HBWeekly

Atlanta Swimming Pool Construction Holds Steady Through Q2 2025

Posted on July 9, 2025 by Erika Carruth

According to the latest Swimming Pool Construction Activity Trend Report from HBW, new swimming pool construction activity across the 24 counties that comprise the Metro Atlanta area remained relatively steady through the second quarter of 2025. From January through June, a total of 1,347 new swimming pool permits were on record in the HBW database, reflecting a nominal 1 percent year-over-year (YOY) decrease when compared to the same period in 2024.

Mixed Performance Across Leading Counties

While overall permit volume remained mostly flat, the market has shown shifting dynamics at the county level. Some of the region’s historically high-volume areas experienced slight pullbacks, while several outlying counties posted noticeable gains.

Fulton County maintained its lead in volume with 272 new swimming pool permits, though this figure reflects a 4 percent YOY decrease.
Cobb County recorded 145 permits, marking a 21 percent decline from Q2 2024.
In contrast, Cherokee County issued 135 permits, representing a 16 percent YOY increase.
Forsyth County followed with 110 permits, posting a healthy 9 percent gain.
Notably, Coweta County saw a significant surge, with 107 permits representing a 30 percent increase over the same time period last year.

Emerging Growth Markets

Beyond the top five counties, several emerging markets have shown promising upward movement so far this year. Walton County stood out with a remarkable 40 percent year-over-year increase in new swimming pool permits. Jackson County followed with a 20 percent increase, while both Paulding County and Fayette County registered solid 18 percent gains. All of these counties had experienced declines in permit activity last year, making their current growth noteworthy. While it is still early to determine whether these figures represent a lasting upward trend or a temporary rebound, the data suggests that interest in pool construction is beginning to extend beyond the traditionally high-volume counties.

Market Outlook and Considerations

From a market analysis standpoint, the Metro Atlanta area is showing signs of regional redistribution of demand. The marginal overall decrease in permit totals reflects a stable market, while the increased activity in outlying counties may indicate rising interest in suburban and exurban living, driven by affordability, larger lot sizes, and evolving homeowner preferences.

Additionally, factors such as rising material costs, labor availability, and interest rates continue to play a role in moderating growth in high-demand counties like Fulton and Cobb. Meanwhile, lower-cost counties may be benefiting from contractors expanding their service areas and homeowners seeking more cost-effective options.

Overall, and as noted above, swimming pool construction in Metro Atlanta through Q2 2025 is holding steady, with a nominal YOY dip that masks a more nuanced landscape of localized growth and contraction. While core markets such as Fulton and Cobb are experiencing minor slowdowns, a number of outlying counties—particularly Coweta, Cherokee, and Walton—are emerging as potential bright spots. With six months still ahead, the trajectory for the remainder of the year will determine whether these trends are part of a larger market shift or simply seasonal variations.

Information utilized for the above listed figures for Metro Atlanta swimming pool construction was directly derived from HBW 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.

Understanding Housing Booms & Busts Through Permit Data

Posted on July 5, 2025 by Erika Carruth

The housing market has long been known for its cyclical nature—expanding during periods of growth and contracting during times of economic or market correction. For professionals in construction, real estate development, and building services, understanding these cycles is not just a matter of economics—it is essential for forecasting demand, managing risk, and identifying timely opportunities. One of the most underutilized yet powerful tools for this insight is building permit data.

HBW specializes in aggregating and analyzing residential and commercial building permit activity across the southeastern United States and beyond. This data offers a real-time window into construction activity trends, providing a practical, ground-level metric for monitoring market fluctuations. Today, we will explore how building permit data reveals critical insights into housing booms and busts, and more importantly, how to use this data to track trends.

