Quick Tips for Digital Marketing Success in 2021

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Tips for improving your digital marketing efforts in 2021

Happy New Year! Everyone has been looking forward to a new year, and a change from 2020.  This sentiment runs from our personal lives to the many businesses that are looking for a boost from the challenges faced in the last year. 

In order to be successful in 2021, we must take a look back at the lessons learned and trends that have developed over the last year to improve our position for the next one, and with the pandemic, online activity for both work and play has surged to unprecedented levels.  In fact, online sales reached $39 billion in the U.S. in 2020, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 36 percent (source: DigitalCommerce360.com).  For this reason, we are reviewing some quick tips to amp up your digital marketing efforts:

  1. Get in with Google – Everyone (and I mean everyone) uses Google to find out about nearly everything, but did you know that it can be a powerful (and affordable) way to promote your business?  On average, there are approximately 3.5 billion Google searches per day (source: Internet Live Stats), making it one of the best ways to be in front of consumers who are seeking your services and related products.  To build your presence through Google, you will need to start with creating and verifying your Google Business profile; this profile will enable your company to be visible in Google Map results, as well as local searches.  Even better- it is free of charge and easy to set up.
  2. Maximize Your Website – This goes without saying, but every business needs a website, no matter how small or how much of your business is word-of-mouth.  In 2021, much of word-of-mouth marketing is online, and your website is the first go-to for any prospective customer; after all, once they know your name, they will most likely “Google” you to learn more about your services (and reputation).  For this reason, make sure your website is current, optimized for mobile viewing and that you have an SEO strategy in place.
  3. Start a Blog – Creating blog content is a vital part of SEO, as well as a great way to show what your business is doing now and highlight your expertise.  A blog is a valuable tool in promoting your business and gives you ample creative room to develop and share the voice of your brand.  From educational content to posts covering keywords and topics that your customers are searching, your blog can boost your image and ranking with search engines.
  4. Share Content – Don’t just publish great posts and blog stories – share them!  From business partners and employees to your own personal networks, share, share and share again.  Your blog stories, videos, photos and really all posts can be shared within other social platforms, in email newsletters, and downloadable resources to add to your growing list of leads.
  5. Mail it Out – There are two forms of mail that we are looking at here – direct mail and email.  And while we are focusing on digital marketing efforts in this post, we don’t want to diminish the power of direct mail; despite the dominant role that digital media plays in our world today, postcards, flyers and letters can still be effective ways to promote your business on the local level.  Additionally, with the help of QR codes and short links, direct mail can drive prospects to your digital content.  When it comes to contacting the many new HBW leads that are being generated for subscribers each month, both email and direct mail can be effective methods for making initial contact and diversifying your touchpoints.

While the above list isn’t exhaustive by any means, it provides a starting point to get you thinking about new ideas, reviewing current efforts and making additions and improvements to your marketing strategy.  By starting the year off with a fresh approach and strong content, you can position your business to effectively reach your target audience and make 2021 an unforgettable year for all the right reasons.

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.

Florida Top Pool Builders – November 2020

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A review of the leading pool contractors in Florida during the month of November 2020I

As reported last week, there were more than 2,900 new swimming pool construction permits with a total value of approximately $144 million added to the HBW database for Florida during the month of November.  Today, we are digging into the reports further to identify the leading contractors driving new pool construction figures in each of the five major regions of Florida last month.

