HBWeekly

Texas Top Home Builders – February 2024

Posted on March 15, 2024 by Erika Carruth

As reported earlier this week, new home construction in Texas has been reflecting a steady start since the start of this year. Last month, Texas experienced less than a one percent month-over-month increase in new residential construction, resulting in more than 5,875 new permits on record with HBW.

When reviewing HBW’s latest construction data reports to identify the contractors driving the market across the Lonestar State, two major home builders landed on the leaderboard in most metro areas. Both Lennar Homes and Meritage Homes have a strong presence in Texas residential construction, and from the four areas reviewed last month (Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio), they had a total of 562 and 358 new residential construction permits on record respectively.

Here is a closer look at the leading home builders by area, along with total new residential construction permits on record for each one during the month of February:

Houston

In Houston, there were nearly 310 home builders with new construction activity on record last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Lennar Homes	253
2-D.R. Horton	203
3-Meritage Homes	178
4-David Weekley Homes	139
5-K Hovnanian Homes	100

Dallas

Last month, there were approximately 240 home builders with new construction on record in the Dallas area, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Trophy Signature Homes	348
2-Pulte Homes	161
3-Meritage Homes	150
4-D.R. Horton	130
5-Ashton Woods Homes	80

San Antonio

Last month, there were more than 80 home builders with new construction activity on record in the San Antonio area, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Lennar Homes	162
2-KB Homes	35
3-Century Communities	27
4-Pulte Homes	22
5-LGI Homes	22

Austin

In the Austin area, there were nearly 90 home builders with new construction activity on record with HBW last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits for the one-month period:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Lennar Homes	76
2-Taylor Morrison Homes	58
3-Brookfield Residential Texas Homes	25
4-The Brohn Group	20
5-Meritage Homes	18

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

HBW Report: Texas New Home Construction – February 2024

Posted on March 13, 2024 by Erika Carruth

Texas is off to a consistent start in new home construction this year. Last month, Texas experienced less than a 1 percent month-over-month increase in new residential construction, resulting in more than 5,875 new permits on record with HBW. Out of the four metro areas reviewed (Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio), the greatest volume of housing starts could be found in the Houston area (2,558 permits), while the highest average value of construction could be found in the Dallas area (average value: $331,965).

Here is a closer look at the total permits, values and leading counties for new home construction throughout the Lone Star State last month:

Houston

In Houston, there were nearly 2,560 new residential construction permits with a total value of approximately $706.5 million on record with HBW last month. The average value of new construction was $276,177, and the county holding just over half of all new construction activity was Harris County with 1,299 new permits for the one-month period.

Dallas

In the Dallas area, there were 2,326 new residential construction permits with a total value in excess of $772 million on record with HBW last month. The average value of construction in Dallas (average value: $331,965) was highest in comparison to other areas reviewed, and well more than half of all new permits originated from Collin County (1,443 permits).

San Antonio

In San Antonio, there were more than 535 new residential construction permits with a total value of $114 million last month. The average value of new home construction was lowest in the San Antonio area (average value: $212,853) in comparison to other Texas areas reviewed, and the bulk of new residential construction activity took place in Bexar County (403 permits).

Austin

Last month, there were nearly 460 new residential construction permits with a total value of approximately $147.7 million in the Austin area. The average value of new home construction in Austin (average value: $323,242) landed on the higher end of the spectrum in comparison to other Texas areas reviewed, and more than half of all new permits originated from Travis County (292 permits).

Ways Permit Data Reports Benefit Businesses

Posted on March 9, 2024 by Erika Carruth

In previous posts, we have explored the many opportunities that are provided by the proper use of permit data. From offering suggestions for using building data to improve marketing efforts to giving tips on how to best utilize HBW reports, we have covered just some of the many ways permit data can add value to a business.

