HBWeekly

Florida’s Top Spots for Swimming Pools – May 2019

Posted on June 15, 2019 by Erika Carruth

A review of the top three regions in Florida for new swimming pool construction during the month of May 2019

It’s summertime, and in Florida that means more pool time for many people. From a construction professional’s perspective, it can also mean an increase in demand for pools, pool services, maintenance and repair.

Based on the latest swimming pool construction permit data pulled from HBW’s database for the month of May 2019, there were approximately 1,855 swimming pool starts in Florida last month, many of which originated from three major regions. Out of the five major areas reviewed (Southwest, Southeast, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville), here is a look at the top three spots for new swimming pool construction in the Sunshine State during the month of May:

Southwest Florida

The southwestern region of Florida ranked #1 for new swimming pool construction. Approximately 32% of all new permits originated from the southwest where there were 590 swimming pool starts with a total construction value in excess of $26 million. The average value of new construction was moderate (average value: $44,147), and nearly half of all new pool construction took place in Lee County (141 permits) and Collier County (143 permits).

Southeast Florida

Southeast Florida is another hot spot for new swimming pool construction. Last month, there were 389 new swimming pool permits with a total construction value of $15.3 million added to the HBW database. The average value of new pool construction landed on the lower end of the spectrum (average value: $39,338), and more than half of all new swimming pool construction originated from two major counties: Palm Beach (140 permits); Miami-Dade (107 permits).

Tampa

Not far behind the southeast, Tampa also experienced its fair share of new pool construction last month. With 358 swimming pool starts and a total construction value of $17.6 million, Tampa ranked third-highest for new pool construction. The average value of construction in the Tampa area was higher than other regions reviewed (average value: $49,219), and the majority of permits originated from the counties of Hillsborough (99 permits) and Pasco (95 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.

Florida Residential Construction Review – May 2019

Posted on June 12, 2019 by Erika Carruth

A review of the latest residential construction permit data on file with HBW for Florida during the month of May 2019

In Florida, there were more than 5,410 new residential construction permits added to the HBW database for the month of May. Out of the five major regions reviewed (Tampa, Southwest, Orlando, Jacksonville, Southeast), Tampa held the greatest total number of housing starts (1,520 permits), while the Southeast continued to hold the highest average value of new construction (average value: $328,606).

Out of the hundreds active home builders with permits on record for the one-month period, D.R. Horton and Lennar Homes continued to lead and hold higher levels of new construction activity statewide. Here is a closer look at the construction permit data and leading builders by region:

Tampa

Tampa ranked #1 for housing starts last month having approximately 1,520 new residential construction permits with a total value of nearly $452 million on file with HBW. The average value of new construction was $297,685, and the majority of all new permits originated from two counties: Hillsborough (517 permits) and Polk (414 permits).

Out of the 230 home builders with permits in the area last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits on file with HBW:

#1 – Lennar Homes

#2 – The Villages of Lake Sumter

#3 – D.R. Horton

Southwest Florida

Southwest Florida ranked second highest for housing starts last month, having 1,145 new permits with a total construction value of nearly $297 million on record. The average value of construction was moderate in comparison to other areas reviewed (average value: $259,279), and the counties that carried the bulk of new residential construction activity included: Lee County (284 permits); Manatee County (272 permits); Sarasota County (256 permits).

Out of the 225 active home builders listed in the area last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits on file with HBW:

#1 – Lennar Homes

#2 – Pulte Homes

#3 – D.R. Horton

Orlando

In the Orlando area, there were more than 1,060 housing starts with a total construction value of $321.5 million last month. The average value of construction landed on the higher end of the spectrum (average value: $302,732), and more than half of all new permits originated from Orange County (320 permits) and Volusia County (253 permits).

Out of the 180 home builders with permits on file last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

#1 – Lennar Homes

#2 – D.R. Horton

#3 – Meritage Homes

Jacksonville

Last month, there were approximately 1,000 housing starts with a total construction value of $224 million in the Jacksonville area. The average value of new construction was $223,716, and nearly half of all new permits originated from the County of Duval (415 permits).