Based on the latest HBW construction data reports, the pool builders with the greatest number of new swimming pool construction permits on record in Florida for the month of November are as follows:

Tampa

Out of the approximately 125 active contractors with new swimming pool construction 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-Olympus Pools 52  $    63,458.00
2-Challenger Pools 40  $    59,961.00
3-Gulfstream Pools & Spas 27  $    55,772.00
4-T&D Pool & Spa Construction 25  $    66,227.00
5-Riviera Pools of Tampa 22  $    56,585.00

Southwest

Last month, there were 165 contractors with new swimming pool construction on record with HBW in the southwestern region of Florida, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits for the one-month period:

Builder Total Permits  Average Value
1-Coast to Coast Pools 78  $        39,961.00
2-Pinnacle USA 68  $        38,206.00
3-Aragon Pools & Spas 53  $        33,774.00
4-Custom Pools by Design 29  $        53,221.00
5-Holiday Pools of West FL 27  $        41,875.00

Southeast

In the southeastern region of Florida, there were nearly 210 pool contractors with new construction activity on record with HBW last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder Total Permits  Average Value
1-A&G Concrete Pools 33  $    60,526.00
2-Swimming Pool Contractors 31  $    22,478.00
3-Fountain Blue Pool Service 20  $    47,929.00
4-Champion Pools & Spas 19  $    57,884.00
5-Craft Master Custom Pools 19  $    50,145.00

Orlando

Last month, there were more than 115 contractors with new swimming pool construction on record in the Orlando area, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder Total Permits  Average Value
1-American Pools & Spas 40  $    60,398.00
2-Dreamscapes Pools & Spas 39  $    45,385.00
3-Artesian Pools 26  $    44,708.00
4-Holland Pools 26  $    26,330.00
5-Atlas Pools of Central Florida 18  $    86,543.00

Jacksonville

In Jacksonville, there were 85 contractors with new pool construction 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  Average Value
1-Pools by John Clarkson 19  $    61,776.00
2-Tier 1 Pools and Spas 12  $    71,116.00
3-Crown Pools 12  $    68,099.00
4-Blue Haven Pools 12  $    59,457.00
5-Island Pools 11  $    58,874.00


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.

HBW Report: Florida Swimming Pool Construction – November 2020

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A review of construction data for new swimming pool construction in Florida during the month of November 2020

According to the latest construction data reports from HBW, there were more than 2,900 new swimming pool construction permits with a total value of approximately $144 million added to the HBW database for the month of November 2020.  The report factored in all new swimming pool construction permits from five major regions of the Sunshine State: Southwest, Tampa, Orlando, Southeast, Jacksonville.  Out of the regions reviewed, the southwest carried the greatest volume of new swimming pool construction (874 permits), while the Tampa area had the highest average value of new pool construction (average value: $57,517).

Here is a closer look at the total new permits, construction values and counties with the greatest concentration of new swimming pool construction for the month of November 2020:

Southwest

In the southwest, there were 874 pool starts with a total construction value of $40.2 million last month.  The average value of new swimming pool construction was $46,045, and the county with the greatest concentration of new pool construction permits was Lee County with 334 permits for the one-month period.

Southeast

Ranked #2 for new pool construction in Florida, the southeastern region had more than 640 pool starts with a total construction value of approximately $29.4 million during the month of November.  The average value of new pool construction was lowest in the southeast (average value: $45,862) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and the county with the highest concentration of pool starts for the one-month period was Palm Beach (277 permits).

Tampa

In Tampa, there were approximately 580 pool starts with a total construction value in excess of $33.3 million last month.  The average value of new pool construction was highest in the Tampa area (average value: $57,517) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and more than half of all new permits originated from the counties of Hillsborough (239 permits) and Pasco (149 permits).

Orlando

Last month, there were approximately 525 pool starts with a total construction value of nearly $25.3 million in the Orlando area.  The average value of new pool construction was $48,200, and the county with the highest concentration of new swimming pool construction activity was Orange County with nearly 210 new permits for the one-month period.

Jacksonville

In Jacksonville, there were more than 285 pool starts with a total construction value of approximately $15.9 million last month.  The average value of new pool construction landed on the higher end of the spectrum in Jacksonville (average value: $55,401) in comparison to other Florida regions, and the bulk of all new permits originated from the two counties of St. Johns (110 permits) and Duval (102 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 Top Home Builders – November 2020

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A review of leading residential construction contractors in Florida based on new permits on record for the month of November

In our most recent post, “HBW Report: Florida Residential Construction Review – November 2020”, we reviewed the latest data pulled from new residential construction permits on record with HBW for the month of November; as previously reported, there were nearly 7,900 housing starts with a total construction value in excess of $2.1 billion in Florida last month.  This week, we are taking a closer look at the HBW construction data reports to identify leading home builders based on total housing starts on record for the month of November.

