Texas Residential Construction Monthly Review – February 2018

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According to U-Haul’s annual study of its truck rental data which reviews the net gain of one-way U-Haul rentals entering a state, Texas remains #1 for domestic relocation. It’s considered to be America’s No. 1 growth state by U-Haul; it has held the title for two years running, and arrivals of one-way U-Haul trucks in Texas have experienced a 1% year-over-year increase.

U-Haul wasn’t the only company to see increased inbound traffic to the South… United Van Lines conducted a similar study and noted that 52% of moves to southern states were inbound.  Overall, the top reasons for moving included new job opportunities, increased proximity to family and retirement.

With all of the inbound traffic to the South and Texas, the demand for housing continues to increase.  According to a report by Niche, the top ranked areas to live in Texas (based on crime, public schools, cost of living, employment opportunities and local amenities) were in the Dallas and Houston areas, and the recent reports from HBW also reflect an increase in housing starts.

According to HBW’s Texas permit report for February, there were more than 5,600 housing starts in Texas last month, reflecting an 8% month-over-month increase in new residential construction across the Lone Star State.  Out of the four major metro areas reviewed (Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio), Houston continued to rank #1 for total starts (2,206 permits), while Dallas continued to hold the higher value of construction with an average of $316,603.  Dallas was not far behind Houston for new construction… In fact, the area experienced an 18% month-over-month increase resulting in 2,075 housing starts and ranking it second highest for total new residential permits last month.

While Austin and San Antonio don’t hold the higher levels of permitting activity as their larger counterparts, residential construction remained healthy in both areas last month. Austin experienced an 11% month-over-month increase in new construction resulting in 777 housing starts, and San Antonio has been steadily climbing since the start of the year as there was a 9% month-over-month increase resulting in 547 housing starts in the area last month.

Information utilized for Texas residential construction reports was directly derived from HBW construction data reports. To gain access to the HBW database and receive custom and detailed reports on the latest residential and commercial building activity in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma, please contact HBW for details.

HBW Report: Top Texas Pool Builders – February 2018

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A swimming pool building and permitting report for Texas during the month of February 2018.

Texas Pool Permits by Area – February 2018

Last month, there were approximately 530 new swimming pool permits with a total construction value close to $30M added to the HBW database for Texas last month.  Out of the four major metro areas (Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio) reviewed, Dallas held the greatest concentration of new permits (310 permits), while Houston had the highest average value of construction ($59,622).

While there wasn’t one single builder that dominated across the state, we identified top builders in each major metro area based on total new permits and total value of construction for the one-month period.  Here is a breakdown of new swimming pool construction in the four major metro areas of Texas during the month of February:

Dallas

Last month, there were nearly 125 active builders in the Dallas area who contributed to a total of 310 swimming pool starts with a total construction value of approximately $15M.

Average Value of Construction: $48,228

Top Builders:

  1. Riverbend Pools
  2. Puryear Custom Pools
  3. Claffey Pools Inc.

 

Houston

In Houston, there were close to 75 active pool builders last month responsible for 113 new permits and a total construction value in excess of $6.7M.  Houston held the highest average value of new pool construction out of the four major metro areas reviewed.

Average Value of Construction: $59,622

Top Builders:

  1. Premier Pools
  2. Platinum Pools
  3. Cypress Custom Pools

 

Austin

In Austin, new pool construction was somewhat evenly shared by all of the active builders in the area.  That being stated, we pulled the top three builders based on total permits AND total value of construction.  Out of nearly 40 active pool builders in the area, there were 51 new permits with a total value of nearly $3M on file with HBW last month.

Average Value of Construction: $57,260

Top Builders:

  1. Anthony & Sylvan Pools
  2. Waterview Pools
  3. Watershapers Pools LLC

 

San Antonio

In San Antonio, Keith Zars Pools was a standout from the 25+ active pool builders in the area last month as it held nearly half of all new pool construction.  In February, there were 55 swimming pool starts with a total value of nearly $3M.

