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Texas Top Home Builders – August 2025

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Erika Carruth

As reported in last week’s Texas Residential Construction Report – August 2025, there were more than 5,750 new residential construction permits with a total value in excess of $1.96 billion added to the HBW database for Texas. This volume underscores the sustained strength of the state’s housing market, with steady demand fueling activity across all four major metro regions.

This week, we take a closer look at the leading home builders driving that momentum. Rankings are based on the total number of new residential construction permits pulled during August 2025 in the four metro areas of Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio.

Houston

In Houston, nearly 295 home builders were active in August. The top five by total permits reflect a mix of national giants and strong regional players:

Lennar Homes – 445 permits | $103.6M total value | Avg. value: $232.8k
D.R. Horton – 227 permits | $49.4M total value | Avg. value: $217.5k
David Weekley Homes – 132 permits | $42.8M total value | Avg. value: $323.9k
Perry Homes – 114 permits | $43.4M total value | Avg. value: $380.9k
Taylor Morrison Homes – 84 permits | $21.1M total value | Avg. value: $251.5k

Houston continues to be dominated by high-volume production builders, with Lennar maintaining a significant lead in total permits. Perry Homes and David Weekley stand out for their higher average construction values, signaling a concentration in the mid-to-upper market segment.

Dallas

In Dallas, more than 230 builders were active. The top five reveal a competitive field where Lennar and D.R. Horton continue their leadership positions:

Lennar Homes – 226 permits | $69.8M total value | Avg. value: $308.9k
D.R. Horton – 203 permits | $60.6M total value | Avg. value: $298.8k
Permit Office Withheld – 117 permits | $29.9M total value | Avg. value: $255.7k
Texas Homes – 82 permits | $40.4M total value | Avg. value: $492.6k
David Weekley Homes – 66 permits | $30.6M total value | Avg. value: $464.2k

Compared to Houston, Dallas builders reported higher average values, with Texas Homes and David Weekley pushing above $450k per start. The market here shows a blend of entry-level and move-up construction, balancing volume with higher-end developments.

Austin

Austin’s market activity involved nearly 110 builders, with the top five closely aligned in terms of total permit volume:

Lennar Homes – 61 permits | $12.3M total value | Avg. value: $202.2k
Taylor Morrison Homes – 56 permits | $41.2M total value | Avg. value: $735.7k
KB Homes – 56 permits | $15.3M total value | Avg. value: $273.0k
Starlight Homes Texas – 46 permits | $16.9M total value | Avg. value: $367.0k
LCB Construction – 45 permits | $10.6M total value | Avg. value: $235.7k

Taylor Morrison’s average value of $735k clearly separates it from the field last month, reflecting luxury and high-end residential projects. Meanwhile, Lennar maintains the top spot in permit volume, reinforcing its statewide dominance.

San Antonio

In San Antonio, more than 70 builders were active, with KB Homes leading the region:

KB Homes – 75 permits | $12.5M total value | Avg. value: $166.6k
D.R. Horton – 69 permits | $15.3M total value | Avg. value: $222.4k
Lennar Homes – 60 permits | $9.6M total value | Avg. value: $160.8k
Chesmar Homes – 32 permits | $7.0M total value | Avg. value: $219.6k
Perry Homes – 20 permits | $6.5M total value | Avg. value: $324.4k

The San Antonio market continues to skew toward entry-level and first-time homebuyer product, with average values well below those seen in Austin and Dallas. Perry Homes, however, reflects potentially a niche presence at higher price points.

In the monthly overview, it is evident that several national brands continue to dominate across all four major metro areas, with Lennar Homes standing out as the undisputed leader by ranking in the top three in every market and securing the highest permit volume statewide. D.R. Horton remains a close competitor, consistently placing within the top two in Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, while KB Homes made a strong showing by leading the San Antonio market and earning a spot among Austin’s top five builders. Taylor Morrison also distinguished itself, with notable strength in both Houston and Austin. Meanwhile, David Weekley Homes continued to hold a solid mid-market position, securing rankings in Houston and Dallas and reinforcing its role as a consistent regional contender.

With more than 5,750 new residential permits and nearly $2 billion in value last month, Texas continues to be a national leader in new home construction. The performance of top builders across multiple markets not only highlights the strength of national firms like Lennar and D.R. Horton but also showcases the diversity of regional demand—from entry-level housing in San Antonio to some luxury developments in Austin.

For industry professionals, monitoring leading builders and their crossover activity provides valuable insight into both competitive dynamics and consumer demand shaping the Texas housing market.

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 Review – August 2025

Posted on September 10, 2025 by Erika Carruth

According to the latest HBW construction data reports, Texas recorded steady swimming pool construction activity in August across its four largest metro areas: Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. With thousands of active contractors statewide, the reports reflect notable differences in permit volumes, total construction value, and average value per project depending on region and builder.