From the five major regions reviewed (Tampa, Southwest, Orlando, Southeast, Jacksonville), two companies continue to lead new residential construction activity throughout the state – D.R. Horton and Lennar Homes.  With more than 1,325 housing starts on record last month, D.R. Horton ranked #1 in four out of five regions, while Lennar Homes ranked #2 (statewide) with approximately 850 housing starts for the one-month period.

Here is a closer look at the leading home builders by Florida region during the month of November 2020:

Tampa

In the Tampa area, there were approximately 230 builders with new residential construction permits on record with HBW last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder Total Permits
1-D.R. Horton 339
2-Lennar Homes 246
3-The Villages of Lake Sumter 152
4-Pulte Homes 134
5-Highland Homes 85

Southwest

In the southwestern region of Florida, there were 280 active 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
1-D.R. Horton 346
2-Lennar Homes 221
3-Pulte/Centex Homes 103
4-Taylor Morrison 92
5-Neal Communities of SW FL 88

Southeast

Last month, there were approximately 150 contractors with new residential construction activity on record with HBW in the southeastern region of Florida, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits for the one-month period:

Builder Total Permits
1-GL Building Corp 95
2-Lennar Homes 77
3-Pulte Homes 59
4-Kolter Signature Homes 57
5-D.R. Horton 52

Orlando

In Orlando, there were nearly 200 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
1-D.R. Horton 339
2-Taylor Morrison 87
3-Meritage Homes 79
4-CalAtlantic Homes 77
5-Lennar Homes 73

Jacksonville

Out of the 115 contractors with new residential construction permits on record with HBW in Jacksonville last month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder Total Permits
1-D.R. Horton 251
2-Lennar Homes 232
3-Dream Finders Construction 111
4-KB Homes 77
5-Mattamy Homes 62


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 Review – November 2020

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A report on the latest permit data for new residential construction in Florida during the month of November 2020

Last month, there were nearly 7,900 housing starts with a total construction value in excess of $2.1 billion in the Sunshine State, reflecting an 8 percent month-over-month increase in new home construction.  Based on the latest HBW construction data reports for the five major regions of Florida (Tampa, Southwest, Orlando, Jacksonville, Southeast), the greatest volume of housing starts could be found in Tampa (2,122 permits), while the highest average value of new home construction could be found in the southeastern region (average value: $302,225).

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

Tampa

In Tampa, there were 2,122 housing starts with a total construction value of nearly $559 million last month.  The average value of new home construction in the Tampa area landed mid-range (average value: $263,287) in relation to other regions reviewed, and approximately 65 percent of all new permits originated from the two counties of Polk (792 permits) and Pasco (574 permits).

Southwest

Last month, there were approximately 1,840 housing starts with a total construction value in excess of $507.2 million in the southwestern region of Florida.  The average value of new home construction was $275,969, and more than half of all new permits originated from the counties of Lee (675 permits) and Manatee (352 permits).

Orlando

In Central Florida (Orlando), there were 1,686 housing starts with a total construction value in excess of $500 million last month.  The average value of new home construction landed on the higher end of the spectrum in the Orlando area (average value: $296,647) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and just about half of all new construction activity took place in the counties of Orange (414 permits) and Lake (404 permits).

Jacksonville

In the Jacksonville area there were more than 1,325 housing starts with a total construction value of nearly $300 million on record with HBW for the month of November.  The average value of new home construction was lowest in Jacksonville (average value: $225,552) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and the majority of all new permits originated from the counties of St. Johns (513 permits) and Duval (396 permits).