Today, we are looking specifically at the ways that permit data can serve as an indispensable resource for businesses to tailor their services to market demand. Here are four ways to consider:

1. Identify Construction Trends: Building permit data provides insights into the types of construction projects that are in greatest demand in specific regions. When reviewing HBW reports, businesses can easily identify trends and better understand the current market demands. For example, if there is a spike in permits for residential kitchen or bathroom renovations, businesses can focus on offering services related to kitchen and bathroom remodeling to address the highest demand.

2. Gain Regional Insight: Construction permit data enables businesses to better understand the specific needs within various regions. By identifying the types of projects that are being approved in each region, contractors can adjust their services to the local market, offering customized solutions that meet the unique requirements of a given area.

3. Forecast Demand: In addition to permit data providing important information on current market demand, it can prepare businesses for future trends. Through reviewing historical data and reports that are accessible from HBW’s archives, businesses can be proactive, making informed predictions about future construction needs; by forecasting demand, businesses can adjust their services and stay ahead of the competition.

4. Improve Business Development: By using construction data reports, contractors gain a clear understanding of their target markets, enabling them to tailor and fine-tune their marketing strategies. Through discovering areas where construction activities and needs are concentrated, contractors can modify their messaging and outreach efforts to effectively reach potential customers. This targeted approach increases the chances of converting leads into actual projects and provides a solid boost to business growth.

While the above listed areas are just of few of the many ways permit data can benefit businesses, they serve as helpful reminders on how to use HBW reports to tailor services to market demand. Ultimately, by leveraging this data, businesses can optimize their operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and maximize profitability.

For more information on construction business marketing tips, stay connected with the HBW Blog. To get ahead of construction activity and gain access to the latest permitting data in Florida, Texas, Georgia, Alabama and Oklahoma, contact HBW for more information on construction data reports and industry leads.

Texas Swimming Pool Construction Report – February 2024

Posted on March 6, 2024 by Erika Carruth

Last month, there were approximately 515 new swimming pool construction permits added to the HBW database for Texas. Out of the four major metro areas reviewed (Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio), Dallas carried the greatest volume of new swimming pool construction permits (257 permits), while the highest average value of construction could be found in the Houston area (average value: $93,973).

Here is a closer look at the total permits, average value of construction, the leading counties and top pool builders in Texas during the month of February:

Dallas

As previously noted, Dallas carried the highest volume of new pool construction activity in comparison to other Texas areas reviewed, having 257 new permits with a total construction value of approximately $15.7 million last month. The average value of new pool construction was $61,004, and 55 percent of all new permits originated from the two counties of Dallas (77 permits) and Collin (64 permits).

Out of approximately 125 contractors with new swimming pool construction activity on record with HBW in Dallas last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Riverbend Pools	13
2-Claffey Pools	11
3-BMR Pools	10

Houston

Last month, Houston ranked #2 for new swimming pool construction, having more than 100 new permits with a total construction value of nearly $9.7 million on record with HBW. The average value of construction was highest in Houston (average value: $93,973) in comparison to other regions reviewed, and the majority of all new construction activity took place in Harris County (75 permits).

Out of more than 60 contractors with new swimming pool construction permits on record in Houston last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits for the one-month period:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Platinum Pools	11
2-Cypress Custom Pools	6
3-Regal Pools	5

Austin

In Austin, there were approximately 90 new swimming pool permits with a total construction value of nearly $4.4 million added to the HBW database last month. The average value of new pool construction was $48,902, and nearly all new permits originated from Travis County (76 permits).

Out of more than 50 pool builders with new construction activity on record last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Cody Pools	12
2-Zach Savage Homes	8
3-Anthony & Sylvan Pools	6

San Antonio

Last month, there were 64 new swimming pool permits with a total construction value in excess of $2.5 million in the San Antonio area. The average value of new pool construction was lowest in San Antonio (average value: $39,564) in comparison to other Texas regions reviewed, and the bulk of construction activity took place in Bexar County (53 permits).