Statewide Overview

In August, new swimming pool construction across Texas generated 553 permits with a total construction value exceeding $41.2 million; this reflects a 15 percent month-over-month increase in new permits. Average value per project varied widely by region, highlighting distinct market dynamics between high-volume and high-value areas.

Regional Highlights

Houston

The Houston area posted 182 new swimming pool permits with a total value of $14.8 million, resulting in an average value of $81,379 per project. Activity was concentrated in Harris County, which accounted for 122 permits and more than $9.9 million in total value.

Top builders in Houston included:

Avree Pools – 9 permits, $937,000 total value, $104,111 average value
Cypress Custom Pools – 9 permits, $865,800 total value, $96,200 average value
Anthony & Sylvan Pools – 9 permits, $483,200 total value, $53,689 average value
Platinum Pools – 5 permits, $861,000 total value, $172,200 average value
Backyard Oasis – 5 permits, $318,600 total value, $63,720 average value

The data reflects a strong mid-to-high value segment in Houston, with Platinum Pools leading in average value and Avree Pools posting the highest overall total.

Dallas

Dallas led the state for August activity with 239 new permits and a combined construction value of nearly $19.2 million. The average pool value was $80,157, closely mirroring Houston’s figures. Dallas County registered 64 permits valued at $4.6 million, while Collin County added 53 permits totaling $4.4 million.

Top builders in Dallas included:

Riverbend Pools – 16 permits, $1,025,200 total value, $64,075 average value
Gold Medal Pools – 10 permits, $875,000 total value, $87,500 average value
Claffey Pools – 9 permits, $630,000 total value, $70,000 average value
Inground Pools of Paradise – 7 permits, $255,000 total value, $36,429 average value
Pinnacle Pools – 6 permits, $514,513 total value, $85,752 average value

The Dallas market showed strong competition among top firms, with Riverbend Pools leading in total volume while Pinnacle Pools and Gold Medal Pools appear to have captured higher-value projects.

Austin

Austin reported 94 new permits with a total construction value in excess of $5.5 million. The market reflected a lower average project value at $58,802, driven largely by a high share of moderate-cost builds. Travis County accounted for the majority of activity with 74 permits totaling more than $4.2 million.

Top builders in Austin included:

Cody Pools – 11 permits, $595,000 total value, $54,091 average value
Denali Pools – 6 permits, $345,000 total value, $57,500 average value
Aquamarine Pools of Texas – 4 permits, $204,940 total value, $51,235 average value
Golden Hour Pools – 4 permits, $140,000 total value, $35,000 average value
Premier Pools & Spas of Austin – 3 permits, $172,167 total value, $57,389 average value

Cody Pools continues have a large part in the Austin market, both in total volume and geographic presence, reflecting its established brand in Central Texas.

San Antonio

San Antonio’s pool construction market recorded 38 permits in August, with a total construction value of $1.75 million and an average project value of $46,095. Activity was highly concentrated in Bexar County, which accounted for the bulk of construction (29 permits).

Top builders in San Antonio included:

Gary Pools SA – 3 permits
Keith Zars Pools – 3 permits
Pools 123 – 3 permits
Texas Pools & Patios – 3 permits
Cody Pools – 2 permits

While overall volume in San Antonio was smaller than other metros, the market remains competitive with several contractors holding equal shares of monthly activity.

The August 2025 figures confirm that Texas remains a leading market for residential swimming pool construction, with Dallas and Houston continuing to drive statewide volume and construction value. Builders in these metros are capturing both scale and higher-value projects, while Austin and San Antonio reflect more modest average project values.

As economic conditions and consumer demand evolve, industry professionals can expect continued competition among top regional builders, with established companies like Cody Pools, Riverbend Pools, and Platinum Pools maintaining strong market positions.

Texas Residential Construction Report – August 2025

Posted on September 5, 2025 by Erika Carruth

According to the latest HBW construction data reports, residential construction activity across Texas’ four major metro areas—Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio—remained strong during the month of August 2025. While each market demonstrated unique trends in both permitting activity and construction values, together the regions accounted for more than 5,750 new residential construction permits added to the HBW database last month, reflecting steady demand and continued market momentum across the state.

Houston

Houston led all Texas metros in August with 2,533 housing starts, representing a total construction value of approximately $759 million. The average value of new construction was $299,635, placing Houston in line with broader regional affordability trends.

Harris County held the highest volume of activity with 1,180 permits totaling $358.1 million in new construction value.
Montgomery County followed with 823 permits valued at $217.2 million.

Houston’s balance between high-volume permitting and mid-range average construction values continues to make it one of the most dynamic housing markets in Texas.

Dallas

The Dallas metro area issued 1,938 residential construction permits in August, generating a total construction value of nearly $795 million. The region reported the highest average construction value statewide at $410,025, reflecting both strong demand and higher-cost new home builds in key suburban markets.

