HBWeekly

HBW Quarterly: Florida Swimming Pool Construction Q1-2021

Posted on May 12, 2021 by Erika Carruth

A review of permit data on record with HBW for new swimming pool construction in Florida during the first quarter of 2021

Since the start of this year (thru March 2021), there have been 10,040 new swimming pool permits added to the HBW database for Florida, reflecting a 41 percent increase in new pool construction in comparison to the same time last year. In HBW’s “Swimming Pool Construction Activity Trend Report”, six major Florida regions were reviewed (Central, West, Southeast, Southwest, Northeast, Northwest), all of which exhibited year-over-year increases in new pool construction activity ranging from 17 percent to 61 percent; out of those regions, nearly half of all new swimming pool construction activity could be found in the southwest and southeast regions where there were 2,985 and 1,882 new permits on record for the three-month period respectively.

Here is a closer look at the total permits and leading counties for new pool construction throughout the Sunshine State from January through March of this year:

Southwest Florida

Total Permits thru Q1-2021: 2,985 permits

% Change in Permits (YTD – 2020 vs. 2021): +52 percent

Leading County for Total Permits: Lee County (928 permits)

Southeast Florida

Total Permits thru Q1-2021: 1,882 permits

% Change in Permits (YTD – 2020 vs. 2021): +61 percent

Leading County for Total Permits: Palm Beach County (734 permits)

West Florida

Total Permits thru Q1-2021: 1,786 permits

% Change in Permits (YTD – 2020 vs. 2021): +37 percent

Leading County for Total Permits: Pasco County (512 permits)

Central Florida

Total Permits thru Q1-2021: 1,462 permits

% Change in Permits (YTD – 2020 vs. 2021): +17 percent

Leading County for Total Permits: Orange County (537 permits)

Northeast Florida

Total Permits thru Q1-2021: 1,045 permits

% Change in Permits (YTD – 2020 vs. 2021): +47 percent

Leading County for Total Permits: St. Johns County (386 permits)

Northwest Florida

Total Permits thru Q1-2021: 880 permits

% Change in Permits (YTD – 2020 vs. 2021): +26 percent

Leading County for Total Permits: Santa Rosa County (171 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.

HBW Report: Florida Residential Construction Q1-2021

Posted on May 7, 2021 by Erika Carruth

A review of permit data for new home construction in Florida from January through March 2021

Florida’s residential construction market is off to a very strong start in the first quarter of this year. From January through March, there have been approximately 31,150 housing starts recorded by HBW, reflecting a 30 percent increase in comparison to the same time last year. Across all regions reviewed, there have been significant spikes in the new home construction ranging from 12 percent to more than 48 percent. Out of the six regions reviewed (Northeast, Northwest, Central, Southwest, Southeast, West), the greatest volume new home construction could be found in West Florida (7,268 permits), while the greatest year-over-year growth is evident in the northeast where there was more than a 48 percent increase in new permits in comparison to the same time last year.

Here is a breakdown of the total permits, leading counties and year-over-year growth in each of the six Florida regions listed in the latest HBW Building Activity Trend Report for new residential construction in the Sunshine State:

West

As previously noted, the western region of Florida held the highest volume of housing starts in the first quarter of this year; the region experienced a 28 percent increase in new home construction in comparison to the same time last year, resulting in 7,268 new permits on record with HBW. Out of the seven counties reviewed in the area, the greatest amount of new home construction activity could be found in Polk County and Pasco County where there were 2,630 and 2,302 permits respectively for the three-month period.

Southwest

In the first quarter of this year, there have been 6,522 housing starts in the southwestern region of Florida, reflecting a 35 percent increase in new home construction in comparison to the same time last year. Out of the five counties that make up the area, the greatest concentration of new home construction activity could be found in Lee County where there was a 35 percent year-over-year increase in housing starts resulting in approximately 2,130 new permits on record.

Northeast

As previously noted, new home construction is on the rise in the northeastern region of Florida; since the start of this year (thru March), there have been 5,753 housing starts recorded for the area which is indicative of more than a 48 percent year-over-year increase in new home construction activity. Out of the eight counties that make up the region, more than half of all new permits originated from St. Johns (1,587 permits) and Duval (1,403 permits).

Central

In Q1-2021, there have been 4,530 housing starts in the Central Florida region, reflecting a 26 percent year-over-year increase in new home construction. Out of the six counties that make up Central Florida, more than half of all new permits originated from the two counties of Orange and Volusia where there were 1,284 and 1,209 new permits respectively for the three-month period.

