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HBW Report: Texas Residential Construction – August 2020

Posted on September 9, 2020 by Erika Carruth

A review of permit data on record with HBW for new residential construction in Texas during the month of August 2020

Things are looking up in Texas when it comes to new home construction. Last month, the four major metro areas of the Lone Star State (Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio) had a combined total of 8,557 housing starts with a total construction value of approximately $2 billion – This is close to a 45 percent month-over-month increase and the highest volume of new permits for any given month since March of this year.

Out of the four major metropolitan areas reviewed, Houston maintained its lead for volume with 3,870 new residential construction permits on record for the month, while Dallas continued to hold the top position for highest average value of new home construction (average value: $280,191).

Here is a closer look at the total starts, average value of construction and leading counties by metro area for the month of August 2020:

Houston

In Houston, there were 3,870 housing starts with a total construction value of nearly $741 million last month. The average value of construction continued to be lowest in Houston (average value: $191,434) in comparison to other Texas metro regions reviewed, and just about 77 percent of all new construction in the area took place in the counties of Harris (1,992 permits) and Montgomery (974 permits).

Dallas

Last month, there were 2,695 housing starts with a total construction value in excess of $755 million in the Dallas area. As previously mentioned, the highest average value of new home construction has and continues to be in the Dallas area (average value: $280,191), and well more than half of all new permits originated from the counties of Tarrant (817 permits) and Collin (748 permits).

Austin

In the Austin area, there were approximately 1,295 housing starts with a total construction value of $315.5 million during the month of August. The average value of new home construction landed mid-range (average value: $243,824) in relation to other metro areas reviewed, and the county with the highest concentration of new residential construction activity was Travis with 734 new permits for the one-month period.

San Antonio

Last month, there were nearly 700 housing starts with a total construction value of approximately $170.8 million in the San Antonio area. The average value of new home construction was $244,645, and nearly all new residential construction permits originated from the County of Bexar (543 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.

Top Ranked Products for New Residential Construction

Posted on September 4, 2020 by Erika Carruth

A review of the top products used in new residential construction in 2019

In a recent article, the National Association of Home Builders provided an analysis of government data that identified approximately $94.93 billion worth of building products used for new single-family and multifamily construction in the United States last year. The source for the data and estimates was primarily the supply tables in the Input-Output Accounts generated by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).

In order to narrow down the data from over 400 industries and product categories, NAHB took it a step further by making several adjustments including those to account for changes in single-family and multifamily Residential Fixed Investment in BEA’s National Income and Product Accounts. The result – A list of ten product that were used most in new residential construction as based on dollar volume; those results are as follows:

As noted in the graph above, the leading products used in new residential construction last year were cement and concrete products ($11.71 billion used) and architectural and structural metals ($11.17 billion used). Both categories account for nearly 25 percent of all spending on materials used in new residential construction last year. While the first category is self-explanatory, the second category (architectural and structural metals) covers a broader spectrum of materials including metal windows/doors, sheet metal ductwork and rails/fencing.

Other materials that were widely used in new residential construction last year and top the list for spending in the U.S. are petroleum and coal products ($7.73 billion spent) which include asphalt roofing and paving materials, as well as any petroleum based fuels and lubricating products. Another material that topped the list for spending was plastic products ($6.95 billion) from plastic piping and plumbing fixtures to polystyrene foam insulation.

While the remaining products from the top ten can be found in the chart above and include the three main categories of wood products, details on all 50 products used as inputs into the residential construction products report for last year can be retrieved from the full article by NAHB here.

For the latest updates on construction industry news, business and marketing tips, stay connected with the HBW Blog. To gain access to the latest reports on construction permit data in Florida, Texas, Georgia, Alabama and Oklahoma, contact HBW.

Getting the Most Out of the Bidding Process

Posted on September 2, 2020 by Erika Carruth

The construction bidding process has always been competitive, but since COVID-19 altered our reality and way of doing business, it seems such processes have become even more challenging and competitive. Due to the increased competition and concerns in uncertain times, many contractors have been stepping outside of their comfort zone by going after more accounts to ensure a cushion of backlog.

