HBW Report: Atlanta Swimming Pool Construction thru Q3

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An overview of new swimming pool construction in Atlanta through the third quarter of 2017.

In the Metro Atlanta area, swimming pool construction has been on the rise for nearly four years.  Since 2013, the number of new pools being constructed in the Atlanta area has been rapidly rising, and through the third quarter of this year there have been nearly 1,800 swimming pool starts which puts it already 14% ahead of 2016.

ATL Swimming Pool Construction 2013 to 2016

The counties that have exhibited the greatest amount of new pool construction activity through Q3-2017 include:

  • Fulton County: 316 permits, +20% (vs. 2016)
  • Cobb County: 246 permits, +15% (vs. 2016)
  • Cherokee County: 160 permits, +14% (vs. 2016)

 

The top five counties for total permits on file with HBW through Q3 are all positioned ahead of swimming pool construction totals from last year:

ATL Top 5 Counties for Total New Pool Permits thru Q3 (2016 vs. 2017)

With the current pattern in new swimming pool construction, 2017 is slated to be the best year on record in more than five years for the Metro Atlanta area.  In the coming months, HBW will be monitoring the market and updating its database to provide the latest and most accurate statistics available.

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.

Small Business Saturday Tips for Home Builders

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Small Business Saturday is happening November 25th, and you have just about one month to make it a profitable day for your business.

When most of us think of Small Business Saturday (November 25, 2017), we think of a smaller version of Black Friday – long lines, overrun retailers and the holiday shopping rush that ensues this time of year.  While Small Business Saturday is intended to give small retailers a similar boost to their larger chain store competitors, it is also designed to bring attention to small businesses in the community.  Beyond driving traffic to the “Mom and Pop” boutique down the street, if used properly, it can drive attention and traffic to your small home building or remodeling business.

In order to be properly prepared and take advantage of this national day dedicated to small businesses, here are a few tips and resources that can get your marketing efforts and materials in gear:

Use #ShopSmall Marketing Resources – American Express provides a very easy-to-use online tool for creating banners and images that feature your business in the #ShopSmall logo.  Take advantage of the free marketing resources provided in order to be a part of the movement and get noticed.

Spread the Word on Social Media – Now that you have a few images and #ShopSmall resources in place, start spreading the word.  From social media to your website, make your participation in Small Business Saturday known and link it back to your latest offer or discount, website or a landing page specific to featured holiday deals.

Launch an Email Marketing Campaign – Whether you add Small Business Saturday to an e-newsletter you already have in place or launch a specific campaign leading up to the holidays, now is a great time to give your email marketing campaign a little extra boost.  After all, this is the start of the holiday season, and there are plenty of home services, remodeling and seasonal upgrades that can be packaged to fit your prospects’ holiday and winter needs.

Find Small Business Partners – Get in on the hype and Small Business Saturday events in your area.  Show your support on social media of other local small businesses and find non-competing partners to do the same for your business.  If you want to take it a step further, you may consider rallying businesses to participate by becoming a “Neighborhood Champion” which provides an opportunity to network with neighboring businesses and discover potential partners.

Launch a Direct Mail Campaign – Turn your direct mail into holiday mail.  Consider using this time to change up your direct mail approach by bringing attention to your participation in Small Business Saturday.  This time of year also serves as a great time to offer discounts and seasonal pricing as a gift to new clients, as well as a chance to thank and wish your current clients a happy holiday season.  To ensure that your efforts are effective, review your contact lists for accuracy and secure lists of new prospects from reputable sources like HBW so that you know data is valid and up-to-date.

From networking in your community and social media to developing discounts and programs specific to the seasonal needs of homeowners, Small Business Saturday provides your business a starting point for launching a successful holiday marketing campaign.

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.

Florida New Home Construction Increased 12% Through Q3

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Quarterly Report: In comparison to 2016, new residential construction in Florida is on the rise and already showing a year-over-year increase of 12% through the third quarter of 2017.

An average of approximately 1,000 people move to Florida every day – 1,000!  This type of growth requires the construction industry to keep up with this ever-growing demand.  Over the last five years, there have been annual increases anywhere from 14% to 31% in new residential construction in the Sunshine State.  Every year, there are more and more housing starts on file with HBW, and in 2017, there are already more than 55,000 housing starts on file through the third quarter.