Northwest

From January through March of this year there have been 3,772 housing starts recorded for the northwestern region of Florida, reflecting a 12 percent increase in new home construction in comparison to the same time last year. The regional report for the northwest included 16 Florida counties, in addition to two counties along the Alabama border; out of the 18 counties reviewed, the highest concentration of new home construction could be found in Baldwin, AL and Bay, FL where there were 908 and 597 housing starts respectively.

Southeast

Since the start of this year (thru March) there have been more than 3,300 housing starts in the southeastern region of Florida, reflecting a 26 percent year-over-year increase in new home construction. Out of the seven counties that make up the region, St. Lucie County and Palm Beach County carried the greatest volume of new home construction having 1,376 and 929 new permits on record with HBW respectively.

Texas Swimming Pool Construction Review: Q1-2021

Posted on May 5, 2021 by Erika Carruth

A review of permit data for new swimming pool construction in Texas from January through March 2021

Since the start of this year, new swimming pool construction has been on the rise in most of the major metro regions of Texas. In the first quarter of 2021, there have been 3,270 new swimming pool construction permits recorded in the HBW database from the combined areas of Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio; this reflects a 59 percent increase in new pool construction in comparison to the same time last year.

Nearly all areas reviewed (with the exception of San Antonio) have demonstrated impressive increases in new pool construction activity, with year-over-year increases ranging from 18 percent (Austin) to 75 percent (Houston).

Here is a closer look at the total permits and leading counties for new swimming pool construction in Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio during Q1-2021:

Dallas

In the first quarter of this year, Dallas ranked #1 for new swimming pool construction, having experienced a 73 percent year-over-year increase in pool construction, resulting in 1,646 new permits on record with HBW for the three-month period. Out of the six counties reviewed in the Dallas area, the greatest concentration of new pool construction activity could be found in Collin County where there were more than 545 pool starts that resulted from a 100+ percent year-over-year increase in new swimming pool construction.

Houston

The Houston area demonstrated the greatest year-over-year increase in new swimming pool construction (+75%) which resulted in nearly 1,115 new permits on record with HBW in Q1-2021. Out of the five counties reviewed in the Houston area, the greatest volume of new swimming pool construction could be found in Harris County where there was a 63 percent year-over-year increase resulting in approximately 670 new swimming pool construction permits on record for the three-month period.

Austin

In the first quarter of this year, new swimming pool construction in the Austin area was ahead of last year’s figures by 18 percent, resulting in more than 350 new pool permits on record with HBW. Out of the four counties reviewed, well more than half of all pool starts took place in Travis County where there were 215 new permits on record for the three-month period.

San Antonio

As previously noted, San Antonio was the only metro area that appears to be off to a slow start so far this year. From January through March there have been approximately 160 new swimming pool construction permits that have originated from San Antonio, reflecting a 12 percent decline in comparison to the same time last year. Out of the three counties reviewed, just over half of all new pool construction activity took place in Bexar County where there were 83 new swimming pool construction permits in the first quarter of this year.

Texas New Home Construction Quarterly Report

Posted on April 30, 2021 by Erika Carruth

A review of permit data for residential construction in Texas during Q1-2021

Based on HBW’s latest Building Activity Trend Report for new residential construction in Texas during the first quarter of this year, the Lone Star State experienced a 13 percent year-over-year increase in new home construction in Q1-2021. From the combined metro areas of Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin there were more than 24,270 housing starts added to the HBW database for Texas during the 3-month period. Out of the four areas reviewed, nearly all permits (79 percent) originated from Houston and Dallas, where there were 10,316 and 8,691 new permits respectively, and all regions (with the exception of San Antonio) have demonstrated year-over-year growth patterns ranging from 7 percent to as high as 21 percent.

Here is a closer look at the total permits, leading counties, and rate of growth for residential construction in Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio as based on the latest reports from HBW for Q1-2021:

Houston

Houston ranked #1 for volume of housing starts, having 10,316 new residential construction permits on record in the first quarter of this year; this reflects a 16 percent increase in new home construction in comparison to the same time last year. Out of the five counties that make up the Houston area, the bulk of all new permits originated from Harris (5,312 permits) and Montgomery (2,212 permits) where there were year-over-year increases in new home construction of 29 percent and 18 percent respectively.

Dallas

In the first quarter of this year, Dallas experienced the greatest year-over-year spike in new residential construction. With an impressive 21 percent increase in comparison to the same time last year, there were 8,691 new permits added to the HBW database for the Dallas area during Q1-2021. Out of the six counties that make up the Dallas area, Collin County was a standout as it carried the highest volume of new home construction (3,098 permits), exhibited a massive 90 percent year-over-year increase in new residential construction permit, and held more than half of all higher value (>$500k) housing starts for the Dallas area.

