HBWeekly

HBW Report: New Swimming Pool Construction in Florida – April 2016

Posted on May 25, 2016 by Erika Carruth

Earlier this week, NOAA reported that most of the United States will be faced with one hot summer. The report indicated an expectation of well above average summer temperatures, according to the latest outlook from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, which means temperatures in the warmest third of all summers in the current record (1981-2010). (source: climate.gov). With already warmer temperatures in Florida, it is the ideal time for consumers to consider pool construction before the real heat sets in. Although most will plan ahead, there was certainly no shortage in pool construction across Florida in recent months. From Jacksonville to South Florida and major cities in between, Florida had nearly 1,600 swimming pool starts in April and more than $66.2M in total construction value.

Florida Pool Permit Totals by Area – April 2016

Based on reports from the HBW database, more than 50% of new swimming pool construction in Florida last month took place in the southwest and central (Orlando) regions of the state. Southwest Florida was in the lead for total swimming pool starts with 460 permits on file and nearly $18.8M in total construction value. The second highest for pool construction was the Orlando area with 387 new permits in April and a total value close to $15M. Although Southeast Florida was third for total permits (318 permits), it was second highest for total value with more than $15.1M in new construction for the month. Tampa and Jacksonville came in at fourth and fifth for the month with 259 new permits (total value: $10.1M+) in Tampa and 168 new permits (total value: $7.1M+) in Jacksonville.

From a county perspective, and as one may expect, all of the top five counties for total new permits were in the southwest and central regions of the state. Lee (SW) County was #1 for total starts with 150 new permits and more than $6.1M on file with HBW for the month. Also in the southwest portion of the state, Collier County was second highest with 130 starts and nearly $5.7M in total construction value. Orlando continued to hold strong last month with 118 new swimming pool permits on file and close to $5.3M in total value. In at #4 and #5 we have Manatee (SW) and Brevard (Orlando) counties which had 113 and 112 swimming pool starts respectively.

FL Pool Permits by Top Counties – April 2016

As for average value of pools constructed in Florida last month, the southeast region of the state pushed up to #1. In the first quarter of the year, Jacksonville had maintained the highest average value of the five areas reviewed, but at the start of Q2, swimming pool construction in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties are pushing totals and values in the southeast. The average value of pools constructed in SE Florida last month was $47,703. Jacksonville is second highest for average value with $42,387. Southwest Florida came in third with an average value of $40,849. Here is a look at the average value of swimming pool construction across the state:

FL – Average Value of Pool Construction April 2016

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 residential and commercial building activity in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma, please contact HBW for details.

Summer Industry Conventions and Trade Shows

Posted on May 20, 2016 by Erika Carruth

With summer here, it is a perfect time to plan for your next business vacation.

Industry conventions and trade shows can be a great way to refresh your team and get inspired by new products. Whether attending as an exhibitor or as a guest networking on the floor, industry events can provide a reason to regroup and assess which of your own products or services can use an upgrade. In addition to the trade show floor, there may also be educational programs or seminars that can assist you in upping your game and staying “in the know” on the latest trends in home building.

With summertime officially here in just one month, it’s only natural to begin thinking about the next family vacation or getaway. Although personal breaks are important, don’t forget to provide the same opportunities for recharging your team and business. Choosing the right event for your company is a good place to start… You will want to make sure there are networking opportunities, product previews of interest and educational programs that suit your needs. Logistics are also a major factor. You will need to plan ahead to ensure that travel and related expenses have been factored in and fit your budget. Whether you are making time this summer or simply need some ideas for the coming year, here is a list of industry tradeshows and events that are worth checking out this summer:

