW database and receive custom and detailed reports on the latest residential and commercial building activity in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma, please contact HBW for details.

Florida Residential Construction Review – August 2018

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A report on residential construction activity in the Sunshine State during the month of August.

Despite the 18% month-over-month dip in housing starts last month, Florida still had a sizable amount of new home construction permitting data on file.  During the one-month period, there were approximately 5,770 new residential construction permits added to the HBW database.  Out of the five major regions reviewed (Southwest, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Southeast), the greatest concentration of housing starts took place in the southwest region (1,382 permits), and the highest average value of new construction could be found in the southeast region (average value: $337,669).

When looking at the leading builders statewide, D.R. Horton ranked #1 for total new permits in every region with the exception of Tampa, where Lennar Homes took top spot.  Here is a closer look at new home construction throughout Florida and by region:

Southwest

The Southwest ranked #1 statewide for total new residential construction permits on file with HBW.  Last month, there were 1,382 housing starts with a total construction value in excess of $342.5M.  The average value of new construction was on the lower end of the spectrum coming in close to $248k, and the county with the greatest total number of housing starts was Lee County (441 permits).  Out of the 240 active builders on file for the one-month period, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

#1 – D.R. Horton (264 permits)

#2 – Lennar Homes (187 permits)

#3 – Pulte Homes (123 permits)

Orlando

Last month, the Orlando area had 1,285 housing starts with a total construction value of just over $397M.  The average value of new home construction was on the higher end of the spectrum (average value: $309k), and the counties with the greatest concentration of housing starts included Orange (526 permits) and Volusia (339 permits). Out of the 170+ active builders on file for the one-month period, the following took top spots for total new permits:

#1 – D.R. Horton (160 permits)

#2 – Meritage Homes (111 permits)

#3 – Lennar Homes (108 permits)

Tampa

In Tampa, there were approximately 210 active builders on file for the month, resulting in 1,191 new permits with a total construction value of nearly $343.5M.  The average value of construction was just over $288k, and the bulk of new permits originated from the counties of Hillsborough (476 permits) and Polk (314 permits).  Lennar Homes took top spot for total new permits on file, and the top three builders for the one-month period are as follows:

#1 – Lennar Homes (164 permits)

#2 – D.R. Horton (134 permits)

#3 – M/I Homes (73 permits)

Jacksonville

There were just about 150 active builders in Jacksonville last month, resulting in 1,068 new residential construction permits with a total value of $251.5M added to the HBW database.  The average value of construction was lowest in Jacksonville in comparison to the other regions reviewed coming in at $235.5k, and the majority of new permits originated from the counties of St. Johns (408 permits) and Duval (326).  The top home builders for total new permits on file for the one-month period are as follows:

#1 – D.R. Horton (176 permits)

#2 – Lennar Homes (109 permits)

#3 – Dream Finders Homes (101 permits)

Southeast

In the Southeast, there were 180 active builders on file for the month of August, resulting in 842 new residential construction permits with a total value in excess of $284M. The average value of construction was highest in the southeastern region in comparison to other areas reviewed (average value: $337,669), and the county with the greatest amount of housing starts was the northernmost county of St. Lucie (275 permits).  As with most areas, D.R. Horton ranked #1 for total new permits for the one-month period, and the top three builders were as follows:

#1 – D.R. Horton (78 permits)

#2 – Pulte Homes (63 permits)

#3 – Lennar Homes (55 permits)

To gain more information on the builders, homeowners and permits for the construction activity above, check out HBW for your copy of the latest construction data reports. To gain access to the HBW database and receive custom and detailed reports on the latest residential and commercial building activity in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma, please contact HBW for details.

Choosing the Right Social Media Platform for Your Business

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In previous posts, we’ve talked quite a bit about Instagram, LinkedIn and other social networks.  From getting the most out of ad campaigns and using Instagram “Stories” to amping up your posts and videos, there are many features to explore and utilize in the world of social media.

While social media is now really part of any solid marketing strategy, as a small business owner or contractor, you may only have the budget (and time) for a select few social channels/outlets.  Truth be told, you shouldn’t start an account unless you are ready and have the infrastructure for maintaining it, and sometimes that means starting out with just one social media profile.  So, where does one begin?  How do you choose which social media platform is right for you and your business?

While there is no one right answer for everyone, you should take a look at a few factors:

  1. Who are the primary users of the platform? Are they your target audience?
  2. How many users/viewers are active every day?
  3. What type of content do users post? For example, if you can’t easily produce video, don’t expect to be very active on YouTube.
  4. How often will you need to post to stay relevant and engaging?

