Ways Permit Data Reports Benefit Businesses

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In previous posts, we have explored the many opportunities that are provided by the proper use of permit data. From offering suggestions for using building data to improve marketing efforts to giving tips on how to best utilize HBW reports, we have covered just some of the many ways permit data can add value to a business.

Today, we are looking specifically at the ways that permit data can serve as an indispensable resource for businesses to tailor their services to market demand. Here are four ways to consider: 

 1. Identify Construction Trends: Building permit data provides insights into the types of construction projects that are in greatest demand in specific regions. When reviewing HBW reports, businesses can easily identify trends and better understand the current market demands. For example, if there is a spike in permits for residential kitchen or bathroom renovations, businesses can focus on offering services related to kitchen and bathroom remodeling to address the highest demand. 

2. Gain Regional Insight: Construction permit data enables businesses to better understand the specific needs within various regions. By identifying the types of projects that are being approved in each region, contractors can adjust their services to the local market, offering customized solutions that meet the unique requirements of a given area.

3. Forecast Demand: In addition to permit data providing important information on current market demand, it can prepare businesses for future trends. Through reviewing historical data and reports that are accessible from HBW’s archives, businesses can be proactive, making informed predictions about future construction needs; by forecasting demand, businesses can adjust their services and stay ahead of the competition.

4. Improve Business Development: By using construction data reports, contractors gain a clear understanding of their target markets, enabling them to tailor and fine-tune their marketing strategies. Through discovering areas where construction activities and needs are concentrated, contractors can modify their messaging and outreach efforts to effectively reach potential customers. This targeted approach increases the chances of converting leads into actual projects and provides a solid boost to business growth.

While the above listed areas are just of few of the many ways permit data can benefit businesses, they serve as helpful reminders on how to use HBW reports to tailor services to market demand. Ultimately, by leveraging this data, businesses can optimize their operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and maximize profitability.

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.

Texas Swimming Pool Construction Report – February 2024

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Last month, there were approximately 515 new swimming pool construction permits added to the HBW database for Texas.  Out of the four major metro areas reviewed (Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio), Dallas carried the greatest volume of new swimming pool construction permits (257 permits), while the highest average value of construction could be found in the Houston area (average value: $93,973).

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 February:

Dallas

As previously noted, Dallas carried the highest volume of new pool construction activity in comparison to other Texas areas reviewed, having 257 new permits with a total construction value of approximately $15.7 million last month.  The average value of new pool construction was $61,004, and 55 percent of all new permits originated from the two counties of Dallas (77 permits) and Collin (64 permits).

Out of approximately 125 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:

BuilderTotal Permits
1-Riverbend Pools13
2-Claffey Pools11
3-BMR Pools10

Houston

Last month, Houston ranked #2 for new swimming pool construction, having more than 100 new permits with a total construction value of nearly $9.7 million on record with HBW.  The average value of construction was highest in Houston (average value: $93,973) in comparison to other regions reviewed, and the majority of all new construction activity took place in Harris County (75 permits).

Out of more than 60 contractors with new swimming pool construction permits on record in Houston last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits for the one-month period:

BuilderTotal Permits
1-Platinum Pools11
2-Cypress Custom Pools6
3-Regal Pools5

Austin

In Austin, there were approximately 90 new swimming pool permits with a total construction value of nearly $4.4 million added to the HBW database last month.  The average value of new pool construction was $48,902, and nearly all new permits originated from Travis County (76 permits).

Out of more than 50 pool builders with new construction activity on record last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

BuilderTotal Permits
1-Cody Pools12
2-Zach Savage Homes8
3-Anthony & Sylvan Pools6

San Antonio

Last month, there were 64 new swimming pool permits with a total construction value in excess of $2.5 million in the San Antonio area.  The average value of new pool construction was lowest in San Antonio (average value: $39,564) in comparison to other Texas regions reviewed, and the bulk of construction activity took place in Bexar County (53 permits).

Out of more than 25 contractors with new swimming pool construction on record in the area last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

BuilderTotal Permits
1-Keith Zars Pools11
2-Cody Pools9
3-Gary Pools9

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.

7 Social Media Ideas for Construction Professionals

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Are you looking to keep your social media content fresh and engaging? No problem – We’ve got you covered. With a constantly changing feed and trends coming and going faster than ever, it is important that you generate new and varied content to keep you audience interested across all social media channels.

