How Architects & Engineers Use Permit Data for Business Development

Posted on by

For architects and engineers (and everyone in between), finding new clients is an ongoing challenge. Whether you’re a smaller operation or part of a larger firm, expanding your client base requires a constant and consistent effort that includes strategy, networking, and industry insights. And as HBW subscribers are already aware, one of the most powerful tools for business development is building permit data.

By leveraging building permit data, architects and engineers can identify potential projects, connect with property owners, and stay ahead of market trends. Today, we will take a brief look at how permit data can be used to attract new clients, as well as offer some practical examples of its benefits.

Understanding Building Permit Data

From new construction to renovations, residential and commercial, building permits are required for most construction projects. Permits include key information including but not limited to:

  • Project type (new construction, renovation, addition, etc.)
  • Property owner information
  • Contractor and architect details
  • Estimated project value
  • Permit approval and issuance dates

When properly used by construction professionals, the above listed data can serve as a reliable source for client development and play an important role in building an effective marketing strategy.

So, how does one go about using permit data to find new clients? For starters, let’s take a look at some of the basics…

1. Identify Active Property Owners & Developers

Permit data provides direct access to property owners who are actively investing in construction projects. By filtering the data, architects and engineers can identify individuals or companies that frequently undertake construction work, making them prime prospects for future projects.

Example: If a local property developer has filed multiple permits for renovations over the past year, they might need an architect for a large-scale project in the near future. By reaching out with a tailored proposal showcasing relevant expertise, an architect can position themselves to be an ideal fit for their next project.

2. Target Specific Project Types

Permit data allows architects and engineers to focus on projects that align with their expertise, whether it’s residential, commercial, or industrial design. By filtering permits based on project type, industry professionals can focus on the projects that are best suited for their experience, team, and specialties.

Example: An architect specializing in high-end residential design can track permits for higher-value and luxury home renovations; from there, they can have a more focused approach for homeowners with ideas for improvements, using relevant past projects as case studies.

3. Build Relationships with General Contractors

General contractors most often work together with architects and engineers. For this reason, reviewing permit data to identify frequently active contractors in your service area(s) can present opportunities for you to establish partnerships with contractors for future referrals and collaborations.

Example: If an engineering firm notices a general contractor frequently working on commercial office renovations, they may proactively reach out and offer structural engineering support for upcoming projects.

4. Stay Ahead of Market Trends

Permit data can help architects and engineers understand construction trends and activity within specific regions. By reviewing reports to locate the areas and regions where new construction is on the rise, professionals can focus their efforts on promoting services in growing markets.

Example: If permit data reflects a surge in multi-family housing developments in a particular County or region, an architectural firm can focus its marketing efforts on developers that are working in that area, showcasing their expertise in similar or complementary multi-family housing design.

5. Provide Value-Added Services to Property Owners

Many property owners may not be aware of the full range of architectural or engineering services that are available to them; moreover, they may not even have factored in the benefits of utilizing such providers. By reviewing permit applications for projects that could benefit from additional expertise, industry professionals can offer value-added services.

Example: In the case where a property owner applies for a basic renovation permit, an architect could reach out and offer to optimize the design for energy efficiency, improved space utilization, or to ensure compliance with zoning regulations.

To leverage permit data effectively, architects and engineers can utilize HBW’s services to gain access to the latest and most pertinent information within their areas of interest. In addition to providing permit data, HBW offers unique and advanced search capabilities, saving users time filtering the data so that they can quickly obtain leads that are most relevant.

For more information on construction business 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.

Organizing and Managing Leads for Optimal Results

Posted on by

In the competitive industry of construction, success often hinges on an effective strategy for procuring, managing and organizing leads. Building a pipeline of reliable prospects ensures a steady flow of projects and long-term business growth. One of the most valuable sources of leads can be derived from building permit data—an often-overlooked goldmine of actionable information. Today, we will explore some best practices for gathering, using, and managing leads, with a focus on leveraging building permit data effectively.

Gathering High-Quality Leads

1. Tap into Building Permit Data

Building permit data provides a treasure trove of insights, including project types, locations, and details regarding the contractors or homeowners involved. By accessing permit records that are regularly updated through HBW, construction professionals can identify new opportunities before their competitors.

2. Focus on Targeted Data

Instead of casting a wide net and collecting a massive volume of general leads, focus on quality over quantity. Look for permits related to your specialties within the field—whether it’s residential renovations, commercial buildings, or custom home construction. HBW’s filtering options make it easy to narrow down data based on geographic region, project value, project type, builders, permit issuance date, and more.