BOAF Annual Conference & Expo, June 5-9, 2016 (Clearwater, FL) – Although this event is presented by the Building Officials Association of Florida, this expo is not designed solely for Building Officials. The BOAF Annual Conference & Expo caters to various building professionals and offers educational sessions from Florida building code to business ethics. The program runs for five days, but if you just want to attend the expo, plan on being there for two (June 6-7).
Build Expo Houston, July 13-14, 2016 (Houston, TX) – The Houston Build Expo takes place at the NRG Center this summer. Along with demos of thousands of products and services, their website lists a variety of seminars and educational sessions that are complimentary to attendees.
FWCCA Annual Convention & Trade Show, July 21-24, 2016 (Orlando, FL) – The Florida Wall and Ceiling Contractors Association is holding their annual trade show in Orlando this summer. With ten guest speakers and educational sessions each day, this event provides a nice summer getaway for industry professionals who focus in this area of home building.
Brevard Home and Garden Expo, July 23-24, 2016 (Melbourne, FL) – If you offer home and garden services in Central Florida, this event would be worth considering to be an exhibitor as it caters to the public. If not as an exhibitor, it is also a great way to see what other home builders are offering in the area.
Southeast Building Conference, July 27-30, 2016 (Kissimmee, FL) – A great summertime event, SEBC is in its 28th year. It is the largest building industry trade show in the Southeast, and it offers three days of educational seminars and more than 200 exhibitors.
Home and Garden Expo of Oklahoma, July 29-31, 2016 (Tulsa, OK) – Just as most Home and Garden Expos, this event in Oklahoma caters to the public interested in home improvement products and services. If you offer services in Oklahoma, attending as an exhibitor can provide exposure for your business, while attending as a guest can allow you to connect and network with similar businesses in the area.
Sunbelt Builders Show, August 3-4, 2016 (Grapevine, TX) – Operated by the Texas Association of Builders, this show is one of the largest of its kind in the country. According to its site, this show draws thousands of residential construction industry professionals and offers more than 200 exhibit booths. Taking place at the Gaylord Texan Resort, it is a convenient location for HBW subscribers in Dallas.

For tips on getting the most out of your tradeshow experience, check out last year’s post on planning for industry events. 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.

OSHA Update: Final Rule on Reporting Workplace Injuries and Illnesses

Posted on May 18, 2016 by Erika Carruth

Last week, OSHA issued a final rule on reporting workplace injury and illness; here is what you need to know about the latest requirements to take effect this summer.

Keeping up with the changing and evolving rules and regulations of OSHA can sometimes feel like a full-time endeavor. For this reason, we offer periodic “OSHA updates” to highlight some of the regulations that pertain to you, the construction professional.

Just a few years ago, OSHA updated the rules on employers’ requirements and responsibilities for tracking and reporting workplace injuries and illnesses electronically. Last week, on May 11^th, the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced the final rule regarding this effort to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses. Although employers are already required to collect data on injuries and illnesses that occur in the workplace, the new rule requires that employers must submit the data to OSHA; this is no longer a voluntary step in the process. The intention is not only to ensure that the appropriate information is collected when an injury or illness takes place, but the new rule also exists so that OSHA can use the data to improve workplace safety and injury prevention through the use of behavioral economics.

According to the latest press release from OSHA, more than three million workers suffer from workplace injuries on an annual basis, yet limited to no information is currently available to OSHA or the public about injuries and illnesses that occur at an individual employer’s place of work. With the new rule, high-hazard industries “will send OSHA injury and illness data that the employers are already required to collect, for posting on the agency’s website.” (source: OSHA press release). This will keep the public (investors, clients, job-seekers) and OSHA informed of safety conditions at a particular workplace, as well as encourage employers to maintain and/or improve current workplace safety conditions and programs.

So, you may be asking: “Does this new rule apply to my business?” The answer is simple: If you are a business with 20 or more employees, then keep reading… Under the new rule, if you have 250 or more employees, you will be required to electronically submit injury and illness information to OSHA through Forms 300, 300A and 301. If you are a company with 20-249 employees, then you are required to electronically submit OSHA Form 300A only.

The new requirement will take effect August 10, 2016 with phased in data submission beginning in 2017 (source: OSHA.gov). The new rule does not change an employer’s current obligation to complete and retain illness records under the Recording and Reporting Regulation (Standard 1904.0). To gain access to more information on the final rule, visit the Federal Register. To review instructions and referenced forms for recording work-related injuries and illnesses, click here.

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.

Florida Residential Construction Review – April 2016

Posted on May 13, 2016 by Erika Carruth

Out of more than 3,800 new permits in Florida that were added to the HBW database last month, approximately 27% were from the Orlando area.

Opening the second quarter of 2016, Florida is looking good as the HBW database continues to grow with new permits and new leads. Focusing on Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Southeast and Southwest Florida, we found more than 3,800 housing starts on file for the Sunshine State and nearly $1.1 billion in total construction value.

