HBWeekly

Contractors Ask: What About Snapchat?

Posted on May 4, 2016 by Erika Carruth

Image source: Snapchat.com

Think that Snapchat is just a fad for teens? Think again. What started out as an easy video story and messaging app for teens and millennials has become a surprisingly useful and growing tool for marketers. According to a recent article by Bloomberg, Snapchat’s use is rapidly growing, with more than 10 billion video views and 100 million users each day. Even more impressive is that the number of views is up from 8 billion since February – Now that’s growth that will certainly garner attention.

As a construction professional, you may or may not have considered using Snapchat at this point, but if the unmistakable and instant growth hasn’t sparked your interest, consider the major powerhouse companies using the app. Netflix already being in the business of video is an obvious match for the app, successfully using it to provide sneak peeks of upcoming movies and series. At the same time, you have leading corporations like AT&T, McDonald’s, Amazon, Audi and many more that have hopped aboard the Snapchat train to share their brand and start conversations.

Snapchat is no longer just about photos that disappear in 10 seconds – Unlike most social media apps that serve as a repository for images and videos, Snapchat offers the convenience and fluidity of quick messaging as well as posts that can remain for 24 hours. The basic idea of Snapchat is that it enables the user to seamlessly transition between different styles of “chat” from video, audio, text, photos and drawings; it is face-to-face conversation amplified. The app makes it possible for private conversations to shift between mediums, enabling the user to customize the experience and maximize the conversation.

For home builders, the app can be useful in a variety of ways. Snapchat users can send messages to an individual or groups of people while chatting which can be effective when sharing related projects and designs to prospects and clients. Additionally, if you are on a video call, you can send images as an overlay so that the designs being discussed can be viewed simultaneously by the other party. As part of your marketing strategy, Snapchat can be useful in the following:

Spotlight an Event – Whether you are participating in a tradeshow or having a community or charity event, Snapchat provides your audience with a front-row seat even if they can’t actually be there.
Social Incentives – Just as with any social media platform, contests and incentives that are communicated through Snapchat have the potential to engage your audience and get them “in the door”. You may also offer discounts and promo codes to fans.
Behind the Scenes – Prospective clients want to see proof in your work, and moving beyond one-line testimonials, Snapchat provides authentic and real evidence of your work and professionalism. By taking viewers inside a renovation project or providing a first-hand look into the design process, they can get to know you and your business in a new and personal way.
Product Launch – If you have a new product or service, you may use Snapchat to build buzz and interest with sneak peeks and teaser videos.

Just as with any new marketing tool, you will want to take your entire marketing strategy into account before jumping into Snapchat with both feet. It should complement your current efforts, and messages should be aligned with your brand and have a clear objective. Consider your target audience and primary client base to assess if it is the right tool for reaching them. Although you may want to save the personal pics and “stickers” (cartoons/emojis) for the teens, a high-quality video of on-site progress or photo of your latest remodel may be the way to start, or close, a conversation with a future client.

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

HBW Report: Florida Swimming Pool Construction

Posted on April 29, 2016 by Erika Carruth

In the first quarter of 2016, more than 4,700 new swimming pool construction permits were added to the HBW database for Florida.

Each month, we have a chance to review the latest figures and reports from HBW, gaining valuable insight on residential and commercial construction. At the closing of the first quarter of 2016, we gathered the latest data to review new swimming pool construction in Florida. In Q1, there were 4,713 pool construction starts throughout the Sunshine State with a total construction value exceeding $194M.

The southwest region was in the lead for total new permits on file with 1,491 pool starts and nearly $61.5M in total construction value. Southeast Florida was also busy in the first part of the year with 1,032 new pool construction permits and more than $44.5M in total value. Central Florida (Orlando area) was third highest for total new permits with 980 starts and close to $35M in total construction value.

Florida Swimming Pool Permit Totals – Q1 2016

From Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando and the southeast and southwest corners of the state, the average value of pool construction varied. Jacksonville was on top with the highest average value of more than $51k, while the Orlando area held the lowest average value ($35,593) for new swimming pool construction.