Out of the 135 active builders with permits on file in the area last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

#1 – D.R. Horton

#2 – Lennar Homes

#3 – Dream Finders Home

Southeast Florida

While the total number of housing starts in Southeast Florida was lower than other regions reviewed (688 permits, total construction value: $228M), the area continues to hold the highest average value of construction (average value: $328,606). The counties with the highest concentration of housing starts included St. Lucie (276 permits) and Palm Beach (169 permits).

Out of the 185+ active home builders on file for the month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

#1 – GL Building Corp.

#2 – D.R. Horton

#3 – GL Homes

Texas Swimming Pool Construction Report – May 2019

Posted on June 8, 2019 by Erika Carruth

An HBW summary of the latest swimming pool construction permit data available for Texas during the month of May 2019

Last month, there were 650 swimming pool permits added to the HBW database for Texas. Out of the four major metro areas reviewed (Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio), Dallas led for having the greatest total amount of new construction permits (296 permits) on file with HBW, while Austin held the highest average value of new pool construction (average value: $60,431).

When taking a closer look at HBW’s construction data reports, subscribers are able to receive all details for each permit pulled during a given period; for the purpose of reporting and providing a broader view of new swimming pool construction in major metro areas in Texas, HBW lists and compares the following data:

1 – Total permits pulled during the one-month period

2 – Average value of new swimming pool construction

3 – Top counties with the highest concentration of swimming pool starts

4 – Total active builders with permits on file for the month

5 – Top three pool builders based on the total number of permits pulled during a given period

Based on the above listed areas of focus, the latest swimming pool construction permit data summary for Texas is as follows:

Dallas

Total Permits: 296 permits

Average Value of New Swimming Pool Construction: $45,495 (lowest out of four metro areas)

Top County (based on total permits): Dallas County (73 permits)

Active pool builders: 126

Top three swimming pool builders (based on total permits): #1 – Gold Medal Pools; #2 – Hauk Custom Pools; #3 – Puryear Custom Pools

Houston

Total Permits: 214 permits

Average Value of New Swimming Pool Construction: $57,597

Top County (based on total permits): Harris County (107 permits)

Active pool builders: 119

Top three swimming pool builders (based on total permits): #1 – Platinum Pools; #2 – Premier Pools; #3 – McKinney Custom Pools

Austin

Total Permits: 90 permits

Average Value of New Swimming Pool Construction: $60,431 (highest out of four metro areas)

Top County (based on total permits): Travis County (63 permits)

Active pool builders: 47

Top three swimming pool builders (based on total permits): #1 – Cody Pools; #2 – Anthony & Sylvan Pools; #3 – Cascade Custom Pools

San Antonio

Total Permits: 50 permits

Average Value of New Swimming Pool Construction: $48,120

Top County (based on total permits): Bexar County (36 permits)

Active pool builders: ~25

Top three swimming pool builders (based on total permits): #1 – Keith Zars Pools; #2 – James Riggs; #3 – Blue Haven Pools

Texas Top Home Builders – May 2019

Posted on June 6, 2019 by Erika Carruth

A review of the HBW database, the latest construction permit data and leading builders in the Lone Star State during the month of May 2019

Based on the latest review of the HBW database and new residential construction permit data from Texas, there was an excess of 5,800 housing starts with a total construction value of approximately $1.4 billion last month. Out of the four major metro areas reviewed (Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio), Houston held the greatest amount of new residential construction permits (2,343 permits), while the highest average value of new construction took place in Dallas (average value: $287,670).

Here is a look at the latest residential construction activity and leading builders by area for the month of May in Texas:

Houston

Last month, the greatest volume of new residential construction could be found in the Houston area where there were 2,343 housing starts holding a total construction value of nearly $483 million. The average value of construction was $206,084, and more than half of all new construction took place in Harris County (1,254 permits).