Tarrant County contributed 582 permits valued at approximately $218.5 million.
Collin County surpassed Tarrant in value, with 646 permits totaling $275.4 million.

The Dallas market continues to demonstrate a strong pull toward higher-value construction, indicative of ongoing migration, premium development, and consumer appetite for larger and/or more amenitized homes.

Austin

The Austin metro issued 822 new residential construction permits in August, amounting to $301.5 million in construction value. The average construction value of $366,771 placed Austin near the top of Texas metros in terms of per-unit valuation.

Travis County represented the majority of activity, with 486 permits valued at $184.4 million.

Austin’s steady levels of new construction align with its reputation as one of the state’s higher-cost housing markets.

San Antonio

San Antonio recorded 460 new residential permits in August, with a total construction value of $109.9 million and an average value of $238,848, the lowest among the four metro areas reviewed.

Bexar County accounted for the majority of activity, with 260 permits totaling more than $54.8 million.

While smaller in scale compared to Houston and Dallas, San Antonio’s construction market remains steady, providing a more accessible entry point for both builders and buyers relative to the state’s higher-cost markets.

Statewide Takeaways

Volume Leader: Houston continues to dominate statewide permitting activity, accounting for 44% of all new permits in Texas’ four major metros last month.
Value Leader: Dallas led in total construction value ($794.6M) and highest average value ($410K), underscoring its position as Texas’ most value-dense new housing market.
Affordability Spectrum: San Antonio remains the most cost-accessible market for new home construction, while Austin and Dallas reflect premium valuations.
Market Dynamics: Strong permitting activity in suburban counties like Montgomery, Collin, and Tarrant highlights the ongoing trend of residential growth beyond urban cores.

With over $1.96 billion in new residential construction value reported across Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio in August 2025, Texas remains one of the most active homebuilding markets in the country. Looking ahead, construction professionals may anticipate continued demand fueled by population growth, in-migration, and steady housing demand across all four regions.

Florida New Swimming Pool Construction Report – July 2025

Posted on September 3, 2025 by Erika Carruth

According to the latest construction data compiled by HBW, Florida experienced a measurable slowdown in new swimming pool construction during the month of July 2025. Across the five major regions tracked—Southwest, Southeast, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville—a combined total of 2,087 new swimming pool permits were added to the books. This figure reflects a 15% month-over-month decline from the nearly 2,450 permits filed in June.

Despite the dip, new swimming pool construction continues to represent a strong segment of residential development in Florida, with total construction values surpassing $183 million for the month. Below is a closer look at permitting activity by region, along with the leading builders driving this sector:

Southwest Florida

Total Permits: 675
Total Value: $60.7M
Average Value: $89,958
Top Counties: Sarasota (148 permits), Lee (251 permits), Collier (109 permits)

The Southwest region led the state in pool construction activity, capturing nearly one-third of all new permits for July. While the average value per project was just under $90,000, the region’s sheer volume kept total value at the top statewide.

Leading builders (based on total permits) included:

Pinnacle USA – 62 permits, $4.83M total value
Aragon Pools & Spas – 47 permits
Coast to Coast Pools – 36 permits
Miromar Pools – 32 permits
Holiday Pools of West Florida – 23 permits

Southeast Florida

Total Permits: 431
Total Value: $33.8M
Average Value: $78,315
Top Counties: Palm Beach (143 permits), Miami-Dade (106 permits)

In Southeast Florida, there were more than 430 permits filed for the month of July. While the average value was lower than other regions reviewed, several high-profile builders set the pace:

Van Kirk Construction – 16 permits, $1.36M total value
A&G Concrete Pools – 13 permits
RHR Pools – 12 permits
Crystal Pools – 11 permits
Pools by Greg – 11 permits

Tampa

Total Permits: 401
Total Value: $40.8M
Average Value: $101,645
Top Counties: Hillsborough (128 permits), Pasco (86 permits)

Tampa reported more than 400 new pool permits, with an average value topping $100K, the highest average value compared to other Florida regions reviewed. Over 150 pool builders were active, though a handful stood out as market leaders:

Tampa Bay Pools on the Gulf – 18 permits, $1.70M total value
Cody Pools – 12 permits, $1.31M total value
Gulfstream Pools & Spas – 12 permits
Roden Pool Contracting – 11 permits
Patio Pools – 10 permits

Orlando

Total Permits: 373
Total Value: $29.0M
Average Value: $77,815
Top Counties: Orange (105 permits), Lake (76 permits)

Orlando’s pool market remained consistent, with nearly 140 builders contributing to the month’s activity. The market here showed one of the more modest average values statewide, though several top contractors continued to dominate permitting:

Dreamscapes Pools & Spas – 21 permits
All Seasons – 20 permits
Cody Pools – 14 permits, $2.04M total value (highest average value of the top five contractors at $146K)
Kura Design Pools – 12 permits
Grunit Pool Contractors – 10 permits

