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Texas Swimming Pool Construction Report – May 2025

Posted on June 13, 2025 by Erika Carruth

As the peak swim season begins, new swimming pool construction activity in Texas has continued to reflect strong demand across the state’s four major metro areas—Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. According to the latest construction permit data from HBW, more than 520 new residential swimming pool construction permits were added to the HBW database for the month of May 2025, with activity spanning hundreds of contractors statewide.

Statewide Summary – May 2025

Metro Area	Total Permits	Total Construction Value	Average Value per Permit
Dallas	220	$17,199,856	$78,181
Houston	168	$15,541,043	$92,506
Austin	66	$4,146,881	$62,832
San Antonio	67	$3,599,531	$53,724
Total	521	$40,487,311	$71,811 (avg. statewide)

Dallas

The Dallas area led the state in new pool construction for May, with 220 new permits and a total construction value of approximately $17.2 million. The average construction value per permit was $78,181, slightly above the statewide average.

Approximately 120 pool contractors pulled permits in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. The top performers by permit volume were:

Riverbend Pools – 16 permits
Claffey Pools – 8 permits
G3 Pools – 7 permits
(Note: 10 permits were from a contractor not disclosed by the permitting office.)

The greatest concentration of new construction took place in two counties – Tarrant County accounted for 72 of the total permits, while the greater Dallas area contributed 45 permits.

Houston

Houston ranked second with 168 new pool permits, representing a total construction value of over $15.5 million and the highest average value per permit in the state at $92,506—a likely reflection of premium-level pool designs.

Nearly 100 pool builders carried new permits on record, with the top three by volume as follows:

Blue Haven Pools – 11 permits
Anthony & Sylvan Pools – 9 permits
Platinum Pools – 8 permits

Harris County was responsible for the vast majority of activity in the region, accounting for 128 of the 168 permits.

Austin

In the Austin area, 66 new residential pool permits were added in May, with a total construction value of approximately $4.15 million and an average value of $62,832 per permit.

Roughly 40 builders were active in the area. The top three based on volume were:

Denali Pools – 6 permits
Cody Pools – 6 permits
Anthony & Sylvan Pools – 4 permits

Travis County accounted for the majority (52 permits) of the total permits issued in May.

San Antonio

San Antonio recorded 67 new pool construction permits with a total value of approximately $3.6 million, making it the most cost-efficient market for new pool construction in May with an average value of $53,724 per project.

Nearly 40 builders were active in the market, and the top three by permit volume were:

Keith Zars Pools – 13 permits
Staycation Fiberglass Pools – 5 permits
Blue Haven Pools – 3 permits

Bexar County was responsible for 55 of the total permits issued in the region.

Takeaways for Construction Professionals

Dallas remains the volume leader, offering high activity and opportunities for contractors and suppliers focused on scale.
Houston’s high average value per permit indicates some potential in the luxury and custom pool segment.
Austin and San Antonio continue to deliver consistent volume at varied price points, making them ideal for regionally-focused builders and marketers.
Builders such as Riverbend Pools, Blue Haven Pools, and Keith Zars Pools exhibited dominance in their local markets, providing benchmarks for competitive analysis.

For construction professionals, access to detailed, up-to-date building permit data like HBW’s is crucial for identifying high-performing markets, tracking competitor activity, and refining lead generation and marketing strategies.

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.

Top Home Builders in Texas – May 2025

Posted on June 11, 2025 by Erika Carruth

Based on Building Permit Data from HBW

The Texas residential construction market remained strong in May 2025, with approximately 6,910 new residential construction permits added to the HBW database for the month. As a trusted source for up-to-date construction data and permit activity, HBW monitors permitting trends, volumes, and market leaders to offer builders, suppliers, and industry professionals a clearer picture of regional and statewide activity.

Among the four major metro areas analyzed—Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio—Houston led the state in total residential construction activity, accounting for 45% of all new home permits on record statewide for the month (3,118 permits).

Let’s take a closer look at the top builders across each of these key markets and identify those leading the way in residential development during May:

Houston

With nearly 360 active home builders on record, Houston continues to be the most active metro area in Texas for new residential construction. The average value of new construction among the top five builders ranged from $225K to more than $319K.

