HBWeekly

Atlanta Residential Construction Starts Strong in Q1

Posted on April 17, 2024 by Erika Carruth

Based on the latest HBW quarterly “Building Activity Trend Report” for new residential construction in the Metro Atlanta area, new home construction is on the rise as of Q1-2024. After a consistent pattern of annual decline since 2022, the Metro Atlanta area may be climbing out of the residential construction market slump with a strong start this year in the form of a 39 percent year-over-year increase in new permits (Q1-2024).

From January through March of this year, there have been 4,985 new residential construction permits added to the HBW database for Metro Atlanta, and nearly 40 percent of all new home construction activity took place in three out of the twenty-four counties reviewed. Those counties are as follows:

Gwinnett County – Last quarter, Gwinnett County carried the highest concentration of new home construction activity, having 940 new permits on record with HBW for the three-month period; this reflects a 71 percent increase in residential construction in comparison to the same time last year.

Cherokee County – Cherokee County ranked #2 for new home construction during the first quarter of this year as there were 477 new permits on record with HBW for the three-month period. After last year’s 19 percent decline in new home construction, there appears to be potential for the Cherokee County area to strengthen this year as new home construction is already 48 percent ahead of figures from the same time last year.

Fulton County – In Fulton County, there were nearly 470 new residential construction permits added to the HBW database in the first quarter of this year, reflecting a 45 percent increase in new home construction in comparison to the same time last year.

As far as higher value residential construction (>$500k) is concerned, there have been approximately 550 new residential construction projects throughout the Metro Atlanta area added to the HBW database in Q1-2024. Nearly half of all higher value permits in the first quarter of this year have originated from Cherokee County and Fulton County where there have been 176 permits and 86 new permits added to the HBW database respectively.

Information utilized for the above listed figures for Metro Atlanta residential 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.

Texas Top Home Builders – March 2024

Posted on April 13, 2024 by Erika Carruth

Since the release of HBW’s latest construction data reports, we have reviewed new residential construction permits in Texas to identify where the highest concentration of new home construction activity was taking place last month. As a result, we found approximately 6,290 new residential construction permits with a total value of $1.9B.

When diving deeper into the permit data, we are able to take a closer look at the contractors driving construction figures from a statewide and regional perspective. Today, we are looking at the leading home builders in the four major metro regions of Texas (Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio) based on the total number of new permits on record with HBW for the month of March 2024.

Lennar Homes continues to be a leader in the market; with a combined total of 735 new permits from the four major metro areas reviewed, Lennar Homes held the top spot last month for new residential construction in the Lone Star State. Here is a look at the top three contractors in each of the four regions based on total new permits added to the HBW database last month:

Houston

In Houston, there were more than 320 contractors with new residential construction activity on record with HBW last month, and the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

1-Lennar Homes – 315 permits

2-D.R. Horton – 279 permits

3-David Weekley Homes – 181 permits

Dallas

Last month, there were more than 225 contractors with new residential construction activity in the Dallas area, and the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

1-Lennar Homes – 210 permits

2-D.R. Horton – 129 permits

3-Pulte Homes – 84 permits

Austin

In Austin, there were more than 85 contractors with new residential construction activity on record with HBW last month, and the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

1-KB Homes – 55 permits

2-D.R. Horton – 41 permits

3-Taylor Morrison Homes – 35 permits

San Antonio

Last month, there were nearly 75 contractors with new residential construction activity in the San Antonio area, and the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

1-Lennar Homes – 188 permits

2-Continental Homes of Texas – 60 permits

3-Meritage Homes – 39 permits

To gain more information on the builders, homeowners and permits for the construction activity above, check out HBW for your copy of the latest construction data reports. To gain access to the HBW database and receive custom and detailed reports on the latest residential and commercial building activity in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma, please contact HBW for details.

Texas Swimming Pool Construction Review – March 2024

Posted on April 10, 2024 by Erika Carruth

The latest HBW construction data reports are in and ready for review. Based on permit data currently available, there were 520 new swimming pool construction permits with a total value of approximately $38 million added to the HBW database for Texas last month. Out of the four major metro areas reviewed (Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio), Dallas carried the greatest volume of new swimming pool construction permits (225 permits) for the month, while the highest average value of construction could be found in the Houston area (average value: $89,260).

