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Texas Residential Construction Review – September 2024

Posted on October 11, 2024 by Erika Carruth

According to the latest construction data reports from HBW, there were 7,760 new residential construction permits with a total value of nearly $2.4 billion added to the HBW database for the Lone Star State last month; this marks a notable month-over-month increase of nearly 11 percent in new home construction activity.

Out of the four major metro areas reviewed, Houston carried the greatest volume of new residential construction activity (3,974 permits), while the highest average value of new home construction could be found in Dallas (average value: $339,704).

Below is a detailed overview of the total permits issued, the average value of new construction projects, and the leading counties for new home construction across the four major metro regions of Texas last month:

Houston

As previously noted, the Houston area carried the greatest volume of housing starts out of the four Texas regions reviewed, having 3,974 new permits with a total construction value in excess of $1.1 billion. The average value of new home construction in Houston landed mid-range (average value: $284,862) in comparison to other Texas areas reviewed, and nearly half of all new permits originated from Harris County where there were 1,860 new permits on record with HBW for the one-month period.

Dallas

Dallas ranked #2 for new home construction last month, having 2,468 new permits with a total value in excess of $838 million. The average value of new residential construction projects was highest in Dallas (average value: $339,704) in comparison to other Texas regions reviewed, and the bulk of new permitting activity took place in the two counties of Tarrant (801 permits) and Collin (642 permits).

Austin

In Austin, there were more than 780 new residential construction permits with a total value of nearly $264.5 million added to the HBW database last month. The average value of new home construction was $338,577, and more than half of all new home construction activity took place in Williamson County (404 permits).

San Antonio

Last month, there were approximately 540 new residential construction permits with a total value of $121 million in the San Antonio area. The average value of new home construction was lowest in San Antonio (average value: $225,446) in comparison to other areas reviewed, and the majority of all new construction took place in Bexar County (383 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.

Atlanta Residential Construction Report: Q3-2024

Posted on October 9, 2024 by Erika Carruth

As we explored last week, the latest HBW Building Activity Trend Reports for the Metro Atlanta area are in and ready for review through the third quarter of this year. Based on the latest data, there have been approximately 18,035 new residential construction permits added to the HBW database for the Metro Atlanta area through Q3-2024; this figure reflects a 17 percent year-over-year increase in new home construction.

Out of the 24 counties that make up the Metro Atlanta area, approximately 48 percent of all new home construction took place in the following five counties:

Gwinnett County – 3,424 permits
Fulton County – 1,481 permits
Cherokee County – 1,386 permits
Forsyth County – 1,159 permits
Cobb County – 1,053 permits

As the Metro Atlanta area has demonstrated overall growth in the market, there have been noteworthy gains in various counties. With year-over-year increases ranging from 3 percent (Cobb County) to a high of 116 percent (Dawson County), here is a list of a few counties that are displaying impressive signs of growth through the third quarter:

Gwinnett County: +22 percent (YOY), 3,424 permits
Hall County: +32 percent (YOY), 1,024 permits
Forsyth County: +45 percent (YOY), 1,159 permits
Jackson County: +31 percent (YOY), 867 permits
Dawson County: +116 percent (YOY), 631 permits

On the opposite side of the spectrum, there are a few counties exhibiting notable declines in new home construction so far this year; those counties are as follows:

Henry County: -68 percent (YOY), 340 permits
Walton County: -29 percent (YOY), 394 permits
Barrow County: -10 (YOY), 635 permits

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.

Atlanta Swimming Pool Construction Update: Q3-2024

Posted on October 5, 2024 by Erika Carruth

Since the start of this year (thru September), there have been just over 2,075 new swimming pool construction permits added to the HBW database for the Metro Atlanta area. Based on the latest HBW Swimming Pool Construction Activity Trend Report, new swimming pool construction has been declining in the Atlanta area since 2022, and through Q3-2024, the downward trend appears to be holding steady as there has been an 8 percent year-over-year decrease in new pool construction.