The Value of Permit Data in Economic Cycles

Building permits are one of the earliest indicators of housing market activity. Before the first shovel hits the ground, a permit must be filed. As such, permit volumes often serve as a leading indicator of upcoming residential construction trends.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau and HUD, which publish the New Residential Construction Report each month, housing permits historically precede changes in housing starts and completions by several months. When permit volumes rise consistently, it suggests builder confidence and increasing demand. Conversely, a decline may reflect growing caution, tightening lending standards, or waning buyer interest.

Unlike lagging indicators like home sales or price indices, permit data provides a forward-looking lens, often signaling a shift in market conditions before other metrics catch up.

Key Indicators of Booms and Busts

Permit data, when tracked over time, reveals more than just monthly activity—it provides a full-spectrum view of market dynamics. By examining regional growth patterns, professionals can identify where booms are beginning, often in specific metro areas or counties, before they expand outward; permit activity at the ZIP code level is especially useful for spotting these early signs of rising demand. Analyzing builder activity further enhances this view, revealing market share trends among national and regional builders and showing who is scaling up or pulling back. In addition, tracking permits by construction type—whether for single-family homes, multi-family developments, remodels, or pools—offers insight into shifting consumer preferences and development strategies. Permit valuations also play a critical role, providing a glimpse into average project costs, with sharp increases often signaling inflationary pressures, supply chain constraints, or even a pivot toward higher-end housing. Taken together, these indicators help construction professionals identify inflection points—those key moments when the market begins to overheat or cool down.

You may be asking: “What are some key things to look for in a boom cycle?” To break it down, here are a few signals that can typically be observed in permit data during a boom cycle:

Sustained Growth in Permit Volume – A steady increase over several months, especially in multiple regions, is a hallmark of an expanding market.
Expansion of Mid-Sized Builders – Beyond the usual top-tier developers, growth among smaller or mid-sized builders entering new markets is often a bullish sign.
High-Value Permit Activity – A surge in permits with high estimated construction values may indicate confidence in the luxury or custom home market.
Spike in Multi-Family Construction – Developers increasing apartment or condo projects can signal high demand and investor confidence.

Conversely, the following permit trends can signal a market contraction:

Sharp Decline in Permit Submissions – A noticeable month-over-month or year-over-year drop in new permits, particularly from high-volume builders.
Reduced Permit Valuations – Lower average project values may suggest cost-cutting or potentially a shift to more affordable builds due to market softening.
Regional Contraction – When previously booming counties or metro areas see a slowdown over a significant period of time, it may indicate saturation or demand cooling.
Increase in Project Cancellations – While not always reflected in permits themselves, a slowdown in activity despite prior filing can be cross-referenced with completion or start data.

So, what does this mean for those in the construction industry? Here’s a quick look at how industry professionals can extract value from permit data supplied by HBW:

Track Monthly and Annual Trends
Compare permit volumes year-over-year and month-over-month to spot seasonality or structural shifts.
Drill Down by Region or County
Use ZIP-code and county-level data to assess micro-market activity. This is essential for regional builders, developers, and suppliers.
Monitor Builder Rankings
HBW reports identify the top-performing builders each month. Watching who’s gaining or losing market share helps suppliers, subcontractors, and competitors align strategies.
Analyze Permit Valuations
Construction data reports include estimated construction values; this is helpful for gauging market positioning, cost trends, and consumer preferences.
Filter by Project Type
Whether you specialize in custom homebuilding, pool installation, or remodels, targeted filtering gives you sector-specific intelligence.

Building permit data isn’t just paperwork—it’s a predictive analytics tool with the power to demystify the housing cycle. Whether you’re bracing for a downturn or positioning for the next boom, knowing how to read the signs is crucial for getting, and staying, ahead.

For more information on construction business development and marketing tips, stay connected with the HBW Blog. To get ahead of construction activity and gain access to the latest permitting data in Florida, Texas, Georgia, Alabama and Oklahoma, contact HBW for more information on construction data reports and industry leads.