Here is a closer look at the total permits, average value of construction, the leading counties and top pool builders in Texas during the month of March:

Dallas

As previously noted, Dallas carried the highest volume of new pool construction activity in comparison to other Texas areas reviewed, having 225 new permits with a total construction value of nearly $15 million last month. The average value of new pool construction was $66,166, and 60 percent of all new permits originated from the two counties of Dallas (73 permits) and Collin (64 permits).

Out of nearly 120 contractors with new swimming pool construction activity on record with HBW in Dallas last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Riverbend Pools	30
2-Foley Custom Pools	10
3-Gold Medal Pools	9

Houston

Last month, Houston ranked #2 for new swimming pool construction, having 145 new permits with a total construction value of nearly $13 million on record with HBW. The average value of construction was highest in Houston (average value: $89,260) in comparison to other regions reviewed, and the majority of all new construction activity took place in Harris County (94 permits).

Out of nearly 85 contractors with new swimming pool construction permits on record in Houston last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Platinum Pools	10
2-Avree Pools	7
3-Cypress Custom Pools	6

Austin

In Austin, there were nearly 100 new swimming pool permits with a total construction value in excess of $7.4 million added to the HBW database last month. The average value of new pool construction landed on the higher end of the spectrum (average value: $75,587) in relation to other Texas areas reviewed, and nearly all new permits originated from Travis County (73 permits).

Out of approximately 60 pool builders with new construction activity on record last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Cody Pools	17
2-Fun N Sun Pools of Austin	8
3-Denali Pools	6

San Antonio

Last month, there were just over 50 new swimming pool permits with a total construction value of approximately $2.7 million in the San Antonio area. The average value of new pool construction was lowest in San Antonio (average value: $51,696) in comparison to other Texas regions reviewed, and more than half of all construction activity took place in Bexar County (36 permits).

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

Builder	Total Permits
1-Cody Pools	8
2-Keith Zars Pools	7
3-Gary Pools	4

Atlanta Quarterly Review: Swimming Pool Construction Q1-2024

Posted on April 5, 2024 by Erika Carruth

New swimming pool construction in the Metro Atlanta area has been off to a slow start in the first quarter of this year. From January through March 2024, there were just over 570 new swimming pool construction permits on record with HBW for the Atlanta area, reflecting an 11 percent decrease in new pool construction in comparison to the same time last year.

Out of the twenty-four counties reviewed that make up the Metro Atlanta area, more than half of all new swimming pool construction took place in the four counties Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb and Cherokee.

Fulton County

In 2023, Fulton County experienced a 30 percent year-over-year decrease in new pool construction, and so far this year, the county appears to be holding steady. In the first quarter of 2024 there has been a 3 increase in new pool construction in comparison to the same time last year, resulting in 126 new permits on record with HBW.

Cobb County

In the first quarter of this year there have been 85 new swimming pool permits added to the HBW database for Cobb County; this reflects a 57 percent year-over-year increase in new pool construction. While there are still three quarters left to see how the market fares over the span of a year, if the early spike is indicative of things to come, then Cobb County will have a chance to climb out of the decline in pool construction that it has exhibited over the last two years.

Gwinnett County

Gwinnett had 63 new swimming pool construction permits added to the HBW database in the first quarter of this year; this reflects a 2 percent increase in new pool construction in comparison to the same time last year. New pool construction had dropped significantly in the Gwinnett County area over the last two years, and based on this early data, there could be signs of leveling out or some growth ahead.

Cherokee County

In Cherokee County, there have been 50 new swimming pool construction permits in the first quarter of this year, reflecting a 25 percent increase in new swimming pool construction in comparison to the same time last year. Since 2022, new pool construction has been on the decline in Cherokee, and with the healthy start in 2024, it looks like the area will be one to watch in the months ahead.

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.

Using Building Permit Data to Identify Construction Trends

Posted on April 3, 2024 by Erika Carruth

As many HBW subscribers are already aware, building permit data is an accurate, verified, and effective way to build your list of prospects, but permit data is also useful in business and strategy development, marketing efforts, and so much more. Today, we will focus on one of the many benefits gained from using permit data – identifying construction trends.

HBW’s construction data reports and related permit data can be a valuable resource for identifying construction trends in a given area, during a particular season, and within various sectors of the market. Here are several ways to analyze building permit data to gather insight into construction trends:

Types of Construction: With permit data, builders can gain a better understanding of the types of construction that are hot (and not). Simply categorize building permits by the type of construction activity, such as residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional; from there, analyzing the distribution of permits across the categories can reveal which sectors are experiencing growth or decline, types of construction on the rise, etc.