When reviewing the latest reports to identify where the greatest amount of new swimming pool construction activity is taking place, three counties appear to be standouts – Approximately 40 percent of all new pool construction in the Metro Atlanta area this year has taken place in the counties of Fulton, Gwinnett, and Cobb.

The greatest concentration of new pool construction permits originated from Fulton County where there have been 395 new permits added to the HBW database through Q3-2024, reflecting a 1 percent year-over-year increase in new pool construction. Behind Fulton, the two counties of Cobb and Gwinnett had approximately 242 and 191 new swimming pool construction permits respectively through the third quarter of this year.

Within HBW reports, subscribers can view a breakdown of construction permit data and compare rates of growth year after year and county by county. Using this feature of the report, we noted that there have been numerous Metro Atlanta area counties that appear to be experiencing significant declines in new construction, while others are showing signs of improvement. For example, swimming pool construction appears to be gaining traction in Cobb County, as pool starts have increased by 17 percent in comparison to the same time last year. Additionally, there are a few counties where pool construction is holding somewhat steady – For example, in Hall County there has been a minor 4 percent year-over-year increase in pool starts (thru Q3-2024), resulting in more than 125 new permits on record with HBW. In the counties of Coweta and Walton, new pool construction is nearly on track with last year’s figures having 158 and 91 new permits on record through Q3 respectively.

On the other hand, there are also a few areas where new swimming pool construction is limited or not taking place at all; such areas include the counties of Clayton, Henry, Rockdale, and Banks where there have been less than 10 pool starts so far this year, as well as Bartow and Barrow where there have been 20 or less new swimming pool construction permits pulled through the third quarter of this year.

By using HBW quarterly reports to identify areas where construction is in demand, contractors can design and launch more targeted and precise marketing campaigns, as well as identify new areas where it may be worth expanding services. As with all HBW reports, the information about the properties, owners and projects can also be accessed, allowing contractors to gain a deeper understanding of prospects’ properties and needs.

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 in Construction Planning

Posted on October 2, 2024 by Erika Carruth

In the dynamic world of construction, efficient project planning is paramount. One of the most critical components of this planning process is building permit data. Accurate and timely permit information can significantly streamline construction projects, leading to enhanced efficiency, reduced delays, and ultimately, cost savings. In today’s post, we will explore the importance of building permit data in construction planning and how it can prove to be a vital tool for construction professionals.

Understanding Building Permit Data

As most readers are already well aware, building permit data encompasses a wide array of information related to the authorization of construction activities. This includes details such as permit types, issuance dates, project scopes, and regulatory requirements. Access to this data allows construction professionals to gain insights into local construction trends, zoning laws, compliance standards, and more.

Streamlining Project Planning

1. Informed Decision-Making

Accurate building permit data enables construction professionals to make informed decisions from the start. By analyzing historical permit data, teams can identify which projects are most common in a specific area, assess potential opportunities and challenges, as well as anticipate regulatory requirements.

2. Efficient Resource Allocation

With comprehensive permit data at their disposal, construction managers can allocate resources more efficiently. Understanding local permit timelines and requirements allows for better scheduling of labor and materials, minimizing downtime and ensuring that projects remain on course.

3. Risk Mitigation

Risks are an expected and inherent part of the construction industry and navigating the permit landscape is no exception. Accurate building permit data helps identify potential compliance issues and zoning restrictions early in the planning phase. By addressing these concerns upfront, construction professionals can mitigate risks and avoid expensive rework or pausing of projects down the road.

Reducing Delays

1. Streamlined Communication

Having access to up-to-date permit data enhances communication with local permitting authorities, homeowners, and clients. Construction teams can better understand what documentation is required, leading to a more efficient submission process. Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings that can result in delays, ensuring that projects remain on schedule.

2. Monitoring Changes in Regulations

Let’s face it – Building codes and permit regulations can change, frequently. Staying informed about such changes is crucial for construction professionals. With access to real-time permit data, teams can quickly adapt their plans to comply with new regulations, preventing disruptions that arise from unexpected code changes.