As construction professionals, it can be challenging to think about what to post, when, and if the photos from a job site are really worth putting out there. For this reason, we are providing a little inspiration and seven ideas to get your next social media post noticed:

  1. Client Spotlights – Your audience doesn’t only want to see your how you work… They want to see who you work with and the results of your project. From case studies to brief before/after highlights, invite your audience to get to know your clients.
  2. Industry News – When you share industry news, you indirectly demonstrate your industry knowledge, as well as show that you are “in the know” on the latest buzz. A great way to provide information of interest is to use HBW construction data reports to give a quick look at what level of construction is happening in a given area and the types of projects that are hot right now.
  3. Teaching Tools – Educational content is in high demand. From DIY projects to how to determine if it is time to replace tile, windows, etc., educational resources can provide value to your prospects and clients.
  4. Company Culture – Along with getting to know your clients, followers are interested in getting to know your company. By giving a view of your team, events, and office, you can make a real and relatable connection with your audience.
  5. Project Updates – Do you have a big project in the works? Now is the perfect time to show how the project is coming along. By sharing the start-up phase and progress over time, your followers have a chance to gain insight into your process.
  6. FAQs – Through a post featuring frequently asked questions, you can manage expectations by answering questions that come up regarding the construction process, permits, timelines, etc.
  7. Historical Construction – In addition to giving a throwback to your earlier projects, you can use HBW reports to identify regions that are exhibiting a high need for your services. For example, through HBW archives, you can gather data for roofing permits 20 years prior to inform your followers about the growing need for re-roofs in their area.

Through fresh and varied content, you can keep your social media profiles active and engaging, while showcasing your expertise in the industry.

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.

Top Home Builders in Florida – January 2024

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Last week, we reviewed HBW’s latest construction data reports for new home construction in Florida during the month of January, and we reported that there were more than 8,155 new permits with a total value of $2.4 billion on record with HBW.  This week, we are taking a closer look at the leading home builders that are driving the markets in the five major regions of the state (Southwest, Tampa, Orlando, Southeast, Jacksonville).

Statewide, there continue to be two major players leading new home construction – Lennar Homes and D.R. Horton.  While each region has a varied list of contractors that make up the top five, both Lennar Homes and D.R. Horton have been consistently strong throughout the Sunshine State having 1,278 and 1,197 new permits on record respectively for the one-month period.  Out of the five regions reviewed, both home builders landed on the top five list in nearly every area.

Here is a closer look at the leading home builders based on total new residential construction permits on record with HBW in Florida during the month of January 2024:

Southwest

Last month, there were 385 home builders with new construction on record in Southwest Florida, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

BuilderTotal Permits Average Value
1-Lennar Homes339 $      187,826.00
2-D.R. Horton199 $      240,049.00
3-Pulte Homes195 $      226,435.00
4-Taylor Morrison85 $      193,758.00
5-Neal Communities of SW FL79 $      213,500.00

Tampa

Out of 295 home builders with new residential construction activity on record in Tampa during the month of January, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

BuilderTotal Permits Average Value
1-Lennar Homes632 $    281,078.00
2-D.R. Horton569 $    231,327.00
3-Taylor Morrison98 $    294,095.00
4-The Villages of Lake Sumter83 $    175,000.00
5-Pulte Homes69 $    271,513.00

Orlando

In Orlando, there were approximately 185 home builders with new construction activity on record last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits for the one-month period:

BuilderTotal Permits Average Value
1-D.R. Horton230 $    338,697.00
2-Pulte Homes115 $    297,311.00
3-Lennar Homes91 $    237,017.00
4-Minto Communities61 $    406,000.00
5-Stanley Martin Homes38 $    325,939.00

Jacksonville

Last month, there were more than 145 home builders with new construction activity on record with HBW in the Jacksonville area, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

BuilderTotal Permits Average Value
1-Lennar Homes199 $    256,036.00
2-KB Homes156 $    156,581.00
3-Dream Finders Homes135 $    257,897.00
4-D.R. Horton134 $    197,659.00
5-Pulte Homes62 $    269,821.00

Southeast

Out of more than 130 contractors with new residential construction activity on record in Southeast Florida last month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