FL Total Permits by Area – April 2016

In the center of it all (Central Florida), Orlando was #1 for total housing starts. With 1,032 new permits and more than $294M in construction value, Central Florida is flourishing in new residential construction. The average value of homes started in the area last month was $285,020, the second highest average in the state. Orange County (the center of Orlando) was #1 in the state for total starts with 342 permits and close to $111M in total construction value. Osceola County was the next highest for total housing starts in Central Florida with 260 new permits on file and a total construction value just over $43.8M.

The southwest region of Florida was not far behind Orlando with 960 housing starts in April and a total construction value in excess of $262M. Four out of five of the counties reviewed in the southwest region made the top 10 list for total starts in Florida (see chart below). New residential construction activity was somewhat evenly dispersed throughout Lee, Collier, Sarasota and Manatee counties. Lee County took the lead in the area for total housing starts (240 permits), while Collier County was on top for total value of construction (~ $82.7M) last month.

Tampa was third highest last month for both total housing starts and average value of new residential construction. There were nearly 800 housing starts and more than $221M in new construction in the Tampa area last month. The average value of homes started in April was $278,372, and the bulk of construction activity took place in Hillsborough County; Hillsborough had 319 starts last month and the highest total construction value in the area of more than $103.7M. Polk County was second highest in activity with 202 new permits and a total construction value greater than $40.1M.

In Jacksonville, there were clearly two counties that dominated in new residential construction. Out of the 669 housing starts and more than $168M in construction taking place in the Jacksonville area, Duval and St. Johns counties carried the bulk of the activity. More than 242 housing starts with a total value in excess of $73.7M took place in St. Johns County last month. Duval County was second highest in the area with 210 housing starts and a total construction value greater than $37.7M.

Finally, in the southeast region there were fewer total housing starts in comparison to other regions throughout the state. With 368 new permits on file for the month, SE Florida made up for the lack of total starts by having the highest average construction value of any other area in the state (average value: $378,373). Palm Beach County was #1 in the southeast for total housing starts (102 permits), while Miami-Dade County took the lead for highest total value of new construction (> $43M).

FL Average Value of Residential Construction – April 2016

When comparing counties throughout Florida, Orlando’s Orange County was #1 for total housing starts in April (342 permits), while Tampa’s Hillsborough County came in at a close second with 319 new permits on file. Here’s a closer look at the top 10 counties throughout the state for the month:

FL Top 10 Counties for Total New Resid. Permits – April 2016

Texas Residential Construction Report – April 2016

Posted on May 11, 2016 by Erika Carruth

The stats are in for April, and Texas residential construction held strong for the month with more than 5,000 new permits on file with HBW. Out of the nearly $1.2 billion in new residential construction occurring in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin combined last month, Houston led with the most housing starts (2,020 permits), while Dallas experienced the greatest increase in starts since March (+8%). Across the board, every metropolitan area reviewed was slightly ahead of totals for March, and overall, there was more than a 3% increase in housing starts from March to April.

Texas Residential Construction Permit Totals – April 2016

Earlier this month, Forbes reported on the nation’s top 10 hottest markets for 2016 (as per Zillow), and Dallas took the #1 spot. According to the report, the Dallas-Fort Worth area is expected to see home values increase by 5.6% this year (source: Forbes). Consistent with the Forbes report, Dallas is also on top in the HBW database for highest average value in residential construction (~$293k – April). Additionally, the total value of residential construction in the Dallas area was the highest out of the four areas reviewed with more than $498M in April.

Average Residential Construction Value (April 2016):

Dallas – $292,532

San Antonio – $240,971

Austin – $228,562

Houston – $190,515

On the other end of the spectrum of average construction value, we have Houston. Just a few weeks ago, the Houston Business Journal cited the slump in crude oil prices as the cause for a drop in Houston’s luxury home market. According to the most recent data released by the Houston Association of Realtors, sales of homes valued at or above $500,000 dropped by 12.4% year over year in March. Although demand for high-value custom homes has reportedly fallen in Houston, the area came out on top for total housing starts (2,020 permits) and was second highest for total construction value for the month (~$385M).

In Austin, new residential construction remained steady in comparison to March with just over a 1% increase in activity and a total construction value close to $207M. Out of the 904 housing starts in Austin last month, more than half occurred in Travis County.