Top 5 Builders – Houston (by total permits):

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
Lennar Homes	524	$230,930
D.R. Horton	265	$272,635
Perry Homes	133	$319,630
David Weekley Homes	129	$275,178
Pulte Homes	105	$225,171

Lennar Homes not only led Houston by a wide margin in total permits but also maintained a consistent presence across other metro areas last month, reflecting its ongoing dominance in Texas residential construction.

Austin

In Austin, more than 80 contractors pulled new residential construction permits in May. The average value of new construction was generally higher than in Houston, with leading builders like Taylor Morrison and Perry Homes averaging above $450K per home.

Top 5 Builders – Austin (by total permits):

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
Taylor Morrison Homes	91	$460,379
Perry Homes	60	$451,472
Pulte Homes	47	$304,695
D.R. Horton	44	$254,577
Lennar Homes	43	$202,975

Austin continues to see high-value residential construction. Taylor Morrison leads in both permit volume and average value, highlighting some focus on upscale homebuilding in the region.

Dallas

With approximately 270 home builders active in the Dallas area during May, the region experienced strong and diverse residential construction. Average construction values were especially notable, with top builders like Highland Homes and Bloomfield Homes exceeding the $470K mark.

Top 5 Builders – Dallas (by total permits):

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
D.R. Horton	235	$339,384
Lennar Homes	173	$330,627
Meritage Homes	117	$443,726
Highland Homes	103	$591,949
Bloomfield Homes	96	$470,708

D.R. Horton secured the top spot in Dallas for total permits and maintained strong numbers across all metros, reinforcing its position as a statewide leader. Highland Homes had the highest average value among the top five, reflecting a luxury-focused segment.

San Antonio

San Antonio had more than 85 active builders pulling permits in May. While the average construction values were lower than in Austin or Dallas, the region continues to support steady growth in entry-level to mid-market residential construction.

Top 5 Builders – San Antonio (by total permits):

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
Lennar Homes	119	$163,722
KB Homes	68	$168,989
Perry Homes	43	$301,792
Continental Homes of Texas	35	$160,600
LGI Homes	27	$166,103

Lennar Homes led in volume but had the lowest average value across all metros, indicating a strategic focus on more affordable housing segments in San Antonio.

Taking a statewide view based on permit volume, the following builders stood out across multiple metro areas:

Lennar Homes – Held leading spots in three out of four major markets (Houston, San Antonio, Dallas) and ranked in the top five in Austin. Total statewide permits exceeded 850.
D.R. Horton – Ranked second in Houston and led in Dallas. Present across all metros (with the exception of San Antonio), with statewide permit totals exceeding 540.
Perry Homes – Consistently ranked in the top five across Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, indicating a strong presence in Central and Southeast Texas.

Based on the latest construction data reports, it appears that builders including Lennar Homes and D.R. Horton continue to dominate across regions, while others like Perry Homes, Pulte Homes, and Taylor Morrison carve out strong footholds in specific cities.

As housing demands evolve, particularly in high-growth metros like Austin and Dallas, HBW will continue to track shifts in builder activity, permit values, and market trends—delivering detailed, real-time data to subscribers through custom reports and database access.

Stay tuned for a detailed breakdown of residential construction trends across Texas. For more information on obtaining detailed permitting data in your market, contact HBW.

What 10 Years of Building Permit Data Can Tell You About the Market

Posted on June 6, 2025 by Erika Carruth

In the currently competitive and fast-moving climate of the construction industry, knowledge is more than power—it’s profit. Whether you’re a home builder, contractor, supplier, or service provider, knowing where, when, and what types of projects are being built plays a critical role in identifying new opportunities and gaining a leg up on the competition. One of the most powerful tools available for gaining these insights is historical building permit data.

As HBW subscribers are already aware, HBW provides construction professionals with access to decades of building permit data through customizable reports that detail construction activity by region, builder, project value, and more. Here’s why this data is so valuable—and how you can put it to work.

Why Historical Permit Data Matters

Permit data is more than just paperwork—it’s a footprint of construction activity. When collected and analyzed over a 10-year span, building permits reveal patterns and shifts that help forecast future market behavior. And while the unexpected can and will happen, permit data is a solid source for understanding current trends and construction patterns over time.