Average Value of Construction: $54,165

Top Builders:

  1. Keith Zars Pools
  2. Leisure Pools Factory Direct
  3. Brad Sharpe Pools

 

Information utilized for Texas swimming pool construction reports was directly derived from HBW construction data reports. To gain access to the HBW database and receive custom and detailed reports on the latest residential and commercial building activity in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma, please contact HBW for details.

5 Reasons to Submit Your Work for an Industry Award

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Entering your work into a home building competition may benefit your business in more ways than you thought possible.

With the recent announcement of the 2018 Builder’s Choice & Custom Home Design Awards now accepting entries, it opened the question of why entering such competitions can benefit our subscribers’ businesses.  No matter the size or service your business provides, showcasing your work and success stories can only benefit your business.  There are various awards open to home builders, from local contests and regional trade associations to larger national and even international builder publications and events.  In addition to the Builder’s Choice & Custom Home Design Awards, other widely recognized competitions include but are certainly not limited to:

And the list goes on… Deciding which awards will ultimately be the difficult part; deciding whether or not to enter should be easy.  Although award entries probably don’t even make it to the list of priorities for a busy home building business, it is worth weighing the pros and cons as the return on your investment may be greater than you would expect.  Here are five reasons to consider entering your work into a home builder award competition.

  1. Expand Your Audience – While you may have tried-and-true methods built into your marketing strategy, awards can often open you up to new opportunities within your target market as well as open new supply channels and assist with breaking into new markets. The organization providing the award will also be providing a bit of free marketing for your business as their reach is most likely greater than one single small business, and they will have multiple channels for sharing their award program.
  2. Build Your Reputation – Award programs can serve as a way to gain credibility. No matter if you win top spot or not, having your work recognized and acknowledged by a respected source in the industry gives a little boost to the integrity and reputation of your business.
  3. Engagement Opportunity – From social media to newsletters and personal emails, entering an award gives you another “entry” to your customers and prospects. By inviting contacts to view your work, vote or simply share the honor within their networks, you are providing a no-pressure point for engaging your primary audience.
  4. Team Building – Having a project that is award-ready takes a village. From the designers to the project managers and laborers who made it happen, entering a project can give a boost to your team’s self-esteem and add to your team building efforts.  In addition to the recognition that will go with the awarding organization, your company can take this time to recognize and show appreciation to the valuable team members that contributed to the effort.
  5. Enhance Recruiting – Everyone in the construction industry knows that finding top talent is like finding top grade diamonds; there is a high demand and limited supply. Attracting top talent goes beyond competitive salaries; strong candidates are looking to be part of strong teams that produce quality work.  While awards can’t do it alone, they most certainly add to the perception of your business and can be attractive to industry professionals looking for a new opportunity.

Once you are ready to submit your work for an award, make sure to do your research.  Take time to view previous winners, eligibility requirements and your competition.  While not every award program will be right for your business or reach your desired audience, the right award can open the door to new opportunities and a new perspective on your business.

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.

Construction Industry Events and Expos 2018

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A guide to some of the various industry expos to check out this year…

Continuing from our post in October, we are keeping an eye out for the latest expos that will be of interest to our readers.  As with all networking and industry events, planning ahead is key to success.  From contacting vendors and sponsors to setting up meetings with exhibitors of interest, you will want to get a jump start on your expo calendars, travel arrangements and office schedules.

Here are a few more industry events to add to your “radar” for this year:

  1. World of Asphalt

This show and conference features over 350 of the industry’s leading manufacturers and service providers in the aggregate, asphalt, pavement maintenance, and traffic safety industry sectors.

Dates: March 6-8, 2018

Location: Houston, TX

More information: http://www.worldofasphalt.com/

  1. National Hardware Show

The National Hardware Show is a housing after-market show that includes manufacturers and resellers from 15 major product categories including remodeling and repair.

Dates: May 8-10, 2018

Location: Las Vegas, NV

More information: http://www.nationalhardwareshow.com/Home/

  1. Coverings

Event features innovative tile and stone products from around the world, free seminars, keynotes, live demos, and networking opportunities.  Trade attendees include: Distributors, retailers, fabricators, contractors and installers, architectural and design professionals, builders and remodelers.