Out of the more than 305 active builders on file last month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits	Total Value
1 – K Hovnanian Homes	200	$ 27,878,853.00
2 – Lennar Homes	182	$ 31,263,574.00
3 – Taylor Morrison Homes	134	$ 23,224,531.00
4 – Perry Homes	126	$ 30,185,790.00
5 – KB Homes	100	$ 17,303,800.00

Dallas

Dallas ranked #2 for new residential construction having nearly 1,810 new permits with a total construction value of approximately $520 million on file last month. As previously mentioned, the average value of construction was highest in Dallas at $287,670, and the counties with the greatest concentration of housing starts included Dallas County (425 permits) and Tarrant County (493 permits).

Out of the 250 active home builders in the Dallas area last month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits on file with HBW:

Builder	Total Permits	Total Value
1 – D.R. Horton	254	$ 54,762,521.00
2 – Lennar Homes	149	$ 34,151,048.00
3 – Pulte Homes	90	$ 20,142,040.00
4 – Highland Homes	81	$ 27,690,069.00
5 – Bloomfield Homes	67	$ 20,275,723.00

Austin

Last month, there were nearly 1,235 housing starts with a total construction value of nearly $310 million in Austin. The average value of construction was on the higher end of the spectrum coming in at $251,243, and the bulk of all new construction activity originated from Travis County (822 permits).

Out of the more than 120 active home builders on file for the month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits		Total Value
1 – D.R. Horton		111	$ 21,946,815.00
2 – Lennar Homes		98	$ 20,435,353.00
3 – Pulte Homes		85	$ 23,590,050.00
4 – Urbana Homes		67	$ 7,250,293.00
5 – Gehan Homes		58	$ 18,789,385.00

San Antonio

In San Antonio, there were approximately 425 housing starts with a total construction value of nearly $88 million during the month of May. The average value of construction was on the lower end of the spectrum (average value: $207,203), and more than half of all new permits originated from Bexar County (291 permits).

Out of the more than 80 active home builders in the area, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits last month:

Builder	Total Permits	Total Value
1 – Continental Homes of Texas	52	$ 13,042,485.00
2 – Lennar Homes	52	$ 7,027,330.00
3 – Fieldstone Communities SA	52	$ 5,279,890.00
4 – KB Homes	45	$ 9,154,615.00
5 – Bella Vista CMI	31	$ 8,546,162.00

Keeping Employees Engaged in a Tight Labor Market

Posted on May 31, 2019 by Erika Carruth

In a tight labor market, construction business owners are looking for more ways to keep employees engaged.

It is no secret that skilled laborers and experienced construction professionals are hard to find. Candidate searching can be competitive to say the least, and it is not uncommon to face high turnover which can be both time consuming and costly. According to an article posted by Forbes last year, the cost of employee turnover can be much higher than most business owners expect: “Off-the-shelf estimates are available, which might set the cost of an entry-level position turning over at 50 percent of salary; mid-level at 125 percent of salary; and senior executive over 200 percent of salary.”

While actual costs of employee turnover are specific to each business, it is important to know that the impact is real and ultimately affects the bottom line. For this reason, here are a few ways to keep your current employees engaged, and perhaps open the door to attracting new talent:

Invite Feedback – Nobody likes negative criticism, but constructive criticism and feedback are essential for a growing business, especially from employees. Employees are the heart of every business, and it is important to create a company culture where team members feel safe (and welcome) to provide feedback about working conditions, new programs, peer performance, etc. Get in a regular habit of asking your employees for feedback, what’s working and what’s not. If you want to keep employees engaged, you must keep your finger on the pulse and communication open.
Set Goals – Without direction, short and long-term goals, your team is just moving, not progressing. It is important that every department and individual have clear and defined goals. A company and crews cannot possibly pursue excellence without a clear idea of what they are seeking to achieve. By setting well-defined workforce goals, you will establish the foundation for organizational success. While goals should engage, motivate and even inspire employees, they should be realistic and attainable and help every employee reach his/her own personal potential. Individual goals should align directly with the overall company goals so that all team members are working to achieve the broader goals of the company. When employees reach milestones, they should be recognized, and everyone should have an understanding for how their personal successes contribute to the overall success of the company. This can be done through recognition at team meetings, reward programs, bonuses and awards.
Let Them Grow – Beyond a career, many employees are seeking new opportunity. Such opportunity can come in the form of new responsibility, education, or promises of a higher position or department. Don’t shy away from exposing employees to new responsibilities and educational opportunities. By empowering your employees, you will empower your business.