Geographical Analysis: HBW subscribers may use construction data reports to map building permits geographically and identify where construction activity is concentrated. This analysis can help pinpoint areas experiencing rapid development or redevelopment, and ultimately where the greatest demand will be for your services.

Time Series Analysis: By bringing in the many years of archived permit data available through HBW, users may analyze building permits over time to identify seasonal or cyclical trends in construction activity. When doing this, it is important to look for patterns such as increased permit issuance during certain months or years, which may be indicative of peak construction periods.

Building Size and Value: Examine building permit data to determine the size and value of permitted construction projects. Tracking changes in average building size or construction cost over a term of a year, several years, or more can provide insights into shifting market demands and economic conditions.

Permit Issuer Analysis: Analyze the entities issuing building permits, such as municipal governments or planning departments. Changes in the number or type of permit issuers could be indicative of shifts in regulatory policies or local government priorities; at the same time, it may also be a sign of other changes in the market.

Demographic Analysis: Any notable fluctuation in demographics is worth noting as one begins to track industry trends. By cross-referencing building permit data with demographic information, industry professionals are better able to identify construction trends that are driven by population growth, migration patterns, or changes in household structure. A classic example would be an increase in permits for multi-family housing developments which may correspond to a growing population of young professionals or retirees.

Comparison with Economic Indicators: To take construction trend analysis further, compare building permit data with broader economic indicators, such as GDP growth, unemployment rates, or housing affordability; correlations between building permit activity and economic indicators can help validate findings and provide useful information regarding context for construction trends.

Technological Trends: With the increased demand for sustainability and improved industry technology, it is helpful to use building permit data to identify trends related to specific construction technologies or sustainable building practices. For example, an increase in permits for green building certifications or renewable energy installations may indicate a growing emphasis on sustainability within the industry and/or a given region of interest.

Forecasting: With HBW’s archives, it is easy to use historical building permit data to develop forecasting models for future construction activity. Through Building Trend Activity Reports, subscribers can access past trends and incorporate factors such as population projections, economic forecasts, and regulatory changes, to make informed predictions about future construction trends.

By employing analytical approaches, industry professionals can leverage building permit data to gain valuable insight into construction trends, enabling them to make informed decisions and anticipate future market conditions.

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

5 Ways Contractors Can Use Building Permit Data

Posted on March 29, 2024 by Erika Carruth

In previous posts, we have covered a variety of benefits gained from using building permit data in business development efforts. From historical permit data used to identify prospective clients’ needs to the latest permit data helping to discover regional trends, building permit reports are a valuable tool in elevating a construction contractor’s business.

Today, we are looking at just a few of the many ways that contractors can use permit data to boost sales and fine-tune marketing efforts; here are a five to get you started:

Market Analysis – Contractors can analyze building permit data to identify trends in construction activity within specific geographic regions, enabling them to design and develop comprehensive targeted marketing efforts. Additionally, understanding the market can strengthen a contractor’s project planning – Building permit data offers valuable insight into the types of projects that are being planned and/or approved within a given area, and contractors can use this information to plan their own projects and schedules more effectively.
Client Targeting – Building permit data can help contractors identify potential clients who have recently obtained permits for construction projects, allowing them to reach out with targeted marketing campaigns and services tailored to their needs. This is the same for historical permit data which can be used to identify properties that are due for services based on the age of the building or structural features.
Competitive Analysis – Gaining a competitive edge in the market requires understanding the competition. Contractors can use building permit data to understand their competitors’ activities, such as the types of projects they have in the works or areas where they are focused, helping them develop strategies to stay competitive.
Networking Opportunities – This is one area that is not talked about enough – networking and partnerships. Permit data can be used to identify key stakeholders involved in construction projects, such as developers, architects, and other contractors, providing opportunities for networking and collaboration. By creating partnerships with other major players in the industry, contractors can expand their reach and work with other industry experts to secure new projects.
Risk Assessment – By reviewing and examining building permit data, contractors can better assess the level of competition and market saturation in various areas or sectors, enabling them to make informed decisions about where to focus their efforts and investments. Equally as important, permit data can also be used to identify regions where the predicted ROI would be low.

Contractors can use building permits and HBW construction data reports in a variety of ways to benefit their businesses. 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.