And while aggressively pursuing new contracts is a positive action, sometimes the need to expand the client portfolio leads to bidding on jobs that may not be a match for the contractors’ direct services or teams’ skills and experience. For this reason, we are taking a moment for a refresher of sorts by looking at three key things to keep in mind when jumping into the bidding process of any potential project:

Know Your Subcontractors – Most contractors have existing and trusted relationships with a handful of reliable subcontractors. They know their work, and each party has developed an understanding for expectations regarding quality and timelines. That being stated, with the increased demand and uncertainty posed by the pandemic, now would be a good time to check in with subcontractors to make sure they are still operating at the same scale and production rate as pre-pandemic. Are they taking necessary safety precautions with their crews that align with your business practices? Are they double-booking or adding an excessive workload that will slow down job progress? Do they still have the same number of crews available? Basically, find out how they are doing and what has changed (if anything) to their business structure and operations in the last six months. If you are taking on a bid for a new type of project or expanded scope, make sure they have the capacity to meet it. Also, while it should be a given, double and triple check their calculations for their proposal, and eliminate any gaps that may be in the scope.
Be Realistic – With competition comes competitive pricing, and it is important that you remain realistic on your expenses and how much you can actually shave off of your price, timeline and deliverables. There are many cases when a job just seems too good to pass up, and often contractors will begin compromising their businesses by going as low as possible without staying within the spectrum of reality. The truth is that there are certain fixed expenses that you simply cannot change, and while a low figure may get you the job, making unrealistic promises will most likely lead to a job completed in the red and a potentially unhappy customer.
Don’t Rely on Technology – Yes, technology is great, but you simply cannot depend on it for all aspects of the bidding process. When using the right technology in the appropriate ways, we can save time and increase productivity. That being stated, using technology in lieu of actually visiting a job site is a major liability. While we have the availability to virtually meet our clients via Zoom and view properties with the assistance of satellite-based technologies, they cannot completely replicate the experience of a site visit. Beyond acquiring accurate measurements, a site visit is required to truly assess the condition of a roof, property or structure. Don’t leave it to the client to determine their own needs, send photos as a replacement for a visit or provide their own measurements for an interior or exterior project, no matter how big or small the job. To produce an accurate estimate and project scope, a job site visit must be scheduled early in the process.

While the above listed areas are just a small piece of the puzzle, they are essential to the bidding process. Sometimes it takes a little reminder to review our procedures, become reacquainted with our subcontractors’ practices and make sure that we are not letting some of the most obvious details fall through the cracks. By maintaining a realistic approach to bids, while providing comprehensive follow-through on the job site and with all parties involved in the project, we can be sure to offer a solid proposal even during the most unstable of times.

For more information on construction business 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.

HBW Report: Florida Swimming Pool Construction – July 2020

Posted on August 28, 2020 by Erika Carruth

A review of the latest permit data for new swimming pool construction in Florida during the month of July 2020

Last month, there were more than 2,200 pool starts in Florida. The five major regions reviewed include Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Southwest and Southeast Florida, and the average value of construction from the combined areas was $54,217 for the one-month period. Based on the new permits accumulated in the HBW database, the greatest volume of new swimming pool construction originated from Southwest Florida (621 permits), while the highest average value of construction could be found in Jacksonville (average value: $75,903).

Here is a closer look at total permits, average construction values, leading counties and top pool builders by Florida region during the month of July 2020:

Southwest

As previously noted, the southwest region of Florida held the highest volume of new swimming pool construction last month, having more than 620 new permits with a total construction value in excess of $34 million added to the HBW database. The average value of pool starts in the southwest landed mid-range (average value: $54,882) in comparison to other regions reviewed, and well more than half of all new construction activity took place in the counties of Lee (217 permits) and Sarasota (165 permits).