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.

Ways to Improve Safety Manuals

Posted on May 29, 2019 by Erika Carruth

If you are in construction, then you know the importance of safety on the job site. In order to ensure that all team members are prepared and following safety guidelines, training and safety policies and procedures must be easily accessible, easy to understand and updated with the latest standards and information.

When looking at your own safety policies for your crews, do you find that they easy to understand? Consider this: According to a report from the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), more than 30 percent of construction worker training materials are written above an eighth-grade reading levels, which is above the recommended ceiling suggested by communication experts.

The report was based on 103 safety training handouts, brochures and safety data sheets, and researchers identified several materials containing language that was either too technical or simply unfamiliar to most readers. So, how does a construction business owner ensure that their safety materials are suitable and properly written at a level that can be understood by their crew members? Researchers from the CPWR report recommend that authors of such materials include the following:

Focus – The materials should be written to focus on a single, main message. With too much text, the primary message can get lost in the shuffle.
Call to Action – The written materials should use just one “call to action” for workers.
Provide a Summary – The report suggests that the main message be summarized at the start of the document and should use “clear and informative subheadings and bold print to reinforce key points.”
Break it Down – Ultimately, recommended actions should do more than just state preventative and/or corrective actions. Rather, recommended actions should include a clear break down, step-by-step, of instructions for recommended behaviors.

The study by CPWR was published online last year in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine. In the post, they concluded that safety and health professionals preparing curricula and handouts for distribution to workers should incorporate some form of readability and suitability assessment to help ensure that written materials are clear and comprehensible to all segments of their audience.

Safety training and materials are only effective when understood and applied. By making sure your safety training, policies and procedures are clear and written at an appropriate reading level, you will have more informed and safer crews on the job.

To receive the latest updates on construction business and marketing tips, stay connected with the HBW Blog. To gain access to the latest reports on construction permit data in Florida, Texas, Georgia, Alabama and Oklahoma, contact HBW.

Florida’s Hot Spots for New Home Construction – April 2019

Posted on May 25, 2019 by Erika Carruth

A review of the top locations for new residential construction in Florida during the month of April 2019 and based on the latest permit data from the HBW database

Every month, HBW reviews the latest and greatest of new permits in Florida that flood the HBW database, from as far north as Jacksonville to as far south as Homestead, and when it comes to new home construction, Tampa, Jacksonville and the Southwest were on top for new permits.

Last month, there were approximately 6,270 housing starts in Florida, and just about 70 percent of all new construction originated from Tampa, Jacksonville and the southwestern region of the state. The highest concentration of new permits could be found in Tampa where there were 1,910 new residential construction permits with an average construction value of $279,152.

Here is closer look at the construction data for the areas with the highest amount of new residential construction permits during the month of April 2019:

Tampa

As previously mentioned, Tampa held the highest levels of new home construction last month, resulting in 1,910 new permits with a total construction value in excess of $533 million added to the HBW database.

Out of the more than 230 active builders in the area last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
D.R. Horton	287
Lennar Homes	188
The Villages of Lake Sumter	146

Southwest Florida

The southwest region of Florida held the second-highest levels of new home construction last month, resulting in 1,344 new permits with a total construction value of nearly $354 million added to the HBW database. The average construction value of new homes in the area was $263,301, and out of the 290 active home builders in the area last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
Lennar Homes	280
Pulte Homes	176
D.R. Horton	65

Jacksonville

Last month, there were approximately 1,110 housing starts in the Jacksonville area and a total construction value of nearly $253 million. The average value of new construction was lower in Jacksonville in comparison to other regions reviewed coming in at $228,027 for the month.