FL Average Pool Construction Value – Q1 2016

When taking a look at the counties with the most new swimming pool construction activity, the southwest region holds three out of five spots on the top five list. Lee County (SW) had the most new permits on file in Q1 with 438 pool starts and more than $18.6M in total construction value. In the southeast, Palm Beach County was second highest for new swimming pool construction with 420 new permits on file and a total construction value of nearly $16.9M. Collier County (SW) held on to third with 385 starts and nearly $16.8M in total value. Orlando’s Orange County (344 permits) and the southwest region’s Manatee County were fourth and fifth highest for total new swimming pool construction permits in the first quarter.

FL Top 10 Counties for New Swimming Pool Permits – Q1 2016

Information utilized for the graphs and above listed figures 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 Top Home Builders – March 2016

Posted on April 27, 2016 by Erika Carruth

With nearly 5,000 new residential construction permits on file with HBW for March, Texas home builders continue to take on new projects in the face of the oil slump.

Despite the oil and labor challenges, Texas home builders were responsible for nearly $1.25 billion in new residential construction in March. Although Dallas, San Antonio and Houston experienced slight dips in total new permits in comparison to February, Austin’s 27% increase in activity (vs. Feb. 2016) for the month has the Lone Star State seeing new residential construction totals consistent with figures from February.

As for home builders, the top three remained the same since February, with D.R. Horton continuing to hold the #1 spot for total housing starts in March. According to the HBW database, D.R. Horton had nearly 550 housing starts on file for the month, and took the top spot in three out of four of the metropolitan areas reviewed. The top three builders across the state for total new permits are as follows:

#1. D.R. Horton

#2 Lennar Homes

#3 Pulte Homes

Although the leading builders statewide remained the same from February to March, in each area there are some new additions to the “Top 5” list. Here’s a closer look at the breakdown in each area:

Houston

Earlier this month, Houston Business Journal reported that Houston is experiencing a slowing in residential construction due to the oil slump. In the HBW database, Houston also saw a slowing (~ 11% decrease) in housing starts since February. Despite this fluctuation, out of the four Texas areas reviewed, Houston had the most starts on file (2007 permits) for the month. The home builder leading construction in the area was D.R. Horton, with 252 housing starts and nearly $29M in total construction value. Although not in the “Top 5” last month, K. Hovnanian Homes held the second highest spot for total new permits on file with 141 housing starts and a total value in excess of $22.5M. Previously holding the #2 spot in February, Lennar Homes tied K. Hovnanian with 141 housing starts in March and came close to total value with just over $22 million in residential construction.

Houston Top Home Builders by Permit Totals – March 2016

Dallas
According to recent reports from the Dallas Business Journal, Dallas home builders are seeing “booming home sales” and an increase in residential construction in comparison to the same time last year. Based on the latest HBW reports, Dallas home building is holding strong as the area was second for total housing starts in March. Out of the 1,579 new permits on file, D.R. Horton held its lead in Dallas with 134 housing starts and more than $28M in construction value. Next in line for total starts and pushing up to the “Top 5” was First Texas Homes. First Texas was second highest for total permits with 93 housing starts. The home builder also took the #1 spot for total construction value in the area with nearly $29.3M in new residential construction in March. Dropping from #2 in February to #3 in March is Pulte Homes; Pulte Homes had 88 housing starts for the month with a total construction value of more than $20.4M.

Dallas Top Home Builders by Permit Totals – March 2016

Austin

As previously mentioned, the Austin area saw a 27% spike in housing starts in comparison to February. D.R. Horton led the Austin area for housing starts in March with 154 new residential construction permits on file for the month and a total construction value close to $22.8M. Up two spots from #4 in February, Lennar Homes ranked second highest for total permits in the area with 59 housing starts and a total value in excess of $6.4M. Dropping one spot to #3, KB Homes has 51 housing starts on file for March and a total construction value of more than $7.7M.

Austin Top Home Builders by Permit Totals – March 2016

San Antonio

In San Antonio, Continental Homes continued to hold the #1 spot for total new residential construction permits. The home builder is responsible for more than 20% of the new residential activity in the area for March, with 86 housing starts on file and a total value of more than $18.5M. Also consistent with February, KB Homes held on to the #2 spot with 26 housing starts and a total value of nearly $6.3M. Just behind KB Homes was Chesmar Homes. Chesmar Homes jumped one spot since February to #3 with 25 starts and a total construction value close to $7.3M.