Florida’s Leading Pool Builders: May 2025

Posted on July 2, 2025 by Erika Carruth

In the wake of another steady month for swimming pool construction across the Sunshine State, we have reviewed and analyzed the latest permit data to identify the top-performing pool builders in Florida for May 2025. As reported last week, there were 1,885 new swimming pool construction permits on record statewide for the month, with construction values exceeding $156 million.

Today, we take a closer look at the builders driving these numbers, highlighting the top five pool contractors in each major region based on total new permits pulled. All data is sourced directly from the HBW database, which is continually updated with the most current residential and commercial construction permit records across the state.

Southwest Florida

With approximately 190 pool builders on record for the month, Southwest Florida continues to serve as a major hub for new pool construction. Leading the region:

Pinnacle USA – 50 permits | $3.54M total value | Avg. value: $70,880
Aragon Pools & Spas – 42 permits | $1.43M total value | Avg. value: $34,048
Coast to Coast Pools – 40 permits | $3.91M total value | Avg. value: $97,668
Miromar Pools – 31 permits | $2.09M total value | Avg. value: $67,433
Holiday Pools of West Florida – 16 permits | $818.8K total value | Avg. value: $51,173

Key Insight: Coast to Coast Pools, though third in permit volume, reported the highest average value per project, indicating a strong market presence in high-end pool construction.

Southeast Florida

In Southeast Florida, where roughly 180 contractors were active in May, the market remains competitive with builders balancing both project volume and premium design features.

Fountain Blue Pool Service – 20 permits | $1.30M total value | Avg. value: $65,188
Pools by Greg – 13 permits | $1.02M total value | Avg. value: $78,708
Craft Master Custom Pools – 12 permits | $963.5K total value | Avg. value: $80,292
A&G Concrete Pools – 11 permits | $1.58M total value | Avg. value: $143,936
Van Kirk Construction – 10 permits | $1.93M total value | Avg. value: $193,275

Key Insight: Van Kirk Construction leads in total and average construction value, demonstrating a notable presence in luxury pool development within the region.

Tampa Area

The Tampa market featured nearly 150 active pool contractors, with several builders standing out in both volume and value.

T&D Pool Construction – 41 permits | $1.85M total value | Avg. value: $45,000
Tampa Bay Pools – 19 permits | $2.21M total value | Avg. value: $116,501
Oasis Pavers & Pools – 16 permits | $1.59M total value | Avg. value: $99,446
Cody Pools – 15 permits | $2.27M total value | Avg. value: $151,580
Tampa Bay Pools on the Gulf – 12 permits | $1.35M total value | Avg. value: $112,156

Key Insight: Cody Pools led out of the top five builders when it comes to average value per permit, reinforcing its brand as a premier pool contractor in both the Tampa and Orlando markets.

Orlando Area

With more than 115 builders active in May, the Orlando area remains a consistent contributor to Florida’s overall pool construction market.

Dreamscapes Pools & Spas – 25 permits | $1.17M total value | Avg. value: $46,729
Bob’s Pool Service – 16 permits | $705.2K total value | Avg. value: $44,076
Cody Pools – 10 permits | $1.31M total value | Avg. value: $130,887
Premier Pools of Central Florida – 10 permits | $1.03M total value | Avg. value: $103,315
Grunit Pool Contractors – 9 permits | $550K total value | Avg. value: $61,111

Key Insight: Once again, Cody Pools commands a higher average construction value, indicating demand for its high-end designs across multiple Florida markets.

Jacksonville Area

With over 80 contractors filing new permits in May, Jacksonville had a full month of activity with several standout performers.

Agua Pools & Spas – 14 permits | $1.16M total value | Avg. value: $82,786
Pools by John Clarkson – 9 permits | $1.23M total value | Avg. value: $136,768
Blue Haven Pools – 9 permits | $854.7K total value | Avg. value: $94,971
Old Town Custom Pools – 6 permits | $295K total value | Avg. value: $49,167
Breakwater Construction Group – 6 permits | $260.3K total value | Avg. value: $43,383

Key Insight: Pools by John Clarkson maintains a high average value per project, furthering its reputation for upscale residential pool installations in Northeast Florida.

