HBWeekly

Texas Swimming Pool Construction Review – October 2024

Posted on November 20, 2024 by Erika Carruth

Based on the latest construction data reports from HBW, there were more than 550 new swimming pool permits with a total construction value of approximately $38 million added to the HBW database for Texas last month. Out of the four metro areas covered in the report (Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio), Dallas carried the greatest amount of new pool construction (261 permits), while the highest average value of new swimming pool construction could be found in Houston (average value: $92,199).

Here is a closer look at the latest permit data for new swimming pool construction in the Lone Star State during the month of October:

Dallas

As previously noted, Dallas carried the highest concentration of new swimming pool construction in comparison to other Texas metro areas reviewed, having 261 new permits with a total construction value in excess of $17 million last month. The average value of new pool construction landed mid-range (average value: $65,212) in comparison to the other areas reviewed, and half of all new permits originated from the counties of Tarrant (72 permits) and Denton (61 permits).

Out of 135 contractors with new pool construction activity on record for the Dallas area last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder

1-Riverbend Pools

2-Gold Medal Pools

3-Claffey Pools

Houston

Houston ranked #2 for new pool construction last month, having 153 new permits with a total construction value of $14.1 million. The average value of new pool construction was highest in the Houston area (average value: $92,199) in comparison to other metro areas reviewed, and more than 70 percent of all new permits originated from Harris County (109 permits).

Out of approximately 100 pool builders with new permits on record within the Houston area last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder

1-Platinum Pools

2-Permit Flow

3-Richard’s Total Backyard

Austin

In Austin, there were 83 new swimming pool construction permits with a total value of nearly $4 million during the month of October. The average value of construction was lowest in the Austin area (average value: $46,511) in comparison to other areas reviewed, and 80 percent of all new pool construction took place in Travis County where there were 67 new permits for the one-month period.

Out of nearly 45 contractors with new pool construction on record in the Austin area last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder

1-Cody Pools

2-Aquamarine Pools of Texas

3-Denali Pools

San Antonio

Last month, there were 54 new swimming pool construction permits with a total value of approximately $3 million on record for the San Antonio area. The average value of construction landed on the lower end of the spectrum in San Antonio (average value: $54,998) in comparison to other Texas areas reviewed, and nearly all new pool construction took place in Bexar County where there were 42 new permits during the one-month period.

Out of the 25 pool contractors with new construction activity on record in San Antonio last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder

1-Keith Zars Pools

2-Garys Pools & Patio

3-Staycation Fiberglass Pools

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 – October 2024

Posted on November 15, 2024 by Erika Carruth

In our most recent post (“Texas Residential Construction Update – October 2024”), we reviewed new residential construction permit data on record for Texas during the month of October and found that there had been a 20 percent month-over-month decrease in new home construction. Using the same HBW construction data reports, today we are taking a deeper dive to identify the leading home builders that are driving residential construction in each of the four metro areas of Texas (Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio).

Statewide, two leading home builders have and continue to dominate the market. Lennar Homes (839 permits) and D.R. Horton (439 permits) rank on the top five in most regions reviewed, and combined they are responsible for more than 20 percent of all new home construction listed across Texas for the one-month period.

Here is a look at the top five contractors in each of the four metro areas of Texas based on the total number of new permits recorded by HBW last month:

Houston

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-Lennar Homes	430	$ 236,926.00
2-D.R. Horton	256	$ 267,942.00
3-Perry Homes	214	$ 291,950.00
4-David Weekley Homes	184	$ 268,390.00
5-K Hovnanian Homes	136	$ 303,518.00

Dallas

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-Lennar Homes	226	$ 226,235.00
2-Acadian Builders Group	161	$ 156,808.00
3-D.R. Horton	127	$ 220,069.00
4-First Texas Homes	90	$ 369,896.00
5-Meritage Homes	76	$ 517,415.00

San Antonio

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-Lennar Homes	174	$ 144,358.00
2-Perry Homes	36	$ 270,457.00
3-National Home Corp	33	$ 167,425.00
4-KB Homes	24	$ 172,643.00
5-Meritage Homes	20	$ 256,526.00

Austin

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-D.R. Horton	56	$ 239,657.00
2-Pulte Homes	48	$ 343,668.00
3-Perry Homes	23	$ 345,326.00
4-The Brohn Group	20	$ 186,390.00
5-KB Homes	18	$ 397,592.00

Texas Residential Construction Update – October 2024

Posted on November 13, 2024 by Erika Carruth

Based on HBW’s latest construction data reports, there were nearly 6,200 new residential construction permits with a total value of approximately $1.9 billion added to the HBW database for Texas last month; this reflects just about a 20 percent month-over-month decrease in new home construction.