According to recent reports from The U.S. Census Bureau (source: Associated Press), the Tampa area had the nation’s fourth-highest gain from new residents moving there last year; just about 58,000 new residents moved there in the span of one year. South Florida also ranked high on the charts, having the nation’s seventh highest gain from migration, adding about 48,000 new residents last year.  In the Central portion of the state, Orlando ranked eighth-highest having added nearly 47,000 new residents last year.

This year, patterns in new residential construction are equally as impressive.  Out of the more than 55,000 housing starts through Q3 across Florida, the southeast region is experiencing the greatest year-over-year increase (+27%), and West Florida holds the greatest total number of housing starts (12,185 permits).  Central Florida is also experiencing gains in new homes as there have been nearly 11,400 housing starts through Q3, reflecting a 9% increase over the same time last year.

FL Resid. Permit Totals Q3-2017

While every major region is experiencing increases ranging from 4% to 27% in new residential construction this year, when looking at specific counties there are even more impressive gains identified.  For example, Miami-Dade (SE) is ahead of last year’s figures by a whopping 90%, having 1,777 housing starts through Q3, and Sumter County (West) has already reflected a 60% year-over-year increase with more than 1,080 housing starts.

While Orange County (Central Florida) hasn’t experienced gains in new construction since 2016, it is the leader for total housing starts by far with 4,577 new permits on file through Q3.  Hillsborough County (West) where Tampa is situated currently ranks second highest in the state for total housing starts as there are more than 3,750 new permits (+9%) on file for the given period.  Coming in third, Polk County (West) has experienced a 20% year-over-year increase in new home construction, resulting in approximately 3,150 new permits added to the HBW database.

FL Top 10 Counties for Total New Residential Permits thru Q3-2017

Information utilized for the graphs and above listed figures for Florida residential construction 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.

Texas Third Quarter Home Building Review

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HBW reports on new residential construction in Texas through the 3rd quarter of 2017.

Upon review of the four major metro areas (Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin) of Texas, we found more than 54,500 housing starts on file with HBW through the 3rd quarter of this year, reflecting an 8% year-over-year increase.  Dallas has displayed the most year-over-year growth (+13%), while Houston takes top spot for total permits (~22,450) for the period.  When looking at total housing starts through Q3, Dallas came in just behind Houston with 18,440 new permits, while Austin and San Antonio followed with approximately 8,300 permits (-3%) and 5,380 (+10%) permits respectively.

TX Total Permits Q3 2016 vs 2017

Every major metro area with the exception of Austin is ahead of 2016 figures, with the most growth in residential construction being in the Dallas area counties of Rockwell (+39%), Ellis (+31%) and Tarrant (+30%).  Looking at all counties across the state, Harris County (Houston) led for total housing starts having nearly 12,000 new permits on file through the third quarter of this year, a 10% increase in comparison to 2016.  Next in line were the Dallas area counties of Collin (5,782 permits) and Tarrant (5,191 permits), which were closely followed by Travis County in Austin (~5,100 permits) and Fort Bend in Houston (3,925 permits).

TX Top 5 Counties for Total Permits Q3-2017

When reviewing higher value housing starts throughout Texas, it should come as no surprise that Dallas holds the lead in this department.  Already having more than approximately 1,560 housing starts valued >$500k, Dallas is positioned to be ahead of 2016 by the end of this year.  The Houston area has also had a healthy dose of high value residential construction; with 700 new permits valued above $500k, the area is also tracking to be ahead of last year’s figures.

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.

Preparing Workers for Winter Cold

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Being in the South, we usually focus on the heat when it comes to protecting workers from the elements.  That being said, just because we aren’t facing arctic conditions doesn’t mean that workers aren’t at risk during the winter months.  OSHA provides a plethora of information on cold stress and other winter weather related hazards that can be useful for any construction company.  Here are a few basic guidelines to get you started on preparing you and your crews for the safety measures that should be taken in the winter months ahead:

Cold Stress – According to OSHA, cold stress is easily prevented, but often the risk goes unnoticed.  Especially in warmer climates, cold stress is not usually factored into the equation when assessing job site safety.  The truth is that near freezing temperatures are enough to be a contributing factor for cold stress. Cold stress occurs by driving down the skin temperature, and eventually the internal body temperature. Once the body is at a level where it can no longer warm itself, serious cold-related illnesses and injuries can occur and lead to permanent tissue damage or worse. Types of cold stress include: trench foot, frostbite, and hypothermia. It is important for employers to properly train and monitor crews for cold stress.

