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Preparing Your Business for 2016

Posted on December 16, 2015 by Erika Carruth

A new year is right around the corner, and now is the perfect time to position your business for success in 2016.

Holidays are here and the New Year is coming upon us quickly. This time of year brings the hustle and bustle of the holidays, including holiday parties, days off and a team that is ready to take some time away from the office and with family. For your business, it’s a different time – a time for review and preparation. Before the holidays pass and the ball drops on New Year’s Eve, it is important to take a little time out to prepare your business for the coming year. Beyond the obvious financial tasks of budgeting, closing the books and meeting with your CFO and accountant, there are some important areas that can be easily overlooked and stuffed away under spreadsheets and reports. Here are five areas that may get postponed or overlooked but are deserving of time as you prepare for a fruitful 2016:

Recognize Employees – A little gratitude can go a long way in job satisfaction and boosting team morale. Holiday bonuses are an obvious one here, but just remember not to lump them in with performance-based bonuses that may be part of an employee’s compensation structure. Although a sudden increase in one’s regular direct deposit is appreciated, it does not show that you are taking time to recognize individuals and their accomplishments. Take note of the employees who have gone above and beyond, and personally thank them for their contributions. Along with a holiday party and hand-delivered bonuses, consider creative gifts like gym memberships through a corporate program or restaurant gift certificates that can be purchased in bulk and at a discounted corporate rate. On a modest budget, consider offering additional paid vacation or a monthly subscription service for gourmet goodies or useful services.
Conduct Performance Reviews – Prior to recognizing your employees, you will need to identify their progress and strengths, along with areas that are in need of development. If you don’t already have an annual performance review program in place, now is a good time to start planning. If you are just getting started, make sure you have a “green light” from your HR Department and/or legal advisor, as there are some definite boundaries and guidelines to follow. Think of this time as a two-way street – In addition to reviewing progress and setting realistic goals for the coming year with each employee, this time should be utilized for receiving feedback from your team as well. What do they enjoy most about their job? What changes would they like to see in the workplace? What are their career goals, and how can you as an employer help them attain those goals? Since performance reviews can create anxiety and concerns about job security, make an effort to put your employees at ease and create an open forum for discussion. You may just find some untapped talent waiting to be discovered.
Assess ROI – The end of the year is a great time to review any ongoing or new investments and their value to your business. Whether you added a new position, started a new marketing campaign or invested in new equipment, calculate the return on your investment. Are they being utilized as expected? Are you seeing the results in your bottom line? If you added new software or programs, is your team properly trained in and using them effectively? By analyzing the effectiveness and value of your equipment, systems and team, you can make an informed decision on what should stay and what should go in the coming year.
Identify Market Segment – This step was probably taken early in creating your business, and you may already have a strong grasp on your target audience. Nonetheless, now is the time to review your clients and services. Populations and areas change, as do the users of and demand for services and products. Which services or products were in highest demand this year, and were there seasonal spikes? Which market was strongly represented by your clients in 2015? To make it simple – Who were your clients and which services or products were in greatest demand? By analyzing and identifying your market segment, you can customize your product, pricing and promotion for specific targets in the coming year. This allows you to be more effective in your marketing efforts, as well as better equipped to meet the needs of your customers.
Review Pricing – According to MIT Sloan Management Review, studies have revealed that even the smallest variations in price can increase or decrease profitability as much as 20% to 50%. Those are percentages worth reviewing. To remain competitive, you don’t just have to offer quality services and products. Your pricing needs to remain competitive and in line with the industry and your customers’ expectations. Take time to review the market and gain insight on how your price structure compares to the competition. Best-case scenario, you have room to increase prices and a chance to use the New Year as a way to inform clients of the new and adjusted rates. If you decide that your prices are landing too high on the spectrum, consider renegotiating with suppliers when possible or looking into trimming the fat with new and more affordable ways to offer the same services and products.

Preparing for the coming year takes a little extra time and review. It’s not about simply recognizing the successes of 2015; allow less successful efforts to also be a guide. As Henry Ford once said, “The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.” By conducting an honest and thorough evaluation of your business activity in 2015, you will be ready to grow and realize new goals in 2016.

For more information on construction business tips and industry updates, 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.

HBW Report: Florida Residential Building Review – November 2015

Posted on December 11, 2015 by Erika Carruth

With close to 4,000 new residential permits added to the HBW database for Florida during the month of November, there is proof of a solid and consistent level of construction in the fourth quarter of 2015.