Austin

In Austin, there were 3,728 housing starts during the first quarter of this year, reflecting a 7 percent increase in new residential construction in comparison to the same time last year. Out of the four counties reviewed, nearly all new construction took place in Travis and Williamson where there were 1,781 and 1,603 new permits on record for the first quarter of this year respectively.

San Antonio

During the first quarter of this year, there were 1,536 new residential construction permits added to the HBW database for the San Antonio area, reflecting an 18 percent decrease in new home construction in comparison to Q1-2020. That being stated, not all counties in the San Antonio area are exhibiting a downward pattern. In fact, nearly half of all new home construction took place in Comal County where there has been a major 42 percent year-over-year increase in housing starts resulting in 713 new permits for the three-month period.

Florida Swimming Pool Construction Review – March 2021

Posted on April 28, 2021 by Erika Carruth

A report on the latest permit data for new swimming pool construction in the Sunshine State during the month of March 2021

Based on the latest HBW construction data reports, there were approximately 3,155 new swimming pool construction permits added to the HBW database for Florida last month. Out of the five Florida regions reviewed (Southwest, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Southeast), the greatest volume of new pool construction took place in the southwestern region of the state (1,008 permits), while the highest average value of construction could be found in Orlando (average value: $63,579).

Here is a closer look at the total permits, average value of construction, leading counties and contractors in each of the five regions of Florida during the month of March 2021:

Southwest

Total Permits: 1,008

Average Value of Construction: $45,227

Top Counties for Total Permits: Lee County (355 permits); Collier (194 permits)

Out of the 155 pool contractors with new construction activity on record in Southwest Florida last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total No
1-Aragon Pools & Spas	155
2-Pinnacle USA	96
3-Coast to Coast Pools	72

Southeast

Total Permits: 680

Average Value of Construction: $43,499

Top Counties for Total Permits: Palm Beach (245 permits); Miami-Dade (184 permits)

Out of the 190+ pool contractors with new permits on record in Southeast Florida last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-A&G Concrete Pools	30
2-Fountain Blue Pool Svc	28
3-Champion Pools & Spas	24

Tampa

Total Permits: 592

Average Value of Construction: $56,515

Top Counties for Total Permits: Pasco (207 permits); Polk (121 permits)

Out of the approximately 140 pool builders with new construction on record in the Tampa area last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Gulfstream Pools & Spas	25
2-Challenger Pools	24
3-Griffin Pools	24

Orlando

Total Permits: 543

Average Value of Construction: $63,579

Top Counties for Total Permits: Orange (178 permits); Volusia (152 permits)

Out of the more than 120 pool builders with new construction on record with HBW in the Orlando area last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Dreamscapes Pools & Spas	33
2-American Pools & Spas	28
3-Holland Pools	27

Jacksonville

Total Permits: 331

Average Value of Construction: $56,096

Top Counties for Total Permits: St. Johns (119 permits); Duval (81 permits)

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

Builder	Total Permits
1-Pools by John Clarkson	25
2-Waldhauer & Son	22
3-Waterside Pools	13

HBW Report: Florida Residential Construction – March 2021

Posted on April 23, 2021 by Erika Carruth

A review of permit data on record with HBW for new home construction in Florida during the month of March 2021

Last month, there were approximately 9,045 housing starts with a total construction value of $2.4+ billion in the Sunshine State, reflecting a 17 percent month-over-month increase in new home construction.

Out of the five regions reviewed (Tampa, Southwest, Orlando, Southeast, Jacksonville), the greatest volume of new home construction could be found in Tampa (2,519 permits), while the highest average value of construction took place in Orlando (average value: $319,864).

When it comes to home builders, two giants in the industry continued to dominate the market, landing on the top five list in all regions reviewed; those builders were D.R. Horton and Lennar Homes which had 1,287 and 908 housing starts on record for the one-month period respectively.

Here is an overview of permit data by Florida region for new home construction during the month of March 2021:

Tampa

Tampa carried just about 28 percent of all new home construction activity statewide; last month, the area experienced a 17 percent month-over-month increase in new residential construction resulting in 2,519 new permits with a total construction value of nearly $669 million. The average value of new home construction was $265,516, and the majority of housing starts originated from the counties of Polk (1,054 permits) and Pasco (909 permits).

Out of nearly 250 home builders with housing starts on record with HBW in the Tampa area last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-D.R. Horton	313
2-Lennar Homes	243
3-Pulte Homes	222

Southwest

In the southwestern region of Florida there were 2,267 housing starts with a total construction value in excess of $571.3 million last month. The average value of new home construction was $252,009, and the county with the highest concentration of housing starts was Lee County (816 permits).