If you have the ability, be present on as many social platforms that reach your audience as possible.  If you still need help narrowing down your options, here are some easy statistics and facts that can assist in finding the best social media platform for you:

FaceBook is a powerhouse simply due to the fact that it has been around for some time and has set the stage for other applications.  That being stated, it also owns Instagram, so the growing popularity of Instagram doesn’t take away from its power, especially because it is very easy to link posts from both accounts.  When looking at the latest stats on users, the number of daily users and primary age group of users should be of greatest interest.  According to a survey conducted by Pew Research in January 2018, here are some statistics worth considering:

  • Around two-thirds of U.S. adults (68%) use Facebook. Out of the users, 74% of women and 62% of men in the U.S. use the platform.
  • People in urban areas are more likely to use FaceBook than those in suburban regions.
  • The older generation (65+) have doubled their presence on FaceBook with 41% of older Americans being active users.
  • When looking at daily use, 74% of users report visiting FaceBook on a daily basis, while there are 63% on Snapchat, 60% on Instagram, 46% on Twitter and 45% on YouTube.
  • When reviewing age ranges, out of Americans from ages 18- to 24, 94% use YouTube, 81% use FaceBook, 78% use Snapchat, 71% use Instagram and 45% use Twitter.
  • YouTube is now used by nearly 75% of U.S. adults.
  • Pinterest has a larger reach with women (41% of women surveyed said they use Pinterest), while the male users is much lower (16% of men surveyed said they use it).

While statistics are important, the decision will ultimately come down to what works best for your business, customers and target audience.  Remember that social media isn’t just about getting your name out there and inviting new customers; it is also about keeping your current customers and affiliates engaged.

For more information on construction business and marketing tips, stay connected with the HBW Blog.  To get ahead of construction activity and gain access to the latest permitting data in Florida, Texas, Georgia, Alabama and Oklahoma, contact HBW for more information on construction data reports and industry leads.

Texas Swimming Pool Construction Report – August 2018

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The latest permit data on file with HBW for new swimming pool construction in Texas during the month of August 2018.

As with every HBW report, we base construction reports on the latest construction permitting data available, and today, we are taking a look at new swimming pool construction in the four major Texas metro areas of Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio.

During the month of August, there were more than 750 swimming pool starts with a total construction value of nearly $42M added to the HBW database.  Out of the four major metro areas reviewed, Dallas ranked #1 for total starts (415 permits), while Houston took the top spot for highest average value of new construction (average value: $72,319).

With the leading pool builders having mostly a regional focus, each area had different companies taking the top spots for total new permits on the leaderboard.  Here is a look at the leading pool builders by region and related data on file for the one-month period.

Dallas

Total Number of Permits: 415

Total Number of Active Builders: 142

Average Value of Construction: $47,971

Top Five Builders (based on total new permits in August):

Builder  Average Value
Riverbend Pools  $     46,364.00
Gold Medal Pools  $     51,607.00
Robertson Pools  $     47,529.00
Premier Pools  $     45,313.00
Claffey Pools  $     62,057.00

 

Houston

Total Number of Permits: 222

Total Number of Active Builders: 107

Average Value of Construction: $72,319

Top Five Builders (based on total new permits in August):

Builder  Average Value
Anthony & Sylvan Pools  $      51,456.00
McKinney Custom Pools  $      49,300.00
Premier Pools  $      50,944.00
Platinum Pools  $      66,995.00
Southern Charm Pools  $      58,571.00

 

Austin

Total Number of Permits: 65

Total Number of Active Builders: 36

Average Value of Construction: $58,846

Top Five Builders (based on total new permits in August):

Builder  Average Value
Cody Pools  $    38,208.00
Anthony & Sylvan Pools  $    74,500.00
Texas Pools & Patios  $    42,000.00
Superior Fiberglass Pools  $    18,800.00
Monarch Pools  $  225,000.00

 

San Antonio

Total Number of Permits: 51

Total Number of Active Builders: 23

Average Value of Construction: $35,748

Top Five Builders (based on total new permits in August):

Builder  Average Value
Keith Zars Pools  $             36,048.00
Cody Pools  $             42,061.00
Blue Haven Pools  $             40,467.00
Gary’s Pools & Patio  $             30,000.00
Gary Zars Pools  $             29,254.00

 

To gain more information on the pool builders and permits for the construction activity above, check out HBW for your copy of the latest construction data reports. To gain access to the HBW database and receive custom and detailed reports on the latest residential and commercial building activity in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma, please contact HBW for details.