Out of the four Texas regions reviewed, Houston carried the greatest volume of new home construction activity (3,011 permits), while the highest average value of residential construction projects could be found in the Dallas area (average value: $335,649).

Here is a closer look at new residential construction activity across the Lonestar State last month, including permits by area, average value of construction and leading counties for new home construction:

New Permits:

As previously noted, out of the four regions reviewed, the greatest amount of new residential construction permits originated from the Houston area, representing close to half of all new home construction across the state. Here is breakdown of permits by region for the one-month period:

Average Value of Construction:

Last month, the average value of new home construction in Texas ranged from a low of $213,307 (San Antonio) to a high of $335,649 (Dallas). Here is a closer look at the average value of construction across Texas during the month of October:

Top Counties:

While new home construction was flourishing in each of the four metro areas of Texas, when reviewing reports county-by-county, there were five counties that carried more than 65 percent of all new residential construction activity in Texas last month; the five leading counties for new home construction are as follows:

1. Harris County (Houston): 1,573 permits

2. Collin County (Dallas): 796 permits

3. Montgomery County (Houston): 690 permits

4. Fort Bend County (Houston): 514 permits

5. Tarrant County (Dallas): 501 permits

Florida Residential Construction Quarterly Review

Posted on November 8, 2024 by Erika Carruth

After two years of annual declines, the residential construction market in Florida is showing signs of growth. From January through September, there has been a 6 percent increase in new residential construction permits in comparison to the same time last year, resulting in 84,865 new permits on record with HBW.

Out of the six regions reviewed, more than 45 percent of all new residential construction permits originated from the southwest and west where there were 19,741 and 18,467 permits on record through Q3 respectively.

Here is a closer look at the total permits, % year-over-year change in residential construction (YTD), as well as the leading counties in each of the six Florida regions reviewed:

Southwest

In the southwestern region, there were 19,741 new permits through the third quarter of this year, reflecting a 12 percent increase in comparison to the same period last year. Out of the five counties that make up the southwest, Lee County (7,145 permits) held the highest concentration of new home construction activity.

West

Through Q3-2024, there have been 18,467 new residential construction permits added to the HBW database for the western region of Florida, reflecting a steady market with a 1 percent year-over-year decrease in new home construction. Out of the seven counties reviewed, the highest concentration of new permits originated from Polk County (7,115 permits) and Hillsborough County (3,431 permits).

Northeast

In the northeastern region, there have been 17,230 new residential construction permits added to the HBW database through the third quarter of this year, reflecting a 21 percent increase in comparison to the same time last year. Out of the eight counties factored in the report, more than half of all new permits originated from the two counties of Marion (4,970 permits) and St. Johns (4,020 permits).

Central

Through the third quarter of this year, there have been 11,765 new residential construction permits recorded for Central Florida, reflecting a 10 percent year-over-year decrease in new home construction. Out of the six counties included in the Central Florida report, the highest concentration of new residential construction activity could be found in Brevard County where there were 2,712 new permits on record for the 9-month period.

Northwest

In the northwestern region of Florida, there has been a 6 percent year-over-year increase in new home construction, resulting in 9,782 new permits on record with HBW. Out of the 18 counties that were included in the regional report, approximately 55 percent of all new residential construction activity took place in Bay County (1,662 permits), Santa Rosa County (1,497 permits), Escambia County (1,121 permits), and Walton County (1,095 permits).

Southeast

Through the third quarter of this year, there have been 7,880 new residential construction permits added to the HBW database for the southeastern region of Florida; this reflects a 9 percent year-over-year increase in new home construction. Out of the seven counties that make up the southeast, St. Lucie County (2,834 permits) carried the highest volume of new residential construction permits.

Texas Swimming Pool Construction Report Q3-2024

Posted on November 6, 2024 by Erika Carruth

Since last year, new swimming pool construction has been slowing in Texas, and the downward trend appears to be holding somewhat steady – Since the start of this year (thru Q3-2024) there has been a 16 percent year-over-year decrease in new swimming pool construction across the Lone Star State, resulting in nearly 5,800 new permits on record with HBW.

Out of the four major metro areas reviewed (Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio), Houston has remained the most stable, demonstrating a 6 percent year-over-year decrease in new permitting activity and having approximately 1,825 new swimming pool construction permits on record through the third quarter. As far as the highest concentration of new construction is concerned, Dallas ranked #1 as there were more than 2,400 new permits on record through Q3, reflecting a 26 percent decrease in swimming pool construction in comparison to the same time last year.

