HBWeekly

Texas Top Home Builders – February 2020

Posted on March 7, 2020 by Erika Carruth

A review of residential construction permit data in Texas and the home builders leading the way during the month of February 2020

As published on the blog earlier this week, Texas experienced a 5 percent month-over-month increase in new home construction during the month of February. While we already reviewed the total amount of permits and counties where new home construction was on a high, today we are looking at the leading home builders behind those figures.

In Houston, Dallas and Austin, two companies continue to lead new residential construction – D.R. Horton and Lennar Homes. Last month, both mega builders (D.R. Horton and Lennar Homes) took top placement for carrying the greatest volume of housing starts, having 874 and 426 new residential construction permits on record with HBW respectively. In San Antonio, Continental Homes (50 permits) and Fieldstone Homes (46 permits) ranked as the top builders for the one-month period.

From a regional perspective, leading home builders varied by area last month… The top five home builders in each major Metro Texas area, based on new permits on record with HBW, are as follows:

Houston

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
D.R. Horton	422	$ 134,711.00
Lennar Homes	206	$ 156,434.00
K Hovnanian Homes	116	$ 134,844.00
Pulte Homes	101	$ 226,820.00
Perry Homes	80	$ 254,528.00

Dallas

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
D.R. Horton	347	$ 203,678.00
Lennar Homes	127	$ 267,311.00
Meritage Homes	82	$ 252,946.00
Highland Homes	80	$ 317,153.00
Pulte Homes	71	$ 206,104.00

Austin

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
D.R. Horton	105	$ 161,950.00
Lennar Homes	72	$ 182,042.00
Pacesetter Homes	55	$ 155,082.00
Meritage Homes	54	$ 198,823.00
Pulte Homes	53	$ 341,045.00

San Antonio

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
Continental Homes of TX	50	$ 241,239.00
Fieldstone Homes	46	$ 250,000.00
KB Homes	41	$ 239,589.00
Pulte Homes	34	$ 239,050.00
AP Architects	30	$ 250,000.00

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

Texas Home Building Report – February 2020

Posted on March 4, 2020 by Erika Carruth

A review of the latest residential construction permit data for Texas during the month of February 2020

Texas New Residential Construction Permits by Area – Feb. 2020

It has been a busy month in Texas for new residential construction – During the month of February, the Lone Star State experienced a 5 percent month-over-month increase in new residential construction, resulting in 6,126 new permits with a total construction value of $1.5 billion added to the HBW database. Out of the four major metro areas reviewed (Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio), Houston held the highest concentration of housing starts (2,461 permits), while the highest average value of construction could be found in Dallas (average value: $271,101).

Here is a closer look at the total residential permits and new home construction activity on record with HBW for the month of February 2020:

Houston

Last month, Houston carried the greatest volume of new home construction in comparison to other Texas metro areas reviewed, having 2,461 new permits with a total construction value of $501.5 million on record. The average value of new residential construction remained lowest in Houston (average value: $203,783), and the county with the highest concentration of new home construction activity was Harris County (1,062 permits).

Dallas

Not far behind Houston, Dallas ranked #2 for new home construction last month, having 2,240 new permits with a total construction value in excess of $607 million on record with HBW. The average value of new residential construction projects remained highest in Dallas (average value: $271,101), and more than half of all new home construction originated from Denton County (600 permits) and Tarrant County (594 permits).

Austin

In Austin, there were 907 housing starts with a total construction value of nearly $221 million last month. The average value of construction in the area (average value: $243,462) landed just above mid-range in comparison to other metro areas reviewed, and more than half of all new home construction took place in Travis County (516 permits).

San Antonio

Last month, there were nearly 520 housing starts with a total construction value in excess of $129 million in the San Antonio area. The average value of new home construction was $249,097, and the bulk of new residential construction permits originated from Bexar County (374 permits).

Florida Swimming Pool Construction Report – January 2020

Posted on February 28, 2020 by Erika Carruth

A review of permit data on record with HBW for new swimming pool construction in Florida during the month of January 2020

Last month, there were approximately 1,855 new swimming pool construction permits with a total value in excess of $91 million added to the HBW database for Florida. Out of the five major regions reviewed (Southwest, Southeast, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville), the southwest region ranked #1 for new pool construction, having 604 new permits on record for the one-month period, and Jacksonville took top spot for highest average value of new pool construction (average value: $61,059)

Here is a closer look at the total new permits, construction values and leading Florida counties for new swimming pool construction by region during the month of January 2020:

Southwest

During the month of January, the southwestern region of Florida carried the greatest amount of new swimming pool construction in comparison to other regions reviewed, having nearly 605 pool starts with a total construction value of $28.4 million. The average value of new swimming pool construction in the area was $47,063, and the county with the highest concentration of new permits on record with HBW was Lee County (220 permits).