Jacksonville

Total Permits: 207
Total Value: $19.0M
Average Value: $91,787
Top Counties: Duval (41 permits), St. Johns (90 permits)

Although Jacksonville recorded the lowest overall volume among the five regions, its average value remained strong at just under $92,000. Out of 80 contractors with new construction on record for the month, the following emerged as the top five:

Agua Pools & Spas – 13 permits
Blue Haven Pools – 12 permits
Anthony & Sylvan Pools – 10 permits
Pools & Spas of Central Florida – 8 permits
Old Town Custom Pools – 7 permits

Statewide Trends

Total Permits: 2,087 (↓15% from June)
Total Value: $183.3M+
Average Value Statewide: Approximately $88K

While July reflected a noticeable month-over-month slowdown, the market is still performing at historically strong levels. Seasonal factors, including summer demand cycles and material/labor availability, likely contributed to the dip.

The data also highlights a continued concentration of activity in Southwest Florida, which accounted for nearly one-third of all permits issued. Meanwhile, Tampa’s high average value suggests a focus on larger-scale, higher-end projects compared to other regions.

With Florida’s ongoing population growth, strong housing market, and year-round outdoor lifestyle, demand for new swimming pools remains resilient. Contractors and suppliers should keep an eye out for shifts in average value per project as consumer preferences continue to trend toward luxury outdoor living spaces with integrated design features.

Upcoming Industry Trade Shows & Conventions

Posted on August 29, 2025 by Erika Carruth

Trade shows aren’t just “nice to have” line items; they are accelerators for pipeline, partnerships, and product intelligence. When planned properly, a single week on the floor can compress six months of BD into a few high-value meetings, sharpen your spec and procurement strategy, and surface new tech you didn’t know you needed.

For this reason, we have put together a list of events for the remainder of 2025 through March 2026, plus practical tips for planning.

Why do trade shows and expos matter for business development?

Dense decision-maker density: Owners, GCs, specialty subs, architects/engineers, and manufacturer reps are in one place; this set up can be ideal for account-based outreach, channel development, and partner enablement.
Faster technical due diligence: There is nothing like hands-on product demos to test out new products, and they certainly beat datasheets. You can compare systems (concrete, envelope, MEP, safety, project controls) side-by-side and talk to engineers on the spot.
Market intelligence: Keynotes and education tracks highlight code changes, decarbonization requirements, labor trends, and emerging delivery models.
Recruiting & brand: Career fairs, student programs, and competitions can help you fill roles and position your firm as a destination employer.

Planning Tips for Contractors

Set clear project goals. Decide what you need most out of the show—whether that’s finding new suppliers, evaluating four estimating or scheduling platforms, or meeting 10 potential GCs or developers with upcoming work.
Schedule meetings before you arrive. Use the exhibitor list and event portal to lock in 15-minute sit-downs with key vendors, technology providers, or project partners. Go in with a clear pain point or upcoming project need they can help solve.
Plan your walk of the floor. If you have attended an expo, then you already know that the expo halls are massive. Highlight the booths most relevant to your trade (equipment, materials, tech, or safety) and group them by category so you can move efficiently. Remember to leave room for education sessions and networking events.
Bring proof from the field. Instead of only handing out business cards, have other materials ready to share including real project photos, cost comparisons, safety metrics, or short video clips of your crews in action. It makes your work tangible and memorable.
Capture and tag every lead. For each conversation, jot down who they are (GC, supplier, owner), what type of projects they work on, and how soon they’re buying or bidding. This makes follow-up far more effective.
Act fast when you return to the office. Within a week, review leads, add them into your pipeline, and share new product or process ideas with your operations team. Decide what to stop, continue, or start doing based on what you learned at the show.

Now that you have an outline for planning ahead, here are a few events worth considering in the coming months:

September 2025

NECA 2025 Convention & Trade Show (Electrical Contractors)
Dates/Location: Sept 12–15, 2025 — Chicago, IL
Description: Stated as the “#1 Event for Power, Light, and Communication Technology”, it serves as the flagship for electrical construction—tools, prefabrication, BIM/VDC, safety, estimating, and service-contracting. The event includes education and a large expo floor.
Official site: https://www.necaconvention.org/

October 2025

Procore Groundbreak (Construction Technology & Operations)
Dates/Location: Oct 14–16, 2025 — Houston, TX
Description: As described on the website, “Groundbreak brings together global leaders and industry experts who are setting a new standard for construction… connecting the innovators, problem-solvers, and visionaries driving our industry forward with cutting-edge solutions and breakthrough technologies.”
Official site: https://www.procore.com/groundbreak

November 2025

Greenbuild International Conference + Expo
Dates/Location: Nov 4–7, 2025 — Los Angeles, CA
Description: The world’s largest annual event for green building professionals – Codes and standards updates, embodied carbon, electrification, healthy materials, and ESG—plus a broad product expo.
Official site: https://informaconnect.com/greenbuild/