Organizing and Managing Leads Effectively

1. Use a CRM System

As most industry professionals are already aware, a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool is essential for organizing leads and tracking interactions. Many CRMs allow integration with data sources like HBW, enabling construction businesses to automate lead entry and follow-up reminders. While it is important to find a CRM that best suits your team’s unique needs and preferences, some popular CRM options include HubSpot, Salesforce, and Zoho (note: HBW does not endorse a specific CRM system).

2. Categorize Leads

Now that you have thousands of leads from HBW – What’s next? Without organization, it is easy to lose track of leads, so the first step would be to segment your leads into different categories. Consider basing segmentation on any or all of the following:

  • Project Type: Residential, commercial, remodeling, etc.
  • Stage of Project: Pre-construction, active permits, recently completed projects.
  • Urgency: High-priority leads (e.g., projects about to begin) vs. long-term prospects.

By properly organizing leads into categories, you can prioritize outreach efforts and tailor marketing strategies accordingly.

3. Establish a Follow-Up System

I cannot stress this step enough – Follow-up is required for success. A structured follow-up process increases the likelihood of converting leads into clients. As a general guide, consider the following steps:

  • Initial Contact: Reach out via phone, email, or messaging, introducing your services.
  • Follow-Up Message: Send a personalized message highlighting how your business can help with their project.
  • Schedule Check-Ins: Timing is everything, so it is important to stay in touch periodically to remain top-of-mind so that you’re easily accessible when your contacts are ready to move forward.

Automating follow-ups through a CRM is a great way to ensure that leads don’t fall through the cracks, but even with automation, you should maintain oversight of the process and interactions.

4. Track and Optimize Lead Performance

Tracking performance is essential for measuring the success of your outreach and management efforts. Through appropriate tracking, you will gain valuable information on what strategies are working and where improvements may be needed. Some key metrics to consider include:

  • Conversion Rates
  • Engagement Levels
  • Response Times
  • Return on Investment (ROI) for outreach campaigns

By analyzing the above listed areas, businesses can identify high-performing channels, refine messaging, and allocate resources more effectively. Optimization ensures that outreach efforts remain efficient, targeting the right audience with the right approach, and at the right time.

An effective lead management strategy can mean the difference between sporadic projects and consistent growth. By leveraging HBW’s comprehensive building permit data, using smart CRM solutions, and establishing a structured follow-up system, you can create a reliable database of high-quality prospects, while securing a steady stream of projects year-round.

For more information on construction business 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.

Beyond Likes & Shares: Marketing Outside of Social Media

Posted on by

Let’s face it – social media is changing; from politics and controversial platforms to algorithm shifts and trends, the digital landscape is seemingly in a constant state of change. As anyone who has run a social media campaign knows, what works on one platform, may not be effective on another, and the type of content that received major engagement last month, may fall flat today.

So, how does a construction business keep up with the ever-changing social environment? The truth is that if you are relying solely on social media for your marketing strategy, you are most likely missing out on some other major, and often overlooked, opportunities. While a social-first approach may prove to be effective for some brands, social media marketing is certainly not the only way to reach your target audience, and a successful marketing strategy requires that businesses diversify marketing efforts.

For this reason, here are five effective ways to expand your marketing beyond the framework of social media:

1. Email Marketing – Email is still alive and kicking, along with email marketing. To make the most of this opportunity, you should develop an email list and nurture relationships with personalized content. With HBW building permit data, your personalization can address individual’s immediate needs and goals based on the status of construction projects on their property and in their area. Consider sending newsletters, promotional offers, and industry updates directly to your contacts, and leverage automation for timely follow-ups and customer engagement.

2. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) – The term “SEO” can be intimidating to those who are not involved with website development and digital marketing, and while it can require time and effort, anyone can give a boost to their SEO with a few basic adjustments. To start, you should identify keywords for your services and industry and optimize your website content to rank higher in search engine results. By enriching your copy and content with keywords, you will gain traction in driving organic traffic. Additionally, if you don’t already have one, consider developing and maintaining a blog with valuable, evergreen content.

3. Content Marketing – Right in line with SEO, content marketing plays a key role in attracting and engaging your target audience. Think of creating content that counts and contains subject matter that addresses your audience’s interests and needs. You can start by creating and publishing high-quality blog posts, whitepapers, and case studies, along with video content, podcasts, and webinars; the format you choose should match the information you are sharing and method for distribution.