Out of the more than 155 active home builders on file for the one-month period, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
D.R. Horton	151
Lennar Homes	107
Dream Finders Home	97

Florida Swimming Pool Permit Report – April 2019

Posted on May 22, 2019 by Erika Carruth

An HBW Report and review of the latest swimming pool construction permit data on record for the month of April 2019

During the month of April 2019, there were nearly 2,100 new swimming pool permits with a total construction value in excess of $93 million added to the HBW database for Florida. Out of the five major regions reviewed (Southwest, Southeast, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville), Southwest Florida held the highest concentration of new pool construction, while Jacksonville held the highest average value of new construction (average value: ~$49k).

Here is a closer look at new swimming pool construction stats by area for the month of April 2019:

Southwest Florida

Last month, there were nearly 640 new swimming pool permits with a total value in excess of $29 million in the southwest region of Florida. The average value of new pool construction was $45,629, and the majority of all new permits originated from the counties of Sarasota (164 permits) and Lee (189 permits).

Out of the 135 active pool builders in the area last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

#1 – Coast to Coast Pools

#2 – Aragon Pools & Spas

#3 – Holiday Pools of West FL

Southeast Florida

The southeastern region of Florida ranked #2 for new swimming pool construction, having approximately 450 pool starts with a total value of $17.9 million on record for the month. The average value of new construction was lowest in the southeast (average value: $39,787) in comparison to other regions reviewed, and the county with the highest concentration of new permits was Palm Beach (206 permits).

Out of the approximately 150 active pool builders with permits on file with HBW, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

#1 – Swimming Pool Contractors

#2 – A&G Concrete Pools

#3 – Treasure Pools & Service

Tampa

Tampa was similar to the southwest in volume of new pool construction last month, having more than 445 pool starts with a total construction value of $20.5 million. More than half of all new construction took place Hillsborough County (142 permits) and Pasco County (98 permits), and the average value of construction was $45,855 for the one-month period.

Out of the more than 120 active pool builders with permits on file last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

#1 – Olympus Pools

#2 – Natural Springs Pools

#3 – Challenger Pools

Orlando

In Orlando, there were approximately 295 swimming pool starts with a total construction value of $13.7 million during the month of April. The average value of new construction was $46,495, and the county with the greatest concentration of new permits for the one-month period was Orange County (125 permits).

Out of the more than 90 active pool builders on file for the month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

#1 – Bob’s Pool Service

#2 – Artesian Pools

#3 – Martin Pools

Jacksonville

Last month, there were more than 250 pool starts with a total construction value of nearly $12.4 million in the Jacksonville area. The average value of new construction was highest in Jacksonville in comparison to other areas reviewed (average value: $48,849), and more than half of all new permits originated from the counties of St. Johns (85 permits) and Duval (77permits).

Out of the nearly 100 active pool builders with permits on file, the following rank as the top three for total new permits for the month:

#1 – Island Pools

#2 – Stanley Pools

#3 – Blue Haven Pools

Texas Swimming Pool Construction Report – April 2019

Posted on May 18, 2019 by Erika Carruth

An HBW overview of the latest construction data reports for new swimming pool construction in Texas during the month of April 2019

Last month, there were more than 830 new swimming pool permits added to the HBW database for the State of Texas. Out of the four major metro areas reviewed (Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio), Dallas (432 permits) held approximately half of all new swimming pool permits, while Houston held the highest average value of new pool construction (average value: ~$58k).

Here is a closer look at new pool construction activity by area for the month of April 2019:

Dallas

As previously mentioned, the Dallas area had the highest level of new pool construction in comparison to the other metro areas reviewed. Last month, there were 432 swimming pool starts with a total construction value in excess of $22.2 million. The average value of new pool construction was $51,561, and more than half of all new permits originated from the counties of Dallas (125 permits) and Tarrant (115 permits).