According to a December report by MarketWatch, 3 out of the top 10 cities in the U.S. where home prices are rising are Florida cities. MarketWatch reported Orlando (#2), Miami (#3) and Tampa (#10) as areas where home prices continue to increase. When reviewing HBW reports for residential building activity in November, it is evident that home builders are also seeing growth. In comparison to October (see HBW Report: Top Florida Home Builders – October 2015), every area in Florida increased or remained steady in housing starts with the exception of South Florida. Along with the increase in real estate value, Orlando topped the new residential construction list having a 5% increase in activity since October and 1,014 starts for the month. Here is a look at the breakdown and areas where residential permitting activity were the highest in November.

Florida New Residential Construction Permits – November 2015

ORLANDO

As previously mentioned, Orlando experienced a 5% increase in permitting activity in comparison to October. There were 1,014 housing starts with a total value exceeding $305.7 million. As in October, Orange County remained the most active with 383 new residential permits for the month and a total value of nearly $136.7 million. Osceola County was second in permitting activity with 228 new permits added to the HBW database and a total value of $44.8 million. In the third spot, Volusia County made the list with 151 starts and a total value of $47.3 million.

Orlando Residential Construction by County – Nov. 2015

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Residential construction in Southwest Florida continued to rise. According to the HBW database, the area experienced a 9% increase in residential starts since October, with 914 new permits and a total value in excess of $271 million. Residential building activity was widespread across the counties as usual, and Lee County led and was slightly above October activity with 239 permits and a total value of $66.8 million. Sarasota County wasn’t far behind with 222 starts and a total value of $51.2 million. Collier County was also busy in November with 206 starts and the highest total value ($90.6 million) for counties in the area.

Southwest FL Residential Construction by County – Nov. 2015

TAMPA

As previously mentioned, MarketWatch recently reported that the Tampa area is #10 for rising real estate and has a home price appreciation of 7%. As for new residential building activity, the area remained steady in November with similar levels of activity as October. There were 865 new permits added to the HBW database for the area with a total value exceeding $238.6 million. Three counties experienced the bulk of residential construction for the month. Hillsborough County led with 258 starts and a total value close to $85.7 million. Not far behind in total permits, Polk County had 236 housing starts and more than $46.5 million in total value. Pasco County remained strong with 201 new residential permits for the area and was second highest for total value (nearly $51 million).

Tampa Residential Construction by County – Nov. 2015

JACKSONVILLE

Jacksonville experienced the greatest increase (more than 10%) in residential construction permits in comparison to October, as there were 663 new permits for the area with a total value close to $154.6 million. Duval (262 permits – total value: $48.4 million+) and St. Johns (239 permits – total value: $66.7 million+) counties carried the bulk of residential construction activity for the month. Although there was a significant gap between the second and third highest counties for permitting activity, Clay County held on to the third spot with 66 starts and a total value nearing $12 million.

Jacksonville Residential Construction by County – Nov. 2015

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA

Unlike other parts of Florida, the southeast region fell short in residential building activity in comparison to October. The area had 372 starts at a total value close to $160 million. Palm Beach County remained on top in the area for new permits with 140 permits on record for the month and a total value close to $57 million. One county that experienced a slight increase since October was Indian River County with 67 starts and a total value exceeding $25.3 million. The third highest county for residential construction in November was St. Lucie with 64 permits added to the HBW database at a total value above $10.6 million.

Southeast FL Residential Construction by County – Nov. 2015

Information utilized for the graphs and above listed figures was directly derived from HBW construction data reports. To gain access to the HBW database and receive custom and detailed reports on the latest building activity in Florida and beyond, please contact HBW for details.

Texas Residential Builders Report – November 2015

Posted on December 9, 2015 by Erika Carruth

Home builders in Texas remained busy throughout November resulting in new permits added to the HBW database and a notable list of top builders throughout the Lone Star State.

Look at any recent housing report, and you will find Texas at the top of the list. According to Austin American-Statesman, Texas home sales are on track for a record year. It was reported that in the 3^rd Quarter of this year, Texas experienced almost an 8% year-over-year increase in home sales, and the median price of homes increased 7.7%.

As we continue tracking activity through Q4 and reviewing HBW construction data reports, residential building remains strong in Texas. In the month of November alone, more than 4,400 new residential permits and related activity were added to the HBW database for Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio combined. Houston topped the list with 1,696 new permits in November, while Dallas came a close second with 1,667 new permits last month. Here is a look at the breakdown of new residential permits in November.