Out of the nearly 365 home builders with new construction activity on record last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-D.R. Horton	293
2-Lennar Homes	282
3-Pulte Homes	206

Orlando

Last month, there were 1,584 housing starts with a total construction value of nearly $507 million in the Orlando area. As previously noted, the average value of new home construction was highest in Orlando (average value: $319,864) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and more than half of all new construction activity took place in Volusia County (495 permits) and Orange County (385 permits).

Out of the more than 200 home builders with new construction activity on record in the Orlando area last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-D.R. Horton	292
2-Minto Builders	101
3-Lennar Homes	88

Southeast

In the southeast, there were 1,083 housing starts with a total construction value in excess of $305 million last month. The average value of new home construction landed mid-range (average value: $281,640) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and nearly half of all new permits originated from St. Lucie County (518 permits).

Out of the 185+ contractors with new permits on record in the southeastern region of Florida last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Pulte Homes	109
2-D.R. Horton	108
3-GL Building Corp	91

Jacksonville

Last month, there were 1,590 housing starts with a total construction value of approximately $387.1 million in the Jacksonville area. The average value of new home construction was lowest in Jacksonville (average value: $243,460) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and the bulk of all new residential construction permits originated from the counties of St. Johns (557 permits) and Duval (414 permits).

Out of the 165 contractors with housing starts on record in the Jacksonville area last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-D.R. Horton	281
2-Lennar Homes	227
3-Dream Finders Construction	122

Texas Swimming Pool Construction Review – March 2021

Posted on April 21, 2021 by Erika Carruth

A report on permit data for new swimming pool construction in Texas during the month of March 2021

Last month, there were more than 1,135 new swimming pool construction permits with a total value of approximately $59 million added to the HBW database for Texas. The permits on record were pulled from within the four major metro areas of Texas (Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio).

Out of the four areas reviewed, the greatest concentration of new pool construction activity took place in Dallas where there were 557 pool starts for the one-month period, and the highest average value of new pool construction could be found in Austin (average value: $67,805).

Here is a closer look at the total new permits, construction values, leading counties and contractors for new swimming pool construction in each of the four metro areas of Texas last month:

Dallas

As previously noted, Dallas carried the greatest concentration of new swimming pool construction in comparison to other Texas metro areas last month, having 557 new permits with a total construction value of nearly $24.5 million on record with HBW. The average value of new pool construction was $43,915, and the majority of all new permits originated from the two counties of Collin and Denton where there were 181 permits and 161 permits respectively.

Out of the 200+ contractors with new swimming pool construction activity in the Dallas area last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Gold Medal Pools	33
2-Hobert Pools	25
3-Riverbend Pools	25

Houston

In Houston, there were 425 new swimming pool permits with a total construction value in excess of $26 million added to the HBW database last month. The average value of construction in the Houston area (average value: $61,474) landed on the higher end of the spectrum in comparison to other areas reviewed, and more than half of all new permits originated from Harris County (251 permits).

Out of the 185 contractors with new swimming pool construction activity on record in the Houston area last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Anthony & Sylvan Pools	33
2-Platinum Pools	22
3-Premier Pools	21

Austin

Last month, there were 100 new swimming pool permits with a total construction value of nearly $6.8 million in the Austin area. The average value of construction was highest in Austin (average value: $67,805) in comparison to other Texas areas reviewed, and more than half of all new construction activity took place in Travis County where there were 63 new permits for the one-month period.

Out of the nearly 50 contractors with new swimming pool construction activity in the Austin area last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Cody Pools	12
2-Premier Pools & Spas of Austin	8
3-Denali Pools	6

San Antonio

In San Antonio, there were approximately 55 new swimming pool construction permits with a total value of nearly $1.7 million added to the HBW database last month. The average value of new pool construction was lowest in the San Antonio area (average value: $30,496) in comparison to other Texas areas reviewed, and nearly half of all new permits originated from Bexar County (26 permits).

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

Builder	Total Permits
1-Keith Zars Pools	10
2-Blue Haven Pools	5
3-Gary Pools	4

Texas Top Home Builders – March 2021

Posted on April 16, 2021 by Erika Carruth

A review of the leading home builders for new residential construction in Texas during the month of March 2021

Earlier this week, we reviewed new residential construction permits in Texas to identify where the highest concentration of new home construction activity was taking place last month, as well as the average value of construction. As a result, we found more than 8,550 housing starts with a total construction value of approximately $2.1B.

When diving deeper into the permit data provided by HBW reports, we are able to take a closer look at the contractors driving the 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 2021.