Over the span of 10 years, permit data can reveal robust information, including but not limited to:

Market Cycles and Trends: Understand how different regions have weathered economic shifts, housing booms, or downturns.
Growth Hotspots: Identify geographic areas with consistent long-term growth or sudden surges in residential or commercial building.
Builder Activity: Track which builders are most active in which regions—and how their focus may have changed over time.
Permit Values: See how construction costs and home values are trending by year and location.
Seasonal Patterns: Determine when construction is rising and falling throughout the year to plan accordingly.

How to Use Historical Data Strategically

Having access to this data is a start—but knowing how to use it is what truly gives a construction professional an edge. Here are several key ways professionals are leveraging HBW’s historical permit data:

1. Identify Emerging Markets

Use multi-year trend reports to spot previously overlooked areas that are on the rise. A steady increase in residential permits over several years can signal a strong growth market worth targeting for expansion or investment.

2. Refine Your Sales and Marketing Strategy

By knowing where certain types of permits (e.g., new residential, pools, etc.) are most prevalent, you can tailor your marketing campaigns geographically and seasonally. Historical data shows you where demand has existed—and potentially where it may return.

3. Benchmark Against Competitors

Track builder activity over time to see how your business compares. Are your competitors pulling more permits in your region? Are they entering new markets? This intelligence helps you assess your market share and adjust your strategy.

4. Forecast Seasonal Demand

Looking at trends year over year can help you prepare for seasonal fluctuations in work volume. Knowing when permits typically surge allows you to plan staffing, supply orders, and promotional pushes accordingly.

5. Support Business Planning and Investment Decisions

Use permit data to justify business moves—whether you’re expanding into a new territory, hiring, or adding services. Historical trends provide the evidence you need to reduce risk and back your decisions with data.

As an HBW subscriber, there are a number of ways to maximize the value of your subscription. With the system enabling users to customize reports, you can drill down by county, city, zip code, builder, permit type, and more; it is important to set filters that align with your goals. Additionally, by comparing time frames, you can gain a clear look at year-over-year (YOY) data to understand long-term shifts and recent surges or slowdowns. Filtering and tracking projects by value is also useful as it can help builders zero in on luxury developments vs. budget builds, which can be used to match services and offerings to the right markets.

Whether you’re looking to grow your business, monitor competitors, or simply stay current on building trends, HBW building permit data reports are designed to be clear, relevant, and customizable to your unique needs. Contact HBW today to learn how the HBW database and customizable reports can bring clarity to your market strategy.

Florida Swimming Pool Construction Report – April 2025

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Erika Carruth

Insights from HBW’s Building Permit Data Across Five Key Regions

As Florida’s warm weather ramps up, demand for residential swimming pools remains steady across the state. According to the latest construction data reports from HBW, there were nearly 1,880 new swimming pool construction permits added to the books in April 2025. This figure represents a month-over-month decrease of 10 percent.

Regional Breakdown – Total Permits and Construction Value

The five major regions analyzed in this report include Southwest, Tampa, Orlando, Southeast, and Jacksonville. Below is a breakdown by region, ranked by the total number of new permits on record for the month of April:

Southwest Florida

Total Permits: 704

Total Construction Value: $57,281,536

Average Value per Permit: $81,366
The Southwest region once again led the state in new pool construction activity, accounting for more than 37% of all permits pulled statewide.

Tampa Area

Total Permits: 337

Total Construction Value: $28,336,206

Average Value per Permit: $84,084
Tampa held the second-highest position for new pool starts, with strong construction values reflecting demand in the area.

Orlando Area

Total Permits: 331

Total Construction Value: $24,394,906

Average Value per Permit: $73,701
Orlando followed closely behind Tampa, showing consistent performance in volume with slightly lower average values.

Southeast Florida

Total Permits: 312

Total Construction Value: $23,418,534

Average Value per Permit: $75,059
Southeast Florida demonstrated a balance of solid permit totals and steady construction values.

Jacksonville Area

Total Permits: 193

Total Construction Value: $18,320,314

Average Value per Permit: $94,924
While Jacksonville recorded the fewest total permits among the five regions, it posted the highest average value per permit, signaling a concentration of higher-end pool projects.

Top Counties for New Pool Construction

When evaluating pool construction activity at the county level, six counties stood out as the most active markets in April, collectively representing 43% of all new permits issued statewide (817 permits):

Lee County (Southwest) – 202 permits
Sarasota County (Southwest) – 176 permits
Manatee County (Southwest) – 117 permits
Charlotte County (Southwest) – 116 permits
Hillsborough County (Tampa) – 103 permits
Orange County (Orlando) – 103 permits

The Southwest region dominated at the county level as well, with four of the top six counties located within its boundaries. Lee County alone was responsible for more than 10% of all pool permits issued statewide.