January 2026

World of Concrete
Dates/Location: Exhibits: Jan 20–22, 2026; Education: Jan 19–22, 2026 — Las Vegas Convention Center, NV
Description: WOC is the industry’s only annual international tradeshow dedicated to the commercial concrete and masonry construction industries and is the largest concrete/masonry event in North America.
Official site: https://www.worldofconcrete.com/en /home.html

February 2026

AHR Expo
Dates/Location: Feb 2–4, 2026 — Las Vegas Convention Center, NV
Description: The AHR Expo brings the entire HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) industry together to showcase cutting-edge products and technologies, gain insights from industry leaders, foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, and drive business and career growth.
Official site: https://www.ahrexpo.com/

NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS) + KBIS
Dates/Location: Feb 17–19, 2026 — Orlando, FL
Description: NAHB International Builders’ Show^® (IBS) and the NKBA Kitchen & Bath Industry Show^® (KBIS) are co-locating during Design & Construction Week (DCW) at the Orange County Convention Center.
Official site: https://www.buildersshow.com/design-and-construction-week

March 2026

CONEXPO-CON/AGG
Dates/Location: Mar 3–7, 2026 — Las Vegas Convention Center, NV
Description: With 2,000 exhibitors and 150 education sessions, this event is considered to be North America’s largest construction show.
Official site: https://www.conexpoconagg.com/

New York Build
Dates/Location: Mar 18-19, 2026 — New York, NY
Description: With more than 40k attendees and 500+ exhibitors, this event is New York’s largest construction and design show.
Official site: https://www.newyorkbuildexpo.com/

For more information on construction industry updates and business 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.

Notes on links & planning

All event names above are linked to their official websites after each listing so you can confirm details, register, and book housing directly. Dates and locations are current as of August 28, 2025; organizers occasionally adjust schedules, so check the event sites when finalizing travel.

Using Building Permit Data to Boost Content Marketing

Posted on August 27, 2025 by Erika Carruth

We all know the saying: content is king. In fact, according to the Content Marketing Institute, 87% of B2B marketers reported that content marketing helped them create brand awareness in the last year. It drives SEO, builds trust, boosts engagement, and positions your business as the authority your customers turn to for reliable insights. But here’s the question: how do you keep your content not just consistent, but also relevant, timely, and uniquely valuable?

For construction professionals, the answer might be right in front of us—building permit data.

Why Content Marketing Matters in Construction

Content marketing in the construction industry isn’t just about promoting your services. It’s about providing thought leadership, educating your audience, and positioning your business at the forefront of industry knowledge. Whether you’re a builder, supplier, subcontractor, or service provider, content is your way to showcase your expertise while building trust.

Think of it like pouring the foundation for a building—without a strong base, nothing else holds. Content marketing serves as that base, creating the visibility and authority that keep your business competitive in a crowded marketplace.

The Untapped Value of Building Permit Data

As construction professionals, we already use permit data to evaluate market activity, track competitors, and identify new opportunities. But the value of this data extends far beyond internal strategy—it can become one of the most powerful tools in your content marketing arsenal.

Here’s how:

1. Spotting Market Trends

Building permit data reflects the pulse of construction activity in your area. Are more single-family homes being permitted this quarter compared to last? Is commercial construction slowing while pool construction is surging? These insights can fuel articles, blog posts, and even social media updates that position your company as the go-to resource for understanding local market dynamics.

Example: “Residential permits in [Your Region] are up 12% this quarter—here’s what it means for homebuyers and subcontractors.”

2. Creating Hyper-Local Content

One of the strongest SEO strategies is to produce content that speaks directly to your local market. Building permit data provides the raw material. If your region is seeing a boom in new residential communities, you can write about neighborhood development, infrastructure growth, or what this means for suppliers and contractors in that region.

This type of content is not only relevant but highly searchable, making it a powerful driver of organic traffic.

3. Educating Your Audience

Most homeowners, investors, and even small business owners don’t have access to or knowledge of how to interpret building permit reports. By breaking this information down into digestible, engaging content, you provide real value—whether you are explaining permitting trends, offering insight into construction cycles, or forecasting where demand is headed.

In other words, you become the translator between raw industry data and practical insights.

4. Demonstrating Authority and Expertise

Sharing data-driven insights shows that your business isn’t just following the market—you’re analyzing it. By weaving building permit statistics into your newsletters, blogs, or LinkedIn updates, you are essentially elevating your voice as a thought leader. And in a B2B environment, that kind of authority builds trust—and ultimately, business.

5. Supporting Visual Content

Data is perfect for infographics, charts, and quick-hit visuals that perform exceptionally well on social media. A graph showing year-over-year permit growth or a heat map of active regions can generate more engagement than a text-only post. Construction professionals (and most of us) are visual thinkers—so why not let the data tell a story?