  • Prevention: Prevention is possible through training. Crews should know how to recognize environmental and workplace conditions that can cause cold stress, as well as the symptoms of cold stress and how to treat workers.  Additionally, make sure crews understand proper clothing for cold, wet and windy conditions and that uniforms meet the climate requirements.
  • Monitoring and Planning: Employers should monitor weather conditions and the wind chill temperature so that they can gauge workers’ exposure risk better and plan how to safely perform under daily conditions. It is also important to monitor workers’ physical condition during tasks, schedule short breaks in warm areas, provide warm beverages and schedule projects at the warmest part of the day.

 

In addition to protecting workers from cold stress, there are other precautions employers can take to increase safety on the job site during winter months:

  • Providing workers with the proper tools and equipment to do their jobs
  • Develop plans that identify potential hazards and the safety measures that will be used to protect workers.
  • Inform clients of inclement weather or severe temperature drops and schedule longer stretches of outdoor work for warmer months.
  • Rotate and consider using relief workers or splitting shifts to cover long or demanding jobs during extreme cold.
  • Establish a reliable means of communicating with workers, especially in remote areas and have regular check-in/reporting times throughout the day.
  • Stay informed – NOAA provides multiple ways to stay informed about winter storms. If notified of a winter storm watch, advisory or warning, follow instructions from your local authorities: NOAA Weather Radio

 

Regardless of the season or weather it may bring, job safety should be number one priority on the job site.  By having a plan and ensuring that your crews are following safety precautions, you can rest assured knowing that your crews are properly trained to have a safe and productive winter season.

For more guidelines and tips from OSHA on Winter safety and precautions, visit OSHA’s Winter Weather page. 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.

Atlanta Residential Construction Quarterly Review – 3rd Quarter

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Image courtesy of: CarruthPhoto.com

Residential construction in the Metro Atlanta area has experienced a 10% year-over-year increase through the third quarter, which points to a continued growth pattern that has been consistent for more than four years.  The counties that reflect the highest total number of housing starts through Q3-2017 include Gwinnett (2,935 permits), Fulton (1,958 permits) and Forsyth (1,939 permits).

ATL Top Counties for total permits Q3 – 2016 vs. 2017

In addition to the counties experiencing the greatest concentration of new residential building activity, there were areas that had significant spikes and growth in comparison to last year.  For example, while Clarke County does not have the greatest total number of starts through the third quarter of this year, it is well ahead of last year’s figures having a massive 72% year-over-year increase in new residential construction.  Newton County also reflects tremendous growth over the years and is 64% ahead of last year’s residential construction totals with more than 400 housing starts on file through Q3.  Areas like Fayette County have held steady and consistent over the last few years, but in 2017 it is experiencing significant growth, a 42% year-over-year increase through Q3 to be exact.

When looking at the higher value home construction ranging $500k and above, the third quarter of this year is the best one yet for the Metro Atlanta area; so far, there have been more than 525 housing starts with values above $500k this year, and 200 of those starts took place during Q3.  Fulton County continues to lead for total higher value housing starts, having more than 220 new homes with values in excess of $500k through the third quarter.  Other counties that have 50 or more higher value permits on file with HBW through Q3 include Dekalb and Cobb.

Information utilized for the graphs and above listed figures for metro Atlanta residential construction 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.

Save the Date – Industry Expo Calendar

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Earlier this week, we explored options for reusing marketing and promotional materials.  Along with repurposing promotional items for customer appreciation, they can certainly be of value at future conventions and expos.  Here are a few upcoming industry trade shows that you may want to add to your calendar:

  1. MetalCon

Dates: October 18-20, 2017 (Las Vegas, NV)

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

  1. Remodeling Show (and DeckExpo)

Dates: October 25-27, 2017 (Nashville, TN)

More information: www.remodelingdeck.com

  1. Greenbuild International Conference & Expo

Dates: November 8-10, 2017 (Boston, MA)

More information: www.greenbuildexpo.com

  1. JLC LIVE Residential Construction Show

Dates:   November 30-December 1, 2017 (Portland, OR) & March 22-24, 2018 (Providence, RI)