Tampa

Tampa ranked #2 for new swimming pool construction last month, having 366 new permits with a total construction value of nearly $19.5 million on record with HBW. The average value of construction landed mid-range (average value: $53,248) in comparison to other regions reviewed, and the county with the greatest amount of new permits on file for the month was Hillsborough County (116 permits).

Orlando

In line with Tampa’s figures, the Orlando area had 365 pool starts with a total construction value of nearly $18 million last month. The average value of new pool construction was $49,107, and more than half of all new permits originated from the counties of Osceola (125 permits) and Orange (108 permits).

Southeast

In the southeastern region of Florida, there were 328 pool starts with a total construction value of nearly $13.6 million last month. The average value of construction was lowest in the southeast (average value: $41,421) in comparison to other areas reviewed, and the county with the greatest concentration of new pool construction was Palm Beach County (131 permits).

Jacksonville

While Jacksonville continues to hold the lowest volume of new swimming pool construction each month, the average value of construction tends to land on the higher end of the spectrum. Last month, there were more than 190 pool starts with a total construction value of nearly $11.7 million on record for Jacksonville and surrounding areas. As previously noted, the average value of new swimming pool construction was highest in Jacksonville (average value: $61,059) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and the majority of new construction took place in the counties of St. Johns (97 permits) and Duval (52 permits).

Florida Top Home Builders – January 2020

Posted on February 26, 2020 by Erika Carruth

A review of the leading home builders in Florida based on total new permits on record with HBW during the month of January 2020

As reported in HBW’s most recent blog post “Florida Residential Construction Report – January 2020”, there were 5,885 housing starts with a total construction value of $1.6 billion in Florida last month. Across the state, a few home builders led for having the greatest amount of residential construction permits on record for the month. Out of the hundreds of contractors with new permit activity, the following ranked as the top three for total new residential construction permits statewide for the one-month period:

#1 – Lennar Homes – 915 permits

#2 – D.R. Horton – 781 permits

#3 – Pulte Homes – 429 permits

When looking at specific Florida regions, home builders driving the new residential construction figures varied by location. Out of the five regions reviewed (Southeast, Southwest, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville), Lennar Homes ranked #1 in two out five areas, while D.R. Horton and GL Building Corp took top placement in the remaining regions reviewed.

Here is closer look at the contractors with the greatest amount of new residential construction activity in Florida, by region, for the month of January 2020:

Southwest

In Southwest Florida, there were more than 230 active contractors with new home construction activity on record for the month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
Lennar Homes	272
D.R. Horton	195
Pulte Homes	170
Neal Communities of SW FL	59
Taylor Morrison	43

Tampa

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

Builder	Total Permits
Lennar Homes	361
D.R. Horton	225
Pulte Homes	130
The Villages of Lake Sumter	127
Highland Homes	59

Orlando

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

Builder	Total Permits
D.R. Horton	139
Lennar Homes	84
M/I Homes	57
Pulte Homes	53
Meritage Homes	53

Southeast

Out of the 160 home builders with new construction activity on record in the southeastern region of Florida last month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
GL Building Corp	119
Lennar Homes	63
D.R. Horton	56
Pulte Homes	39
Ryan Homes	32

Jacksonville

Last month, there were more than 110 contractors with new residential construction activity on record in the Jacksonville area, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits for the one-month period:

Builder	Total Permits
D.R. Horton	166
Lennar Homes	135
Mattamy Homes	76
Dream Finders Home	59
Richmond American Homes	51

Florida Residential Construction Report – January 2020

Posted on February 21, 2020 by Erika Carruth

A review of the latest permit data available for new residential construction on record with HBW for Florida during the month of January 2020

Last month, there were 5,885 housing starts with a total construction value in excess of $1.6 billion in Florida. Out of the five major regions reviewed (Southwest, Southeast, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville), Tampa (1,768 permits) took the lead for having the greatest amount of housing starts on record for the month, while the southeastern region of Florida carried the highest average value of new home construction (average value: $302,891)

Here is a closer look at total permits, values and leading counties for new home construction in the Sunshine State during the month of January 2020:

Tampa

As previously mentioned, the Tampa area led Florida in new home construction last month, having 1,768 housing starts with a total construction value of nearly $497 million on record. The average value of new residential construction in the area was $280,916, and the county with the highest concentration of new permits on record for the month was Hillsborough County (619 permits).