Turning Data into Marketing Gold

The key is not to just present numbers, but to contextualize them. Numbers on their own are raw materials—much like concrete or steel. Content marketing is the design-build process that shapes those raw materials into a finished product your audience finds useful and compelling.

Blog Articles: “Top 5 Residential Growth Hotspots Based on New Permit Activity.”
Social Media Posts: “Did you know? Commercial permits in [City] grew by 20% last month.”
Newsletters: Market trend summaries with clear takeaways for clients or partners.
Whitepapers/Reports: Long-form content that establishes your brand as an industry authority.

While content marketing drives engagement, SEO, and business growth, building permit data is the key to providing unique insights that make your content stand out in a sea of generic marketing. By pairing marketing strategy with the deep market knowledge, you can create content that not only informs—but also inspires action.

In short, if content is king, then building permit data is the crown jewel you didn’t know you had right at your fingertips.

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’s Top Home Builders – July 2025

Posted on August 22, 2025 by Erika Carruth

According to the latest construction data reports released by HBW, Florida experienced steady new residential construction activity in July 2025, with thousands of building permits added to the pipeline across its major metropolitan regions. The data, which reflects total new permits, overall construction value, and average value of residential construction projects, provides key insights into the homebuilding market throughout the state.

Below is a breakdown of the top-performing builders in each of the five major Florida regions: Southwest, Tampa, Orlando, Southeast, and Jacksonville.

Southwest Florida

In the southwestern region, there were 1,589 new residential construction permits on record for July, reflecting an average construction value of $346,150. Out of 370 contractors with new permits, the following builders held the highest total volume:

Lennar Homes – 198 permits | $47.63M total value | Avg. $240,567
Pulte Homes – 138 permits | $25.32M total value | Avg. $183,451
Taylor Morrison – 77 permits | $16.23M total value | Avg. $210,816
Stratos Construction – 50 permits | $9.15M total value | Avg. $183,026
M/I Homes – 43 permits | $8.51M total value | Avg. $197,853

Tampa

The Tampa market led the state in overall permit volume, with 1,981 new residential construction permits during July and an average value of $358,980. Out of nearly 240 builders on record, the following companies topped the list for total permits:

Lennar Homes – 469 permits | $171.36M total value | Avg. $365,369
D.R. Horton – 187 permits | $61.61M total value | Avg. $329,444
Pulte Homes – 109 permits | $50.92M total value | Avg. $467,125
Taylor Morrison – 102 permits | $41.50M total value | Avg. $406,846
The Villages of Lake Sumter – 76 permits | $13.30M total value | Avg. $175,000

Orlando

In the Orlando area, HBW reported 1,294 housing starts for July, with an average construction value of $382,255. Out of nearly 165 active contractors, the leading builders by permit volume included:

Pulte Homes – 144 permits | $61.89M total value | Avg. $429,806
Lennar Homes – 96 permits | $35.19M total value | Avg. $366,591
M/I Homes – 90 permits | $39.67M total value | Avg. $440,743
D.R. Horton – 83 permits | $23.25M total value | Avg. $280,178
Adams Homes – 59 permits | $23.34M total value | Avg. $395,590

Southeast Florida

The southeastern portion of the state carried 693 new residential construction permits in July, with the highest regional average value statewide at $480,370. Out of approximately 140 contractors, the following ranked at the top five for total new permits:

Lennar Homes – 185 permits | $26.53M total value | Avg. $143,418
GL Building Corporation – 115 permits | $92.66M total value | Avg. $805,717
Pulte Homes – 33 permits | $13.70M total value | Avg. $415,043
D.R. Horton – 32 permits | $7.43M total value | Avg. $232,218
KH East Coastal FL Homes – 28 permits | $10.91M total value | Avg. $389,714

Jacksonville

In the Jacksonville area, there were 715 new residential construction permits with an average value of $279,823. Out of the 105 builders with new permits on record, the leaders were:

Lennar Homes – 97 permits | $19.81M total value | Avg. $204,211
Dream Finders Homes – 78 permits | $14.77M total value | Avg. $189,329
Pulte Homes – 45 permits | $12.05M total value | Avg. $267,857
American Classic Homes – 35 permits | $3.83M total value | Avg. $109,429
Richmond American Homes – 30 permits | $7.65M total value | Avg. $255,097

Statewide Summary

Across the five major regions of Florida, there were more than 6,270 new residential construction permits issued in July 2025, reflecting billions in total construction value. Lennar Homes continued to dominate statewide, leading permit totals in nearly every region, while Pulte Homes, D.R. Horton, and Taylor Morrison held strong market shares across multiple areas. The highest average construction values were concentrated in the Southeast region, where luxury and custom developments drove project values upward. Meanwhile, the Tampa market was positioned as the most active in terms of sheer volume, recording nearly 2,000 permits in just one month.