Out of more than 25 contractors with new swimming pool construction on record in the area last month, the following ranked as the top three for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits
1-Keith Zars Pools	11
2-Cody Pools	9
3-Gary Pools	9

7 Social Media Ideas for Construction Professionals

Posted on March 2, 2024 by Erika Carruth

Are you looking to keep your social media content fresh and engaging? No problem – We’ve got you covered. With a constantly changing feed and trends coming and going faster than ever, it is important that you generate new and varied content to keep you audience interested across all social media channels.

As construction professionals, it can be challenging to think about what to post, when, and if the photos from a job site are really worth putting out there. For this reason, we are providing a little inspiration and seven ideas to get your next social media post noticed:

Client Spotlights – Your audience doesn’t only want to see your how you work… They want to see who you work with and the results of your project. From case studies to brief before/after highlights, invite your audience to get to know your clients.
Industry News – When you share industry news, you indirectly demonstrate your industry knowledge, as well as show that you are “in the know” on the latest buzz. A great way to provide information of interest is to use HBW construction data reports to give a quick look at what level of construction is happening in a given area and the types of projects that are hot right now.
Teaching Tools – Educational content is in high demand. From DIY projects to how to determine if it is time to replace tile, windows, etc., educational resources can provide value to your prospects and clients.
Company Culture – Along with getting to know your clients, followers are interested in getting to know your company. By giving a view of your team, events, and office, you can make a real and relatable connection with your audience.
Project Updates – Do you have a big project in the works? Now is the perfect time to show how the project is coming along. By sharing the start-up phase and progress over time, your followers have a chance to gain insight into your process.
FAQs – Through a post featuring frequently asked questions, you can manage expectations by answering questions that come up regarding the construction process, permits, timelines, etc.
Historical Construction – In addition to giving a throwback to your earlier projects, you can use HBW reports to identify regions that are exhibiting a high need for your services. For example, through HBW archives, you can gather data for roofing permits 20 years prior to inform your followers about the growing need for re-roofs in their area.

Through fresh and varied content, you can keep your social media profiles active and engaging, while showcasing your expertise in the industry.

Top Home Builders in Florida – January 2024

Posted on February 28, 2024 by Erika Carruth

Last week, we reviewed HBW’s latest construction data reports for new home construction in Florida during the month of January, and we reported that there were more than 8,155 new permits with a total value of $2.4 billion on record with HBW. This week, we are taking a closer look at the leading home builders that are driving the markets in the five major regions of the state (Southwest, Tampa, Orlando, Southeast, Jacksonville).

Statewide, there continue to be two major players leading new home construction – Lennar Homes and D.R. Horton. While each region has a varied list of contractors that make up the top five, both Lennar Homes and D.R. Horton have been consistently strong throughout the Sunshine State having 1,278 and 1,197 new permits on record respectively for the one-month period. Out of the five regions reviewed, both home builders landed on the top five list in nearly every area.

Here is a closer look at the leading home builders based on total new residential construction permits on record with HBW in Florida during the month of January 2024:

Southwest

Last month, there were 385 home builders with new construction on record in Southwest Florida, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-Lennar Homes	339	$ 187,826.00
2-D.R. Horton	199	$ 240,049.00
3-Pulte Homes	195	$ 226,435.00
4-Taylor Morrison	85	$ 193,758.00
5-Neal Communities of SW FL	79	$ 213,500.00

Tampa

Out of 295 home builders with new residential construction activity on record in Tampa during the month of January, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-Lennar Homes	632	$ 281,078.00
2-D.R. Horton	569	$ 231,327.00
3-Taylor Morrison	98	$ 294,095.00
4-The Villages of Lake Sumter	83	$ 175,000.00
5-Pulte Homes	69	$ 271,513.00

Orlando

In Orlando, there were approximately 185 home builders with new construction activity on record last month, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits for the one-month period:

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-D.R. Horton	230	$ 338,697.00
2-Pulte Homes	115	$ 297,311.00
3-Lennar Homes	91	$ 237,017.00
4-Minto Communities	61	$ 406,000.00
5-Stanley Martin Homes	38	$ 325,939.00

Jacksonville

Last month, there were more than 145 home builders with new construction activity on record with HBW in the Jacksonville area, and the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-Lennar Homes	199	$ 256,036.00
2-KB Homes	156	$ 156,581.00
3-Dream Finders Homes	135	$ 257,897.00
4-D.R. Horton	134	$ 197,659.00
5-Pulte Homes	62	$ 269,821.00

Southeast

Out of more than 130 contractors with new residential construction activity on record in Southeast Florida last month, the following ranked as the top five for total new permits:

Builder	Total Permits	Average Value
1-GL Building Corporation	91	$ 397,069.00
2-D.R. Horton	65	$ 196,654.00
3-Minto Communities	37	$ 291,936.00
4-Kolter Homes	32	$ 315,581.00
5-Pulte Homes	28	$ 416,140.00

Florida Residential Construction – January 2024

Posted on February 23, 2024 by Erika Carruth

When looking at new home construction, Florida is off to a solid start so far this year. In January, the Sunshine State experienced a 7 percent month-over-month increase in new residential construction, resulting in more than 8,155 new permits with a total value of $2.4 billion on record with HBW. Out of the five Florida regions reviewed (Tampa, Southwest, Orlando, Jacksonville, Southeast), the Tampa area held the highest concentration of new home construction activity (2,822 permits), while Orlando carried the highest average value of new residential construction projects (average value: $363,443).

Here is a closer look at the total permits, construction values and leading counties for new home construction throughout Florida during the month of January:

Tampa

As previously mentioned, Tampa ranked #1 for new home construction last month, having 2,822 new permits with a total construction value of approximately $770 million. The average value of construction in Tampa was $272,778, and well more than half of all new permits originated from the counties of Polk (1,059 permits) and Pasco (738 permits).

Southwest

Next in line behind Tampa, the southwestern region of Florida ranked #2 for new residential construction as there were approximately 2,100 new permits with a total value of nearly $627 million last month. The average value of new construction was $298,560, and the majority of permits originated from Lee County (908 permits) and Manatee County (571 permits).

Jacksonville

Last month, there were approximately 1,435 new residential construction permits with a total value in excess of $364 million in the Jacksonville area. The average value of new home construction was lowest in Jacksonville (average value: $254,114) in comparison to other regions reviewed, and the majority of all new permits originated from the counties of St. Johns (609 permits) and Duval (354 permits).

Orlando

In Orlando, there were 1,140 new residential construction permits with a total value of $414.3 million on record last month. The average value of new home construction was highest in Orlando (average value: $363,443) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and more than half of all new residential construction activity took place in the counties of Brevard (339 permits) and Lake (267 permits).

Southeast

In the southeastern region of Florida there were more than 660 new residential construction permits with a total value of $233 million last month. The average value of new home construction landed on the higher end of the spectrum (average value: $352,588) in comparison to other Florida regions reviewed, and the county with the greatest concentration of new residential construction activity was St. Lucie (262 permits).

Florida Swimming Pool Construction Update – January 2024

Posted on February 21, 2024 by Erika Carruth

Based on HBW’s latest construction data reports, there have been more than 1,870 new swimming pool construction permits with a total value of nearly $149 million added to the HBW for the Sunshine State last month.

Out of the five Florida regions reviewed (Southwest, Tampa, Orlando, Southeast, Jacksonville), the greatest concentration of new pool construction took place in the southwestern region of the state (623 permits), while the highest average value of construction could be found in Jacksonville (average value: $97,561).

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

Southwest

Total # of Permits: 623

Average Value of Construction: $80,089

Leading Counties (based on total permits): Lee (211 permits); Collier (154 permits)