Despite a small dip in overall volume, Florida’s swimming pool construction industry remains somewhat steady, with particularly high activity in the Southwest and Tampa regions. Jacksonville’s strong average project value underscores ongoing demand for custom, high-end residential pools.

HBW’s construction data—sourced directly from building permits filed across Florida municipalities—continues to provide valuable insight for construction professionals, suppliers, and service providers seeking to track market trends and identify new business opportunities.

Texas Home Builders: Top Residential Construction Leaders – April 2025

Posted on May 30, 2025 by Erika Carruth

In April 2025, Texas experienced a steady flow in residential construction activity, with more than 6,635 new residential construction permits on record across its four major metro markets—Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. According to the latest building permit data compiled by HBW, the state’s leading home builders continue to maintain a strong presence and market share, particularly in high-growth regions.

Statewide Leaders: Lennar and D.R. Horton

From a statewide perspective, Lennar Homes and D.R. Horton have continually emerged as the dominant forces in new home construction.

Lennar Homes led the state with 898 new permits, accounting for roughly 13.5% of all residential permits filed in April.
D.R. Horton followed with 493 permits, representing nearly 7.5% of the month’s total.

Combined, the two mega-builders were responsible for 21% of all new home construction permits filed across Texas’ four largest metropolitan areas in April—demonstrating their continued strategic focus on high-volume development in growth corridors.

Regional Breakdown: Top Builders by Metro Area

Houston

As the most active metro for residential construction in April, Houston saw 3,320 permits issued across nearly 330 contractors.
Top 5 Builders by Total Permits:

Builder	Total Permits	Avg. Construction Value
Lennar Homes	565	$232,973
D.R. Horton	232	$252,318
Perry Homes	171	$295,309
Westin Homes	138	$293,860
David Weekley Homes	135	$278,946

Lennar’s permit volume in Houston alone accounted for nearly 17% of the metro’s total activity, with an average construction value reflecting their focus on moderately priced new homes. Perry Homes and Westin Homes also showed strong engagement in higher-value developments.

Dallas

The Dallas area recorded 2,194 new residential permits from 235 builders in April.
Top 5 Builders by Total Permits:

Builder	Total Permits	Avg. Construction Value
D.R. Horton	198	$321,110
Lennar Homes	145	$302,976
Unlisted (Permit Office Restricted)	114	$250,000 (est.)
Pulte Homes	96	$371,127
Trophy Signature Homes	94	$397,655

Dallas continues to exhibit a blend of volume and luxury. D.R. Horton and Lennar again lead in activity, while Trophy Signature and Pulte signal demand in the upper-mid and luxury markets, with average values nearing or exceeding $370,000.

Austin

In Austin, there were 708 new permits spread among 80 builders, highlighting a relatively smaller but active market.
Top 5 Builders by Total Permits:

Builder	Total Permits	Avg. Construction Value
Shreveland Construction	122	$116,927
D.R. Horton	63	$252,903
Lennar Homes	50	$182,220
Pulte Homes	44	$312,992
Starlight Homes Texas	43	$375,515

Shreveland Construction captured the top spot in Austin by volume, though at a significantly lower average construction value, suggesting a concentration in affordable or entry-level housing. Other builders including Pulte and Starlight focused more on higher-end segments.

San Antonio

San Antonio registered 414 new permits in April, with 65 active builders.
Top 5 Builders by Total Permits:

Builder	Total Permits	Avg. Construction Value
Lennar Homes	138	$165,695
KB Homes	34	$188,558
Perry Homes	22	$312,950
Castlerock Communities	17	$249,309
LGI Homes	16	$155,245

Lennar’s strong presence in San Antonio further reinforces its strategic footprint in Texas. Average values indicate a focus on affordability, though Perry Homes continues to serve the premium segment.

Based on the latest reports from HBW as noted above, some of the takeaways for last month are as follows:

Lennar Homes remains the most active builder in Texas by a significant margin, leading in three of the four metro areas (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio).
D.R. Horton holds a solid second statewide and leads in Dallas, underscoring its dominant position in North Texas.
The Dallas metro showcased the highest average construction values among the top five builders, while Austin displayed the broadest range of pricing, from affordable developments to high-end new construction.
Houston continues to be the epicenter of residential development by sheer volume, with nearly half of the state’s new permits in April filed in the area.