As per usual, D.R. Horton remains a leader in the market; with a combined total of approximately 1,020 permits from the four major metro areas reviewed, D.R. Horton continues to hold the top spot month after 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 nearly 360 contractors with new residential construction activity on record with HBW last month, and the following ranked as the top three for total new permits for the one-month period:

#1 – D.R. Horton (399 permits)

#2 – Lennar Homes (290 permits)

#3 – Perry Homes (179 permits)

Dallas

Last month, there were approximately 260 contractors with new residential construction activity in the Dallas area, and the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

#1 – D.R. Horton (453 permits)

#2 – Lennar Homes (267 permits)

#3 – Trophy Signature Homes (197 permits)

Austin

In Austin, there were nearly 100 contractors with new residential construction activity on record with HBW last month, and the following ranked as the top three for total new permits for the one-month period:

#1 – D.R. Horton (162 permits)

#2 – Lennar Homes (159 permits)

#3 – Pulte Homes (105 permits)

San Antonio

Last month, there were just over 100 contractors with new residential construction activity in the San Antonio area, and the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

#1 – Gehan Homes (40 permits)

#2 – Lennar Homes (39 permits)

#3 – KB Homes (38 permits)

Texas Residential Construction Review – March 2021

Posted on April 14, 2021 by Erika Carruth

A review of the latest permit data for new home construction in Texas during the month of March 2021

Last month, there were more than 8,550 housing starts with a total construction value of approximately $2.1B in the Lone Star State. Out of the four major metropolitan areas reviewed (Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio), the greatest concentration of new residential construction took place in the Houston area (3,451 permits), while the highest average value of new home construction could be found in Dallas (average value: $286,817).

Here is a closer look at the total permits, leading counties and average value of new home construction by region in Texas during the month of March 2021:

Houston

As previously mentioned, Houston carried the greatest volume of new residential construction last month, having more than 3,450 housing starts with a total construction value in excess of $674 million. The average value of new home construction was lowest in Houston (average value: $195,344) in comparison to other Texas areas reviewed, and just about half of all new construction activity took place in Harris County (1,704 permits).

Dallas

Dallas ranked #2 for new home construction as there were approximately 3,265 housing starts with a total construction value of nearly $936.2 million last month. The average value of new home construction was highest in the Dallas area (average value: $286,817) in comparison to other Texas areas reviewed, and the majority of all new permits originated from the two counties of Collin (1,306 permits) and Tarrant (799 permits).

Austin

Last month, there were more than 1,280 housing starts with a total construction value of nearly $325 million recorded for the Austin area. The average value of new home construction was $253,363, and more than half of all new permits originated from Travis County where there were 654 housing starts for the one-month period.

San Antonio

In San Antonio, there were more than 555 housing starts with a total construction value of nearly $147 million last month. The average value of new home construction was $263,611, and the bulk of all new permits originated from Comal County where there were 300 housing starts on record with HBW for the one-month period.

Atlanta Swimming Pool Construction Quarterly Review Q1-2021

Posted on April 9, 2021 by Erika Carruth

A review of the construction data for new swimming pool permits in the Metro Atlanta area during the first quarter of 2021

New swimming pool construction in the Metro Atlanta area has been off to a strong start in the first quarter of this year. From January through March 2021, there were more than 1,140 new swimming pool construction permits on record with HBW for the Atlanta area, reflecting a 106 percent increase 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 2020, Fulton County experienced a 23 percent year-over-year increase in new pool construction, and so far this year, the county is positioned for another year of growth. In the first quarter of 2021 there has been a major 151 percent increase in new pool construction in comparison to the same time last year, resulting in 246 new permits on record with HBW.

Cobb County

In the first quarter of this year there have been nearly 170 new swimming pool permits added to the HBW database for Cobb County; this reflects a 76 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 annual spikes in 2019 (+6%) and 2020 (+31%) are indicative of things to come, then Cobb County will continue its growth pattern in new pool construction.

Cherokee County

In Cherokee County, there have been 117 pool starts in the first quarter of this year, reflecting an 80 percent increase in new swimming pool construction in comparison to the same time last year. Since 2019, new pool construction has been on the rise in Cherokee, and with the strong start to 2021, it looks like it will continue to be a county to watch.

Gwinnett County

On par with Cherokee County, Gwinnett had 116 new swimming pool construction permits added to the HBW database in the first quarter of this year; this reflects a 104 percent increase in new pool construction in comparison to the same time last year. New pool construction had picked up in the Gwinnett County area last year, after a slow year in 2019. Based on this early data, Gwinnett may be on the cusp of an upward trajectory, opening opportunities for pool service providers and contractors.