4. Networking and Partnerships – No matter how much we are involved in and inundated with digital content, nothing quite matches face-to-face interaction and communication. While valuable networking can take place online, it is also important to be front and center with prospects by attending industry conferences, networking events, and expos/trade shows. Businesses can also benefit from building partnerships within the industry for cross-promotion opportunities.

5. Public Relations (PR) and Media Outreach – Public relations and building relationships with media partners can take some time, but with a focused effort, you can reap a wealthy return on your investment. For starters, you can submit press releases to news outlets and industry publications; there are multiple options available for smaller businesses that want to publish press releases on a limited budget. Additionally, explore options for guest appearances on podcasts, radio shows, or industry panels. By leveraging media coverage and putting your brand in the public eye, you can establish credibility and authority.

While social media remains a powerful tool, businesses must adopt a diversified marketing approach to ensure long-term success. By implementing multiple strategies, you can reach a broader audience, strengthen brand credibility, and reduce reliance on any single platform.

For more information on construction business 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 Swimming Pool Construction Review – February 2025

Posted on by

Last month, there were approximately 2,035 new swimming pool permits added to the HBW database for Florida; this figure reflects a 15 percent month-over-month increase in new pool construction.

Out of the five regions reviewed (Southwest, Tampa, Southeast, Orlando, Jacksonville), the southwestern region ranked #1 for pool construction, having more than 590 new permits on record for the one-month period; the area also carried the highest average value of new permits (average value: $111,358).

Here is a closer look at the permit data, project values, leading contractors, and new pool construction activity in each of the five major regions of Florida during the month of February:

Southwest

As previously noted, the southwestern region of Florida held the highest concentration of new swimming pool construction activity last month, having more than 590 new permits with a total value in excess of $65.8 million. The average value of construction was highest (average value: $111,358) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and more than half of all new permits originated from the counties of Lee (195 permits) and Sarasota (150 permits).

Out of more than 150 pool builders with new construction activity on record in the region last month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

BuilderTotal Permits
1-Coast to Coast Pools62
2-Pinnacle USA37
3-Trusted Pool & Spa24
4-Aragon Pools & Spas23
5-Miromar Pools21

Tampa

Last month, Tampa ranked #2 for new pool construction, having just about 520 new permits with a total value of approximately $50 million on record with HBW. The average value of new pool construction was $96,139, and well more than half of all new permits originated from the counties of Pasco and Hillsborough where there were 280 and 106 new permits on record respectively.

Out of approximately 155 contractors with new swimming pool construction activity on record in Tampa last month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

BuilderTotal Permits
1-Gulfstream Pools & Spas39
2-Cody Pools31
3-T&D Pool Construction29
4-Natural Springs Pools21
5-Trendsetter Pools18

Southeast

Next in line behind Tampa, the southeastern region of Florida ranked #3 for new pool construction, having 436 new permits with a total value of approximately $36.1 million on record with HBW. The average value of construction was $82,746, and just over half of all permits originated from Palm Beach County (222 permits).

Out of nearly 190 contractors with new swimming pool construction activity on record in the area last month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

BuilderTotal Permits
1-Fountain Blue Pool Service24
2-Craft Master Custom Pools17
3-Van Kirk Construction12
4-A&G Concrete Pools12
5-RHR Pools10

Orlando

In Orlando, there were 335 new swimming pool construction permits with a total value in excess of $25 million added to the HBW database last month. The average value of construction was lowest in the Orlando area (average value: $74,685) in comparison to other regions reviewed, and more than half of all new permits originated from the two counties of Lake (110 permits) and Orange (95 permits).

Out of nearly 120 contractors with new pool construction activity on record in the area last month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

BuilderTotal Permits
1-Bob’s Pool Service54
2-Dreamscapes Pools & Spas21
3-Cody Pools16
4-Kura Design Pools11
5-Blue Dream Pools11

Jacksonville

Last month, there were approximately 155 new swimming pool construction permits with a total value in excess of $14.5 million added to the HBW database for Jacksonville. The average value of pool construction was $94,997, and the county with the highest concentration of new construction activity was St. Johns (83 permits).