BuilderTotal Permits Average Value
1-GL Building Corporation91 $    397,069.00
2-D.R. Horton65 $    196,654.00
3-Minto Communities37 $    291,936.00
4-Kolter Homes32 $    315,581.00
5-Pulte Homes28 $    416,140.00

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

Florida Residential Construction – January 2024

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When looking at new home construction, Florida is off to a solid start so far this year.  In January, the Sunshine State experienced a 7 percent month-over-month increase in new residential construction, resulting in more than 8,155 new permits with a total value of $2.4 billion on record with HBW.  Out of the five Florida regions reviewed (Tampa, Southwest, Orlando, Jacksonville, Southeast), the Tampa area held the highest concentration of new home construction activity (2,822 permits), while Orlando carried the highest average value of new residential construction projects (average value: $363,443).

Here is a closer look at the total permits, construction values and leading counties for new home construction throughout Florida during the month of January:

Tampa

As previously mentioned, Tampa ranked #1 for new home construction last month, having 2,822 new permits with a total construction value of approximately $770 million.  The average value of construction in Tampa was $272,778, and well more than half of all new permits originated from the counties of Polk (1,059 permits) and Pasco (738 permits).

Southwest

Next in line behind Tampa, the southwestern region of Florida ranked #2 for new residential construction as there were approximately 2,100 new permits with a total value of nearly $627 million last month.  The average value of new construction was $298,560, and the majority of permits originated from Lee County (908 permits) and Manatee County (571 permits).

Jacksonville

Last month, there were approximately 1,435 new residential construction permits with a total value in excess of $364 million in the Jacksonville area.  The average value of new home construction was lowest in Jacksonville (average value: $254,114) in comparison to other regions reviewed, and the majority of all new permits originated from the counties of St. Johns (609 permits) and Duval (354 permits).

Orlando

In Orlando, there were 1,140 new residential construction permits with a total value of $414.3 million on record last month.  The average value of new home construction was highest in Orlando (average value: $363,443) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and more than half of all new residential construction activity took place in the counties of Brevard (339 permits) and Lake (267 permits).

Southeast

In the southeastern region of Florida there were more than 660 new residential construction permits with a total value of $233 million last month.  The average value of new home construction landed on the higher end of the spectrum (average value: $352,588) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and the county with the greatest concentration of new residential construction activity was St. Lucie (262 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.

Florida Swimming Pool Construction Update – January 2024

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Based on HBW’s latest construction data reports, there have been more than 1,870 new swimming pool construction permits with a total value of nearly $149 million added to the HBW for the Sunshine State last month.

Out of the five Florida regions reviewed (Southwest, Tampa, Orlando, Southeast, Jacksonville), the greatest concentration of new pool construction took place in the southwestern region of the state (623 permits), while the highest average value of construction could be found in Jacksonville (average value: $97,561).

Here is a closer look at the total number of new permits, leading counties, and average value of construction for new swimming pools in Florida during the month of January:

Southwest

Total # of Permits: 623

Average Value of Construction: $80,089

Leading Counties (based on total permits): Lee (211 permits); Collier (154 permits)

Top pool builders (based on total permits):

BuilderTotal Permits
1-Holiday Pools of West FL27
2-Aragon Pools & Spas25
3-Trusted Pool & Spa24

Tampa

Total # of Permits: 379

Average Value of Construction: $78,372

Leading Counties (based on total permits): Hillsborough (91 permits); Sumter (83 permits)

Top pool builders (based on total permits):

BuilderTotal Permits
1-T&D Pool & Spa Construction44
2-Cody Pools21
3-Gulfstream Pools & Spas17

Southeast

Total # of Permits: 365

Average Value of Construction: $76,944

Leading Counties (based on total permits): Palm Beach (142 permits); Broward (71 permits)

Top pool builders (based on total permits):

BuilderTotal Permits
1-Louden Bonded Pools23
2-Fountain Blue Pool Service13
3-Van Kirk Construction11

Orlando

Total # of Permits: 286

Average Value of Construction: $68,539

Leading Counties (based on total permits): Lake (86 permits); Orange (76 permits)

Top pool builders (based on total permits):

BuilderTotal Permits
1-Bob’s Pool Service38
2-Dreamscapes Pools & Spas16
3-Martin Pools10

Jacksonville

Total # of Permits: 219

Average Value of Construction: $97,561

Leading Counties (based on total permits): St. Johns (107 permits); Duval (47 permits)

Top pool builders (based on total permits):

BuilderTotal Permits
1-Pools by John Clarkson17
2-Tier 1 Pools & Spas12
3-Blue Haven Pools10

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.