Out of the 140 pool builders with starts on record last month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
Coast to Coast Pools	73
Aragon Pools & Spas	41
Custom Pools by Design	27
Holiday Pools of West FL	22
Serenity Pool & Spa	22

Tampa

In Tampa, there were nearly 500 pool starts with a total construction value of $26.7 million during the month of July. The average value of new swimming pool construction was $53,690, and the county with the highest concentration of pool starts was Pasco County (154 permits).

Out of the more than 120 pool contractors with new construction activity on record, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
Olympus Pools	69
Holland Pools	26
Gulfstream Pools & Spas	24
Riviera Pools of Tampa	17
T&D Pool & Spa Construction	15

Southeast

Just behind Tampa, the southeastern region of Florida ranked #3 for new pool construction, having 485 pool starts with a construction value in excess of $19.7 million on record last month. The average value of new swimming pool construction was lowest in the southeast (average value: $40,652) in comparison to other regions reviewed, and the bulk of all new permits originated from the counties of Palm Beach (182 permits) and Miami-Dade (162 permits).

Out of approximately 165 pool builders with new construction in the area last month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
Swimming Pool Contractors	20
Calypso Pool Company	18
Craft Master Custom Pools	16
Crystal Pools	16
A&G Concrete Pools	15

Orlando

Last month, there were more than 400 pool starts with a total construction value of nearly $18.5 million in the Orlando area. The average value of construction in Orlando was $45,956 which was lower than the statewide average, and the county with the greatest concentration of new pool construction activity was Orange (177 permits).

Out of the 105 pool contractors with new construction activity on record with HBW for the one-month period, the following ranked as the top five for total permits:

Builder	Total Permits
American Pools & Spas	24
Artesian Pools	22
Intercoastal Pool & Spa Builders	20
Dreamscapes Pools & Spas	19
Bowles Pools & Spas	17

Jacksonville

Having just over 200 pool starts with a total construction value of $15.3 million, the Jacksonville area held the lowest level of new swimming pool construction activity in Florida last month. And while the total number of pool starts was low, the average value of construction was highest in Jacksonville (average value: $75,903) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and more than half of all new permitting activity originated from St. Johns County (107 permits).

Out of the 75 swimming pool contractors with new construction activity on record last month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
Pools & Spas of Central FL	11
Sunshine Pool Services of North FL	10
Blue Haven Pools	9
All Seasons	8
Pools by John Clarkson	8

Florida Top Home Builders – July 2020

Posted on August 26, 2020 by Erika Carruth

A review of the leading residential construction contractors in Florida based on new permits on record with HBW for the month of July 2020

As reported on the HBW blog last week, there were nearly 5,600 housing starts with a total construction value of approximately $1.5B in Florida during the month of July 2020. Across the state (Southwest, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Southeast), two major players in the market continued their lead for new residential construction – those home builders are D.R. Horton and Lennar Homes; for the one-month period, both mega builders had approximately 910 and 610 housing starts on record with HBW respectively, and D.R. Horton ranked #1 for volume of permits in four out of five regions reviewed.

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

Southwest

Last month, there were approximately 205 active home builders in the southwestern region of Florida with housing starts on record with HBW, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits	Total Value
Lennar Homes	180	$ 36,908,139.00
D.R. Horton	171	$ 38,736,696.00
Pulte Homes	112	$ 27,336,196.00
Taylor Morrison	83	$ 18,421,189.00
Neal Communities of SW FL	67	$ 15,160,954.00

Tampa

In Tampa, there were approximately 170 home builders with new construction activity on record last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits	Total Value
D.R. Horton	195	$ 42,989,468.00
Lennar Homes	135	$ 43,260,079.00
The Villages of Lake Sumter	90	$ 24,965,584.00
Highland Homes	77	$ 14,564,162.00
Pulte Homes	65	$ 15,348,420.00