Out of more than 70 pool builders with new construction activity on record in the area last month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

BuilderTotal Permits
1-Tier 1 Pools and Spas8
2-Old Town Custom Pools6
3-Island Pools5
4-Agua Pools & Spas5
5-Blue Haven Pools5

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 Home Construction Report – February 2025

Posted on by

As published in HBW’s recent “Top Home Builders” report, there were nearly 7,800 new residential construction permits, totaling more than $2.7 billion in value, added to the HBW database for the Sunshine State last month. Out of the five major regions reviewed (Southwest, Southeast, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville), the Tampa area held the highest concentration of new home construction (3,032 permits), while the southeast carried the highest average value of new construction (average value: $480,100).

Here is a closer look at the total permits, average construction values, and leading counties for new home construction in the five major regions of Florida during the month of February:

Tampa

As previously mentioned, Tampa ranked #1 for new home construction last month as there were 3,032 new permits with a total value in excess of $1.1 billion. The average value of construction was $369,106, and more than half of all new permits originated from Pasco County (1,597 permits).

Southwest

The southwest region ranked #2 for new home construction last month as there were 1,827 new permits with a total value of $538 million on record with HBW. The average value of new home construction landed on the lower end of the spectrum (average value: $294,526) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and more than half of all new permits originated from the counties of Lee (792 permits) and Manatee (493 permits).

Orlando

The Orlando area ranked #3 for new home construction, having more than 1,315 new permits with a total construction value of $474.1 million last month. The average value of new home construction was $360,003, and the counties that carried the highest concentration of residential construction permits included Orange (289 permits) and Lake (286 permits).

Jacksonville

Last month, there were more than 900 new residential construction permits with a total value of nearly $263 million in the Jacksonville area. The average value of construction was lowest in Jacksonville (average value: $289,910) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and the majority of new home construction activity took place in Duval County (380 permits) and St. Johns County (300 permits).

Southeast

Last month, the southeastern region of Florida carried the lowest amount of new home construction activity in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed; during the one-month period, there were 710 new permits with a total construction value of approximately $341 million on record with HBW. The average value of new home construction was highest in the southeast (average value: $480,100) in comparison to other regions reviewed, and more than half of all new residential construction activity took place in the two counties of Palm Beach (246 permits) and St. Lucie (208 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.

Residential Construction Trends: Florida’s Top Home Builders for February 2025

Posted on by

Last month, Florida’s residential construction sector demonstrated robust activity, with nearly 7,800 new permits issued, totaling more than $2.7 billion in value. The Tampa area led this surge, accounting for close to 40 percent of the state’s new residential construction permits. This significant volume underscores the area’s pivotal role in driving Florida’s market forward.

For construction professionals seeking detailed insights into building permit data across Florida’s major regions, the HBW database offers comprehensive and up-to-date information. By analyzing this data, professionals can identify trends, benchmark performance, and strategize effectively to capitalize on emerging opportunities within the state’s dynamic residential construction landscape.

In an upcoming blog post (next week), we will dive deeper into the permit data and regional trends shaping the residential construction market in the Sunshine State. That upcoming overview will provide a closer look at permit values, construction activity, and emerging patterns across the state’s primary regions. However, today’s report will focus exclusively on identifying the top home builders based on the total number of permits pulled in February 2025.

Statewide, there are two companies that have continued to be prominent in the residential construction market month after month – Both Lennar Homes and D.R. Horton carry a large share of new home construction in Florida, and last month, the mega builders were responsible for approximately 30 percent of all new permits on record with HBW, having 1,318 and 942 new permits on record respectively.

Here is closer look at top five home builders in each of the five regions of Florida based on the total amount of new permits added to the HBW database during the month of February:

Southwest

In Southwest Florida, there were more than 325 contractors with new home construction activity on record with HBW last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

BuilderTotal Permits Average Value
1-Lennar Homes323 $   203,946.00
2-D.R. Horton208 $   215,125.00
3-Pulte Homes152 $   195,601.00
4-Taylor Morrison86 $   254,737.00
5-Neal Communities of SW FL45 $   317,118.00

Tampa

Last month, there were 235 contractors with new home construction activity on record in the Tampa area, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

BuilderTotal Permits Average Value
1-Lennar Homes694 $   364,174.00
2-D.R. Horton439 $   348,984.00
3-Pulte Homes179 $   450,338.00
4-M/I Homes156 $   555,910.00
5-Taylor Morrison154 $   416,466.00

Orlando

In Orlando, there were more than 160 home builders with new residential construction activity on record, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