Swimming Pool Construction in Texas – January 2024

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Every month on the blog, HBW provides insight into the latest permit data for new residential and swimming pool construction in various regions throughout the southern U.S., and today we are taking a look at the latest construction data for new swimming pool construction in the four major Metro areas of Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio during the month of January 2024.

Out of the four metro areas reviewed, Houston carried the greatest volume of new permits, as well as the highest average value of construction, while San Antonio held both the lowest level of new construction activity and lowest average value of construction.

Here is a quick look at the total permits, average value of construction, leading counties and contractors for new pool construction in Texas last month:

Houston

Last month, the Houston area carried the highest volume of new swimming pool construction, having more than 180 new permits with a total construction value of $16.5 million.  The average value of new pool construction was highest in Houston (average value: $90,310) in comparison to other regions reviewed, and the majority of construction activity took place in Harris County (120 permits).

Out of more than 110 pool builders with new construction activity in the area last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits on record with HBW:

#1-Platinum Pools
#2-Anthony & Sylvan Pools
#3-Blue Haven Pools

Dallas

In the Dallas area, there were approximately 175 new permits with a total construction value in excess of $9.7 million last month.  The average value of new pool construction was $56,080, and the county with the highest concentration of new permits was Dallas County (87 permits).

Out of the 105 active contractors with new construction activity on record in the Dallas area last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

#1-Riverbend Pools
#2-Venture Custom Pools
#3-Claffey Pools

Austin

In the Austin area, there were more than 120 new swimming pool construction permits with a total value of nearly $7.3 million last month.  The average value of new pool construction was $59,481, and the bulk of permits originated from Travis County (108 permits).

Out of nearly 60 pool contractors with new construction activity in the area last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits on record for the one-month period:

#1Cody Pools
#2-Aquamarine Pools
#3-Anthony & Sylvan Pools

San Antonio

Last month, there were nearly 50 new swimming pool permits with a total construction value of approximately $2.3 million on record for the San Antonio area.  As previously noted, the average value of construction was lowest in San Antonio (average value: $46,398) in comparison to other areas reviewed, and nearly all permits originated from Bexar County (42 permits).

Out of more than 20 contractors with new construction activity on record in the San Antonio area last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

#1-Keith Zars Pools
#2-Cody Pools
#3-Gary Pools

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.

Top Home Builders in Texas – January 2024

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Last week, we reviewed the latest permit data on record with HBW for new home construction in the Lone Star State and discovered approximately 5,850 new residential construction permits with a total value in excess of $1.75 billion for the month of January.

Today, we are taking a deeper dive into the same construction data reports to identify the leading home builders that are driving new construction in each of the four major Metro areas of Texas (Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio).

Statewide, one builder has gained a strong hold on the market – Lennar Homes ranks as the #1 home builder for new residential construction in Texas, having more than 835 new permits on record for the one-month period.

Here is a list of the top five home builders, corresponding permit totals, and average value of construction by region in Texas last month:

Houston

Last month, there were nearly 350 home builders with new construction permits on record with HBW in the Houston area, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

BuilderTotal Permits Average Value
1-D.R. Horton437 $    250,033.00
2-Lennar Homes431 $    234,398.00
3-David Weekley Homes125 $    260,651.00
4-Perry Homes118 $    343,743.00
5-K Hovnanian Homes116 $    284,778.00

Dallas

In Dallas, there were more than 240 home builders with new construction activity on record last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits for the one-month period:

BuilderTotal Permits Average Value
1-Lennar Homes177 $    238,162.00
2-D.R. Horton167 $    373,411.00
3-Pulte Homes108 $    363,384.00
4-Highland Homes90 $    374,362.00
5-Perry Homes69 $    378,752.00

Austin

Last month, there were more than 100 home builders with new construction activity on record in the Austin area, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

BuilderTotal Permits Average Value
1-Taylor Morrison Homes88 $    363,513.00
2-Lennar Homes59 $    164,041.00
3-Chesmar Homes32 $    462,036.00
4-KB Homes32 $    263,587.00
5-Meritage Homes28 $    324,907.00