Finally, we took a look at San Antonio which had more than $106M in total construction value for the month. Although the area had the least total new residential construction permits on file in April (441 permits), San Antonio was second highest for average value of residential construction (~$241k). Nearly half of April’s new residential construction took place in Bexar County – Bexar also made the Top 10 list for total housing starts.

Texas Top 10 Counties for Total New Permits – April 2016

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 Texas and beyond, please contact HBW for details.

5 Tips for a Better Website

Posted on May 6, 2016 by Erika Carruth

Just like home building, website design requires plenty of planning and maintenance to serve its purpose now and in the future.

Whether you currently have a website or are looking to launch one, there are a few simple things to keep in mind to ensure you are getting the most out of your web presence. Your website doesn’t only serve as a way to be found on the internet; it is one of the first places your HBW leads will look to learn more about your company and services. Even if you have a website manager who handles the technical aspects of your site, you are most likely responsible for website content. In addition to reflecting your brand, your website should be user-friendly, easy to navigate and provide the information that your target audience will be searching. Here are five areas to review when building a new website or simply making “renovations” to your current one:

Keep it Simple – Long gone are the days of lengthy “About” sections and a never-ending scrolling list of services. Consider this: The attention span of a human is only 8 seconds (source: The Telegraph), one second less than a goldfish, and our fast-paced digital world isn’t helping. Thanks to smartphones, scrolling news feeds and our on demand lifestyles, there is simply not enough time in the day for a visitor to sift through mountains of text. For this reason, make your website simple, fresh and clean. Your navigation bar should be free of clutter, and your contact information and social links should be obvious and easily accessible.
Pay Attention to “Home” – Don’t neglect your “Home” page; it is the one page that most of your site visitors will see, and it serves as both an anchor and front door to your business online. A busy first page can be cumbersome to navigate and too time-consuming for the reader to get to any other page. Think of a driveway and entryway to a home – the more cluttered and obstructed in design, the more challenging it will be to enter the home. The same concept applies to your opening page. The home page should consist of the essentials including a clear headline and sub-headline, main call-to-action, visible navigation bar, supporting image and key features and benefits. Other important information like resources, testimonials and product and service details should be viewable through other pages and links, easy to locate and one-click away.
Be Mobile – Almost every new website will have a mobile version, but what about the one you launched five years ago? If not up-to-date, it is possible that the site is not viewable from certain mobile devices. Once you have a mobile version, you will want to test every page from both tablets and phones (ios and android). The content should be formatted to fit a variety of screen sizes, and images should load properly. Also, keep in mind that some viewers may still prefer the desktop version of your site, so offer the option to view the site on “Desktop Version” at the top and/or bottom of each page.
Be Unique – Don’t limit your site by following a singular model. Although you should aim for simplicity in design, you still want to make a strong first impression. Having a website that looks like everyone else, including your competition, offers less than a memorable experience for your visitors. The more authentic your images and content, the better chance you have to stand out from the crowd. Being unique can simply be attained by remaining true to your brand and offering images and videos that originate from your company. Although stock images and video can be useful in some instances, when it comes to your website, your unique designs and offerings should be showcased in a framework and layout that is distinctive and reflective of your brand.
Track it – This one gets overlooked time and time again. Many small businesses may check how many “likes” or “followers” they have on social media but fall short when it comes to website visitors. It’s easy enough to gauge and analyze site visitor traffic by getting started with Google Analytics. It is free and an important tool for monitoring visits and learning more about pages and content that are of interest to your audience. It is also useful in tracking the impact of your marketing efforts including social media campaigns and any email marketing or other communications you may develop to reach your HBW leads.

Just like any home or property, a website requires upkeep and upgrades to stay current and in proper functioning order. Through appropriate maintenance and repair, your website will continue to have the curb appeal it needs to get the visits and prospects in the door.

Contractors Ask: What About Snapchat?

Posted on May 4, 2016 by Erika Carruth

Image source: Snapchat.com

Think that Snapchat is just a fad for teens? Think again. What started out as an easy video story and messaging app for teens and millennials has become a surprisingly useful and growing tool for marketers. According to a recent article by Bloomberg, Snapchat’s use is rapidly growing, with more than 10 billion video views and 100 million users each day. Even more impressive is that the number of views is up from 8 billion since February – Now that’s growth that will certainly garner attention.