3. Tracking Project Progress

Monitoring the progress of permits is an essential aspect of construction project management. By leveraging building permit data, teams can track the status of construction projects, ensuring that they are aware of any pending approvals or required inspections. This proactive approach allows for timely adjustments to project timelines and proposed services, reducing the likelihood of delays.

In the competitive construction landscape, effective planning and execution are essential to success. Building permit data is not just a regulatory requirement; it is a strategic asset that can streamline project planning and minimize delays. By utilizing accurate permit information from reports provided by HBW, construction professionals can make informed decisions, allocate resources efficiently, mitigate risks, and maintain clear communication with current and prospective clients.

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

Florida’s Top Home Builders – August 2024

Posted on September 27, 2024 by Erika Carruth

Earlier this week, HBW highlighted the most recent new residential construction permit activity on record for the month of August, and it was noted that there were nearly 8,100 new residential construction permits with a total value in excess of $2.5 billion added to the HBW database for the Sunshine State.

Out of the hundreds of contractors with new residential construction activity on record with HBW, Lennar Homes carried the greatest volume of new permits statewide, having 1,066 new permits for the one-month period and ranking #1 in three out of five (Southwest, Southeast, Orlando) of the Florida regions reviewed.

Another strong leader in the market has and continues to be D.R. Horton; the mega-builder ranked #2 for new home construction statewide last month, having 710 total new permits on record with HBW for the one-month period.

Here is breakdown of the top five home builders by region, based on new permits on record with HBW during the month of August:

Southwest

Last month, there approximately 430 contractors with new residential construction activity on record in the southwestern region of Florida, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-Lennar Homes	359	$ 181,754.00
2-Pulte Homes	211	$ 188,635.00
3-Taylor Morrison	202	$ 204,268.00
4-D.R. Horton	146	$ 237,271.00
5-Neal Communities of SW FL	113	$ 279,071.00

Tampa

Out of more than 230 home builders with new construction activity on record with HBW in the Tampa area last month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-D.R. Horton	263	$ 322,064.00
2-Lennar Homes	211	$ 348,684.00
3-The Villages of Lake Sumter	93	$ 175,000.00
4-Taylor Morrison	92	$ 325,538.00
5-Homes By West Bay	74	$ 562,872.00

Orlando

Out of approximately 185 home builders with new permits on record with HBW in Orlando last month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-Lennar Homes	279	$ 280,162.00
2-Pulte Homes	113	$ 388,889.00
3-D.R. Horton	110	$ 259,192.00
4-Mattamy Homes	53	$ 261,625.00
5-Meritage Homes	52	$ 258,303.00

Southeast

In the southeastern region of Florida, there were 160 contractors with new residential 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	145	$ 281,316.00
2-GL Building Corporation	112	$ 390,330.00
3-Minto Communities	82	$ 250,093.00
4-D.R. Horton	47	$ 152,289.00
5-Pulte Homes	46	$ 419,909.00

Jacksonville

In Jacksonville, there were 155 contractors with new residential construction activity on record last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-D.R. Horton	144	$ 201,316.00
2-Dream Finders Construction	140	$ 245,884.00
3-Pulte Homes	80	$ 241,071.00
4-Lennar Homes	72	$ 238,885.00
5-Dream Finders Homes	64	$ 212,355.00

Florida Residential Construction Review – August 2024

Posted on September 25, 2024 by Erika Carruth

Last month, there were nearly 8,100 new residential construction permits with a total value in excess of $2.5 billion added to the HBW database for the Sunshine State; this reflects a 27 percent month-over-month increase in new home construction activity.

Top Markets

Out of the five regions reviewed (Southwest, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Southeast), just about 55 percent of all new home construction activity originated from the Southwest and Tampa areas last month where there were 2,515 and 1,890 new permits respectively. In addition to the Southwest and Tampa areas, higher levels of new residential construction activity also took place in the Orlando area (1,483 permits), as well as Jacksonville (1,351 permits).