San Antonio

In the San Antonio area, there were 85 contractors with new home construction activity on record last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

BuilderTotal Permits Average Value
1-Lennar Homes170 $    152,936.00
2-Continental Homes of Texas37 $    200,000.00
3-KB Homes28 $    194,195.00
4-Starlight Homes18 $    176,888.00
5-Bella Vista Homes18 $    171,763.00

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 Residential Construction Permit Data – January 2024

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Last month, there were approximately 5,850 new residential construction permits with a total value in excess of $1.75 billion added to the HBW database for the Lone Star State.  Out of the four major metro areas reviewed (Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio), Houston carried the greatest volume of new residential construction (2,999 permits), while the highest average value of new home construction could be found in the Dallas area (average value: $354,456).

Here is a closer look at the permit data for new residential construction in Texas by metro area during the month of January:

Houston

As previously noted, there were approximately 3,000 new residential construction permits with a total value in excess of $848 million in the Houston area last month.  The average value of new home construction was $282,832, and the majority of new construction activity took place in the two counties of Harris (1,205 permits) and Montgomery (872 permits).

Dallas

In Dallas, there were approximately 1,715 new residential construction permits with a total value of $607.5 million on record last month.  As previously noted, the average value of new home construction was highest in Dallas (average value: $354,456) in comparison to other areas reviewed, and the county with the greatest concentration of new residential construction activity was Collin County with 749 new permits for the one-month period.

Austin

Last month, there were just over 600 new residential construction permits with a total value of $200 million added to the HBW database for the Austin area.  The average value of new home construction was $332,884, and more than half of all new permits originated from Travis County where there were 330 new permits on record for the one-month period.

San Antonio

In San Antonio, there were 535 new residential construction permits with a total value of nearly $110.5 million last month.  The average value of new home construction was lowest in San Antonio (average value: $206,435) in comparison to other Texas metro areas reviewed, and the bulk of new construction activity took place in Bexar County where there were 372 new permits on record for the one-month period.

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.

HBW Report: Florida Residential Construction 2023

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The annual Building Activity Trend Reports for new residential construction in Florida have been released by HBW, and based on the figures published through the 4th quarter of 2023, there was a 15 percent year-over-year decrease in new home construction, resulting in more than 106,030 new permits on record with HBW.  The report was based on new residential construction permits from six major regions of Florida (Central, West, Southeast, Southwest, Northeast, Northwest), and all regions exhibited year-over-year decreases in new home construction ranging from -7 percent to -20 percent. 

Out of the six regions reviewed, the greatest concentration of housing starts could be found in West Florida, where there were 24,936 new residential construction permits on record, reflecting a 12 percent year-over-year decrease in new home construction.

Here is a closer look at the reports and a breakdown of the total permits, annual change in new construction activity, leading counties for new permits and the totals for higher value properties in the Sunshine State last year:

West Florida

Total Permits: 24,936

% Annual Change – YTD (2022 vs. 2023): -12%

Top County for New Construction: Pasco County (7,017 permits)

Total Permits for Higher Value Homes (>$500k): 1,890

Southwest Florida

Total Permits: 23,879

% Annual Change – YTD (2022 vs. 2023): -16%

Top County for New Construction: Lee County (8,104 permits)

Total Permits for Higher Value Homes (>$500k): 2,037

Northeast Florida

Total Permits: 19,427

% Annual Change – YTD (2022 vs. 2023): -17%

Top County for New Construction: St. Johns County (5,104 permits)

Total Permits for Higher Value Homes (>$500k): 1,034

Central Florida

Total Permits: 16,120

% Annual Change – YTD (2022 vs. 2023): -20%

Top County for New Construction: Orange County (4,358 permits)

Total Permits for Higher Value Homes (>$500k): 1,951

Northwest Florida

Total Permits: 12,202

% Annual Change – YTD (2022 vs. 2023): -7%

Top County for New Construction: Bay County (2,116 permits)

Total Permits for Higher Value Homes (>$500k): 1,123

Southeast Florida

Total Permits: 9,468

% Annual Change – YTD (2022 vs. 2023): -14%

Top County for New Construction: St. Lucie County (4,168 permits)

Total Permits for Higher Value Homes (>$500k): 1,297

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.