Dates: May 8-11, 2018

Location: Atlanta, GA

More information: http://www.coverings.com/about

  1. East Coast Builders Conference

Although previously mentioned in October, this event is worth repeating.  Mark your calendars…

Dates: June 14-15, 2018

Location: Nashville, TN

More information: http://ecbcshow.com/

  1. Build Expo

A B2B trade show serving the construction industry and offering multiple locations and dates.

Dates: July 11-12, 2018

Location: Atlanta, GA

More information: http://buildexpousa.com/

  1. GlassBuild America

GlassBuild is an event serving the entire glass, window and door industries in North America.

Dates: September 12-14, 2018

Location: Las Vegas, NV

More information: http://www.glassbuildamerica.com/

  1. CONSTRUCT

This event is the only dedicated national trade show and educational conference for the commercial building teams that spec and source building products.

Dates: October 3-5, 2018

Location: Long Beach, CA

More information: https://www.constructshow.com/en/home.html

  1. GreenBuild

GreenBuild is the world’s largest conference and expo dedicated to green building.

Dates: November 14-16, 2018

Location: Chicago, IL

More information: https://www.greenbuildexpo.com/en/home.html

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: Texas Swimming Pool Construction – January 2018

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A review of swimming pool construction in the major metro areas of Texas.

Texas Pool Permits by Area – Jan. 2018

Last month, there were close to 400 swimming pool starts with a total value of approximately $21M added to the HBW database for Texas.  Out of the four major metro areas reviewed (Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio), more than half (208 permits) of all new swimming pool construction took place in the Dallas area.  And while the Austin area had the least amount of new construction activity on file for the month, it carried the highest average value of construction at more than $75.5k.

Here is a closer look at new swimming pool construction across Texas and by area in January:

DALLAS

As previously mentioned, the bulk of new pools can be found in Dallas.  Last month, there were 208 pool starts with a total value of approximately $9.5M.  From a county-wide perspective, a higher concentration of starts could be found in Tarrant County where there were more than 70 swimming pool starts for the one-month period.  Out of the more than ninety active builders in the area, Venture Custom Pools took the lead for total starts.

HOUSTON

The Houston area ranked second highest for total new pool permits last month having 107 starts with a total value of $6.5M.  More than half of all new permits originated from Harris County (61 permits), and out of the close to 70 active pool builders in the area, Platinum Pool ranked #1 for total new construction activity.

SAN ANTONIO

Last month, there were just over 40 swimming pool starts with a total value of $2.1M in the San Antonio area, and the majority of new construction took place in Bexar County.  Out of the nearly 20 active builders in the area last month, Keith Zars Pools led for total pool starts for the one-month period.

AUSTIN

While Austin came up a little shorter on total starts (38 permits), it was #1 for highest average value of construction.  Having approximately $2.9M in total construction, the average value of new pools in the area came in at $75,653.  Nearly all new pool permits originated from Travis County, and out of the 25 active builders in the area, Cody Builders ranked #1 for total new permits on file with HBW for the one-month period.

Texas Average Value of Pool Construction – Jan. 2018

Information utilized for Texas swimming pool construction reports was directly derived from HBW construction data reports. To gain access to the HBW database and receive custom and detailed reports on the latest residential and commercial building activity in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma, please contact HBW for details.

Creating Proposals that Get Noticed

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Proposals are your entry way into your next sale, and presentation is just as important as content when it comes to getting noticed.  If you are like most small businesses, you have probably been running the same proposal template for years, and while it may not be outdated, it may be time for a little early “spring cleaning”.  Here are a few quick tips for bringing your proposals to the next level:

  1. Easy Navigation – The gift of gab is a gift when discussing options with a customer, but it can be a curse in a proposal. In your proposals, think clean lines and minimalistic in design; you don’t want your prospect to waste any time looking for information; for this reason, hit the main points, be concise and organize content in a way that drives the reader to the most important details.  Shorter paragraphs and bullet points are a good place to start.
  2. Good Graphics – Your proposal shouldn’t be limited to text. If you don’t have a designer in-house or the budget to outsource, you can still create images that make an impact.  From examples of your before/after work, renderings and tables/graphs, an image can often provide a large amount of data in a small and attractive package.  That being stated, just as with text, you don’t want to flood the client.  Rather, include images that have a purpose and communicate relevant information – not just to fill empty space on a page.
  3. Engaging Titles – Titles are your handshake and first impression for the page and content to follow. Instead of just listing sections by number or putting obvious titles like “proposal”, consider adding a title that is more custom to the project or client.
  4. Line it Up – For every proposal, there should be a proposed time frame for commencing and completing the project. In order to convey the timeframe in an easy-to-read format, consider including a clearly defined timeline that is both appealing to the eye and reflective of realistic and accurate dates.  A timeline enables the client to visualize the project and have well-defined expectations for a schedule.
  5. Solid Proof – In addition to providing the proof of your abilities and expertise, there are various forms of proof of your services and skills that can provide a well-rounded understanding of your business, more specifically social proof. Social proof includes but is not limited to:
    1. Testimonials – This is a given, but testimonials shouldn’t be limited to your website. Whether you choose to add a “testimonials” page or sprinkle a few choice quotes throughout your materials, testimonials can be a powerful partner in rounding out your proposal.
    2. Awards and Affiliations – From awards received by local trade associations to memberships for national industry organizations, list your awards and affiliations with the corresponding logos when possible.
    3. High Profile Clients and Suppliers – When and where appropriate, provide a list and/or logo of some of your higher profile clients and projects, as well as those for high-quality and recognized suppliers.
    4. Images – In addition to the high-profile clients, you should also consider adding images from high-profile and/or related projects that have been completed by your company, this is especially important when looking to secure larger commercial projects.
    5. Team Profiles – Put your team and their expertise front and center. After all, people work with people, not just a brand.  Have a summary of your key players’ backgrounds and a photo/headshot if possible.  This allows for your company to be relatable and for the prospect to learn more about the people behind the name.

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach for proposals, there are definitely specific requirements that must be met and information that must be included.  If you just follow the guidelines and have a cookie-cutter proposal, you will not be making the most of the opportunity to engage and “wow” your potential client.  By tightening your content, adding a few choice images, graphs and testimonials, you can develop a proposal that will more than just get noticed – it will have a greater likelihood of getting signed.

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.

Home Designs for the Dogs

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Pet ownership and dog-friendly home designs are on the rise.
Pet-loving millennials are driving the demand for home designs that fit their lifestyles and that of their four-legged friends.  Architects, designers and builders are all offering practical and luxurious dog-friendly options to meet this demand, and by the looks of the creative and innovative designs, Fido is going to be quite pleased with his new digs.

Why this surge in pet-friendly accommodations?  According to the 2017-18 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 68% of U.S. households (approximately 85 million families) have a pet – this figure is up 56% since the survey was first conducted in 1988.  Additionally, 60 million U.S. households have a dog and ownership has grown 29% over the past decade; that’s a sizeable market, and one that is becoming increasingly more significant for home designers and builders.  In addition to the pet pampering boutiques, doggy day spas and gourmet treats, the increase for pet lifestyle options has moved its way into the housing market.

According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors, 81% of those surveyed stated that they would take their pets’ needs into account when choosing their next abode, and more than half (52%) stated that they had performed home renovations to accommodate their pet.  For this reason, it should come as no surprise that pet-friendly options have been popping up in new home designs and planned communities across the nation.  Some of the most common and popular options include fences, dog doors and pet-friendly flooring (laminate).  Some home builders show buyers options for modifying floor plans to include pet-washing stations that are integrated into the laundry room.

When searching the internet for some of the latest trends, there is everything from the practical to over-the-top for dog lovers.  Here is a brief list of some features that builders have added to new construction and remodels that grabbed our attention:

  1. Built-in Feeding Station – Anyone who has a pet knows how easy it is to trip on food and water bowls or how they can be pushed across the room in pursuit of the last morsel of kibble. For this reason, built-in feeding stations for the kitchen have been designed to eliminate the mess and potential tripping hazards.  It allows for more floor space and keeps the kitchen design sleek and unobstructed.
  2. Community Services – In planned communities, the pet pampering options don’t stop in the home. Gardens, community parks and buildings are starting to see doggy clean-up stations with disposable bags, dog parks, dog salon and grooming stations and/or services.
  3. “Special” Gardens – For homeowners looking to limit the amount of pet waste that makes its way across the yard, there are outdoor potty areas, some that include antimicrobial artificial grass.
  4. Sleeping Quarters – While there may not necessarily be the need or space for a pet to have his own sleeping quarters, there has been a trend developing where spaces that would traditionally be used for cabinets/storage can be modified to accommodate pet beds. Just as with the feeding stations, it allows for the floor space to be clear, all while Fido can still have a cozy spot with his favorite companion.
  5. Dog Houses – While dog houses have been around a long time, some of the latest dog houses easily earn a five-star rating. From some looking like mini versions of the main house to including cooling systems, cozy décor and plush outdoor bedding, today’s dog houses are far from being “for the dogs”.

With pet ownership on the rise and a high demand for designs and features to meet pets’ needs, there is plenty of room to get creative and offer something unique to your clients.  That being stated, the balance between function and aesthetics is key.  Not everyone is looking for the dog house fit for a king, but a few royal pet features may just be the “wow” factor that grabs their attention and love for their four-legged friends.

For more information on construction trends, 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.

Florida Home Builders Report – January 2018

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Last month, there were nearly 4,750 new residential construction permits added to the HBW database for Florida.  Out of the five major regions (Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Southeast and Southwest), Orlando had the most housing starts on file with 1,071 new permits and nearly $323.5M in construction value for the one-month period.   Tampa and the southwest region were right up there with Orlando having 1,055 and 1,068 housing starts in each area respectively.

When focusing on the builders with the most new permitting activity across the Sunshine State, Lennar Homes and D.R. Horton were standouts as they were ranked in the top three for total housing starts in every region reviewed.

Here is a closer look at residential construction and the companies leading new home building in Florida last month:

Orlando

As previously mentioned, Orlando just made the top spot for total housing starts on file with HBW in January.  There were more than 150 active builders in the area responsible for 1,071 housing starts with a total construction value of nearly $323.5M.  Mattamy Homes led with over 100 starts on file, closely followed by Lennar Homes and D.R. Horton:

Builder Total Permits Average Value
Mattamy Homes 105 $372,405
Lennar Homes 100 $252,688
D.R. Horton 82 $273,587


Southwest Florida

Last month, Southwest Florida ranked second in the HBW database for total housing starts.  There were 1,068 new residential construction permits with a total value in excess of $275M, and the highest concentration of new home construction took place in Lee County (362 permits).  Out of the 195 active builders in the area, Lennar Homes proved to be a leading builder with 173 new residential construction permits, followed by Pulte Homes (160 permits) and D.R. Horton (92 permits).

Builder Total Permits Average Value
Lennar Homes 173 $189,614
Pulte Homes 160 $221,040
D.R. Horton 92 $215,192


Tampa

Tampa ranked a close third with 1,055 housing starts and a total construction value in excess of $295.3M last month.  The highest concentration of new residential construction could be found in Hillsborough County (398 permits), and out of the 170+ active builders, Lennar Homes ranked #1 for total housing starts (178 permits).

Builder Total Permits Average Value
Lennar Homes 178 $264,829
D.R. Horton 80 $220,040
The Villages of Lake Sumter 73 $331,499

 

Jacksonville:

Last month, Jacksonville had a strong month for residential construction having 918 housing starts with a total value of nearly $226M.  St. Johns County had the highest concentration of new home building activity (358 permits), and out of the 140+ active builders in the area, D.R. Horton ranked #1 for total housing starts (136 permits).

Builder Total Permits Average Value
D.R. Horton 136 $171,739
Lennar Homes 107 $251,866
Richmond American Homes 62 $264,194

 

Southeast Florida

Moving to the southeast region of the state, there were approximately 625 housing starts with a total construction value of nearly $170M on file for the one-month period.  Higher concentrations of new permitting activity could be found in counties including Miami-Dade (179 permits) and St. Lucie (164 permits).  Out of the 175+ active builders in the area, D.R. Horton took top spot with 100 housing starts.

Builder Total Permits Average Value
D.R. Horton 100 $165,565
Lennar Homes 61 $138,372
G L Homes 44 $454,708

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 – January 2018

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A review of top home builders and new residential construction in Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio for the month of January 2018.