BuilderTotal Permits Average Value
1-Pulte Homes202 $   337,396.00
2-Lennar Homes182 $   344,438.00
3-D.R. Horton124 $   332,743.00
4-M/I Homes61 $   351,423.00
5-Mattamy Homes59 $   261,139.00

Southeast

Last month, there were more than 150 contractors with new residential construction activity on record with HBW in the southeastern region of Florida, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

BuilderTotal Permits Average Value
1-GL Building Corporation63 $   485,396.00
2-D.R. Horton63 $   265,426.00
3-Lennar Homes61 $   266,752.00
4-Pulte Homes49 $   454,456.00
5-Toll Brothers44 $   478,003.00

Jacksonville

Last month, there were 130 contractors with new home construction activity on record with HBW in the Jacksonville area, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

BuilderTotal Permits Average Value
1-D.R. Horton108 $   247,790.00
2-Dream Finders Construction62 $   268,772.00
3-Lennar Homes58 $   264,559.00
4-Dream Finders Homes49 $   208,946.00
5-Toll Brothers44 $   314,112.00

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.

Texas Swimming Pool Construction Update – February 2025

Posted on by

Last month, there were nearly 400 new swimming pool construction permits with a total value in excess of $26.6 million added to the HBW database for Texas. Out of the four major metro areas reviewed (Dallas, Austin, Houston, San Antonio), Dallas (199 permits) carried approximately half of all new construction activity for the one-month period, while Houston held the highest average value of new pool construction (average value: $81,715).

Here is a closer look at the total permits, leading counties, and average value of new swimming pool construction in each of the four major metro areas of Texas during the month of February:

Dallas

As noted above, Dallas ranked #1 for new swimming pool construction last month, having approximately 200 new permits with a total construction value of more than $13.7 million added to the HBW database. The average value of construction landed mid-range (average value: $68,937) in comparison to other Texas areas reviewed, and the counties with the highest concentration of new pool construction activity included Denton (60 permits) and Dallas (48 permits).

Houston

In Houston, there were more than 100 new swimming pool construction permits with a total value of approximately $8.6 million on record with HBW for the month of February.  As previously mentioned, the average value of construction was highest in Houston (average value: $81,715) in comparison to other metro areas reviewed, and nearly 65 percent of all new construction took place in Harris County (67 permits).

Austin

In Austin, there were nearly 50 new pool permits with a total construction value of approximately $2.5 million last month. The average value of new pool construction projects was $52,532, and the majority of all permits originated from Travis County where there were 34 new permits on record for the one-month period.

San Antonio

Last month, San Antonio had the lowest amount of new pool construction activity on record in comparison to other regions reviewed, having 44 new permits with a total construction value of approximately $1.9 million. Additionally, the area carried the lowest average value of construction (average value: $42,386), and nearly all pool permits originated from Bexar County (39 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.

Top Texas Home Builders – February 2025

Posted on by

Earlier this week, we reviewed HBW’s latest construction data reports to gain insight on the residential construction market in four major metropolitan areas of Texas (Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio), at which time we found that there were more than 5,410 new residential construction permits with a total value of nearly $1.8 billion added to the HBW database for Texas last month. Today, we are using the same HBW reports to sort through the hundreds of home builders with new permits on record for the month of February to identify the contractors that are driving new home construction throughout the Lone Star State.

Statewide, there are two major players in the market that have carried the greatest amount of new residential construction activity month after month – Last month, Lennar Homes ranked #1 in three out of four of the metro regions reviewed, having approximately 704 new permits on record with HBW.  Next in line, D.R. Horton landed in the top three in all regions reviewed, having 600 new permits on record for the one-month period. 

Here is a closer look at the top five home builders by region and based on the total number of new residential construction permits on record for the month of February:

Dallas

Out of more than 235 contractors with new residential construction activity on record in the Dallas area last month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

BuilderTotal Permits
1-D.R. Horton239
2-Lennar Homes165
3-Meritage Homes116
4-Trophy Signature Homes82
5-First Texas Homes70

Houston

In Houston, there were nearly 260 home builders with new construction activity on record with HBW last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

BuilderTotal Permits
1-Lennar Homes317
2-D.R. Horton280
3-Perry Homes135
4-Century Communities107
5-David Weekley Homes106

San Antonio

Last month, there were 65 active home builders with new construction on record in the San Antonio area, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

BuilderTotal Permits
1-Lennar Homes164
2-KB Homes42
3-D.R. Horton33
4-Pulte Homes16
5-Beazer Homes Texas13

Austin

In Austin, there were nearly 60 contractors with new residential construction activity on record with HBW last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits for the one-month period:

BuilderTotal Permits
1-Lennar Homes58
2-D.R. Horton48
3-KB Homes39
4-Perry Homes31
5-MHI Coventry Homes29

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.