From coast to coast, Florida’s swimming pool market remains resilient and active, with hundreds of licensed professionals contributing to a statewide construction value exceeding $156 million for May 2025 alone. The contractors featured in this report have distinguished themselves through consistent permit volume, regional dominance, and strong average project values—traits that continue to define leadership in Florida’s dynamic and competitive pool construction industry.

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 Swimming Pool Construction Review – May 2025

Posted on June 27, 2025 by Erika Carruth

New swimming pool construction across Florida remained active and steady through May 2025, with 1,885 new permits on record statewide. According to the latest construction data pulled from HBW’s comprehensive building permit database, all five major metro regions in the state reported considerate demand for new residential swimming pools, with total construction values surpassing $156 million for the month.

This month’s permitting activity reflects Florida’s ongoing investment in outdoor living and luxury home amenities, especially in high-growth counties and high-end residential communities. Here’s a detailed breakdown by region, including permit volume, leading counties, and the value of construction:

Southwest Florida: Leading in Volume and Value

Total Permits: 603
Total Construction Value: $49.6 million
Average Value per Permit: $82,232
Top Counties: Lee County (191 permits), Collier County (128 permits)

Southwest Florida outpaced all other regions in May with the highest number of new swimming pool permits. Lee County alone accounted for nearly one-third of all permits in the region, signaling stronger residential development in cities such as Cape Coral and Fort Myers. The region’s total construction value also led the state, making it the top-performing market for pool builders.

Southeast Florida: High-Value Markets Driving Demand

Total Permits: 407
Total Construction Value: $33.5 million
Average Value per Permit: $82,306
Top Counties: Palm Beach County (146 permits), Miami-Dade County (90 permits)

Southeast Florida continues to represent a high-demand, high-value market for custom pool construction. With high-end residential communities in Palm Beach County leading the way, the region posted the second-highest permit total and maintained one of the higher average construction values in the state.

Tampa Area: Strong Mid-Range Activity

Total Permits: 401
Total Construction Value: $34.2 million
Average Value per Permit: $85,336
Top Counties: Hillsborough County (100 permits), Pinellas County (81 permits)

The Tampa area closely followed Southeast Florida in terms of volume and surpassed it in average value. With an average pool construction value exceeding $85K, the region demonstrates solid mid-range growth, particularly in expanding suburban communities around Tampa Bay.

Orlando Area: Moderate Activity Across Central Florida

Total Permits: 286
Total Construction Value: $22.0 million
Average Value per Permit: $76,857
Top Counties: Orange County (75 permits), Brevard County (63 permits)

Central Florida’s pool construction activity remained somewhat steady in May, with Orlando-area builders generating moderate volume. Though the average value per permit was slightly lower than other major metros, the region’s broad mix of suburban development and vacation properties continues to drive activity.

Jacksonville Area: Fewer Permits, Higher Value Builds

Total Permits: 188
Total Construction Value: $17.5 million
Average Value per Permit: $93,293
Top Counties: St. Johns County (92 permits), Duval County (38 permits)

While Jacksonville reported the lowest permit total among the five regions reviewed, it claimed the highest average value per project statewide. This reflects a growing market for luxury and custom pool construction in northeast Florida, particularly in neighborhoods in St. Johns County.

Statewide Overview

Total Permits (5 Regions): 1,885
Total Construction Value: $156.8 million
Average Value (Statewide, weighted): ~ $83,200

Overall, Florida’s swimming pool construction market showed healthy, regionally balanced activity in May 2025. High-value builds in Jacksonville and Tampa, coupled with strong volume in Southwest and Southeast Florida, reflect a consumer trend toward lifestyle-driven home enhancements. As seasonal demand often peaks through summer, the construction outlook for pool contractors remains strong across the Sunshine State.

For more detailed insights and custom construction data, HBW subscribers can access full permit reports through the HBW database.