Texas New Construction Totals – November 2015

HOUSTON

Starting at the top of residential activity in Texas, 1,696 new residential permits (total value: $358 million+) were added to the HBW database in November. The bulk of new residential construction activity took place in Harris County (778 permits), and D.R. Horton led construction with 126 starts (total value: $16.7 million). Although D.R. Horton and Lennar Homes held on in #1 and #2 in October and November, Beazer Homes jumped from #11 in October to #3 in November for total residential starts (91 permits).

Houston Top Builders – November 2015

DALLAS

In comparison to October, there was a 3% increase in residential permitting activity in the Dallas area during November, with 1,667 total starts on file (total value: $513.4 million+). The bulk of residential building activity took place in Collin County (453 permits), Tarrant County (435 permits) and Dallas (381 permits). D.R. Horton, First Texas Homes and Beazer Homes maintained the first, second and third spots from October, with D.R. Horton holding an impressive lead of 256 starts and a total value of more than $54.4 million.

Dallas Top Builders – November 2015

AUSTIN

According to the HBW database, there were 587 new residential construction permits (total value: $142.8 million) added for Austin in November. Travis County led with 324 permits, while Williamson County was the second busiest area with 212 starts on file for the month. Much like Dallas, the top three Austin builders for total permits remained consistent from October through November with D.R. Horton leading (88 permits – total value: $13.7 million) and K.B. Homes and Pulte Homes holding the #2 and #3 spots respectively. Although Lennar Homes was not on the Top 10 in October, it made it to November’s Top 5 with 32 starts in the area.

Austin Top Builders – November 2015

SAN ANTONIO

San Antonio experienced an increase in residential construction – In comparison to October, the total number of residential construction starts increased by 7% with 464 new permits (total value: $105 million) on file for the area. Bexar County experienced the bulk of the activity with 215 starts for the month. As for builders, Continental Homes of Texas was back in the lead from August and up from its #2 spot in October, leading the area with 64 starts and a total value of $13.1 million. K.B. Homes held on to one of the top spots at #2 with 32 starts, while Chesmar Homes jumped from the sixth spot in October to #3 in November with 26 starts on file.

San Antonio Top Builders – November 2015

Residential construction permit information utilized for the graphs and above listed figures was directly derived from HBW construction data reports. To gain access to the HBW database and receive custom and detailed reports on the latest permits in Texas and beyond, please contact HBW for details.

7 Free (and useful) Apps for Home Builders

Posted on December 4, 2015 by Erika Carruth

With new apps being launched every day, we reviewed free apps for contractors that can be used to make life on the job a little easier.

Just search “construction apps” in the Apple or Google Play stores, and you will get a seemingly endless list of apps from project management to video games. With the various prices and wide-ranging reviews, it can become quite tedious (and time consuming) to figure out which app will be best for you. There really is something for every aspect of construction management, including timesheets, measuring tools, invoicing, estimating… It’s enough to make you stop the search and continue with business as usual. Don’t get discouraged, there really are a number of useful and free apps that can help you both on and off the job site. Here’s a look at 7 apps we have reviewed that you may find useful in managing your day-to-day operations.

Screenshot source: Apple App Store

Google Earth – If you don’t already have Google Earth, download it. It is both useful and somewhat entertaining. You can get a bird’s-eye view (satellite view in this case) of properties and surrounding areas. It is a great tool for prepping to visit a new job site or gain information about the building and area of your HBW leads. Although Google Earth can’t view inside properties (at least not yet), it is a perfect tool for landscapers, roofers, concrete, plumbing, sewer, and pavement contractors when used to estimate measurements and put preliminary figures together for estimates. Just keep in mind that the view is not live, and imagery can be anywhere from 1-3 years old. You may just find some new construction or exterior changes waiting for you when you actually visit the job site.

Screenshot source: Apple App Store

Fieldwire – Looking to manage tasks and plans for your construction site? Fieldwire is a planning app that enables foremen, project managers and superintendents to collaborate while they are on and off the site. Users can look at the latest set of plans, share critical information (photos, punch lists), and manage tasks as a team. Users can update items and specific tasks, assign tasks to teammates, and add notes/comments and photos. Comments are shared in a chat-like format, and all pending and completed tasks are marked and color-coded appropriately, making it easy to track progress, get to priorities and action items. According to their website, the app is currently free for up to 15 users.