More information: www.jlclive.com

  1. BuildExpo

Dates: December 6-7, 2017 (Fort Lauderdale, FL) & January 24-25, 2018 (Austin, TX)

More information: http://buildexpousa.com/

  1. NAHB International Builders Show (IBS)

Dates: January 9-11, 2018 (Orlando, FL)

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

  1. World of Concrete

Dates: January 22-26, 2018 (Las Vegas, NV)

More information: www.worldofconcrete.com

  1. International Roofing Expo (IRE)

Dates: February 6-8, 2018 (New Orleans, LA)

More information: www.theroofingexpo.com

  1. East Coast Builders Conference

Dates: June 14-15, 2018 (Nashville, TN)

More information: http://ecbcshow.com/

  1. AIA Conference on Architecture

Dates: June 21-23, 2018 (New York, NY)

More information: http://conferenceonarchitecture.com/

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.

5 Ways to Use Promotional Items, Again

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Don’t let extra giveaways and promotional items sit in storage; use them to re-engage customers and invite new ones.

Freebies – They are great for expos and conventions, but what about all of the leftovers?  Giveaways are a great way to promote your business at large industry events, but they can often get tossed to the back of the storage closet once the expo doors are closed.  Whether they are pens, pads, keychains or flashlights, they have your logo which makes them valuable in other marketing efforts.  Here are five easy ways to repurpose and make use of extra promotional items:

  1. Other Expos – While this one may seem obvious, many companies forget about last year’s promotional materials. A good way to ensure promotional items can be reused for several events and for a longer duration is to make sure they are consistent with your brand and are not designed around a specific event or product.
  2. Customer Appreciation – A little “thank you” can go a long way. Think about reengaging some of your valued customers with a thank you note and promotional item.  The end of the year is the perfect time to thank them for their business and contributing to the success of your company.
  3. Holidays – Consider going outside of the traditional company holiday cards or calendars this year. By repackaging some of your best promotional items for the holidays, you can give your customers a reason to think about you well beyond the holiday season.
  4. Proposals – While this one may not be the best fit for commercial clients, think about giving your residential project proposals a little something extra to standout from competitors. Adding a promotional product can be an effective way to make your proposal memorable and worth the time for review.
  5. New Services – If you are launching a new service, location or website, you may want to add a promotional item with your announcement. A little gift package will most likely get more attention than a postcard in a client’s or prospect’s mailbox.  This is equally as effective for direct mail marketing campaigns and will give your HBW leads another reason to contact you.

Promotional items that carry your company name can help generate buzz long after your exhibitor’s pass expires.  By taking stock of promotional item you have now, you can plan to make an impact in your expos, mailers and announcements later.

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.

Florida Swimming Pool Construction Report – August 2017

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During the month of August, there were more than 1,850 new swimming pools with a total value in excess of $78 million started in Florida.

 

Florida Pool Permits by Area – August 2017

Southwest

New swimming pool construction was booming in the southwestern portion of Florida last month; With more than 525 swimming pool starts and a total value in excess of $22.4M, new pool construction was 23% of ahead of our last pool construction report for the area in June.  The bulk of new construction could be found in the counties of Lee (196 permits) and Collier (119 permits), and out of the more than 125 active builders in the area, the following ranked top three for total new permits for the one-month period: Aragon Pools & Spas, Pinnacle USA and Waterscapes Pools and Spas.  The average value of new pool construction for the one-month period was $42,676.

Orlando

Last month, Orlando ranked second highest for total new swimming pool construction permits on file with HBW.  Having 490 pools starts with a total value greater than $19.5M, Orlando experienced just about a 47% increase in construction activity since our last report in June.  The highest concentration of swimming pool starts took place in Brevard (182 permits) and Orange (139 permits) Counties.  There were approximately 100 active swimming pool builders in the area last month, and the three companies that had the most new permits on file were as follows:  Intercoastal Pool and Spa Builders, All Seasons and Holland Pools.  The average value of construction in Orlando was lowest in comparison to the other areas reviewed coming in at just under $40k.

Southeast

Southeast Florida ranked third for total permits last month as there were just under 350 pool starts with a value in excess of $14.2M.  The counties of Palm Beach and Miami-Dade held the highest concentration of new pool construction with 139 and 104 permits respectively.  Out of the 135 active builders on file for the month, the top three for total new permits are as follows: Sunsational Pools and Spas, A&G Concrete Pools and Treasure Pools and Service, Inc.  The average value of pool construction in the area for the one-month period landed at just over $41k.