Another area worth noting is Austin. Since the start of this year this year through September, Austin has demonstrated a 7 percent year-over-year decrease in new pool construction, resulting in more than 970 new permits on record with HBW.

In the San Antonio area, there has been a 17 percent year-over-year decrease in new pool construction through Q3, resulting in nearly 600 new permits added to the HBW database.

When looking at construction patterns from a county-by-county perspective, there were five counties that held approximately 65 percent of all new permitting activity:

Harris County (Houston area) was a standout, as there were more than 1,200 new permits resulting from a 4 percent year-over-year decrease in new pool construction. In the Austin area, the bulk of new construction permits originated from Travis County where there were 775 new permits through Q3. In Dallas, the greatest amount of new pool construction could be found in the counties of Dallas (772 permits), Collin (521 permits), and Tarrant (451 permits), where there have been year-over-year decreases in swimming pool construction ranging from -8 percent (Dallas) to -43 percent (Tarrant).

HBW Quarterly: Florida Swimming Pool Construction Q3-2024

Posted on November 2, 2024 by Erika Carruth

Florida’s swimming pool construction market demonstrated a slowing through the third quarter of 2024. Statewide, a high volume of permits has been issued, driven by ongoing demand for residential pools amid continued population growth and migration trends; at the same time there has been an overall decline in new pool construction so far this year in comparison to the same time last year. Despite economic challenges and fluctuating construction costs, demand for new pools in regions like the southwest and northeast have exhibited growth through Q3, with 3% and 2% year-over-year increases respectively.

Labor shortages and material cost fluctuations have, however, introduced some hurdles for builders, impacting timelines and increasing project expenses. These trends align with broader construction challenges seen throughout the state, as Florida’s housing and home improvement sectors adapt to ongoing supply chain pressures and workforce shortages. The industry is expected to maintain a steady pace into the fourth quarter, though economic conditions may influence future demand.

As evident in the latest HBW Swimming Pool Construction Activity Trend Report for Florida, there has been a 6 percent year-over-year decrease in new swimming pool construction so far this year (thru Q3-2024), resulting in 21,790 new permits added to the HBW database. Out of the six major Florida regions reviewed (Southwest, Central, West, Southeast, Northeast, Northwest), the highest concentration of new pool permits could be found in the southwestern region of the state (6,586 permits); as previously noted, the southwestern region, along with the northeast, exhibited the only noted gains in new pool construction as both areas demonstrated year-over-year increases of 3% and 2% respectively.

Here is a closer look at the total permits and leading counties for new swimming pool construction across the Sunshine State through Q3-2024:

Southwest

Total Permits: 6,586

% Change YTD: +3 percent

Leading Counties for Total New Permits: Lee County (1,819 permits); Sarasota County (1,317 permits)

Southeast

Total Permits: 4,098

% Change YTD: -11 percent

Leading Counties for Total New Permits: Palm Beach County (1,545 permits); Miami-Dade County (958 permits)

West

Total Permits: 3,492

% Change YTD: -15 percent

Leading Counties for Total New Permits: Hillsborough County (1,195 permits); Pinellas County (568 permits)

Central

Total Permits: 3,117

% Change YTD: -8 percent

Leading Counties for Total New Permits: Orange County (824 permits); Lake County (727 permits)

Northeast

Total Permits: 2,370

% Change YTD: +2 percent

Leading Counties for Total New Permits: St. Johns County (855 permits); Duval County (432 permits)

Northwest

Total Permits: 2,127

% Change YTD: -11 percent

Leading Counties for Total New Permits: Walton County (408 permits); Santa Rosa County (360 permits)

Florida New Home Construction Review – September 2024

Posted on October 30, 2024 by Erika Carruth

On a national scale, the Census Bureau indicated that single-family home starts rose slightly in September compared to August, even though the overall rate of building permits and housing completions demonstrated a decrease. National single-family authorizations were up by a modest 0.3% month-over-month, but the total number of building permits was down by 5.7% year-over-year. This decrease in permits reflects a cooling trend in both multi-family and single-family sectors nationwide – a pattern that Florida mirrors in some areas (more details coming in our quarterly report).

These trends suggest that while demand exists, economic uncertainty—especially regarding future interest rates and the upcoming election—has many potential buyers and builders taking a wait-and-see approach. Builders face further challenges with high material costs, which restrict pricing flexibility and limit builders’ ability to offer lower prices.