Image source: Dropbox.com

Dropbox – Although this app is not specific to construction, it is an easy on-the-go app that should really be a mainstay in your tech tool box. Not tech savvy? No problem. It really doesn’t get easier than this one. You can store, transfer and share folders, files and photos by copying or uploading them to the app. You can access files from your computer, tablet, phone and really anywhere online. Whether it’s a PowerPoint presentation or a client’s back-up file, it can be stored privately or shared publicly with a link. It is also a great way to avoid multiple attachments and downloading issues that are so common with sending files via email. Current plans offer approximately 2GB of storage space free of charge.

Logo source: play.google.com

Square (a.k.a SquareUp) – Another app that is not industry-specific but useful in construction is Square. The Square app is a great way for small business owners to collect payments and outstanding balances from any mobile device. Unlike some other providers, you will not need to transfer the funds to your account through an additional step; Square is linked directly to your business bank account, and money is processed and automatically deposited. The app also offers invoicing features, as well as auto-generated receipts that your client will receive via email. The system also saves email addresses related to each credit card, making it easy for receipts to be automatically sent in future transactions. One word of caution – Make sure you use the “swipe” feature (2.75% per swipe), as rates for manually entered credit cards are higher (3.5% + $.15).

Screenshot source: Apple App Store

PlanGrid – Another app that allows users to collaborate on construction projects is PlanGrid. This app enables contractors and architects to collaborate on all their project plans, specs and photos. Users can upload drawings, and they will sync to all devices in real time. Once the drawings are posted, they can be shared with other team members. The app provides an alert when new drawings are added. Users can add notes, photos, take measurements and use field take off and estimating tools. There is also a function for creating punch lists and assigning them to individuals, as well as creating and distributing issue reports.

Screenshot source: Apple App Store

MagicPlan – Working on the interior of a building? MagicPlan enables users to measure, draw, and publish interactive floor plans, just by taking pictures. The app offers ways to create floor plans quickly and on-the-go without measuring, drawing or moving furniture, and you can easily export from the app. It can be a useful tool for realtors, architects, interior designers, remodelers and inspectors if they don’t already have an app for creating floor plans on site. It’s most accurate on smaller spaces such as those in residential projects. Keep in mind, the app will initially go through a calibration process, so your device will need a camera and internal gyroscope. As for price… You can create and share plans with other MagicPlan account users on an unlimited basis, but exporting plans to others requires additional fees; publications are limited, include watermarks and are for private use. It is worth trying it for free to decide if you want to invest in this type of tool later.

Screenshot source: play.google.com

AutoCAD 360 – Already using AutoCAD? This app is essentially AutoCAD to go, eliminating the need to bring printed (and easily misplaced) drawings to site visits. As a mobile drawing and drafting tool, it enables users to view, redline, edit, comment and share AutoCAD drawings across a variety of devices including desktops, tablets and phones. No CAD experience? No problem. This app is designed specifically for newbies or those with little CAD experience.

As previously mentioned, the list could go on and on, as new apps and features are launched at a record pace. The list above is great way to get started and see which apps work best for you, your business and team. Remember, apps are supposed to make life easier, not more complicated. For this reason, it is worth trying a few and choosing one that you think will best support your operations.

Construction Expected to Grow in 2016

Posted on December 2, 2015 by Erika Carruth

From the latest industry predictions and reports, the construction industry outlook is positive in the new year.

Although we can’t just look into a crystal ball and know what the construction market will look like in the coming year, we do have great resources for analyzing and predicting market patterns. For example, companies such as Dodge Data & Analytics in New York recently released its 2016 Dodge Construction Outlook, and AIA released its Consensus Construction Forecast. Good News: Based on a variety of sources and predictions, overall construction starts are expected to rise in 2016! Along with the already estimated 13% increase for 2015 by Dodge, it looks like there is a Happy New Year ahead for construction.

There are a number of industry organizations that have predicted growth in the coming year. For this reason, we chose to sample a few economists and reports to focus on the areas that are of most importance to HBW subscribers:

According to Robert Murray, Chief Economist for Dodge Data & Analytics, and as stated in their October press release, construction starts in 2016 are predicted to increase 6% to $712 billion, with the highest gains expected in residential construction (up 16%). Nonresidential building is expected to rise by 9%, while nonbuilding construction is expected to see a decline of 14%.