Tampa

New pool construction in Tampa has remained steady as there were nearly 320 pool starts with a total value of approximately $14.5M last month.  The counties with the highest concentration of new pool construction included Hillsborough (106 permits) and Pasco (61 permits).  Out of the more than 100 active builders in the area, the following ranked top three for total permits: Tampa Bay Pools, Olympus Pools and Gulfstream Pools and Spas.  While there wasn’t a wide range in average value of swimming pool construction across the state, Tampa had the highest average value at $45,405.

 Jacksonville

There were 175 new swimming pool permits and more than $7.7M in total construction value added to the HBW database for Jacksonville last month.  The counties of St. Johns and Duval experienced the greatest amount of new construction activity with 69 and 56 swimming pool starts respectively.  Out of the 65 active builders in the area during the month of August, Blue Haven Pools, Pools by John Clarkson and Island Pools took the top three spots for total new permits.  The average construction value for pools in the area was just over $44k.

FL Average Value of Pool Construction – August 2017

Information utilized for the graphs and above listed figures for swimming pool construction in Florida 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.

Planning for Fall Home Maintenance

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Fall is here, bringing new opportunities to engage customers and offer Fall home maintenance services.

When many people think of the Fall season, cooler weather and images of Fall leaves and trees easily come to mind.  What many people easily overlook is the Fall home maintenance and prevention services that can prepare them for winter and add longevity to their current structure

For this reason, now is the perfect time for sending a friendly reminder, and maybe even a promotion, to customers regarding fall home maintenance.  One of the ways to put fall maintenance needs on their radar is to provide them with an easy checklist that they can review on their own or contact your business to have a seasonal assessment.  From energy efficiency and insulation to prepare for colder months ahead to safety checks and landscape preparation, there are a variety of services that you may be able to provide customers or refer them to a partner company.

When reaching out to your customers, it is best to offer some free resources and information (such as a seasonal checklist) that they can use to prepare their property on their own.  Whether through a mass mailer or email marketing campaign, helping your customers prepare their property will reengage them and properly position them for the season ahead.  Checklist items may include the following:

  1. Landscape + Outdoors
    1. Assess the health of trees on the property; make sure they are properly trimmed and pruned to avoid the dangers of falling limbs in winter storms.
    2. Rake Leaves – While falling leaves are an expected and beautiful part of this time of year, leaving too many on the lawn throughout the season can inhibit spring growth.
    3. Clear Gutters – After the leaves have fallen, make sure to clean gutters and downspout as leaves can obstruct water flow during rainstorms and cause water to pool; it can be damaging to roofs and siding.
  2. Building Structure
    1. Walk the Property – Examine the exterior of the home. Any damage to the roof, siding or foundation should be reviewed by a professional and ideally repaired before the winter season begins taking a toll.
    2. Add Weather Stripping – From frames of windows to doors, weather stripping can help regulate indoor temperature and increase energy efficiency.
    3. Seal Gaps – In addition to the gaps in windows and doors, review the building for any holes or gaps that may serve as entryways for small critters. Sealing such gaps will decrease the likelihood of having mice or similar visitors in your home.
    4. Chimney and Heating Systems – It has been a while since you have used your chimney. For this reason, now is a good time to set a maintenance appointment for having the chimney, furnace and boiler cleaned and in working order.
  3. Safety Check
    1. Test Detectors – Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors don’t check themselves; make sure they are in working order and replace batteries if needed.
    2. Fire Extinguisher – While you don’t need to “test” an extinguisher, you should make it a habit to check the expiration date and replace if necessary.
    3. Lighting – Make sure all outdoor lights are functioning, and if on a timer, make sure to adjust it for the shorter daylight hours; replace bulbs if needed.
    4. Outdoor Stairs and Walkways – In addition to making sure that all stairways and walkways are cleared from debris, the fall season is a great time to check for any loose pavers, steps or railings. If you live in a colder climate, the winter months will make walkways slippery, and railings and steps will need to be clear and in good shape.

By providing your customers with some easy tips and guidance for seasonal home preparation, you do more than simply serve as a resource… You and your business can become a trusted partner is home safety and maintenance for years to come.

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.