Southwest

The southwestern region of Florida ranked #2 for housing starts last month, having 1,436 new residential construction permits with a total value of approximately $379.6 million on file with HBW. The average value of new home construction in the area (average value: $264,332) landed mid-range in comparison to other regions reviewed, and more than half of all new permits originated from the counties of Lee (472 permits) and Sarasota (307 permits).

Orlando

In Orlando, there were approximately 1,025 housing starts with a total construction value in excess of $307.5 million last month. The average value of new home construction landed on the higher end of the spectrum (average value: $300,408) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and the county with the highest concentration of new permits was Orange County (344 permits).

Jacksonville

Not far behind Orlando, Jacksonville had more than 930 housing starts with a total construction value of approximately $205.5 million on record with HBW last month. The average value of construction was lowest in the Jacksonville area (average value: $220,447) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and the bulk of all new residential construction activity originated from Duval County (431 permits) and St. Johns County (324 permits).

Southeast

Last month, there were 725 housing starts with a total construction value in excess of $219.5 million in Southeast Florida. The average value of new home construction was highest in the southeast (average value: $302,891) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and the county with the greatest concentration of housing starts was St. Lucie County (305 permits)

Texas Swimming Pool Construction – January 2020

Posted on February 19, 2020 by Erika Carruth

A review of swimming pool construction data based on new permits added to the HBW database for the month of January 2020

Based on the latest construction data reports from HBW, there were more than 540 pool starts with a construction value of $27.4 million in Texas (Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio) last month. Out of the four major metro areas reviewed, Dallas held the highest concentration of new swimming pool construction activity (271 permits), while Houston carried the highest average value of new pool construction (average value: $66,648).

Here is a closer look at the total permits, average value of construction and leading contractors in each of the four major metro areas of Texas during the month of January 2020:

Dallas

As previously mentioned, Dallas ranked #1 for swimming pool construction last month, having more than 270 pool starts with a total construction value of nearly $12 million. The average value of construction landed mid-range in comparison to other Texas metro areas reviewed (average value: $43,806), and the county with the highest concentration of pool starts was Collin County (91 permits).

Out of the nearly 115 pool builders with new construction on record for the month, the following ranked as the top three for total new swimming pool construction permits on file with HBW:

Builder

1-Riverbend Pools

2-Robertson Pools

3-Venture Custom Pools

Houston

The Houston area ranked #2 for swimming pool construction last month as there were nearly 150 pool starts with a total construction value in excess of $9.7 million. The average value of new swimming pool construction was highest in Houston in comparison to other metro areas reviewed (average value: $66,648), and more than half of all new permits originated from Harris County (99 permits).

Out of the 80 active pool builders with new construction activity on record last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new swimming pool construction permits:

Builder

1-Platinum Pools

2-Anthony & Sylvan Pools

3-McKinney Custom Pools

Austin

In Austin, there were nearly 80 pool starts with a total construction value in excess of $4.2 million on record with HBW last month. The average value of new pool construction was $54,938, and the bulk of new permits originated from Travis County (55 permits).

Out of the nearly 45 contractors with pool starts on record last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new construction permits:

Builder

1-Cody Pools

2-Anthony & Sylvan Pools

3-Aquamarine Pools of Texas

San Antonio

San Antonio had the lowest rate of pool construction activity last month, having less than 50 new swimming pool construction permits with a total value of approximately $1.6 million on record with HBW. The average value of new pool construction was lowest in San Antonio (average value: $33,762) in comparison to other regions reviewed, and more than half of all new construction took place in Bexar County (26 permits).

Out of the nearly 25 pool contractors with new construction activity on record for the month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder

1-Keith Zars Pools

2-Blue Haven Pools

3-Aquamarine Pools of Texas

Texas Top Home Builders – January 2020

Posted on February 14, 2020 by Erika Carruth

A list of the top home builders in Texas, based on new permit data for the month of January 2020

Earlier this week, we reviewed new residential construction permit data on record with HBW for Texas during the month of January 2020. As previously published, there were approximately 5,850 new residential construction permits with a total value of nearly $1.4 billion added to the HBW database last month. Out of the hundreds of leading home builders with housing starts on record in the Lone Star State, there were two major players who landed on the leader board in nearly all metro areas reviewed…

D.R. Horton led Texas metro areas, having approximately 980 new residential construction permits on record for the month and ranking #1 in three (Houston, Dallas, Austin) out of the four areas reviewed. Following D.R. Horton, Lennar Homes led in San Antonio and landed #2 in all other areas reviewed, having more than 435 new residential construction permits on file statewide for the one-month period.