Orlando

Nearly 160 home builders in the Orlando area had new residential construction activity on record last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits	Total Value
D.R. Horton	160	$ 43,729,745.00
Lennar Homes	112	$ 29,800,363.00
Minto Communities	70	$ 20,571,246.00
Meritage Homes	56	$ 18,702,896.00
Pulte Homes	45	$ 13,721,244.00

Jacksonville

Last month, there were nearly 130 contractors with new residential construction activity on record in the Jacksonville area, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits	Total Value
D.R. Horton	259	$ 29,327,305.00
Lennar Homes	134	$ 34,177,010.00
Dream Finders Home	112	$ 25,669,802.00
American Classic Homes	69	$ 8,985,000.00
David Weekley Homes	57	$ 15,335,900.00

Southeast

In the southeastern region of Florida there were just over 150 home builders with new residential construction activity on record with HBW last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits	Total Value
D.R. Horton	123	$ 28,589,388.00
G L Building Corp	90	$ 32,684,694.00
Lennar Homes	50	$ 8,258,852.00
Holiday Builders	46	$ 10,032,463.00
Kolter Signature Homes	30	$ 11,586,251.00

Florida Residential Construction Report – July 2020

Posted on August 21, 2020 by Erika Carruth

A review of the latest permit data on record with HBW for new home construction in Florida during the month of July 2020

In Florida, there were nearly 5,600 housing starts with a total construction value of approximately $1.5B during the month of July 2020. Out of the five major regions reviewed (Tampa, Southwest, Orlando, Jacksonville, Southeast), Tampa held the highest volume of new permitting activity (1,252 permits), while the highest average value of new home construction could be found in Orlando (average value: $314,922).

Here is a closer look at the total permits, average value of construction and leading counties for new home construction in Florida by region for the month of July 2020:

Tampa

As previously noted, Tampa took the lead last month for new home construction, having more than 1,250 housing starts with a total value in excess of $317 million. The average value of new home construction landed mid-range (average value: $253,294) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and the majority of new permits originated from the counties of Polk (503 permits) and Hillsborough (363 permits).

Orlando

Not far behind Tampa, the Orlando area had 1,235 housing starts with a total construction value of approximately $389 million during the month of July 2020. The average value of new home construction was highest in the Orlando area (average value: $314,922) in comparison to other regions reviewed, and just about half of all new home construction took place in the counties of Orange (399 permits) and Osceola (217 permits).

Southwest

Last month, there were 1,228 new residential construction permits with a total value of $302.5 million added to the HBW database for Southwest Florida. The average value of new home construction was $246,336, and the county with the highest concentration of new permitting activity was Lee County (428 permits).

Jacksonville

In Jacksonville, there were 1,127 housing starts with a total construction value of approximately $238 million last month. The average value of new home construction was lowest in Jacksonville (average value: $211,243) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and the bulk of all new residential construction activity took place in the counties of Duval (565 permits) and St. Johns (318 permits).

Southeast

Last month, there were more than 750 housing starts with a total construction value of nearly $228 million in the southeastern region of Florida. The average value of new home construction landed on the higher end of the spectrum (average value: $303,398) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and the county with the greatest concentration of new residential construction activity was St. Lucie County (297 permits).

Texas Swimming Pool Construction Review – July 2020

Posted on August 19, 2020 by Erika Carruth

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

Last month, there were more than 1,040 new swimming pool construction permits added to the HBW database for Texas, reflecting a 2 percent month-over-month increase in new pool construction. Out of the four major metropolitan areas reviewed (Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio),Dallas carried the greatest volume of pool starts (454 permits), while the highest average value of new pool construction could be found in Austin (average value: $65,571).

Here is a closer look at new swimming pool construction activity in Texas based on construction data on record with HBW for the month of July 2020:

Dallas

As previously noted, Dallas carried the highest volume of pool starts last month, having nearly 455 new permits with a total construction value of more than $19 million. The average value of new swimming pool construction landed on the lower end of the spectrum (average value: $41,921) in comparison to other Texas areas reviewed, and more than half of all new permits originated from the counties of Tarrant (161 permits) and Collin (101 permits).