When it comes to the latest permit data available for Florida, the HBW database shows that there were approximately 7,670 new residential construction permits with a total value in excess of $2.5 billion in the Sunshine State for the month of September. Out of the five regions reviewed (Orlando, Tampa, Southwest, Southeast, Jacksonville), the southwestern region (2,192 permits) carried the greatest volume of new residential construction activity, while the highest average value of new home construction could be found in the southeastern region (average value: $411,602).

Here is a quick look at new residential construction data on record with HBW for Florida during the month of September 2024:

Southwest

As previously noted, the southwestern region of Florida carried the highest volume of new home construction last month, having 2,192 new permits with a total construction value of nearly $617 million. The average value of new home construction in the area (average value: $281,403) landed on the lower end of the spectrum in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and well more than half of all new residential construction permits originated from the counties of Lee (858 permits) and Manatee (461 permits).

Orlando

Last month, there were approximately 1,685 new residential construction permits with a total value in excess of $652.5 million in the Orlando area. The average value of new home construction in Orlando (average value: $387,720) landed on the higher end of the spectrum in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and the counties with the greatest concentration of new home construction activity were Osceola and Brevard, with 438 and 366 new permits on record respectively.

Tampa

In Tampa, there were more than 1,455 new residential construction permits with a total value of approximately $465 million on record with HBW last month. The average value of new home was $319,342, and the bulk of new permits originated from the two counties of Polk (696 permits) and Hillsborough (269 permits).

Jacksonville

In Jacksonville, there were 1,350 new residential construction permits with a total value of approximately $372.3 million last month. The average value of new home construction was lowest in Jacksonville (average value: $275,766) in comparison to other regions reviewed, and the majority of new permits originated from the two counties of St. Johns (458 permits) and Duval (426 permits).

Southeast

Last month, the southeastern region of Florida had close to 1,000 new residential construction permits with a total value in excess of $406.2 million added to the HBW database. The average value of new home construction was highest in the southeast (average value: $411,602) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and more than half of all new home construction took place in the two counties of St. Lucie (317 permits) and Miami-Dade (251 permits).

Florida Swimming Pool Construction Report – September 2024

Posted on October 25, 2024 by Erika Carruth

The latest data from HBW reveals an exciting opportunity in Florida’s swimming pool market; based on the latest construction data reports, last month there were approximately 2,410 new swimming pool construction permits with a total value of nearly $197 million added to the HBW database for Florida.

Out of five major regions reviewed (Tampa, Southwest, Orlando, Southeast, Jacksonville), the southwestern region (861 permits) led the charge with more than 860 new permits, representing the highest volume of new swimming pool construction. Meanwhile, Jacksonville boasted the highest average construction value at $92,735, highlighting lucrative opportunities in this market.

Curious to see how your region stacks up? Here’s a quick overview of new pool construction activity (by region) across Florida for September 2024:

Southwest

As previously highlighted, the southwestern region of Florida secured the top spot for new pool construction in September, recording 861 new permits with a total construction value in excess of $73.4 million. The average value of construction in this region was $85,292, and close to half of all new permits were issued in the counties of Lee (204 permits) and Sarasota (178 permits). This concentration of activity presents a significant opportunity for construction professionals looking to tap into this thriving market.

Southeast

Last month, the southeastern region of Florida saw over 530 new swimming pool construction permits issued, with a total construction value of $44 million. The average value for new pool projects in this area was $82,722. Notably, more than half of all new permits originated from Palm Beach County (232 permits) and Miami-Dade County (106 permits), indicating a stronger demand for pool construction in these counties.

Orlando

Last month, there were more than 420 new swimming pool construction permits with a total value of approximately $28 million on record for the Orlando area. The average value of new pool construction was lowest in the Orlando area (average value: $66,177) in comparison to other regions reviewed, and half of all new permits originated from the counties of Lake (121 permits) and Brevard (91 permits).

Tampa

In Tampa, there were approximately 345 new swimming pool permits with a total value of $28.2 million added to the HBW database last month. The average value of new pool construction was $81,970, and more than half of all new construction activity took place in the counties of Hillsborough (149 permits) and Pinellas (66 permits).

Jacksonville

In Jacksonville, there were 250 new pool permits with a total value of approximately $23.2 million last month. The average value of new pool construction was highest in the Jacksonville area (average value: $92,735) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and just about half of all new construction activity took place in St. Johns County where there were 124 new permits recorded for the one-month period.