Florida Swimming Pool Construction Report – February 2024

Posted on March 27, 2024 by Erika Carruth

In Florida, there were more than 1,640 new swimming pool construction permits with a total value of approximately $137 million added to the HBW database last month. Out of the five major regions reviewed (Southwest, Tampa, Southeast, Orlando, Jacksonville), the greatest concentration of new pool construction took place in the southeastern region (459 permits), while the highest average value of construction could be found in the Tampa area (average value: $88,911).

Here is a closer look at the total permits, average value of construction, leading counties, and top contractors for new swimming pool construction in Florida during the month of February:

Southeast

In the southeastern region of Florida, there were nearly 460 new swimming pool construction permits with a total value in excess of $38.1 million last month. The average value of construction was $83,033, and the majority of all new construction took place in the counties of Palm Beach and Miami-Dade where there were 215 and 93 new permits respectively.

Out of more than 175 pool builders with new permits on record in the southeast last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Fountain Blue Pool Service	25
2-Van Kirk Construction	19
3-RHR Pools	18

Southwest

Last month, the southwestern region of Florida ranked #2 for new swimming pool construction, having nearly 410 new permits with a total construction value in excess of $34.1 million on record with HBW for the one-month period. The average value of construction was $83,818, and more than half of all new permits originated from the counties of Lee (142 permits) and Charlotte (98 permits).

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

Builder	Total Permits
1-Aragon Pools & Spas	23
2-Pinnacle USA	22
3-Holiday Pools of West FL	20

Tampa

Last month, there were 332 new pool permits with a total construction value of $29.5 million in the Tampa area. As previously noted, the average value of construction was highest in Tampa (average value: $88,911) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and just over half of all new construction took place in the counties of Hillsborough (108 permits) and Pasco (74 permits).

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

Builder	Total Permits
1-Tampa Bay Pools	28
2-T&D Pool & Spa Construction	22
3-Gulfstream Pools & Spas	16

Orlando

In the Orlando area, there were nearly 255 new swimming pool construction permits with a total value of $19 million added to the HBW database last month. The average value of new pool construction was lowest in Orlando (average value: $74,517) in comparison to other regions reviewed, and just over half of all new permits originated from the counties of Orange (76 permits) and Brevard (62 permits).

Out of nearly 100 pool builders with new construction on record in Orlando last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-All Seasons	17
2-Dreamscapes Pools & Spas	15
3-Intercoastal Pool & Spa Builders	11

Jacksonville

Last month, there were approximately 190 new pool permits with a total construction value in excess of $16.1 million in the Jacksonville area. The average value of new pool construction was $85,294, and the majority of permits originated from the two counties of St. Johns (74 permits) and Flagler (41 permits).

There were more than 75 contractors with new swimming pool construction activity on record in the Jacksonville area last month, and the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Agua Pools & Spas	17
2-Oak Wells Aquatics	8
3-CM Designs	6

Florida Top 5 Home Builders – February 2024

Posted on March 22, 2024 by Erika Carruth

As reviewed in our post earlier this week (“Florida Residential Construction Review – February 2024”), there were approximately 6,500 new residential construction permits with a total value of $2.15 billion on record with HBW for the Sunshine State last month. While the previous report identified the leading regions and counties for new home construction, today we are looking at the leading home builders that are driving the new home construction figures throughout the state and within the following five major regions: Southwest, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Tampa.

Statewide, two contractors were standouts when it comes to new residential construction permits – Both Lennar Homes and D.R. Horton led the market, having 762 and 752 new permits respectively last month, accounting for nearly 25 percent of all new permits collected statewide.

Here is a closer look at the top five home builders in each Florida region based on the total number of new residential construction permits on record with HBW last month:

Tampa

There were 200 active home builders with new construction on record in the Tampa area last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits for the one-month period:

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-D.R. Horton	299	$ 260,847.00
2-Lennar Homes	252	$ 316,073.00
3-Pulte Homes	100	$ 334,404.00
4-Starlight Homes Florida	85	$ 168,216.00
5-Meritage Homes	77	$ 281,658.00

Southwest

In the southwestern region of Florida there were more than 330 builders with new home construction on record last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-Lennar Homes	233	$ 195,197.00
2-D.R. Horton	173	$ 200,377.00
3-Taylor Morrison	91	$ 157,989.00
4-Pulte Homes	83	$ 219,251.00
5-Neal Communities of SW FL	53	$ 227,724.00