Southeast

Last month, there were 916 housing starts with a total construction value of nearly $277 million in the southeastern region of Florida.  As previously noted, the average value of new home construction was highest in the southeast (average value: $302,225) in comparison to other regions reviewed, and just about 71 percent of all new construction activity took place in the counties of St. Lucie (373 permits) and Palm Beach (280 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 Top Home Builders – November 2020

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A review of the leading home builders in Texas during the month of November 2020

In a previous post last week, we reviewed the latest permit data for new residential construction in Texas and learned that there were 7,700+ housing starts with a total construction value of nearly $1.9 billion during the month of November.

This week, we are looking closely at each of the major metropolitan regions reviewed (Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio) to identify leading contractors who carried the highest volume of starts within each area.  Based on the latest construction data reports from HBW, the contractors with the greatest total amount of new residential construction permits on record for the month November 2020 are as follows:

Houston

Last month, there were approximately 335 contractors with new residential construction activity on record in the Houston area, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder Total Permits
1-Lennar Homes 299
2-D.R. Horton 223
3-Perry Homes 221
4-K Hovnanian Homes 154
5-KB Homes 141

Dallas

Out of the 225 home builders with new residential construction activity in the Dallas area last month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits on record with HBW for the one-month period:

Builder Total Permits
1-D.R. Horton 251
2-Highland Homes 150
3-Lennar Homes 147
4-Bloomfield Homes 128
5-LGI Homes 112

Austin

In Austin, there were approximately 80 contractors with housing starts on record last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits on record for the one-month period:

Builder Total Permits
1-D.R. Horton 185
2-Lennar Homes 135
3-KB Homes 86
4-Milestone Community Builders 53
5-Pulte Homes 52

San Antonio

Last month, there were more than 90 home builders with new residential construction activity on record in the San Antonio last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder Total Permits
1-Lennar Homes 90
2-Continental Homes of Texas 46
3-M/I Homes 45
4-Meritage Homes 31
5-KB Homes 30


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 Report – November 2020

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A review of the latest permit data available for new residential construction in Texas during the month of November 2020

Based on HBW’s construction data reports, last month there were more than 7,700 housing starts with a total construction value of nearly $1.9 billion from the combined metropolitan areas of Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio; this reflects a 5 percent month-over-month increase in new home construction in the Lone Star State.

Out of the four areas reviewed, Houston carried the greatest volume of housing starts (3,254 permits), while the highest average value of new home construction has and continues to remain in the Dallas area (average value: $282,358).

Here is a breakdown of the permit data for new residential construction by Texas area during the month of November 2020:

Houston

As previously noted, Houston carried the highest amount of housing starts last month, having 3,254 new permits with a total construction value of $685.4 million on record with HBW.  The average value of new home construction was lowest in Houston (average value: $210,638) in comparison to other Texas areas reviewed, and just over half of all new permits originated from Harris County (1,680 permits).

Dallas

In Dallas, there were nearly 2,790 housing starts with a total construction value in excess of $787.2 million last month.  The average value of new home construction was highest in Dallas (average value: $282,358) in comparison to other metro areas reviewed, and the counties with the greatest amount of new residential construction activity for the one-month period were Collin County (944 permits) and Tarrant County (764 permits).

Austin

Last month, there were more than 1,065 housing starts with a total construction value of approximately $273.8 million in the Austin area.  The average value of new home construction landed mid-range in Austin (average value: $256,834) compared to other areas reviewed, and the bulk of new residential construction permits originated from Travis County (609 permits).

San Antonio

In San Antonio, there were nearly 600 housing starts with a total construction value of $147.5 million last month.  The average value of new home construction was $247,919, and nearly all new residential construction permits on record for the area originated from the County of Bexar (482 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 – November 2020

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A review of the latest construction data on record with HBW for new swimming pool construction in Texas during the month of November 2020

Based on the latest construction data reports, there were 1,146 new swimming pool construction permits with a total value of approximately $54.4 million in Texas last month, reflecting a 27 percent month-over-month increase in new pool construction.  Out of the four major metropolitan areas reviewed (Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio), the greatest volume of new pool construction activity took place in Dallas (617 permits), while the highest average value of construction could be found in Austin (average value: $63,383).