Houston

Last month, there were approximately 390 pool starts with a total construction value of nearly $21.5 million in the Houston area. The average value of new pool construction was $55,185, and the greatest concentration of new swimming pool permits originated from Harris County (201 permits).

Austin

In the Austin area, there were approximately 125 pool starts with a total construction value in excess of $8.1 million last month. The average value of new swimming pool construction was highest in Austin (average value: $65,571) in comparison to other Texas areas reviewed, and the majority of all new permits originated from Travis County (97 permits).

San Antonio

Last month, there were 75 pool starts with a total construction value in excess of $2.6 million in San Antonio. The average value of new pool construction was lowest in San Antonio (average value: $35,306) in comparison to other areas reviewed, and the county with the greatest concentration of new swimming pool construction activity was Bexar (48 permits).

Texas Top Home Builders – July 2020

Posted on August 14, 2020 by Erika Carruth

A glance at the leading home builders in Texas based on the total number of new residential construction permits on record with HBW for the month of July 2020

Earlier this week, we reported on the latest permit data for new home construction in Texas and discovered approximately 5,925 new permits on record with HBW for the month of July. Today, we are taking a closer look at the figures for last month to reveal the contractors leading in the four major metropolitan areas of Texas (Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio).

Across nearly all regions, D.R. Horton led for highest volume of housing starts last month, carrying more than 1,150 new permits for the one-month period and landing in the #1 spot in Dallas, Houston and Austin. Following D.R. Horton, Lennar Homes carried the second-highest load of housing starts in July, having nearly 375 new permits on record with HBW.

Here is a closer look at the five leading contractors in each metro area based on the total number of new residential construction permits generated during the month of July 2020:

Dallas

In Dallas and surrounding areas, there were nearly 200 home builders with new construction activity on record last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
D.R. Horton	297
Lennar Homes	130
First Texas Homes	68
Meritage Homes	67
Bloomfield Homes	54

Houston

Last month, there were nearly 250 contractors with new residential construction permits on record with HBW for the Houston area, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
D.R. Horton	689
K Hovnanian Homes	193
Pulte Homes	127
Perry Homes	109
LGI Homes	94

Austin

Out of the more than 85 home builders with new construction activity on record in Austin last month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
D.R. Horton	143
Lennar Homes	96
KB Homes	57
Gehan Homes	56
Meritage Homes	51

San Antonio

Out of the 100 contractors with new permits on record in the San Antonio area for the month of July, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total No
Continental Homes of Texas	66
Lennar Homes	64
Bella Vista CMI	45
Meritage Homes	29
Fieldstone Communities SA	25

Texas Home Construction Review – July 2020

Posted on August 12, 2020 by Erika Carruth

A review of permit data for new residential construction in Texas during the month of July 2020

Last month, there were approximately 5,925 new residential construction permits with a total construction value in excess of $1.3 billion added to the HBW database; this total is reflective of a 13 percent month-over-month decrease in new home construction in the Lone Star State. Out of the four major metropolitan areas reviewed (Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio), the highest volume of housing starts could be found in Houston (2,661 permits), while the highest average value of new home construction took place in Dallas (average value: $265,174).

Here is a closer look at the total permits, average value of construction and leading counties by each Texas metro area during the month of July 2020:

Houston

As previously noted, there were more than 2,660 housing starts in the Houston area last month. The average value of new home construction was lowest in Houston (average value: $181,268) in comparison to other metro areas reviewed, and more than half of all new permits originated from Harris County (1,574 permits).

Dallas

Last month, Dallas ranked #2 for volume of housing starts, having nearly 1,660 new residential construction permits on record with HBW for the one-month period. The average value of new home construction was highest in Dallas (average value: $265,174) in comparison to other metro areas reviewed, and the bulk of new permits originated from the counties of Tarrant (622 permits) and Collin (346 permits).