You may be asking, “What factors are considered and marked for this predicted increase in construction starts in 2016?” The answer is layered but can be boiled down to the following:

Moderate Job Growth
Easier lending standards
Commercial real estate market fundamentals on the upswing
Increased funding from state and local construction bond measures

Another source is Chief Economist Anirban Basu of Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC); he has also predicted growth for the construction industry. Anirban stated in a November ABC press release that nonresidential construction is predicted to experience 7% growth in 2016. He attributed the upswing to lower material prices and greater certainty in federal budgeting and policy. At the same time, he recognized the shortage in skilled labor and predicted that it will remain a challenge in the coming year.

When looking at the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast, a survey of the nation’s leading construction forecasters, nonresidential construction as a whole is expected to improve/increase by approximately 8.2% in 2016. As for residential construction, AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, was quoted in ABC’s press release stating, “Led by tremendous demand for energy-efficient spaces, spending on home improvements is on track to reach an all-time high by year’s end.”

With the positive outlook for the coming year, it appears that construction professionals can prepare for increased activity, as well as continued challenges due to the ongoing labor shortage. In order to stay ahead of the reports and on top of the latest construction and permitting activity, contact HBW for a complimentary construction data report.

Giving Thanks – Social Responsibility and Business

Posted on November 25, 2015 by Erika Carruth

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is more than just writing a check to your favorite charity; it is about incorporating social giving and awareness into your company’s culture.

Earlier this week, we mentioned social responsibility as part of “Last-Minute Holiday Marketing Tips”. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, now is the perfect time to look at ways your business may want to adopt social responsibility as part of your corporate structure.

Social responsibility is more than just writing a check to a local charity or sponsoring an event. It is about making your business a community partner and committing to your business activity being an integral part of your community’s growth. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can be defined as a company’s sense of responsibility to the community and environment in which it operates, including local, national and international causes. In addition to philanthropic efforts and donations, companies flex their social responsibility muscle in how they operate, from in-house recycling programs and sustainable business operations to contributing to educational and social programs.

In addition to benefiting a cause and the community, businesses have much to gain from being socially responsible. In a study conducted by Cone Communications and Echo Research and reported in Fox Business, more than 90% of consumers surveyed were likely to switch to brands that support a good cause, given similar price and quality. Additionally, 90% of consumers said that they would like to see more of the products and services they use supporting CSR.

Whether you are a large firm or a mom-and-pop shop, social responsibility can and should be a part of your company’s culture. Here is a simple guide to get you thinking about your own business and how you can incorporate social responsibility in your day-to-day business activity:

Choose a Cause or Causes – Choosing a focus for a corporate giving program may sound simple, but it’s not. Survey your team and find out the causes that are of interest to them. Once you choose a focus area, contact the charity or organization(s) to learn more about their needs; set a meeting with their Development Department to discuss current giving programs they may have in place for business partners or propose your own annual event or program. Many nonprofit organizations have guidelines for how to best work with them. They may have particular programs that are shy of funding or areas that are reserved for corporate support. Meet with the organization’s leaders to ensure that you are following their guidelines for representing their organization, using their logo and publicly communicating about the event or giving program. You will need to establish a clear line of communication and a mutual understanding of expectations including the percentage of profit that they will receive as a result of your events or programs.
Spread the Word – Whether it’s an annual golf tournament or an in-house collection, make sure you share your good work. Add the events or programs to your website and public calendar. Add the benefiting charity to your partner links and related literature. Promote the event or program, and provide updates about progress and final outcomes. Create and distribute press releases and schedule donation photo opportunities when appropriate. Don’t overlook employees either; along with fostering their support and participation, encourage them to invite their friends and family to join the effort. You will find that they will be strong advocates, and your company will be rewarded with a boost in team morale.
Commit – Whether you are committing to a particular cause or a regular program or event, stick to it. One-time giving is great but does not constitute Corporate Social Responsibility. In order to be consistent and make it a habit, you will want to be sure the program that you put in place is realistic and sustainable. Set a goal and implement steps for reaching that goal, just as you would for any business effort. Think long-term, and make sure to have buy-in from your staff, as well as the benefiting organization(s). If you communicate to the public that you support socially responsible causes but don’t actually follow through with your promises, you risk damaging your company’s reputation and appearing disingenuous to both supporters and beneficiaries. For this reason, create and commit to a clear-cut timeline with action items that will allow you to reach your goal.