Here is a closer look at the total permits, construction values and leading contractors for new swimming pool construction throughout Texas during the month of November 2020:

Dallas

As previously noted, Dallas carried the highest volume of pool starts (617 permits, total value: $25.5M) last month in comparison to other Texas areas reviewed.  The average value of new pool construction landed on the lower end of the spectrum (average value: $41,413), and more than half of all new permits originated from the two counties of Collin (206 permits) and Denton (167 permits).

Out of the more than 200 contractors with new swimming pool construction activity on record last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder Total Permits
1-Gold Medal Pools 39
2-Riverbend Pools 28
3-Hobert Pools 20

Houston

In Houston, there were 295 pool starts with a total construction value of $17.2 million last month.  The average value of new pool construction was $58,303, and the majority of all new permits originated from Harris County (187 permits).

Out of the more than 130 pool contractors with new construction activity on record with HBW last month, the following ranked as the top three for total starts:

Builder Total Permits
1-Anthony & Sylvan Pools 21
2-Platinum Pools 17
3-McKinney Custom Pools 12

Austin

Last month, there were approximately 135 new swimming pool construction permits with a total value of $8.4 million added to the HBW database for the Austin area.  The average value of new pool construction was highest in Austin (average value: $63,383) in comparison to other Texas areas reviewed, and more than half of all new permits originated from the County of Travis (86 permits).

Out of nearly 65 contractors with new swimming pool construction activity on record for Austin last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder Total Permits
1-Anthony & Sylvan Pools 14
2-Denali Pools 13
3-Cody Pools 12

San Antonio

In the San Antonio area, there were just over 100 pool starts with a total construction value of nearly $3.2 million last month.  The average value of new swimming pool construction was lowest in San Antonio (average value: $31, 447) in comparison to the other Texas metropolitan areas reviewed, and the majority of all new construction took place in Bexar County (79 permits).

Out of the approximately 35 pool builders with new construction activity on record in the San Antonio area last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits for the one-month period:

Builder Total Permits
1-Keith Zars Pools 17
2-Cody Pools 14
3-Gary Pools 7


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.

Using TikTok to Expand Your Marketing Strategy

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Tips for entering the world of TikTok and building brand awareness within the fast-growing social media platform

When most of us think of TikTok, we envision short videos that run the spectrum from the mundane to the completely insane; for the most part, the social media platform is viewed as being geared to the younger generation (Gen Z), with kids looking to be “TikTok famous” and seeing how many followers they can gain from shock value – But that view is a bit outdated and askew from the true picture.  You see, no matter how relevant or completely useless the video content may seem, chances are that you are being entertained, and don’t think that top brands haven’t noticed it too. 

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, TikTok app downloads have increased and influencers from other platforms (Instagram) have been shifting and establishing their place within the TikTok universe.  According to recent reports, the demographic for TikTok has evolved with an increased number of millennials flocking to the platform, and while that alone is not reason enough to become a “TikToker”, the impressive stats are difficult to deny:

  • TikTok is now available in 154 countries and growing.
  • To date, TikTok has approximately 800 million active users worldwide.
  • Videos created on TikTok earn 17 billion average views on a monthly basis.
  • TikTok users spend nearly 500 minutes per month on the app

So, how can your business begin to get its feet wet in the world of TikTok?  Here are few quick tips to get you started:

  1. Find Your Hashtags – Just like many other social media platforms (especially Instagram), hashtags are the key to visibility within TikTok.  You can use hashtags to find what your competitors are doing, connect with prospects by commenting on their videos and sparking conversations, and finding popular hashtags to use when promoting your own original content.
  2. Follow the Trends – If there were ever a platform that is trend-centric, it is TikTok.  Just think of the viral Ocean Spray cranberry juice video – a guy, a skateboard and a musical throwback to a Fleetwood Mac classic  (“Dreams”) that is recognizable by nearly every generation.  Once that video went viral, many more videos were inspired and created by playing off of the same music and concept, sparking the #DreamsChallenge.  Believe it or not, many those copycat versions of the video went viral as well, not to mention that the “cranberry juice guy” now has approximately 6.1 million followers (as of 12/04/20), gaining a mega audience since launching the video – seriously.
  3. Get Creative – While following trends and piggybacking off of other viral content can be useful, the core of your TikTok content should be authentic to you and your brand.  From featuring new team members to launching new services, you have 60 seconds (or less) to make an impact. For this reason, you should have a strategy for the content you will be creating and a schedule for when you will be sharing it.  Be sure to develop a key message for each video, provide a consistent tone, and avoid direct self-promotion at all costs.
  4. Run an Ad Campaign – As with most social media platforms, ad placement plays an important role in who sees your content and when they see it.  Paid advertising can offer a high ROI, and although TikTok’s paid advertising is not as developed as some of the other platforms, it can be a good way to test the waters and boost brand awareness, while directing viewers to your website.

While working with a new social media platform can be intimidating, don’t let the initial hesitation stop you from expanding your marketing efforts.  Beyond connecting with users who are already active on TikTok, your videos can be easily shared with your contacts and posted on some of your existing social networks.  Additionally, fresh content can be a great way to open the door to new prospects and reengage some of your HBW leads that may need a little extra push in the right direction.  With the holiday season being in full force, and the new year just around the corner, now is the time to advance your social media marketing strategy to resonate with your target audience, and reach them within a platform where they are watching.

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.

Preparing Job Sites for a Shutdown

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Since the start of COVID-19 in the U.S., many uncertainties have been brought to the table, and to the job site.  From shifting safety measures to include social distancing and masks to moving office staff to remote capacities, business owners have been forced to adjust their operations very quickly, and constantly. 

Depending on the state where you reside, your construction business may be classified as “essential” and has not experienced major interruptions, or it may not be classified as such and has been subject to a series of shutdowns.  With the country being deep into a second wave of COVID-19, many business owners are bracing for another round of uncertainty as discussions of shutdowns begin to make their way back into the picture.

For this reason, it is vital that you and your team are prepared for the possibility of shutting down open job sites.  Whether your community undergoes another shelter-in-place order, or your client’s property is closed due to an outbreak, it is crucial that you have a plan to avoid unnecessary last-minute scrambling that can deeply impact your bottom-line and security.

Here are a few things to consider as you develop a strategy for potential construction site shutdowns:  

  1. Provide Security – From your employees to your clients, everyone is looking for a sense of security.  For your clients, they want to be sure that their time and money is being well spent and if and how the project timeline may be affected by a shutdown; as for your team, they will want to know how payroll may be impacted during a shutdown, as well as if they are guaranteed a position within your company upon reopening.  Through transparent communication with both clients and employees, you can get ahead of concerns that may cause clients to consider the competition or employees to look for employment opportunities elsewhere.
  2. Adjust Timelines – Now is the time to really take a close look at your open and pending projects.  If you have jobs with timelines that can be expedited and pushed to early completion, then by all means speed it up. The fewer projects that you have open if a shutdown is put into play, the better.
  3. Secure Job Sites – Depending on the number of construction sites you currently have open, you could potentially have a large amount of assets (materials, equipment) in a variety of locations.  And while securing equipment and materials on an active job site should already be part of your standard operating procedures, you may not have a plan for securing your assets on a closed job site where access may be limited or halted without ample and advanced warning. For this reason, it is important to have a plan for securing and/or storing materials, equipment and access to your projects should you need to put them on hold for an unexpected and extended period of time.

By taking the time now to be proactive and plan ahead for a potential job site closure, you will be better positioned to manage expectations for your clients and team members, as well as get back on the job site in full force once the shutdown is lifted.


For more information on construction industry trends and business 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.