Here is a closer look at the leading builders (by metro area) with the greatest concentration of new residential construction permits on record in Texas during the month of January 2020:

Houston

In Houston, there were nearly 285 home builders with housing starts on record for the month of January, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits on record with HBW:

Builder	Total Permits
D.R. Horton	382
Lennar Homes	176
Perry Homes	154
K Hovnanian Homes	148
KB Homes	94

Dallas

In Dallas, there were 215 home builders with housing start on record last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new residential construction permits for the one-month period:

Builder	Total Permits
D.R. Horton	468
Lennar Homes	79
Highland Homes	70
First Texas Homes	63
Pulte Homes	54

Austin

Last month, there were 115 home builders with new residential construction permits on record in the Austin area, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits for the one-month period:

Builder	Total Permits
D.R. Horton	128
Lennar Homes	107
Pulte Homes	63
KB Homes	56
Meritage Homes	41

San Antonio

Out of the 65 active home builders with new construction activity in the San Antonio area last month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits on record with HBW:

Builder	Total Permits
Lennar Homes	74
Continental Homes of Texas	57
Meritage Homes	35
Pulte Homes	28
KB Homes	26

Texas Residential Construction Review – January 2020

Posted on February 12, 2020 by Erika Carruth

An overview of new construction data on record with HBW for new home construction in Texas

In the first month of 2020, there have already been approximately 5,850 new residential construction permits with a total value of nearly $1.4 billion added to the HBW database for Texas. Out of the four major metro areas reviewed (Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio), Houston (2,515 permits) held the highest concentration of new permits in January, while Dallas has and continues to hold the highest average value of new home construction (average value: $268,749).

Here is a closer look at the total permits, average value and leading counties for new residential construction in Texas during the month of January 2020:

Houston

Last month, Houston led Texas for new home construction, having 2,515 housing starts with a total construction value of approximately $491 million on record. The average value of new residential construction was lowest in Houston in comparison to other areas reviewed (average value: $195,209), and nearly half of all new permits originated from Harris County (1,106 permits).

Dallas

Dallas ranked second for new home construction having 1,960 housing starts with a total construction value of nearly $527 million last month. As previously mentioned, the average value of construction was highest in Dallas (average value: $268,749) in comparison to other Texas metro areas reviewed, and the county with greatest concentration of new home construction activity was Tarrant County with approximately 790 housing starts on record for the one-month period.

Austin

In Austin, there were 925 housing starts with a total construction value of nearly $236 million last month. The average value of construction landed on the higher end of the spectrum in comparison to other areas reviewed (average value: $254,883), and more than half of all new permits in the Austin area originated from Travis County (516 permits).

San Antonio

In the San Antonio area, there were approximately 450 housing starts with a total construction value of nearly $109 million last month. The average value of construction was $242,583, and the majority of new permits originated from the County of Bexar (~300 permits).

Florida Residential Construction Report – 2019

Posted on February 8, 2020 by Erika Carruth

An overview of Florida permit data for new home construction in 2019

Residential construction has been booming in Florida for years. According to HBW records, the market has been on an upward trajectory since 2011, reflecting annual increases as high as 16 percent or more. While the residential construction industry is still growing in the Sunshine State, last year showed signs of slowing in the rate of growth. From January 1^st to December 31, 2019, there was a 2 percent year-over-year increase in new home construction in Florida, resulting in 84,500 new permits on record with HBW.

Out of the six major regions reviewed (Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, Southeast, West, Central), the two areas that exhibited growth in residential construction were the northwestern and western portions of the state with year-over-year increases of 7 percent and 16 percent respectively. The areas with the highest concentration of new permits on record for the one-year period include West Florida (20,110 permits) and Southwest Florida (15,738 permits).