A properly designed and executed corporate giving program gives back to more than just the community or your chosen cause; it gives back to your business. Your business can gain a competitive edge through improved brand recognition, increased consumer sentiment, boosted team morale and appealing to and retaining top talent. The gains to be made on all levels far outweigh the cost of being socially responsible. It’s never too late to start, and giving back will give you and your team even more for which to be thankful.

To learn more about ways home builders and construction professionals can be effective in marketing and business development, continue to check the latest from the HBW Blog. To get ahead and gain leads through custom building activity reports throughout Florida, Texas, Georgia, Oklahoma and Alabama, contact HBW for more information.

Last-Minute Holiday Marketing Tips

Posted on November 24, 2015 by Erika Carruth

Every year, the holidays bring sales and Black Friday deals, but it is also a good time to connect with your customers and community.

You don’t have to be in marketing to know that the holidays are jam-packed with holiday sells and appeals to customers. It seems that everywhere you look there is a “sneak peek” or Black Friday schedule begging to be opened. It becomes the background hum of the holiday season, and as a business owner, it can be difficult to get noticed and make a meaningful connection with customers and leads.

If you don’t already have a holiday marketing strategy in place, don’t fret. It really isn’t too late to connect with customers and offer valuable services and products that can be part of the holiday cheer. Although Black Friday is just a few days away, there is an entire month ahead to make the most of the holidays. Here are 5 simple ways to get started:

Take Part in Deal Days – Mark your calendars (and social media schedules)… Black Friday is November 27^th; Small Business Saturday is November 28^th; Cyber Monday is November 30^th. Offer discounts and deals for all days, not just one. Still not enough time? Consider offering a Cyber Monday extension or make it Small Business Saturday for the entire week following Thanksgiving (next week). Whichever day or week you choose, be sure to get the word out through your email blasts, social media and website.
Give Back – The holidays are a time of giving and giving back. Although you may already have philanthropic programs throughout the year, now is the time to share and highlight your work and the causes that are important to your business. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is important to customers. In a public opinion survey conducted by Forbes, 83% of consumers felt that companies should support nonprofits with financial donations, while nearly 90% agreed that companies should try to achieve their business goals while improving society and the environment. Along with your own charity partners, Toys for Tots is a charity that relies on social responsibility during the holidays, and even if you don’t register as a collection site, you can always support their efforts with a monetary donation.
Prepare Your Website – With all of the lines at storefronts, online shopping is becoming the preferred method for securing holiday gifts. Small businesses with successful online storefronts have a distinct advantage. Along with ensuring that all of your product inventory, services, etc. are up-to-date, you will want to beef up security for shoppers where possible and have a mobile-friendly site. The purchasing process should be streamlined and orders should be easily and quickly processed. If you are running specific deal days, have those offers front and center on the “Home” page, and check that your social media links are in functioning order.
Create Packages – Think about your most popular services and products; now think about those services and products that are most likely purchased together. Voilà – You have yourself a holiday package. Don’t think of holiday packages as having to create a new product or service. Use your strengths to your advantage, and don’t be afraid to get creative. As a construction professional, your services and products are catered to each client and may be difficult to imagine as a gift; that being said, a gift certificate for a consultation or an interior or landscape “makeover” may just be the perfect gift. Develop packages that range from the affordable to the extravagant. Think about having a gift list that offers something for every budget and style.
Avoid the Pressure – Although giving your clients “24 hours only” to reserve a deal may seem like a great way to get attention, try to ease off the holiday pressure sales. Your clients are already being inundated with “act now” and “only 2 days left” messages that will quickly become junk mail. Consider a positive spin on the limited time. Instead of “don’t miss this”, try giving clients ideas for fulfilling their last-minute gifts or providing the “perfect gift” for a special someone. Present holiday gift-giving tips, not pressure.

No matter the deal you offer or the holiday package you design, they won’t be useful without communication. Once you decide how your business will focus marketing efforts this holiday season, be sure to communicate with your current clients and get the word out to future clients. Update your website, craft and distribute email and join the buzz on social media. Enjoy the holidays, and offer your clients ways to make the most of their holidays too.

HBW Report: Florida New Pool Construction – October 2015

Posted on November 20, 2015 by Erika Carruth

Florida’s temperatures aren’t the only thing running high this time of year. New pool construction permit data continues to roll into HBW’s database with more than 1,600 new pool construction permits added in October.