Texas Residential Construction Report – May 2025

Posted on June 25, 2025 by Erika Carruth

Powered by HBW’s Building Permit Data

Residential construction in Texas saw steady activity across its four major metro areas in May, with over 6,900 new residential construction permits on record with HBW for the month. According to the latest figures from HBW’s construction data reports, the Dallas and Houston metro areas led the state in volume and total construction value, while Austin and San Antonio exhibited more moderate activity.

Statewide Overview

Total New Residential Permits (4 Metros): 6,908
Total Construction Value: $2.36 Billion
Average Construction Value (weighted): $341,960

The statewide average value for new residential construction projects in May hovered around $342K, driven up in part by higher-value permitting in the Dallas and Austin regions. The majority of new construction permits were concentrated in the Houston and Dallas metro areas, which together accounted for nearly 80% of all new residential starts for the month.

Houston Area – Leading the State in Volume

Total Permits: 3,118
Total Construction Value: $923.7 Million
Average Value: $296,235
Top Counties:
- Harris County – 1,532 permits
- Montgomery County – 858 permits

The Houston area remained the top metro in Texas for total permit volume in May, accounting for nearly 45% of all new residential construction activity across the state. Harris County led the region with over 1,500 new permits, followed by Montgomery County. While the average value of construction in Houston was slightly lower than the statewide average, the high volume of projects and broad market activity signal continued demand and developer confidence in the region.

Dallas Area – Leading in Construction Value

Total Permits: 2,396
Total Construction Value: $1.03 Billion
Average Value: $429,452
Top Counties:
- Collin County – 961 permits
- Tarrant County – 613 permits

Dallas stood out in May with the highest total construction value among all metro areas, exceeding $1 billion. The average value per permit was also the highest in the state at over $429K, indicating a stronger presence of luxury or custom residential builds which has been typical for the area. Collin County was the most active within the metro, representing over 40% of the region’s total permits.

Austin Area – Mid-Range Activity with Higher Value Projects

Total Permits: 833
Total Construction Value: $282.8 Million
Average Value: $339,454
Top Counties:
- Travis County – 407 permits
- Williamson County – 245 permits

Although smaller in total volume, the Austin area maintained a competitive average construction value, suggesting mid-to-high-end residential development. Travis County issued nearly half of the region’s new permits, reinforcing its role as the central hub of development activity in the metro. Williamson County also demonstrated strong performance with over 240 new permits on record for the one-month period.

San Antonio Area – Lower Average Value

Total Permits: 561
Total Construction Value: $122 Million
Average Value: $217,463
Top County:
- Bexar County – 389 permits

San Antonio experienced the most modest residential construction activity in May. The lower average value—approximately $217K—suggests a focus on entry-level or mid-market housing. Bexar County, which includes the city of San Antonio, accounted for the vast majority of permitting activity.

HBW subscribers have access to detailed, customizable building permit data, updated regularly to provide insights into regional markets, permit values, builder activity, and more. Whether you’re tracking growth trends, identifying top-performing counties, or researching your competitors, HBW’s reports equip construction professionals with the intelligence they need to bring their development and marketing efforts to the next level.

For more information on how you can gain access to HBW’s full permit database across Texas and beyond, visit www.hbweekly.com or contact the HBW team today.

Top Home Builders in Florida – May 2025

Posted on June 20, 2025 by Erika Carruth

Earlier this week, we published a market overview of new residential construction in Florida, reporting a total of 6,578 new permits with a combined construction value of $2.22 billion across five major regions: Southwest, Tampa, Orlando, Southeast, and Jacksonville. In this follow-up article, we’re diving deeper into that data to spotlight the top-performing home builders in each region, as well as across the state.

All data has been compiled from building permits collected by HBW, offering construction professionals valuable insights into where and with whom the most activity is taking place.