As a construction professional, you may or may not have considered using Snapchat at this point, but if the unmistakable and instant growth hasn’t sparked your interest, consider the major powerhouse companies using the app. Netflix already being in the business of video is an obvious match for the app, successfully using it to provide sneak peeks of upcoming movies and series. At the same time, you have leading corporations like AT&T, McDonald’s, Amazon, Audi and many more that have hopped aboard the Snapchat train to share their brand and start conversations.

Snapchat is no longer just about photos that disappear in 10 seconds – Unlike most social media apps that serve as a repository for images and videos, Snapchat offers the convenience and fluidity of quick messaging as well as posts that can remain for 24 hours. The basic idea of Snapchat is that it enables the user to seamlessly transition between different styles of “chat” from video, audio, text, photos and drawings; it is face-to-face conversation amplified. The app makes it possible for private conversations to shift between mediums, enabling the user to customize the experience and maximize the conversation.

For home builders, the app can be useful in a variety of ways. Snapchat users can send messages to an individual or groups of people while chatting which can be effective when sharing related projects and designs to prospects and clients. Additionally, if you are on a video call, you can send images as an overlay so that the designs being discussed can be viewed simultaneously by the other party. As part of your marketing strategy, Snapchat can be useful in the following:

Spotlight an Event – Whether you are participating in a tradeshow or having a community or charity event, Snapchat provides your audience with a front-row seat even if they can’t actually be there.
Social Incentives – Just as with any social media platform, contests and incentives that are communicated through Snapchat have the potential to engage your audience and get them “in the door”. You may also offer discounts and promo codes to fans.
Behind the Scenes – Prospective clients want to see proof in your work, and moving beyond one-line testimonials, Snapchat provides authentic and real evidence of your work and professionalism. By taking viewers inside a renovation project or providing a first-hand look into the design process, they can get to know you and your business in a new and personal way.
Product Launch – If you have a new product or service, you may use Snapchat to build buzz and interest with sneak peeks and teaser videos.

Just as with any new marketing tool, you will want to take your entire marketing strategy into account before jumping into Snapchat with both feet. It should complement your current efforts, and messages should be aligned with your brand and have a clear objective. Consider your target audience and primary client base to assess if it is the right tool for reaching them. Although you may want to save the personal pics and “stickers” (cartoons/emojis) for the teens, a high-quality video of on-site progress or photo of your latest remodel may be the way to start, or close, a conversation with a future client.

HBW Report: Florida Swimming Pool Construction

Posted on April 29, 2016 by Erika Carruth

In the first quarter of 2016, more than 4,700 new swimming pool construction permits were added to the HBW database for Florida.

Each month, we have a chance to review the latest figures and reports from HBW, gaining valuable insight on residential and commercial construction. At the closing of the first quarter of 2016, we gathered the latest data to review new swimming pool construction in Florida. In Q1, there were 4,713 pool construction starts throughout the Sunshine State with a total construction value exceeding $194M.

The southwest region was in the lead for total new permits on file with 1,491 pool starts and nearly $61.5M in total construction value. Southeast Florida was also busy in the first part of the year with 1,032 new pool construction permits and more than $44.5M in total value. Central Florida (Orlando area) was third highest for total new permits with 980 starts and close to $35M in total construction value.

Florida Swimming Pool Permit Totals – Q1 2016

From Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando and the southeast and southwest corners of the state, the average value of pool construction varied. Jacksonville was on top with the highest average value of more than $51k, while the Orlando area held the lowest average value ($35,593) for new swimming pool construction.

FL Average Pool Construction Value – Q1 2016

When taking a look at the counties with the most new swimming pool construction activity, the southwest region holds three out of five spots on the top five list. Lee County (SW) had the most new permits on file in Q1 with 438 pool starts and more than $18.6M in total construction value. In the southeast, Palm Beach County was second highest for new swimming pool construction with 420 new permits on file and a total construction value of nearly $16.9M. Collier County (SW) held on to third with 385 starts and nearly $16.8M in total value. Orlando’s Orange County (344 permits) and the southwest region’s Manatee County were fourth and fifth highest for total new swimming pool construction permits in the first quarter.

FL Top 10 Counties for New Swimming Pool Permits – Q1 2016

Texas Top Home Builders – March 2016

Posted on April 27, 2016 by Erika Carruth

With nearly 5,000 new residential construction permits on file with HBW for March, Texas home builders continue to take on new projects in the face of the oil slump.