Last month was another dynamic month for residential construction in Texas. Backed by steady permit activity, major players like Lennar Homes and D.R. Horton continue to shape the residential landscape across the state. For industry professionals, these trends offer critical insight into builder performance, market saturation, and regional demand—all of which are essential for forecasting, investment, and strategic planning.

Florida’s Top Home Builders by Region – April 2025

Posted on May 28, 2025 by Erika Carruth

As noted in our post last week, Florida’s residential construction market demonstrated continual activity through the month of April 2025, with nearly 6,500 new residential construction permits added to the HBW database. Reflecting steady consumer demand and ongoing development momentum across the state, the total construction value exceeded $2.2 billion for the month.

As HBW subscribers are already aware, HBW tracks permit data from building departments across Florida (and the South) to help contractors, builders, and suppliers stay informed, plan strategically, and generate high-quality leads. For April, we’ve analyzed residential construction activity across five key Florida regions—Southwest, Southeast, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville—to identify the leading home builders based on total permits pulled. Below is a breakdown of the top builders by region, as well as a statewide snapshot of market leaders.

Southwest Florida

In Southwest Florida, Lennar Homes led the market with 230 new residential permits totaling more than $40.7 million in construction value. Other top builders included D.R. Horton, Taylor Morrison, and Pulte Homes, all maintaining strong regional presence.

Builder	Total Permits	Total Value	Average Value
Lennar Homes	230	$40,761,675	$177,225
D.R. Horton	130	$26,722,433	$205,557
Taylor Morrison	125	$27,267,060	$218,136
Pulte Homes	124	$20,298,070	$163,694
Holiday Builders	54	$16,154,645	$299,160

Southeast Florida

Lennar Homes once again took the lead in Southeast Florida, securing 111 permits valued at over $18.1 million. While GL Building Corporation and Mattamy Homes pulled fewer permits, they recorded notably higher average construction values, signaling activity in the luxury segment.

Builder	Total Permits	Total Value	Average Value
Lennar Homes	111	$18,111,809	$163,169
GL Building Corp.	63	$25,425,720	$403,583
Mattamy Homes	38	$15,685,067	$412,765
KH East Coastal FL Homes	36	$16,469,216	$457,478
D.R. Horton	27	$5,130,675	$190,025

Orlando Area

The Orlando region saw D.R. Horton take the top spot with 170 permits and more than $56 million in total value. Lennar, Pulte, and Taylor Morrison followed closely behind, with Taylor Morrison leading the pack in average value at nearly $500k per home.

Builder	Total Permits	Total Value	Average Value
D.R. Horton	170	$56,491,011	$332,300
Pulte Homes	140	$49,906,819	$356,477
Lennar Homes	138	$51,281,692	$371,606
Taylor Morrison	84	$41,758,620	$497,126
CKF Construction Services	67	$16,033,828	$239,311

Tampa Area

Tampa remains one of Florida’s most active residential construction markets. Lennar Homes dominated with 316 new permits, bringing in a total value of nearly $117 million. D.R. Horton and Taylor Morrison also held strong positions, with average values exceeding $335k.

Builder	Total Permits	Total Value	Average Value
Lennar Homes	316	$116,872,922	$369,851
D.R. Horton	219	$74,201,893	$338,821
Taylor Morrison	122	$49,200,156	$403,280
The Villages of Lake Sumter	92	$16,100,000	$175,000
Muder Construction	68	$11,900,000	$175,000

Jacksonville Area

In Jacksonville, Lennar Homes held its leadership with 121 permits totaling over $32 million in value. David Weekley Homes and Pulte Homes followed next in line, while Toll Brothers led in terms of high-value construction out of the top five, having an average of approximately $344k per home.

Builder	Total Permits	Total Value	Average Value
Lennar Homes	121	$32,027,880	$264,693
David Weekley Homes	54	$14,337,567	$265,511
Pulte Homes	52	$12,944,061	$248,924
Toll Brothers	35	$12,030,002	$343,714
Dream Finders Homes	33	$6,702,390	$203,103

Statewide Leaders – April 2025

When aggregating data across the state’s top regions, Lennar Homes emerged as the undisputed leader with 916 new permits and a total construction value of $259 million+. D.R. Horton and Pulte Homes followed as consistent performers across multiple regions.