Leading Counties

Out of the five regions reviewed last month, there were several counties that carried a greater amount of new residential construction activity than others; those counties include Lee County (918 permits) in the southwestern region, Polk County (765 permits) in the Tampa area, and Duval County (522 permits) in Jacksonville. Additionally, Sarasota County (Southwest) and St. Johns County (Jacksonville) exhibited higher levels of new home construction in comparison to other counties across the state as there were 455 and 426 new permits on record for the one-month period respectively.

Average Value of Construction

During the month of August, the average value of new home construction across the Sunshine State ranged from a high of $356,714 (Southeast) to a low of $266,243 (Jacksonville). Here is a look at the average value of new home construction statewide during the month of August:

Top Florida Swimming Pool Builders – August 2024

Posted on September 20, 2024 by Erika Carruth

As reported in HBW’s latest review of swimming pool construction in Florida, there were nearly 2,500 new swimming pool construction permits with a total value of approximately $191 million on record for the Sunshine State last month.

When using HBW’s construction data reports to identify the leading swimming pool contractors statewide, we found that across the five major regions reviewed (Southwest, Tampa, Orlando, Southeast, Jacksonville) the list of top pool builders varied greatly from region to region; here is a list of the top five swimming pool builders in each Florida region based on total number of new permits on record with HBW for the month of August:

Southwest

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-Aragon Pools & Spas	100	$ 34,340.00
2-Pinnacle USA	83	$ 73,723.00
3-Coast to Coast Pools	49	$ 64,861.00
4-Holiday Pools of West FL	29	$ 59,932.00
5-Trusted Pool & Spa	26	$110,173.00

Southeast

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-Louden Bonded Pools	24	$ 69,634.00
2-A&G Concrete Pools	21	$102,539.00
3-RHR Pools	20	$ 95,907.00
4-Fountain Blue Pool Svc	15	$ 45,493.00
5-Endless Summer Pools of FL	14	$ 86,721.00

Orlando

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-Bob’s Pool Service	67	$ 30,060.00
2-Dreamscapes Pools & Spas	35	$ 53,969.00
3-Cody Pools	16	$ 81,085.00
4-All Seasons	14	$ 92,738.00
5-Martin Pools & Spas	11	$ 79,323.00

Tampa

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-T&D Pool & Spa Construction	28	$ 35,000.00
2-Tampa Bay Pools on the Gulf	21	$101,632.00
3-Cody Pools	19	$104,167.00
4-Premier Pools & Spas	16	$ 94,937.00
5-T&D Concrete	14	$ 35,000.00

Jacksonville

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-Breakwater Construction	15	$ 84,067.00
2-Anthony & Sylvan Pools	11	$113,175.00
3-Blue Haven Pools on the Gulf	10	$ 93,462.00
4-Paragon Pools of North FL	10	$ 70,256.00
5-Agua Pools & Spas	9	$114,672.00

Florida Swimming Pool Construction Update – August 2024

Posted on September 18, 2024 by Erika Carruth

Based on HBW’s latest construction data reports, there were nearly 2,500 new swimming pool construction permits with a total value of approximately $191 million on record for Florida last month. Out of the five major regions reviewed (Southwest, Tampa, Orlando, Southeast, Jacksonville), the greatest volume of new pool construction activity could be found in the southwest region (945 permits), while the lowest level of new construction activity could be found in the Jacksonville area (258 permits).

When reviewing the reports to identify counties with the highest levels of new swimming pool construction, there were five counties that carried close to 40 percent of all new construction activity statewide last month; all of the counties were in the southern region and are as follows:

Collier County (southwest): 253 permits
Lee County (southwest): 230 permits
Palm Beach County (southeast): 172 permits
Sarasota County (southwest): 167 permits
Manatee County (southwest): 158 permits

As far as the average value of new pool construction permits is concerned, the average value of new construction ranged from a high of $95,814 (Jacksonville) to a low of $62,473 (Orlando). Here is a closer look at the average value of new pool construction by region last month:

Top Texas Home Builders – August 2024

Posted on September 13, 2024 by Erika Carruth

In HBW’s monthly review of its construction data reports, it was noted that 7,030 new residential construction permits with a total value in excess of $2.2 billion were issued within the four major metro areas of Texas last month. In addition to providing permit totals and construction values for each region, HBW’s construction data reports also offer insight into the contractors that are actively pulling permits each month.