Here is a breakdown of the total residential construction permits, annual comparisons and leading counties by Florida region in 2019:

West Florida

Total permits: 20,110

% change in total permits (in comparison to 2018): +16 percent

Top county for total permits: Hillsborough (5,945 permits)

Percentage of Permits representing “high value” (>$500k) properties: 5 percent

Southwest Florida

Total permits: 15,738

% change in total permits (in comparison to 2018): N/A

Top county for total permits: Lee County (4,668 permits)

Percentage of Permits representing “high value” (>$500k) properties: 4 percent

Northeast Florida

Total permits: 13,872

% change in total permits (in comparison to 2018): -5 percent

Top county for total permits: Duval County (4,155 permits)

Percentage of Permits representing “high value” (>$500k) properties: 3 percent

Central Florida

Total permits: 13,866

% change in total permits (in comparison to 2018): -8 percent

Top county for total permits: Orange County (4,988 permits)

Percentage of Permits representing “high value” (>$500k) properties: 8 percent

Northwest Florida

Total permits: 11,086

% change in total permits (in comparison to 2018): 7 percent

Top county for total permits: Santa Rosa (1,551 permits)

Percentage of Permits representing “high value” (>$500k) properties: 5 percent

Southeast Florida

Total permits: 9,828

% change in total permits (in comparison to 2018): -1 percent

Top county for total permits: St. Lucie (3,451 permits)

Percentage of Permits representing “high value” (>$500k) properties: ~10 percent

Annual Review – Florida Swimming Pool Construction 2019

Posted on February 5, 2020 by Erika Carruth

An HBW report on new swimming pool construction permits in Florida from January 1st through December 31, 2019

In Florida, new swimming pool construction is on the rise. According to HBW’s latest Swimming Pool Construction Activity Trend Report, the Sunshine State experienced a 5 percent year-over-year increase in new swimming pool permits in 2019, resulting in more than 26,000 new permits on record with HBW.

This growth pattern is not new – Since 2011, swimming pool construction has been steadily climbing year after year in Florida, with annual increases ranging from 4 percent (2018) to as high as 14 percent (2015). Last year, four out of the six major Florida regions reviewed (Central, West, Southeast, Southwest, Northeast, Northwest) experienced annual spikes in new pool construction, with the greatest increase in new pool permits taking place in Northwest Florida (+13%) and the highest concentration of new permits originating from Southwest Florida (7,045 permits).

Here is a closer look at swimming pool construction permit data on record with HBW for Florida last year:

Southwest Florida

In comparison to other regions reviewed, the southwestern region of Florida carried the greatest total amount of pool starts last year, having 7,045 new permits on record and reflecting a 7 percent year-over-year increase in new swimming pool construction. More than half of all new construction took place in the counties of Lee (2,137 permits) and Collier (1,553 permits), with both counties demonstrating year-over-year increases in new pool permits of 2 percent and 12 percent respectively.

West Florida

The western region of Florida ranked #2 for swimming pool construction last year, having more than 4,920 pool starts on record and reflecting a 10 percent year-over-year increase in new pool construction. More than half of all new permits originated from Hillsborough County (1,542 permits) and Pasco County (1,004 permits), reflecting year-over-year increases in new construction of 4 percent and 20 percent respectively.

Southeast Florida

Not far behind the western portion of Florida, the southeastern region ranked #3 for new pool construction, having more than 4,740 pool starts last year and demonstrating a nominal 1 percent decrease in new swimming pool construction activity. The bulk of new construction took place in the counties of Palm Beach (1,650 permits) and Miami-Dade (1,234 permits), and while overall the southeast did not exhibit any notable gains, Indian River County experienced a 16 percent year-over-year increase in new pool construction.

Central Florida

Last year, Central Florida experienced a 3 percent year-over-year decrease in new swimming pool construction, resulting in 4,155 new permits on record. The county with the greatest concentration of new construction activity was Orange County (1,454 permits) which was one of the few counties exhibiting growth in the form of a 10 percent year-over-year increase in new pool construction.

Northeast Florida

In the northeastern region of Florida, there were 2,578 pool starts on record last year, reflecting a 6 percent year-over-year increase in new pool construction. Approximately 60 percent of all new construction took place in the counties of Duval (656 permits) and St. Johns (870 permits).

Northwest Florida

Last year, the northwestern region of Florida experienced a 13 percent year-over-year increase in new swimming pool construction, resulting in more than 2,560 new permits on record with HBW. Santa Rosa County carried the highest concentration of swimming pool construction activity in the area, having more than 515 new permits on record and demonstrating a 17 percent year-over-year increase in new swimming pool construction.