Statewide Leaders

Across all five regions, a handful of builders clearly led the pack in terms of permit volume. Here’s a quick look at the statewide leaders based on the total number of new residential construction permits on record for the month:

Lennar Homes – 1,111 permits total
Appearing in the top five across every major region, Lennar Homes appears to be Florida’s most dominant builder by permit volume.
D.R. Horton – 690 permits total
With a consistent presence in all five regions, D.R. Horton remains a strong contender, especially in Tampa and Orlando.
Pulte Homes – 379 permits total
Strong showings in Orlando and Southwest Florida helped place Pulte Homes among the statewide leaders.
Taylor Morrison – 257 permits total
Ranking in the top five in three of five regions, Taylor Morrison continues to secure market share in the mid-to-high-value segment.

Regional Breakdown: Top Builders by Permit Volume

Southwest Florida

In Southwest Florida, more than 320 builders pulled new residential construction permits in May. The following companies topped the charts:

Builder	Total Permits	Avg. Construction Value
Lennar Homes	258	$203,291
Pulte Homes	99	$173,497
D.R. Horton	88	$205,064
Taylor Morrison	70	$191,360
GL Building Corporation	60	$237,433

Lennar led the region with nearly 260 new permits, while GL Building Corporation stood out with one of the highest average values of the top five.

Tampa

With approximately 230 active home builders on record, Tampa remained a hotbed for new construction activity:

Builder	Total Permits	Avg. Construction Value
Lennar Homes	419	$359,523
D.R. Horton	278	$282,593
Taylor Morrison	101	$375,873
The Villages of Lake Sumter	93	$175,000
Homes By West Bay	77	$573,661

Notably, Homes By West Bay had the highest average value of all leading Tampa builders, reflecting a focus on custom or luxury construction.

Orlando

In the Orlando area, more than 175 contractors had new residential permits on record. The leading builders were:

Builder	Total Permits	Avg. Construction Value
D.R. Horton	196	$356,163
Pulte Homes	150	$363,979
Lennar Homes	140	$303,662
Taylor Morrison	53	$446,537
AMH Development	38	$359,167

The Orlando market was closely contested, with all five top builders pulling more than 35 permits each and average values hovering in the mid-to-high $300s.

Southeast Florida

In Southeast Florida, more than 120 builders pulled permits, with the following companies leading the region:

Builder	Total Permits	Avg. Construction Value
Lennar Homes	177	$215,610
Minto Communities	91	$249,122
KH East Coastal FL Homes	59	$410,476
GL Building Corporation	57	$461,742
D.R. Horton	56	$228,461

GL Building Corporation and KH East Coastal FL Homes reported some of the highest average values statewide out of the to five, indicative of premium product offerings.

Jacksonville

With more than 130 builders active in the Jacksonville area, the top five included both national names and local standouts:

Builder	Total Permits	Avg. Construction Value
Lennar Homes	117	$239,742
Richmond American Homes	77	$307,197
D.R. Horton	72	$301,469
Meritage Homes	63	$188,564
American Classic Homes	59	$112,458

Richmond American and D.R. Horton held strong positions with solid average construction values above $300k.

From Tampa to Southeast Florida, top builders like Lennar Homes, D.R. Horton, and Pulte Homes continue to shape Florida’s residential landscape through high-volume activity and consistent statewide presence. For construction professionals, suppliers, and service providers, understanding where and how these companies are building is essential for strategic growth and market penetration.

Florida New Residential Construction Report – May 2025

Posted on June 18, 2025 by Erika Carruth

Based onthe latest HBW construction data reports, new residential construction in Florida remained strong and steady in May 2025, with more than 6,500 new residential construction permits added to the books. While performance varied by region, most major metropolitan areas experienced steady to moderate activity, with Tampa leading in total permits and overall construction value.

Across the five major Florida regions reviewed — Southwest, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Southeast — there were 6,578 new residential construction permits with a total construction value of $2.22 billion. The average value of new residential construction statewide hovered just under $340,000, reflecting continued demand for mid- to high-end housing.