Builder	Statewide Permits
1-Lennar Homes	916
2-D.R. Horton	561
3-Pulte Homes	401
4-Taylor Morrison	348

April 2025 reflected Florida’s ongoing residential construction momentum, fueled by both national and regional builders maintaining aggressive growth strategies. The data from HBW not only highlights the volume leaders but also provides insight into market segmentation—ranging from affordable housing to luxury builds.

To gain access to detailed permitting data, homeowner information, and project-level insights, contact HBW. The HBW platform equips construction professionals with the tools they need to forecast opportunities, refine marketing efforts, and grow strategically in a competitive market.

Florida New Residential Construction Report – April 2025

Posted on May 23, 2025 by Erika Carruth

Florida’s residential construction market continued to demonstrate continual activity through the month of April 2025, with nearly 6,500 new residential construction permits added to the HBW database. Reflecting steady consumer demand and ongoing development momentum across the state, the total construction value exceeded $2.2 billion for the month.

Regional Overview

Among the five major regions included in the HBW report—Southeast, Orlando, Jacksonville, Tampa, and Southwest Florida—Southwest Florida emerged as the leader in new residential permit volume, accounting for 1,907 new permits. This figure represents approximately 29% of all new residential construction permits statewide for the month.

Conversely, Southeast Florida reported the lowest concentration of new home construction activity, with 522 permits issued. While this region recorded the fewest permits, it notably posted the highest average value of construction at $411,091, suggesting a continued focus on high-end and luxury residential development.

Region	Permits Issued	Average Construction Value
Southeast	522	$411,091
Orlando	1,455	$386,165
Jacksonville	784	$315,112
Tampa	1,828	$341,034
Southwest	1,907	$310,965

While Southwest Florida led in volume, the average value of construction in this region was the lowest, at $310,965. This figure reflects the broader trend of high-density development and cost-conscious building practices in areas experiencing rapid population growth.

Top Performing Counties

Five counties stood out during April for their elevated levels of residential permitting, collectively accounting for 40% of all new home permits recorded within the listed regions in the state:

Lee County (Southwest): 742 permits
Polk County (Tampa): 535 permits
Pasco County (Tampa): 506 permits
Orange County (Orlando): 434 permits
Manatee County (Southwest): 385 permits

The above listed counties continue to attract both builders and homebuyers due to a combination of favorable land availability, ongoing infrastructure investments, and desirable lifestyle amenities.

April’s performance in both permit volume and construction value underscores the resilience of Florida’s residential construction market amid evolving economic conditions. Builders continue to respond to demand across a range of price points, from luxury custom homes in Southeast Florida to high-volume developments in growing suburbs across Tampa and Southwest Florida.

As HBW continues to monitor residential permit data across the state, construction professionals can rely on up-to-date reports to inform strategic planning, market entry, and competitive analysis.

For a full breakdown of residential construction activity by region, county, and builder, subscribe to HBW’s comprehensive 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 Swimming Pool Construction: April 2025 Market Snapshot

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Erika Carruth

As the weather heats up across the Lone Star State, so too does residential swimming pool construction. According to the latest building permit data from HBW, a total of 511 new swimming pool construction permits were added across the four major metropolitan areas of Texas in April 2025—Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.

While this figure reflects a slight month-over-month decrease of approximately 7% compared to 550 permits in the previous month (March), this type of short-term fluctuation is not unusual in the construction industry. Month-to-month changes are often driven by a variety of factors including weather patterns, scheduling backlogs, permitting timelines, and regional economic shifts. For construction professionals and suppliers, it is essential to analyze trends over longer periods before drawing conclusions about market direction.

Dallas Leads the Pack in Volume and Value
The Dallas area continues to lead in both permit volume and construction value, with 210 new permits on record and an estimated $47 million in new swimming pool construction for the month. The average value per project stood out at $223,712, significantly higher than other metro areas.

Top Contractors:
- Riverbend Pools – 17 permits
- Gold Medal Pools – 13 permits
- G3 Pools – 7 permits
Hotspot: Collin County accounted for 67 of the total permits, making it the most active area in the Dallas region.

Houston
In Houston, HBW reported 142 new pool construction permits, with a total value exceeding $13 million. The average value per permit came in at $92,139, reflecting steady market activity.