Texas Home Building Report – August 2018

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A review of new residential construction permit data in Texas for the month of August 2018

Texas Residential Construction Permits by Area – August 2018

While Texas didn’t break any new residential construction records last month, there were thousands of new permits added to the HBW database.  During the month of August, there were 6,684 housing starts with a total construction value in excess of $1.6 billion on file.  Here is a closer look at residential construction and the leading home builders by area for Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio:

Houston

Houston ranked #1 out of the four areas reviewed for having the most housing starts last month.  Across the metro area there were approximately 2,775 housing starts with a construction value totaling nearly $582M, with well more than half taking place in Harris County (1,541 permits).  Out of the 325 active builders in the area last month, the following ranked in the top five for total new permits:

#1 – D.R. Horton

#2 – Lennar Homes

#3 – KB Homes

#4 – Perry Homes

#5 – K. Hovnanian Homes

Dallas

In Dallas, there were more than 2,370 housing starts with a total construction value in excess of $678M during the month of August.  The counties with the highest concentration of new residential construction included Collin (684 permits) and Tarrant (618 permits).  Out of the 240+ active builders in the Dallas area last month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits on file:

#1 – D.R. Horton

#2 – Lennar Homes

#3 – Bloomfield Homes

#4 – Pulte Homes

#5 – Highland Homes

Austin

Last month, there were more than 980 housing starts with a total construction value of nearly $226M in the Austin area.  The bulk of new residential construction activity could be found in Travis County (674 permits), and out of the approximately 115 active builders in the area last month, the following ranked in the top five for total new permits:

#1 – D.R. Horton

#2 – KB Homes

#3 – RSI Communities

#4 – Pulte Homes

#5 – CalAtlantic Homes

San Antonio

In San Antonio, there were 555+ housing starts with a total construction value in excess of $121M on file for the month, and more than half of all new permitting activity originated from Bexar County (308 permits).  Out of the 80+ active builders in the area last month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits on file with HBW:

#1 – Lennar Homes

#2 – KB Homes

#3 – Continental Homes of Texas

#4 – Bella Vista C.M.I.

#5 – Armadillo Construction

To gain more information on the builders, homeowners and permits for the construction activity above, check out HBW for your copy of the latest construction data reports. To gain access to the HBW database and receive custom and detailed reports on the latest residential and commercial building activity in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma, please contact HBW for details.

Communication is Crucial During Hurricane Season

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Hurricane Season is here, and it is time to have those important conversations and reminders on safety with your crews and clients.

source: wikipedia

There is just no way to avoid it… Hurricane Season comes every year, and every year you must prepare your home, business and clients for any possibility the storms may bring.   And thanks to the recent wakeup call from Tropical Storm Gordon, hurricanes and storms have come to the forefront of almost everyone’s mind (at least in the South). The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially began June 1st and runs all the way through November 30, and this past week, Hurricane Florence became the first major hurricane of the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season.  Looking ahead, and according to ABC7 Weather, forecasters are predicting 3-5 major hurricanes for the U.S. this year. As we already know from experience, it takes just one major storm to cause catastrophic damage and loss to property and lives.

No need to fret just yet.  There is still ample time to jumpstart your hurricane preparedness plans and resources.  While you should already have an evacuation and storm safety plan in place, this is the perfect time to fine-tune your preparations and kits, as well as prepare your crews and employees should there be a hurricane coming your way.  While there are a number of safety supplies you will need to procure and properties you will need to secure, there is one crucial part of hurricane season that can sometimes get overlooked and that is Communication.

Communication – This is a huge piece of the puzzle when it comes to Hurricanes.  How and what you communicate to your employees and customers will partially determine how you “weather” the storm.  First, your crews must know how to prepare the job site, the agreed upon time frame for ceasing construction prior to a storm and how you will remain in contact with them during and after the storm.  You will want to talk with crew members to decide who will be available to tend to job sites and customers immediately following the hurricane; while this part may change depending upon how team members may be personally impacted, it is still important to have established and agreed upon a role for each member of your crew.  The same goes for your office staff; they too should have an office prep plan to secure computers, back up files and store important paperwork, along with a plan for checking in to confirm their safety.

Your clients, especially active job sites, will need to receive the same level of communication.  Clients have their own personal safety and families (and businesses) to worry about, and it is your job as a construction professional to make them feel comfortable and confident that you are taking all appropriate steps to secure their property or construction project.  Share with them your plan for preparing materials and property, securing the job site, removing debris, building materials and equipment that could pose a hazard during high winds.  Help them to understand that you are informed, care about their well-being and property, and provide them with a realistic timeline for when you plan on stopping and restarting construction activity.

With all clients, active and inactive, you are well positioned to provide storm safety resources and tips for ensuring that their homes and properties are properly prepared for high winds and heavy rain.  Use this time as an opportunity to engage your customers and provide tools to guide them through what can be a daunting, and sometimes panic-filled, process.  OSHA, FEMA, CDC and other government agencies offer checklists and hurricane preparedness advice that can benefit you and your clients, including but not limited to:

More resources can be found online, including helpful tools for getting safety on the radar of your crews and customers.  While it is not realistic to personally prepare every client and contact for an impending storm, communication will go a long way in helping them prepare and understand how your business puts their safety first.

For more information on construction business and marketing tips, stay connected with the HBW Blog.  To get ahead of construction activity and gain access to the latest permitting data in Florida, Texas, Georgia, Alabama and Oklahoma, contact HBW for more information on construction data reports and industry leads.