Despite the oil and labor challenges, Texas home builders were responsible for nearly $1.25 billion in new residential construction in March. Although Dallas, San Antonio and Houston experienced slight dips in total new permits in comparison to February, Austin’s 27% increase in activity (vs. Feb. 2016) for the month has the Lone Star State seeing new residential construction totals consistent with figures from February.

As for home builders, the top three remained the same since February, with D.R. Horton continuing to hold the #1 spot for total housing starts in March. According to the HBW database, D.R. Horton had nearly 550 housing starts on file for the month, and took the top spot in three out of four of the metropolitan areas reviewed. The top three builders across the state for total new permits are as follows:

#1. D.R. Horton

#2 Lennar Homes

#3 Pulte Homes

Although the leading builders statewide remained the same from February to March, in each area there are some new additions to the “Top 5” list. Here’s a closer look at the breakdown in each area:

Houston

Earlier this month, Houston Business Journal reported that Houston is experiencing a slowing in residential construction due to the oil slump. In the HBW database, Houston also saw a slowing (~ 11% decrease) in housing starts since February. Despite this fluctuation, out of the four Texas areas reviewed, Houston had the most starts on file (2007 permits) for the month. The home builder leading construction in the area was D.R. Horton, with 252 housing starts and nearly $29M in total construction value. Although not in the “Top 5” last month, K. Hovnanian Homes held the second highest spot for total new permits on file with 141 housing starts and a total value in excess of $22.5M. Previously holding the #2 spot in February, Lennar Homes tied K. Hovnanian with 141 housing starts in March and came close to total value with just over $22 million in residential construction.

Houston Top Home Builders by Permit Totals – March 2016

Dallas
According to recent reports from the Dallas Business Journal, Dallas home builders are seeing “booming home sales” and an increase in residential construction in comparison to the same time last year. Based on the latest HBW reports, Dallas home building is holding strong as the area was second for total housing starts in March. Out of the 1,579 new permits on file, D.R. Horton held its lead in Dallas with 134 housing starts and more than $28M in construction value. Next in line for total starts and pushing up to the “Top 5” was First Texas Homes. First Texas was second highest for total permits with 93 housing starts. The home builder also took the #1 spot for total construction value in the area with nearly $29.3M in new residential construction in March. Dropping from #2 in February to #3 in March is Pulte Homes; Pulte Homes had 88 housing starts for the month with a total construction value of more than $20.4M.

Dallas Top Home Builders by Permit Totals – March 2016

Austin

As previously mentioned, the Austin area saw a 27% spike in housing starts in comparison to February. D.R. Horton led the Austin area for housing starts in March with 154 new residential construction permits on file for the month and a total construction value close to $22.8M. Up two spots from #4 in February, Lennar Homes ranked second highest for total permits in the area with 59 housing starts and a total value in excess of $6.4M. Dropping one spot to #3, KB Homes has 51 housing starts on file for March and a total construction value of more than $7.7M.

Austin Top Home Builders by Permit Totals – March 2016

San Antonio

In San Antonio, Continental Homes continued to hold the #1 spot for total new residential construction permits. The home builder is responsible for more than 20% of the new residential activity in the area for March, with 86 housing starts on file and a total value of more than $18.5M. Also consistent with February, KB Homes held on to the #2 spot with 26 housing starts and a total value of nearly $6.3M. Just behind KB Homes was Chesmar Homes. Chesmar Homes jumped one spot since February to #3 with 25 starts and a total construction value close to $7.3M.

San Antonio Top Home Builders by Permit Totals – March 2016

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 Texas and beyond, please contact HBW for details.

10 Ways to a More Sustainable Home

Posted on April 22, 2016 by Erika Carruth

It’s Earth Day and a perfect time to explore ways to meet the demand and need for more sustainable living.

Image by: freepik.com

Happy Earth Day! Today is a great time to look at energy-saving products and services you can offer your clients to assist them in reducing their carbon footprint. Home builders are well aware of the benefits of green building programs, meeting green standards through regional programs, LEED-certified buildings and Energy Star. With climate change, excessive droughts and unstable fuel prices, there is no denying that green building is gaining demand and ground in the industry.