Top Contractors:
- Blue Haven Pools – 8 permits
- Cypress Custom Pools – 8 permits
- Platinum Pools – 5 permits
Hotspot: Harris County dominated the region with 98 new permits.

Austin
The Austin area held a total of 69 new swimming pool permits with a combined value over $5.5 million. The average project value was $80,096, and Travis County emerged as the core of activity with 50 permits.

Top Contractors:
- Denali Pools – 4 permits
- Anthony & Sylvan Pools – 4 permits
- Cody Pools – 4 permits

San Antonio
San Antonio experienced the lowest volume of new permits this month, with approximately 40 new permits and a total construction value nearing $1.8 million. The average project value was $45,269, reflecting smaller-scale projects in comparison to other metro areas reviewed.

Top Contractors:
- Keith Zars Pools – 6 permits
- Cody Pools – 5 permits
- Gary Pools SA – 5 permits
Hotspot: Bexar County accounted for 35 of the approximately 40 permits, indicating a localized market.

Short-Term Shifts vs. Long-Term Trends

A month-over-month drop from 550 to 511 permits statewide—a 7% decrease—is well within the range of normal fluctuations in residential construction. Such changes often reflect timing in permit processing, seasonality, or brief pauses in project initiation rather than a shift in market demand.

Construction professionals should rely on quarterly and year-over-year data for a more comprehensive understanding of the swimming pool market. Trends in material costs, labor availability, regional housing starts, and consumer confidence also play critical roles in shaping future demand.

While April 2025 saw a modest dip in new swimming pool construction permits in Texas, the data reveals consistent demand across the state’s major metro areas. Dallas continues to set the pace with high-value installations, while Houston and Austin remain stable contributors. San Antonio’s market shows steady localized activity.

Professionals leveraging building permit data from trusted sources like HBW can stay ahead of the curve, adapt to local market conditions, and refine their business development strategies with precision.

Florida Residential Construction Report – Q1 2025

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Erika Carruth

As the Florida construction industry moves through the first quarter of 2025, the latest building permit data collected and compiled by HBW indicates an upward trend in new residential construction across the state. With 28,408 new residential construction permits added to the HBW database from January through March, Florida has experienced approximately a 6 percent year-over-year (YOY) increase in comparison to Q1 2024. This growth marks a noteworthy change in market momentum, following a few consecutive years of slowing activity.

Construction Trends and Regional Highlights

Historically, Florida’s new residential construction activity has seen moderate declines since 2022. According to HBW’s Building Activity Trend Report for New Residential Construction, 2022 closed with a 5 percent YOY decrease, and 2023 exhibited a more significant 14 percent drop in residential construction permit issuance. By 2024, the market began to show signs of stabilization, and now in early 2025, industry data suggests a cautious return to growth.

The current landscape varies significantly by region, with Central Florida emerging as the front-runner, demonstrating approximately a 37 percent YOY increase in new home construction activity with 4,303 permits in Q1 alone. This spike reflects renewed residential development interest and increased demand in the heart of the state.

Other notable regional insights include:

West Florida: 7,686 permits | +9.5% YOY
Southeast Florida: 2,432 permits | +7% YOY
Northwest Florida: 3,132 permits | +12% YOY
Southwest Florida: 6,102 permits | -2% YOY
Northeast Florida: 4,753 permits | -11% YOY

While Northeast and Southwest Florida reflect minor dips in new residential construction, the broader picture shows moderate-to-strong gains, suggesting a potential market rebound in select areas.

County-Level Perspective

From a county-level perspective, several counties are leading the way in terms of residential construction permit volume. The top five counties with the highest concentration of new residential permits in Q1 2025 include:

Lee County (Southwest): 2,520 permits | -6% YOY
Pasco County (West): 2,385 permits | +60% YOY
Polk County (West): 2,112 permits | -22% YOY
Marion County (Northeast): 1,519 permits | +3% YOY
Duval County (Northeast): 1,332 permits | +52% YOY

The above listed counties account for a significant share of new home construction statewide, with Pasco and Duval experiencing particularly strong year-over-year growth, pointing to potential for a rising demand in both West and Northeast Florida.