Tampa

Total Permits: 2,028
Total Construction Value: $688.25 million
Average Value per Permit: $339,374
Top Counties: Pasco (480 permits), Polk (581 permits)

Tampa stood out as the top-performing region for May, accounting for 31% of all new residential permits statewide. It also led in total construction value, with nearly $700 million in new projects initiated. The strong activity in Pasco and Polk Counties continues to reflect suburban growth fueled by affordability and proximity to Tampa’s urban core.

Southwest Florida

Total Permits: 1,503
Total Construction Value: $461.74 million
Average Value per Permit: $307,214
Top Counties: Manatee (408 permits), Lee (671 permits)

Southwest Florida followed Tampa in total permit volume, making up approximately 23% of the statewide total. With a slightly lower average construction value, the region still posted robust numbers, particularly in Lee County, where development continues to surge post-recovery from somewhat recent storm cycles and as demand for coastal properties remains strong.

Orlando

Total Permits: 1,289
Total Construction Value: $485.77 million
Average Value per Permit: $376,862
Top Counties: Orange (276 permits), Brevard (242 permits)

While Orlando ranked third in total permits, it recorded a higher average value per permit in comparison to most regions reviewed, signaling a potential tilt toward larger-scale or luxury residential projects. This trend may be attributed to increased custom home building and ongoing demand in high-growth suburban areas like Lake Nona and Winter Garden.

Jacksonville

Total Permits: 1,003
Total Construction Value: $295.79 million
Average Value per Permit: $294,904
Top Counties: Duval (295 permits), St. Johns (396 permits)

Jacksonville represented just over 15% of the state’s new residential construction permits for May, with a balanced distribution across major counties. While overall construction value trailed other metro areas, the region remains a reliable contributor to Florida’s growth pipeline, especially in St. Johns County.

Southeast Florida

Total Permits: 755
Total Construction Value: $286.12 million
Average Value per Permit: $378,973
Top Counties: St. Lucie (262 permits), Palm Beach (212 permits)

Though Southeast Florida logged the lowest permit volume among the regions analyzed, it posted the highest average values per permit. This reflects the region’s emphasis on high-value residential development, particularly in Palm Beach County, where limited land availability can be a driver for higher cost and quality.

When taking an overall view of the latest data, we notice that Tampa and Southwest Florida continue to dominate new residential development by volume, while Orlando and Southeast Florida led in high-value construction, possibly pointing toward sustained demand for upscale residential housing. Healthy activity in secondary counties like Polk, Lee, and St. Johns supports ongoing suburban expansion, offering opportunities for builders targeting emerging communities. With steady permit activity and rising average values, the state’s residential construction market appears to be reflecting resilience amid national economic shifts.

As always, HBW will continue to monitor and report on permitting activity across Florida to support industry professionals in making data-driven decisions.

For more insights and regional breakdowns, contact HBW or subscribe to your custom market report today.

Texas Swimming Pool Construction Report – May 2025

Posted on June 13, 2025 by Erika Carruth

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

Statewide Summary – May 2025

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

Dallas

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

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

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

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

Houston

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

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

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

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

Austin

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

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

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

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

San Antonio

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

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

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

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

Takeaways for Construction Professionals

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

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

Top Home Builders in Texas – May 2025

Posted on June 11, 2025 by Erika Carruth

Based on Building Permit Data from HBW

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

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

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

Houston

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

Top 5 Builders – Houston (by total permits):

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

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

Austin

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

Top 5 Builders – Austin (by total permits):

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

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

Dallas

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

Top 5 Builders – Dallas (by total permits):

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

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

San Antonio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on June 6, 2025 by Erika Carruth

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

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

Why Historical Permit Data Matters

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

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

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

How to Use Historical Data Strategically

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

1. Identify Emerging Markets

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

2. Refine Your Sales and Marketing Strategy

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

3. Benchmark Against Competitors

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

4. Forecast Seasonal Demand

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

5. Support Business Planning and Investment Decisions

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

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

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