Along with the obvious and necessary shift to sustainable lifestyles, commercial buildings and homes are being designed with sustainability at the forefront. According to AIA’s latest survey of architects on expectations for nonresidential design trends, sustainability, project efficiency and new technologies topped the list of priorities (source: AIA). As for residential demand, 33 million homeowners are planning for home renovations this year, with exterior renovations (pools, landscaping, decks, driveways) being the most popular. (source: Bankrate.com). With the expected renovations coming down the pipe, it provides a great opportunity to upgrade residential projects with earth-friendly designs and technology. For this reason, we will explore easy upgrades and fixes that you may offer to current clients to save energy, money and ultimately be more sustainable and environmentally-friendly.

Use the Sun – Beyond solar pool heaters, there are countless ways to use the sun’s energy to make a home more energy efficient. Sky lights are one way to add extra light and warmth to the home while reducing heating and lighting costs. Other solar upgrades include: Solar outdoor lighting with LED bulbs that automatically turn on at dusk; solar water heaters; and solar panels to power the home. On average, homeowners can save over $1,000/year by using solar panels (source: SolarEnergy.net), which is a plus along with saving energy.
Maximize Landscape – Your clients want beautiful yards, but have they considered tasty yards? Although they may have some neighborhood critters to contend with, adding edible plants such as cabbage, fruit and nut trees are a great way to spruce up the yard and make a shift to organic gardening. Also being strategic with planting trees can cut summer cooling bills by adding shade to the home. To allow for more light during the winter months, plant the trees on the west and east sides of the home. As for keeping the gardens and shrubbery hydrated, there may be the capacity to store rainwater by use of a rainwater cistern.
Choose a Paint – When painting the interior walls of a home, consider offering paints that are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Your client may appreciate the effort in reducing their exposure to harmful chemicals found in many paints and stains.
Raise the Roof – Roof insulation is one way to save energy, but also consider offering a variety of choices in building materials. Check with your suppliers on their latest products that are developed with eco-friendly methods as well as with a function for energy savings. You can educate your clients about color choices as well; the color of the shingles they choose can play a role in the home’s energy efficiency. Encourage clients to use the sun to their advantage by choosing lighter colors in warmer climates (reducing heat) and darker shingles in cooler climates (melting snow).
Change Lighting – Along with solar lighting mentioned above, using compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) can save up to $30 in energy cost per life of the bulb; additionally, if every U.S. household replaced one bulb with a CFL, it would prevent enough pollution to be equivalent to removing 1 million cars from the road (source: inhabit.com). Another way to add more efficient lighting would be to install motion-sensing switches that automatically turn off the lights when the room is empty.
Build Up – When possible. This one is a great selling point for home builders. When making additions, consider building up and instead of out. By building an extra unit on top of a garage, or converting a home into a duplex or tri-plex, there will be less open space sacrificed to new construction.
Smart Home – Thermostat sensors, light sensors and outside motion sensors do not only save energy and money, but they save time. Through light and thermostat upgrades, your clients can easily program their homes to manage the indoor temperature and lights without having to make daily adjustments or even being in the home. With many systems offering remote access, home owners can set their systems for energy savings when they are out-of-town.
Upgrade Appliances – From kitchen appliances to higher SEER air conditioning units, there are plenty of savings to be had in new appliances. Along with Energy Star certified products, there are smarter designs, like front-loading washers that use half the water and detergent of top-loaders. According to Energy.gov, home appliances account for approximately 13% of a household’s energy expense. By changing to products with higher efficiency ratings, your clients could save on up to 13% of their household energy use.
Upgrade Bathroom – Along with faucet aerators that almost anyone can add to sinks, there are upgrades that can be made to toilets and showers. By installing low-flow shower heads, there is less water to heat, saving both water and energy. Also, leaky pipes can go undetected for years, so a quick review of plumbing may be needed; even small leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water every year. Low-flush toilets are also useful as they can reduce water use from six gallons per flush to one and a half gallons.
Windows and Doors – Are the windows tinted? Properly sealed? Energy-efficient windows and upgrades are a great way to save energy and money for your client. From sealing air leaks to adding insulation, you could cut their energy bill by 5%-30% (source: energy.gov). Depending on the condition of the home, it may be as simple as caulking and using weatherstripping or as extensive as insulating walls and ceilings.

When it comes down to it, going green is a wide topic that can be addressed from the design and development phases to building and property maintenance. By taking simple steps and offering the latest in sustainable products and services, you can meet your clients’ and the environment’s demand for sustainability, making earth day a reality every day.