High-Value Residential Construction

In Q1 2025, HBW also tracked notable growth in higher-value residential construction, defined as homes with construction values exceeding $500,000. The counties with the highest volume of these high-end permits include:

Pasco County (West): 561 permits
Palm Beach County (Southeast): 266 permits
Hillsborough County (West): 231 permits
Polk County (West): 176 permits
Osceola County (Central): 173 permits

Why Permit Data Matters

For contractors, builders, suppliers, and other construction professionals, staying current with building permit data is essential. Quarterly and annual permit tracking offers clear insights into market conditions, allowing businesses to:

Identify growth markets and opportunities for expansion
Forecast seasonal activity and resource needs
Monitor competitor presence
Generate targeted prospect lists
Align marketing and business development strategies with real-world activity

In addition to current construction activity, historical permit data can serve as a powerful tool for professionals to recognize long-term trends, gauge market health, and make strategic business decisions based on years of regional construction performance.

Looking Ahead

While the first quarter of 2025 signals a welcome increase in residential construction across many parts of Florida, it’s important to maintain a close watch on developing trends. With Central and Northwest Florida showing strong early performance, the state may be on track for a stronger year—though continued monitoring will be key as the market adjusts.

Texas Swimming Pool Construction Report – Q1 2025

Posted on May 9, 2025 by Erika Carruth

The first quarter of 2025 has delivered a mixed but generally downward picture for the Texas swimming pool construction market. According to the latest building permit data compiled from the HBW database, there were 1,458 new swimming pool construction permits added across the state between January and March. This figure represents a 15% decline compared to the same period last year (Q1-2024), reflecting a continuation of the slowdown that has been evident since 2023.

Statewide Trends

The Texas pool construction market has been experiencing a multiyear deceleration. Following a 31% year-over-year decrease in 2023 and an 18% decline in 2024, the first quarter of 2025 suggests that the downward trend is persisting, at least for now. While the summer and fall seasons will ultimately shape the annual outcome, early data points to continued caution among homeowners and developers when it comes to new pool installations.

Regional Highlights:

The HBW Swimming Pool Construction Activity Trend Report used for gathering the latest stats focuses on four of Texas’s major metro areas: Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. Here’s how they stacked up in Q1-2025:

Dallas: 687 permits, -4% YOY
Dallas remained the largest swimming pool construction market in the state, showing only a modest dip. The area’s resilience may be due to its robust housing market and steady demand for outdoor living enhancements.
Houston: 429 permits, -13% YOY
Houston posted a more pronounced decline, with permitting activity softening compared to last year. Market watchers have noted that weather events, material costs, and shifting homeowner priorities may be contributing to the slowdown.
Austin: 188 permits, -41% YOY
Austin experienced the sharpest drop among major metros. With a 41% decrease, the capital city’s pool construction market has clearly pulled back, potentially due to a cooling housing market and changing economic dynamics following several years of rapid expansion.
San Antonio: 154 permits, -13% YOY
San Antonio mirrored Houston’s trend with a 13% decline, potentially serving as a signal of a broad-based slowdown across South Texas.

Top Counties:

When analyzed by county, five counties accounted for over 63% of all new pool permits in the state:

Harris County (Houston): 274 permits, -16% YOY
Dallas County (Dallas): 206 permits, -15% YOY
Collin County (Dallas): 152 permits, -4% YOY
Denton County (Dallas): 151 permits, +28% YOY
Travis County (Austin): 142 permits, -46% YOY

Notably, Denton County was a bright spot among the top counties, recording a 28% increase over last year. Meanwhile, Travis County’s steep 46% decline aligns with the significant pullback observed across the greater Austin area.

Market Insights:

For construction professionals, understanding these shifts is essential for adjusting marketing strategies, workforce planning, and resource allocation.

Dallas remains the most stable market, providing the best prospects for contractors seeking steady leads in 2025.
Houston and San Antonio demand more targeted marketing and competitive pricing to win business in a cooling market.
Austin contractors may need to diversify their service offerings or expand into nearby regions to offset declining local demand.
Denton County over the coming year may deserve special attention if it continues to prove itself as an emerging hotspot for new residential pool construction.

While the early numbers from Q1-2025 point to continued caution in the Texas swimming pool construction market, the year is far from over. Market conditions can shift rapidly, and seasonal demand often picks up as temperatures rise. HBW will continue to monitor permit activity throughout the year, providing subscribers with timely updates and actionable insights to help navigate the evolving landscape.