Out of the nearly 200 active pool builders on file for the month, the following ranked as the top three for total new swimming pool construction permits:

#1 – Claffey Pools

#2 – Riverbend Pools

#3 – Pulliam Pools

Houston

The Houston area ranked #2 for new swimming pool construction, having 232 new permits with a total construction value in excess of $15 million on record last month. The average value of new construction was highest in Houston in comparison to other major metro areas reviewed (average value: $57,957), and the county with the highest concentration of new permits on file for the month was Harris County (159 permits).

Out of the more than 135 active pool builders in the area last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits on file with HBW:

#1 – Platinum Pools

#2 – C3 Building Solutions

#3 – Anthony & Sylvan Pools

Austin

In Austin, there were nearly 100 new swimming pool permits with a total construction value in excess of $5 million added to the HBW database last month. The average value of new construction was $52,786, and the majority of new permits originated from Travis County (68 permits).

Out of the 45 active swimming pool builders on file last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

#1 – Cody Pools

#2 – Texas Pools & Patios

#3 – Majestic Poolscape

San Antonio

Last month, there were nearly 70 swimming pool starts with a total construction value in excess of $3.5 million listed for the San Antonio area. The average value of new construction was lowest in San Antonio in comparison to other areas reviewed (average value: $51,554), and nearly all new construction activity took place in Bexar County (57 permits).

Out of the approximately 25 pool builders on record last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

#1 – Keith Zars Pools

#2 – Cody Pools

#3 – Texas Pools & Patios

Texas Top Home Builders – April 2019

Posted on May 15, 2019 by Erika Carruth

An HBW Report on new residential construction permits and leading home builders in Texas for the month of April 2019

Last month, there were more than 7,600 housing starts with a total construction value in excess of $1.8 billion in the Lone Star State. For the purpose of the HBW monthly report, four major metro areas were reviewed: Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio. Out of the hundreds of active home builders on file with HBW for the month of April, D.R. Horton continued to rank as the #1 home builder for total new residential construction permits on file (~770 permits), leading three out of the four Texas metro areas reviewed.

Here is a closer look at the new construction activity and leading home builders by area:

Houston

Houston ranked #1 for total new permits on file with HBW, as there were approximately 3,315 new permits with a total construction value of $660 million. The average value of new construction was lowest in Houston, coming in at $199k for the one-month period.

Out of the more than 410 active home builders in the area last month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits on file with HBW:

Builder	Total Permits
D.R. Horton	274
Camillo Properties	226
Lennar Homes	216
K Hovnanian Homes	198
Legend Homes	149

Dallas

The Dallas area ranked second for total housing starts while holding the highest average value of new construction. Last month, there were 2,500 new permits with a total construction value in excess of $745.5 million added to the HBW database for Dallas, and the average value of new construction was on the higher end of the spectrum at approximately $298k.

Out of the more than 370 active home builders on file for the month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
D.R. Horton	347
Lennar Homes	208
Pulte Homes	120
First Texas Homes	95
Beazer Homes	83

Austin

In Austin, there were 1,240 housing starts with a total construction value of approximately $319 million last month. The average value of construction fell in the mid to high range at just over $257k.

Out of the 125 active builders in the area last month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits on file with HBW:

Builder	Total Permits
D.R. Horton	147
Pulte Homes	130
KB Homes	66
Taylor Morrison Homes	64
Pacesetter Homes	47

San Antonio

Last month, there were approximately 565 housing starts with a total construction value of $128.7 million in the San Antonio area. The average value of new home construction (average value: $228k) was positioned in the low to mid-range in comparison to the other metro areas reviewed.

Out of the nearly 100 active home builders in the area last month, the following ranked as the top five for total new residential construction permits on file:

Builder	Total Permits
Continental Homes of Texas	72
Lennar Homes	64
KB Homes	54
Bella Vista CMI	39
Pulte Homes	32