The new year has started off right for D.R. Horton when it comes to new home construction.  Out of the four major Texas metro areas reviewed, D.R. Horton was number one for total housing starts in three out of four (Houston, Dallas, Austin) Texas cities last month.  Across the state, new residential construction was solid for the first month of the year, having a total of nearly 5,200 new permits with a value in excess of $1.2B on file with HBW for the one-month period.

Other builders who had a heavy presence in new residential construction last month include Lennar Homes and Pulte Homes.  Here is a closer look at the top home builders in Texas by metro area:

Houston

Last month, Houston remained on top for new construction activity, having more than 2,225 new permits with a total value of nearly $451M on file for the month.  More than half of all new construction took place in Harris County (1,126 permits), and out of the more than 275 active builders in the area, D.R. Horton took top spot for total housing starts.  The top five builders for total housing starts in the Houston area last month are as follows:

#1 – D.R. Horton; #2 – Perry Homes; #3 – Pulte Homes; #4 – Lennar Homes; #5 – K. Hovnanian Homes

Dallas

Dallas ranked second highest last month for total housing starts.  Out of the approximately 1,750 new residential construction permits with a total value in excess of $488.5M, D.R. Horton ranked #1 for total housing starts from the 230 active builders in the area.  Other builders that made their mark in January include:

#1 – D.R. Horton; #2 – Bloomfield Homes; #3 – First Texas Homes; #4 – Lennar Homes; #5 – Pulte Homes

Austin

As previously mentioned, D.R. Horton also took top spot out of 100 active builders in the Austin area last month.  In January, there were close to 700 housing starts with a total construction value just over $165M, and more than half of all new permits originated from Travis County (391 permits).  In addition to D.R. Horton, other home builders that made the top five list are as follows:

#1 – D.R. Horton; #2 – Lennar Homes; #3 – RSI Communities; #4 – Meritage Homes; #5 – Pulte Homes

San Antonio

There were just over 500 housing starts in San Antonio last month with a total construction value in excess of $120M.  Out of the 75 active builders on file for the area, Continental Homes of Texas took the #1 spot for total new residential construction permits in January.  Other builders that were on the leaderboard for total housing starts are as follows:

#1 – Continental Homes of Texas; #2 – KB Homes; #3 – Lennar Homes; #4 Camillo Properites; #5 – Bella Vista C.M.I. Ltd.

Information utilized for Texas residential construction reports was directly derived from HBW construction data reports. To gain access to the HBW database and receive custom and detailed reports on the latest residential and commercial building activity in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma, please contact HBW for details.

Southwest Florida Ranks #1 for Pool Construction

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HBW’s new swimming pool construction report for Florida in 2017

Florida Pool Construction Permits 2011-2017

Out of the more than 24,000 swimming pool starts in Florida last year, the southwest region ranked #1 for total starts (6,350+ permits).  Pool construction in the southwest has been growing over the last five years, and it continues to climb with 2017 reflecting a 4% year-over-year increase in permit activity for the area.

While there was a 6% year-over-year increase in new pool construction statewide last year, five out of six regions reviewed experienced notable growth.  Northeast Florida had a healthy 14% increase in pool construction in comparison to 2016, and Central, West and Northwest Florida all experienced annual increases of 8% or so.  Central Florida ranked second highest for total pool starts, continuing its growth pattern of the last five years, resulting in more than 4,700 new pools for the one-year period.  Not far behind, the southeast region had a total of more than 4,450 pool starts, despite the annual dip (-3%) in new construction activity.

FL New Pool Permits by Area – 2016 vs. 2017

When reviewing counties for the greatest concentration of new pool construction, standouts included Lee in the southwest portion of the state (2,084 permits), Palm Beach to the southeast (1,676 permits) and Orange in Central Florida (1,603 permits).  Out of the top five areas for new pool construction, Lee County reflected the highest level of growth with a 13% year-over-year increase in swimming pool permits.  Here’s a closer look at the top counties for new pool construction last year:

FL Top Counties for Total Pool Permits – 2016 vs. 2017

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.