For the purpose of this post, we are focusing on the top ranked contractors within each of the four Metro areas of Texas (Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin). Builder ranking is based on the total number of new residential permits on record with HBW for the month of August.

Statewide, there are two home builders that have continued to rank high on the charts and take the lead with a greater volume of housing starts. Both Lennar Homes and D.R. Horton are ranked as the leading home builders in Texas month after month, and in August they held approximately 15 percent of all new residential construction activity, having 725 and 327 new permits on record respectively.

Here is a look at the five leading contractors by area, their total permits and average value of new home construction projects on record with HBW last month:

Houston

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-Lennar Homes	308	$ 251,897.00
2-David Weekley Homes	174	$ 269,517.00
3-D.R. Horton	170	$ 254,165.00
4-Perry Homes	152	$ 299,339.00
5-Meritage Homes	146	$ 309,357.00

Dallas

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-Lennar Homes	168	$ 207,381.00
2-D.R. Horton	130	$ 274,312.00
3-Bloomfield Homes	102	$ 427,638.00
4-Trophy Signature Homes	83	$ 328,996.00
5-Camillo Properties	83	$ 176,973.00

San Antonio

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-Lennar Homes	210	$ 145,002.00
2-Continental Homes of Texas	64	$ 195,750.00
3-Century Communities	31	$ 187,481.00
4-M/I Homes	30	$ 199,028.00
5-KB Homes	29	$ 187,342.00

Austin

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-Perry Homes	48	$ 324,360.00
2-Lennar Homes	39	$ 214,759.00
3-Pulte Homes	38	$ 340,686.00
4-KB Homes	35	$ 339,701.00
5-Taylor Morrison Homes	33	$ 481,791.00

Texas Residential Construction Review – August 2024

Posted on September 10, 2024 by Erika Carruth

According to HBW’s latest construction data, Texas exhibited a notable uptick in residential construction activity last month, with over 7,030 new permits issued and a total construction value in excess of $2.2 billion; this represents approximately a 16 percent month-over-month increase in new home construction.

Among the four major metro areas analyzed, Houston took the lead with the greatest volume of new residential construction permits, totaling 3,213. When looking for the highest average value of new construction, Austin was a standout with new home construction projects in the area averaging a value of $356,614.

Here’s a quick overview of new residential construction across the four major metro regions of Texas, including permit totals, average project values, and top-performing counties during the month of August:

Houston

As noted above, the Houston area carried the greatest volume of new home construction out of the four Texas regions reviewed, having 3,213 new permits with a total construction value of nearly $988 million. The average value of new home construction in Houston was $307,402, and more than 72 percent of all new permits originated from the counties of Harris and Montgomery where there were 1,418 and 921 new permits on record respectively.

Dallas

Dallas ranked #2 for new home construction last month, having 2,579 new permits with a total value of approximately $901.6 million. The average value of new residential construction projects landed on the higher end in Dallas (average value: $349,591) in comparison to other Texas regions reviewed, and the bulk of new permitting activity took place in the two counties of Tarrant (781 permits) and Collin (648 permits).

San Antonio

Last month, there were more than 635 new residential construction permits with a total value of approximately $126 million in the San Antonio area. The average value of new home construction was lowest in San Antonio (average value: $197,923) in comparison to other areas reviewed, and well more than half of all new residential construction took place in Bexar County (455 permits).

Austin

In Austin, there were more than 600 new residential construction permits with a total value in excess of $215 million added to the HBW database last month. The average value of new home construction was highest in Austin (average value: $356,614) in comparison to other areas reviewed, and 80 percent of all new home construction activity took place in the counties of Williamson (276 permits) and Travis (208 permits).