Austin

In Austin, there were more than 1,010 housing starts during the month of July. The average value of new home construction landed on the higher end of the spectrum (average value: $251,863) in comparison to other Texas areas reviewed, and more than half of all new construction activity took place in Travis County (601 permits).

San Antonio

Last month, there were more than 590 housing starts in the San Antonio area. The average value of new home construction was $242,961, and nearly all new permits originated from the County of Bexar where there were more than 400 housing starts for the one-month period.

HBW Report – Florida Swimming Pool Construction Q2-2020

Posted on August 7, 2020 by Erika Carruth

A look at the latest permit data for new swimming pool construction in Florida from January through June 2020

Over the last five years, new swimming pool construction has been on a steady climb in the Sunshine State. Since 2015, the market has demonstrated year-over-year increases ranging from 4 percent to 14 percent, and the pattern appears to be holding true so far this year.

Through Q2-2020, there has been a 13 percent year-over-year increase in pool starts in Florida, resulting in more than 14,050 new swimming pool construction permits being added to the HBW database. Out of the six Florida regions reviewed (Central, Southeast, Southwest, West, Northwest, Northeast), the highest volume of new swimming pool construction permits could be found in the southwestern region of the state, as there have already been nearly 3,850 pool starts resulting from a 20 percent year-over-year increase in new construction activity.

All areas reviewed have exhibited year-over-year spikes in new pool construction ranging from 3 percent to 20 percent, with areas like Central and Southeast Florida appearing to be recovering from annual dips in swimming pool construction last year.

Here is a breakdown of total permits, YOY growth rates and leading counties by region:

Southwest Florida

As previously mentioned, there has been a 20 percent year-over-year increase in pool construction in the southwest region of Florida, resulting in nearly 3,850 pool starts on record with HBW through the second quarter of this year. Out of the five counties reviewed, the county with the highest concentration of new pool permits was Lee County where there has been a 35 percent year-over-year increase in new pool construction that resulted in nearly 1,290 new permits for the six-month period.

West Florida

From January through June 2020, there have been approximately 2,510 pool starts in West Florida, reflective of a 3 percent year-over-year increase in new swimming pool construction. Out of the seven counties reviewed, more than half of all new permits originated from the two counties of Hillsborough (772 permits) and Pasco (527 permits), where there were year-over-year increases in pool construction ranging from 1 percent to 8 percent respectively.

Southeast Florida

In the southeastern region of Florida there have been approximately 2,440 pool starts since the start of this year (thru June 2020), reflecting a 7 percent year-over-year increase in new swimming pool construction. Out of the seven counties reviewed, the greatest concentration of pool starts could be found in Palm Beach (925 permits) and Miami-Dade (671 permits), with both areas demonstrating year-over-year increase in permits of 13 percent and 20 percent respectively.

Central Florida

Through Q2-2020 there have been approximately 2,280 pool starts in the Central Florida area, reflecting a 17 percent year-over-year increase in new swimming pool construction. Out of the six counties reviewed, well more than half of all new pool construction originated from the counties of Orange (741 permits) and Osceola (550 permits), with both areas demonstrating year-over-year increases 7 percent (Orange) and 24 percent (Osceola) in new pool construction.

Northwest Florida

In the northwestern region of Florida, there have been more than 1,530 new swimming pool construction permits added to the HBW database through the second quarter of this year, reflecting a 20 percent year-over-year increase in pool starts. Out of the 18 counties reviewed, the highest concentration of new pool construction could be found in Santa Rosa County (305 permits), where there has been an 18 percent year-over-year increase in new swimming pool construction.

Northeast Florida

Through Q2-2020, the northeastern region of Florida has experienced a 14 percent year-over-year increase in new swimming pool construction, resulting in more than 1,450 new permits on record with HBW. Out of the eight counties reviewed, more than half of all new permitting activity took place in the counties of St. Johns (569 permits) and Duval (329 permits). While Duval County’s market appears to be holding somewhat steady with last year, St. Johns appears to be continuing its growth pattern as there has already been a 32 percent year-over-year increase in swimming pool construction.