Earlier this week, we looked at new residential construction in Florida. Keeping with the Florida theme, we are going to continue to focus on the Sunshine State and take a look at new pool construction permits that were added to the HBW database in October.

While more than half the country is experiencing the cooler temperatures of 50-60 degrees and lower, most of Florida is still in the 70’s and 80’s, offering perfect swimming pool weather. As for Florida’s pool builders, they remained busy throughout the month of October, with more than 1,600 new permits added to the database, just about 5% higher than September.

The southwest portion of the state led with 456 new pool construction starts, and the southeast region increased activity by nearly 50% in comparison to September with 409 new permits added. The Orlando area also experienced a spike (12% increase) in activity since the previous month with 380 new pool starts. In Tampa, new pool construction has remained consistent (266 permits), while Jacksonville saw a sizable drop in activity (35% decrease) in comparison to September with 97 starts in October.

Florida Pool Permit Totals - October 2015

Florida New Pool Permit Totals – October 2015

When looking at pool construction activity county-by-county, Palm Beach County in the southeast area led with 182 new permits in October and a total value in excess of $7 million. Counties in the southwest portion of the state took the second and third spots for total permits on file, with 143 new pool permits in Lee County (total value: $5.5 million) and 123 new permits (total value: $5.1 million) in Collier County. As previously noted, new pool construction continued on a high in Orlando, with Osceola County taking the fourth highest spot for total starts (117 permits – $3 million) and Orange County in the fifth spot with 109 starts (total value: $4 million).

Florida Pool Construction – Top 5 Counties in October 2015

As for builders, there were a number of companies leading each area. Taking a look at the Top 5 companies, the Orlando-based company All Seasons Pools led the state with 76 starts. Aragon Pools & Spas led the southwest area and was second in the state with 58 starts for the month. Holland Pools in Orlando held strong in third with 46 new pool permits. While Tampa Bay Pools led Tampa for new pool construction in October, it was fourth for activity statewide with 30 pools, and Aquadoc, Inc. (SW) came in a close fifth with 29 new permits.

Florida Top 5 Pool Builders – October 2015

To gain access to more pool construction permit information, HBW construction data reports and the latest building activity and trends in Florida and beyond, contact HBW for more information.

HBW Report: Top Florida Home Builders – October 2015

Posted on November 18, 2015 by Erika Carruth

HBW has nearly 4,000 new permits on record for Florida home builders during the month of October, with Lennar Homes holding the #1 spot for total starts in 3 out of 5 areas of the state.

Florida New Residential Construction Permits October 2015

Last week, we took a look at the building activity in Texas. This week, Florida is our focus as October brought in nearly 4,000 new residential construction permits to the HBW database during the one-month period. Lennar Homes was the top Florida builder in October for total number of starts in 3 out of 5 areas of the state (Orlando – 136, Tampa – 124, Southeast – 98).

Looking back at the HBW report and previous blog post for Florida’s Top 10 Builders of September, the Southwest area was leading in total starts. In October, Orlando took the lead for total new permits with 961 starts and a total value of $302,993,357. With the healthy residential construction activity in Orlando, it makes sense to start with Orlando for our database review.

ORLANDO

As mentioned above, Orlando led the state for total starts in October. By county, Orange County was the busiest with 473 new permits on file, and Osceola was second busiest with 251 total permits for the month. As for builders, Lennar Homes took the #1 spot for the month with 136 starts, while Meritage Homes came in second with 98 new permits. As for total value, Meritage was #1 with a total value of $38,905,440, and Lennar Homes held second with a total value of $27,494,898. D.R. Horton also made an impact in the area with 51 starts and a total value of $14,026,542.

Orlando Top 10 Builders – October 2015

TAMPA

If you are looking at local construction news in Tampa, chances are you are reading a great deal about commercial construction in the area. Although the HBW database offers detailed permitting information for commercial construction, when reviewing it for residential activity in October, the Tampa area was second busiest in the state with 864 starts for the month (total value: $237,858,648). Hillsborough (323 permits) and Polk (253 permits) counties had the bulk of new permits added, and Lennar Homes led the area for total permits (124) and total value ($37,791,054), with nearly 70% of Lennar’s starts being in Hillsborough County. The Villages of Lake Sumter held the second spot with 104 new permits on file for the month (total value: $31,970,967), and D.R. Horton came in third with 53 permits and a total value of $12,874,350.