Texas Residential Construction Report: Q3-2024

Posted on October 23, 2024 by Erika Carruth

Since the start of this year, new home construction has been on the rise in the Lone Star State; in fact, housing starts are up by 11 percent in comparison to the same time last year, signifying the first sign of annual growth since 2021. Based on HBW’s latest Building Activity Trend Report for new residential construction in Texas, there have been nearly 61,400 new permits added to the HBW database (thru Q3-2024) from the combined areas of Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio.

Out of the four metro areas reviewed, Houston (30,545 permits) carried the highest concentration of new residential construction activity, while Dallas held the greatest amount of higher value (>$500k) housing starts.

Here is a closer look at the total permits, leading counties and year-over-year growth rates for new home construction in Texas through Q3-2024:

Houston

As previously noted, Houston has carried the greatest concentration of new home construction activity, having 30,545 new permits on record with HBW through the third quarter of this year; this reflects a 19 percent year-over-year increase in new home construction. Out of the five counties that make up the area, nearly half of all new permits originated from Harris County, where there were 13,827 new permits on record, reflecting close to a 7 percent year-over-year increase in new home construction within the county.

Dallas

Since the start of this year (thru Q3), the Dallas area has experienced a 4 percent year-over-year decrease in new home construction, resulting in more than 18,650 new permits. As previously noted, Dallas holds the greatest amount of higher value (> $500k) residential construction in comparison to other Texas regions reviewed, and so far this year there have been 3,465 higher value permits recorded for the area. Out of the six counties factored into the Dallas report, the bulk of new home construction could be found in the counties of Collin (7,538 permits) and Dallas (3,307 permits).

San Antonio

Through the third quarter of this year, San Antonio has experienced an impressive 24 percent year-over-year increase in new home construction, resulting in nearly 6,130 new permits on record with HBW. Out of the three counties that make up the area, well more than half of all new residential construction activity took place in Bexar County where there have been 4,150+ new permits on record for the given period.

Austin

Through the third quarter of this year, there have been approximately 6,050 new residential construction permits added to the HBW database for Austin; this reflects a 13 percent increase in comparison to the same time last year. Out of the four counties that make up the area, the majority of all new home construction could be found in the two counties of Travis and Williamson where there have been 2,648 and 2,188 new permits respectively.

Texas Swimming Pool Construction Review – September 2024

Posted on October 19, 2024 by Erika Carruth

Based on the latest HBW construction data reports, there were 640 new swimming pool permits with a total value in excess of $45.6 million added to the HBW for Texas last month; this reflects approximately a 10 percent month-over-month decrease in new pool construction.

Out of the four major metro areas reviewed (Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio), Dallas ranked #1 for new pool construction having 243 new permits on record for the one-month period, and Houston carried the highest average value of new pool construction (average value: $84,145).

Here is a closer look at new pool construction activity in Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio last month:

Dallas

Out of the four major metro areas reviewed, Dallas held the highest concentration of new pool construction last month, having 243 new permits for the one-month period. The average value of new pool construction was $76,188, and the majority of all permits originated from the counties of Tarrant (88 permits) and Dallas (78 permits).

Out of approximately 130 contractors with new swimming pool construction activity on record for the Dallas area last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Claffey Pools	11
2-Riverbend Pools	11
3-Puryear Custom Pools	10

Houston

During the month of September, there were more than 210 new swimming pool construction permits added to the HBW database for Houston. As previously noted, the average value of new pool construction was highest in Houston (average value: $84,145) in comparison to other Texas regions reviewed, and more than half of all new construction took place in Harris County (132 permits).

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

Builder	Total Permits
1-Platinum Pools	12
2-Blue Haven Pools	10
3-Avree Pools	7

Austin

Austin ranked #3 for new pool construction last month, having 127 new permits added to the HBW database. The average value of new pool construction was $54,317, and the majority of all permits originated from Travis County (88 permits).

Out of nearly 65 contractors with new pool construction on record in the Austin area last month, the following rank as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Cody Pools	25
2-Denali Pools	11
3-Premier Pools & Spas of Austin	6

San Antonio

San Antonio held both the lowest amount of new pool construction activity and the lowest average value of construction, having approximately 60 new permits with an average value of $41,345 on record with HBW last month. Nearly all new pool construction took place in Bexar County where there were 49 new permits on record for the one-month period.

Out of nearly 30 contractors with new swimming pool construction activity on record in the San Antonio area last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Keith Zars Pools	6
2-Gary Pools San Antonio	6
3-Blue Haven Pools	5