Top Home Builders in Texas – July 2025

Posted on August 20, 2025 by Erika Carruth

According to the latest construction data reports from HBW, Texas exhibited a month-over-month dip but maintained some momentum in residential construction activity during July 2025. Across the four major metropolitan regions—Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio—more than 5,350 new residential construction permits were added to the HBW database for the month, with a total construction value in excess of $1.7 billion.

The leaders in volume reflect both national production builders and strong regional players, with D.R. Horton and Lennar Homes continuing to dominate statewide activity.

Houston

Houston remained the most active market statewide, accounting for just over 2,700 new residential permits with a combined construction value of approximately $797 million.

D.R. Horton led all builders with 473 permits valued at more than $116 million, averaging $246k per unit.
Lennar Homes followed closely with 439 permits and an aggregate value exceeding $106 million.
Perry Homes (125 permits; avg. $321k) and David Weekley Homes (103 permits; avg. $306k) also ranked prominently.
Taylor Morrison rounded out the top five with 81 permits, averaging $281k per home.

Houston’s high activity underscores its role as a significant housing market in the Lone Star State, with notable contributions from both national and regional builders.

Dallas

The Dallas area added 1,575 permits in July, with a total construction value of $596.8 million and an impressive average value of nearly $379k—the highest among major Texas metros.

D.R. Horton once again held the top spot with 173 permits valued at nearly $56 million.
Ranked second for the region was listed only as “Permit Office Will Not Provide” with 154 permits.
Lennar Homes (92 permits; avg. $287k), Meritage Homes (79 permits; avg. $177k), and First Texas Homes (60 permits; avg. $448k—the highest average out of the top five in Dallas for the month) completed the top five list.

Dallas continues to reflect higher per-unit construction values for the most part, consistent with demand for larger square footage and upgraded residential designs.

Austin

In Austin, nearly 80 builders contributed to 588 new permits, representing a total value of approximately $210 million and an average value of $357k.

KB Homes led with 49 permits, totaling nearly $16.8 million.
Chesmar Homes (41 permits; avg. $372k) and D.R. Horton (38 permits; avg. $243k) followed closely behind.
Brookfield Residential Texas Homes stood out with an average value of nearly $398k, the highest among Austin’s top builders for the month, and had 35 new permits on record for the one-month period.
Pulte Homes ranked fifth with 34 permits, averaging $362k.

The Austin market has demonstrated solid demand for mid- to upper-value homes, with a concentration of permits in the $340k–$400k range.

San Antonio

San Antonio reported more than 490 new residential construction permits in July, totaling approximately $110 million in value.

Lennar Homes dominated the market with 121 permits, followed by KB Homes with 59 permits.
Continental Homes of Texas (31 permits), M/I Homes (19 permits), and Perry Homes (18 permits, avg. $346k) rounded out the top five.

While San Antonio reflected the lowest average construction value among the major metros at $224k, the market remains active in entry-level and first-time buyers.

Statewide Perspective

Across all four metropolitan regions combined, the Texas residential construction market in July 2025 recorded:

5,356 permits
$1.7+ billion total value
~$320k average value

D.R. Horton and Lennar Homes were clear statewide leaders, maintaining significant presence in every major metro. Regional builders such as Highland Homes, Chesmar Homes, and Perry Homes also demonstrated strong market share, particularly in select markets.

Overall, Houston led in volume, Dallas in average value, Austin in balanced mid-to-upper tier demand, and San Antonio in affordability-driven activity. The statewide data on home builders reflects both national and regional builders strategically positioning themselves to capture demand across diverse product types and price points.

Texas New Swimming Pool Construction – July 2025 Summary

Posted on August 15, 2025 by Erika Carruth

According to the latest HBW construction data reports, there were more than 480 new swimming pool construction permits in Texas added to the HBW database for the month of July. The reports pull permit data recorded from the four major metro areas of Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. Statewide, and the regional breakdown is as follows:

Houston

The Houston metropolitan area continued to lead the state in July, recording approximately 180 new swimming pool construction permits. These projects carried a total construction value of $17.4 million, resulting in an average value of $97,194 per pool—well above the statewide average. Harris County accounted for the majority of activity, with 124 new permits for the month.

Dallas

In the Dallas area, new pool construction mirrored Houston’s strong output, with 183 permits issued in July and a total construction value of nearly $11.6 million. The average value per project was $63,175, suggesting a more mid-range market profile compared to Houston. Activity was concentrated in Collin County (54 permits) and Denton County (55 permits), reflecting the ongoing suburban growth and residential development occurring north of the city.

Austin

The Austin metro market generated 84 new pool construction permits during the month, with a total value in excess of $5.2 million. The average value per pool was $62,452, aligning closely with Dallas in terms of project value. Travis County dominated the regional totals with 73 permits, indicative of strong residential demand within the city and its immediate suburbs.