Tampa Top 10 Builders – October 2015

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Southwest Florida came close to Tampa in residential building activity as the HBW database gained 842 new permits in the area for October (total value: $227,903,352). As far as counties are concerned, the activity was spread fairly evenly, with Lee County having 235 starts for the month and Collier (184 permits), Sarasota (181 permits) and Manatee (170 permits) counties all being in close range of each other. Pulte Homes led residential construction for the month with 106 starts and a total value of $26,749,012. Neal Communities held second for total starts with 93 permits (total value: $15,822,535), while Lennar Homes took the third spot with 70 new permits and a total value of $17,478,456.

Southwest FL Top 10 Builders – October 2015

JACKSONVILLE

The HBW database reflected exactly 600 new permits (total value: $142,350,741) on file in the Jacksonville area for October, with the majority of new residential construction taking place in Duval and St. Johns counties. D.R. Horton held the #1 spot for total starts (79 permits) and #2 for total value ($11,918,130). Although Dream Finders Construction, Inc. was #2 for total starts (72 permits), they took #1 for total value ($17,586,873). In the third spot for the month, Mattamy Homes added 46 new residential permits to the HBW database with a total value of $8,487,003.

Jacksonville Top 10 Builders – October 2015

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA

Not far behind Jacksonville, nearly 600 residential starts (total value: $214,431,480) are on file for Southeast Florida during the month of October. The bulk of residential construction taking place in the upper counties was focused in Palm Beach (227 permits), while the southern county of Miami-Dade has 147 starts on file for the month. Lennar Homes led with 98 permits (total value: $36,288,643) added to the HBW database, with all activity taking place in Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties. G.L. Homes held in second with 69 starts (total value: $20,969,177) that all took place in Palm Beach County, while Pulte Homes came in third with 37 new permits on file and a total value of $9,842,238.

Southeast FL Top 10 Builders – October 2015

OSHA Update: Increased Fines Ahead

Posted on November 13, 2015 by Erika Carruth

OSHA penalties are expected to increase for the first time in 25 years.

There are a lot of topics buzzing in the news this week, from important Veterans Day celebrations to Starbucks “holiday” cups. One topic that may have slipped by your radar but is worth some attention is the predicted hike in OSHA fines.

You might be thinking, “This doesn’t pertain to me – I am OSHA compliant.” Nonetheless, it is worth everyone’s attention as the proposed increase is the first increase to OSHA fines in 25 years – Yes, 25 years! Why the sudden increase? Well, it was probably a matter of time. In 1990, the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 exempted OSHA from increasing penalties based on inflation. Last week, on November 2, 2015, President Barack Obama signed a new budget into law that contains an amendment removing the exemption from 1990.

Now, we are left with “catching up” to inflation. The law allows for a one-time increase up to 82%. OSHA has until August 1, 2016 to account for current inflation levels (1990-2015) and issue an interim final rule increasing penalties to account for inflation, which currently looks like an 80% raise in fines. After this one-time increase, the maximum penalties would continue to be adjusted and increased based on the inflation rate every year going forward.

The outstanding question is what the total new increase will be once the one-time adjustment has been made. Although OSHA has the option of implementing an adjustment less than the maximum, popular opinion is that it is unlikely for OSHA to not utilize this opportunity to raise rates to the maximum. If the maximum increase is applied, the current highest fine of $70,000 for repeat and willful violations would exceed $125,000, and serious and failure to abate fines would go from the current maximum of $7,000 to more than $12,500.

Rather than focusing on the doom and gloom of the imminent increase in penalties, employers should use this time to review and prepare. There is no need to panic – This increase does not apply to current or previous violations, and at this point, it is not something that will be retroactive. As previously mentioned, OSHA has until August 1, 2016, which gives you plenty of time to ensure your job sites and crews are OSHA compliant. Employers should review their safety programs, training and policies for compliance and make any adjustments necessary so that they are current.

Increased fines or not, maintaining your safety policies and programs should be standard practice. If you need some motivation to get started, check out: “Safety Update: OSHA Resources and Review” for some direction. Safety in the workplace, especially the construction industry, should be a top priority. Work with your company’s safety professionals (internal and external) to stay on top of safety regulations and OSHA requirements. Allow this proposed increase in fines to be an increase in monitoring and strengthening your company’s safety programs.

HBW serves contractors, construction and design professionals in Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Florida, and Oklahoma. HBW offers the most current building trend and permitting activity reports. Contact us for a complimentary building data report today.