Texas Residential Construction: February 2025 Highlights

Posted on by

Based on the latest HBW construction data reports, there were more than 5,410 new residential construction permits with a total value of nearly $1.8 billion added to the HBW database for Texas last month. Out of the four metro areas included in the report (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin), Houston carried the highest concentration of new home construction activity (2,467 permits), while Dallas (average value: $391,085) held the highest average value of new residential construction projects.

Here is a closer look and breakdown of the total permits by area, along with the average value of construction and leading counties in each of the four metro areas of the Lone Star State last month:

Houston

In February, the Houston area exhibited the greatest amount of new residential construction activity, having a total of 2,467 permits issued and a total construction value of approximately $734 million on record for the one-month period. The average value of construction was $297,526, and Harris County led the region in new residential permits, accounting for more than half of all new construction (1,255 permits).

Dallas

Last month, new home construction activity in Dallas remained steady, having a total of 2,016 permits with a total value in excess of $788.4 million issued. The average value of construction was highest in the Dallas area (average value: $391,085) in comparison to other Texas regions reviewed. Among the top counties for new residential construction permits, Collin County led with 716 permits, followed by Tarrant County with 498 permits.

Austin

The Austin area ranked third in new home construction activity last month, having 507 new permits issued with a total construction value of approximately $169.8 million. The average value of construction in the area was $334,910, and the majority of permits originated from Williamson County where there were 305 new permits on record for the one-month period.

San Antonio

Last month, the San Antonio area recorded the least amount of new home construction activity among the major Texas metro areas reviewed, having 421 permits with a total value of nearly $83.2 million issued. The average value of construction in San Antonio (average value: $197,548) was the lowest by far in comparison to other Texas regions reviewed, and Bexar County accounted for the majority of new residential permits, with 294 on record 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 New Home Construction Review – January 2025

Posted on by

Since the start of this year, new home construction has been off to a solid start in Florida – Last month, there were approximately 6,435 new residential construction permits with a total value in excess of $2.1 billion added to the database for Florida; this reflects more than a 38 percent month-over-month increase in new home construction. 

Out of the five major regions reviewed (Southwest, Southeast, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville), the southwestern region (1,785 permits) carried the highest concentration of new home construction activity for the month, while the southeastern region held the highest average value of new home construction (average value: $403,028)

Here is a closer look at total permits, construction values, and leading counties for new home construction in the Sunshine State during the month of January:

Southwest

The southwestern region of Florida ranked #1 for new home construction last month, having 1,785 new permits with a total value in excess of $530.5 million on record with HBW. The average value of new home construction in the area (average value: $297,205) landed on the lower end of the spectrum in comparison to other regions reviewed, and well more than half of all new permits originated from the counties of Lee (771 permits) and Charlotte (397 permits).

Tampa

Not far behind the Southwest, the Tampa area ranked #2 for new home construction last month, having just over 1,550 new permits with a total value of nearly $500 million on record. The average value of new residential construction in the area was $322,113, and the counties with the highest concentration of new permits on record for the month were Polk (712 permits) and Sumter (333 permits).

Orlando

In Orlando, there were 1,490 new residential construction permits with a total value of in excess of $567.5 million last month. The average value of new home construction landed on the higher end of the spectrum (average value: $380,891) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and the counties with the highest concentration of new permits included Osceola (396 permits) and Brevard (355 permits).

Jacksonville

Last month, there were 924 new residential construction permits with a total value of approximately $263 million on record for Jacksonville. The average value of construction remained lowest in the Jacksonville area (average value: $284,406) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and the bulk of all new residential construction activity originated from the two counties of Duval (429 permits) and St. Johns (271 permits).

Southeast

Last month, there were 684 new residential construction permits with a total value of nearly $276 million on record for the southeastern region of Florida. As previously noted, the average value of new home construction was highest in the southeast (average value: $403,028) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and the counties with the greatest concentration of new construction activity were St. Lucie (227 permits) and Palm Beach (198 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.