San Antonio

San Antonio posted more modest figures, with nearly 35 new swimming pool permits valued at over $1.5 million in July. The average construction value was $46,061, marking the lowest among the four metros reviewed and suggesting a higher proportion of smaller-scale or more cost-conscious projects. Bexar County led the local market, contributing 26 permits for the month.

Market Outlook

Overall, July 2025 data reports reflect a lower level of new pool construction activity across Texas, similar to figures from the start of the year, with Houston and Dallas driving the majority of permit volume, while Austin and San Antonio maintain regionally driven demand. The variation in average construction values highlights distinct market profiles—Houston remains the leader in luxury-grade pool installations, while Dallas and Austin deliver strong volumes in the mid-to-upper range, and San Antonio caters to more budget-conscious projects.

Texas Residential Construction Trends: Q2 2025 Market Overview

Posted on August 13, 2025 by Erika Carruth

According to the latest HBW Building Activity Trend Report, new residential construction across Texas remained in positive territory through the second quarter of 2025, marking a steady continuation of growth from last year’s rebound. Statewide, 41,586 new residential construction permits were added to the books through Q2 — a 4% year-to-date (YTD) increase compared to the same period in 2024.

This pace represents a notable shift from the market volatility of recent years. After experiencing back-to-back annual declines in 2022 (-8%) and 2023 (-16%), the sector saw signs of recovery in 2024 with a 10% YTD increase by mid-year. The 2025 data indicates that while growth has slowed slightly compared to last year’s double-digit gains, market fundamentals remain stable.

Regional Performance

While the statewide market is up overall, growth is uneven across the four major metro regions tracked in the report. Dallas is the only metro to show double-digit gains this year, while Houston remains essentially flat, and Austin and San Antonio register modest YTD declines.

Dallas

Total Permits: 14,074 permits (+20% YTD)
Top Counties:
- Collin County: 5,339 permits (-4.8% YTD)
- Tarrant County: 3,427 permits (+299% YTD)
Higher Value Activity: In 2024, the Dallas metro issued 5,313 permits valued above $500K. Through the first half of 2025, 1,398 such permits were recorded in Q1, followed by 1,730 in Q2.

Dallas continues to lead the Texas market, fueled by a significant spike in Tarrant County activity, which more than tripled compared to the same time last year. Despite a small pullback in Collin County, the region’s sustained demand for new housing — particularly in higher value segments — possibly signals robust buyer confidence.

Houston

Total Permits: 19,846 permits (-1% YTD)
Top Counties:
- Harris County: 9,172 permits (+1.7% YTD)
- Montgomery County: 5,996 permits (+1.6% YTD)
Higher Value Activity: In 2024, the region saw 1,816 higher value permits. For 2025, 534 permits over $500K were issued in Q1 and 567 in Q2.

The Houston market is essentially flat compared to the same time in 2024, with small but positive gains in its highest-volume counties. Stable performance in the $500K+ segment suggests that while the pace has leveled off, the region remains a steady driver of statewide residential construction.

Austin

Total Permits: 3,929 permits (-5% YTD)
Top Counties:
- Travis County: 1,603 permits (-18% YTD)
- Williamson County: 1,580 permits (+18.5% YTD)
Higher Value Activity: In 2024, Austin recorded 833 higher value permits. In 2025, Q1 saw 138 such permits, with a sharp increase to 301 in Q2.

Austin’s overall activity is down slightly, largely due to a notable slowdown in Travis County. However, Williamson County is on the upswing, and the Q2 jump in luxury construction points to a potential mid-year shift toward higher-end residential projects.

San Antonio

Total Permits: 3,737 permits (-9% YTD)
Top Counties:
- Bexar County: 2,547 permits (-9% YTD)
- Guadalupe County: 737 permits (+1.1% YTD)
Higher Value Activity: In 2024, the region saw 444 permits valued above $500K. So far in 2025, there were 138 in Q1 and 122 in Q2.

San Antonio is experiencing the sharpest YTD decline among the major metros, with slower activity in its primary market of Bexar County. Modest growth in Guadalupe County provides a small offset, and higher value construction appears to be somewhat in line with last year’s figures.

Market Outlook

Through mid-2025, the Texas residential construction sector appears to be holding steady after last year’s solid rebound. The overall 4% YTD growth reflects resilience in the face of shifting market conditions, although the momentum is concentrated in select regions (most notably Dallas).

High-value residential construction remains a key driver across all metros, with luxury homebuilding exhibiting some gains in both Dallas and Austin during Q2. Houston’s consistency offers stability to the statewide market, while San Antonio’s ongoing slowdown warrants continued monitoring.

If current trends persist, Texas is on track to close out 2025 with another year of permit growth — a welcome contrast to the contraction seen earlier in the decade.