Orlando

In the Orlando area, there were nearly 170 contractors with new home construction on record last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-Pulte Homes	156	$ 357,447.00
2-D.R. Horton	121	$ 321,941.00
3-Lennar Homes	93	$ 144,481.00
4-Meritage Homes	75	$ 391,610.00
5-M/I Homes	45	$ 355,920.00

Jacksonville

In Jacksonville, there were 145 contractors with new home construction activity on record last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-Lennar Homes	146	$ 271,598.00
2-D.R. Horton	108	$ 199,682.00
3-Dream Finders Homes	101	$ 229,317.00
4-Pulte Homes	69	$ 282,550.00
5-Middleburg Construction	58	$ 251,971.00

Southeast

Last month, there were 140 home builders with new permits on record with HBW in the southeastern region last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-Pulte Homes	83	$ 422,508.00
2-GL Building Corporation	79	$ 360,658.00
3-Minto Communities	62	$ 273,155.00
4-D.R. Horton	51	$ 216,176.00
5-GL Homes	42	$ 712,055.00

Florida Residential Construction Review – February 2024

Posted on March 20, 2024 by Erika Carruth

Last month, Florida exhibited a 20 percent month-over-month decrease in new home construction activity, having approximately 6,500 new residential construction permits with a total value of $2.15 billion on record with HBW.

When reviewing HBW’s latest construction data reports to identify areas with the highest volume of housing starts, Tampa took the lead with just over 1,900 new permits and a total construction value of $580 million. Not far behind Tampa, the southwestern region of the state ranked second for new home construction, having approximately 1,660 new permits with a total construction value of nearly $532 million for the one-month period. Here is a look at the total permits by region:

Out of the five major Florida regions reviewed (Tampa, Southwest, Jacksonville, Orlando, Southeast), the highest average value of new home construction could be found in the Southeast (average value: $433,841), while the lowest average value of construction could be found in Jacksonville (average value: $286,742). The three other regions’ average value of new home construction landed within the range as follows:

Orlando – average value: $356,117

Southwest – average value: $320,481

Tampa – average value: $ 305,103

When reviewing HBW’s reports to identify counties that held the greatest concentration of new home construction activity last month, Tampa and Southwest area counties were standouts, with Jacksonville area counties also carrying higher concentrations of new permitting activity. Out of the five regions reviewed, the top five Florida counties for total new residential construction permits last month are as follows:

1-Polk County (Tampa area): 920 permits

2-Lee County (Southwest): 909 permits

3-Manatee County (Tampa): 415 permits

4-St. Johns County (Jacksonville): 405 permits

5-Hillsborough County (Tampa): 391 permits

Texas Top Home Builders – February 2024

Posted on March 15, 2024 by Erika Carruth

As reported earlier this week, new home construction in Texas has been reflecting a steady start since the start of this year. Last month, Texas experienced less than a one percent month-over-month increase in new residential construction, resulting in more than 5,875 new permits on record with HBW.

When reviewing HBW’s latest construction data reports to identify the contractors driving the market across the Lonestar State, two major home builders landed on the leaderboard in most metro areas. Both Lennar Homes and Meritage Homes have a strong presence in Texas residential construction, and from the four areas reviewed last month (Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio), they had a total of 562 and 358 new residential construction permits on record respectively.

Here is a closer look at the leading home builders by area, along with total new residential construction permits on record for each one during the month of February:

Houston

In Houston, there were nearly 310 home builders with new construction activity on record last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Lennar Homes	253
2-D.R. Horton	203
3-Meritage Homes	178
4-David Weekley Homes	139
5-K Hovnanian Homes	100

Dallas

Last month, there were approximately 240 home builders with new construction on record in the Dallas area, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Trophy Signature Homes	348
2-Pulte Homes	161
3-Meritage Homes	150
4-D.R. Horton	130
5-Ashton Woods Homes	80

San Antonio

Last month, there were more than 80 home builders with new construction activity on record in the San Antonio area, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Lennar Homes	162
2-KB Homes	35
3-Century Communities	27
4-Pulte Homes	22
5-LGI Homes	22

Austin

In the Austin area, there were nearly 90 home builders with new construction activity on record with HBW last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits for the one-month period:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Lennar Homes	76
2-Taylor Morrison Homes	58
3-Brookfield Residential Texas Homes	25
4-The Brohn Group	20
5-Meritage Homes	18