San Antonio Top Home Builders by Permit Totals – March 2016

Information utilized for the graphs and above listed figures was directly derived from HBW construction data reports. To gain access to the HBW database and receive custom and detailed reports on the latest building activity in Texas and beyond, please contact HBW for details.

10 Ways to a More Sustainable Home

Posted on April 22, 2016 by Erika Carruth

It’s Earth Day and a perfect time to explore ways to meet the demand and need for more sustainable living.

Image by: freepik.com

Happy Earth Day! Today is a great time to look at energy-saving products and services you can offer your clients to assist them in reducing their carbon footprint. Home builders are well aware of the benefits of green building programs, meeting green standards through regional programs, LEED-certified buildings and Energy Star. With climate change, excessive droughts and unstable fuel prices, there is no denying that green building is gaining demand and ground in the industry.

Along with the obvious and necessary shift to sustainable lifestyles, commercial buildings and homes are being designed with sustainability at the forefront. According to AIA’s latest survey of architects on expectations for nonresidential design trends, sustainability, project efficiency and new technologies topped the list of priorities (source: AIA). As for residential demand, 33 million homeowners are planning for home renovations this year, with exterior renovations (pools, landscaping, decks, driveways) being the most popular. (source: Bankrate.com). With the expected renovations coming down the pipe, it provides a great opportunity to upgrade residential projects with earth-friendly designs and technology. For this reason, we will explore easy upgrades and fixes that you may offer to current clients to save energy, money and ultimately be more sustainable and environmentally-friendly.

Use the Sun – Beyond solar pool heaters, there are countless ways to use the sun’s energy to make a home more energy efficient. Sky lights are one way to add extra light and warmth to the home while reducing heating and lighting costs. Other solar upgrades include: Solar outdoor lighting with LED bulbs that automatically turn on at dusk; solar water heaters; and solar panels to power the home. On average, homeowners can save over $1,000/year by using solar panels (source: SolarEnergy.net), which is a plus along with saving energy.
Maximize Landscape – Your clients want beautiful yards, but have they considered tasty yards? Although they may have some neighborhood critters to contend with, adding edible plants such as cabbage, fruit and nut trees are a great way to spruce up the yard and make a shift to organic gardening. Also being strategic with planting trees can cut summer cooling bills by adding shade to the home. To allow for more light during the winter months, plant the trees on the west and east sides of the home. As for keeping the gardens and shrubbery hydrated, there may be the capacity to store rainwater by use of a rainwater cistern.
Choose a Paint – When painting the interior walls of a home, consider offering paints that are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Your client may appreciate the effort in reducing their exposure to harmful chemicals found in many paints and stains.
Raise the Roof – Roof insulation is one way to save energy, but also consider offering a variety of choices in building materials. Check with your suppliers on their latest products that are developed with eco-friendly methods as well as with a function for energy savings. You can educate your clients about color choices as well; the color of the shingles they choose can play a role in the home’s energy efficiency. Encourage clients to use the sun to their advantage by choosing lighter colors in warmer climates (reducing heat) and darker shingles in cooler climates (melting snow).
Change Lighting – Along with solar lighting mentioned above, using compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) can save up to $30 in energy cost per life of the bulb; additionally, if every U.S. household replaced one bulb with a CFL, it would prevent enough pollution to be equivalent to removing 1 million cars from the road (source: inhabit.com). Another way to add more efficient lighting would be to install motion-sensing switches that automatically turn off the lights when the room is empty.
Build Up – When possible. This one is a great selling point for home builders. When making additions, consider building up and instead of out. By building an extra unit on top of a garage, or converting a home into a duplex or tri-plex, there will be less open space sacrificed to new construction.
Smart Home – Thermostat sensors, light sensors and outside motion sensors do not only save energy and money, but they save time. Through light and thermostat upgrades, your clients can easily program their homes to manage the indoor temperature and lights without having to make daily adjustments or even being in the home. With many systems offering remote access, home owners can set their systems for energy savings when they are out-of-town.
Upgrade Appliances – From kitchen appliances to higher SEER air conditioning units, there are plenty of savings to be had in new appliances. Along with Energy Star certified products, there are smarter designs, like front-loading washers that use half the water and detergent of top-loaders. According to Energy.gov, home appliances account for approximately 13% of a household’s energy expense. By changing to products with higher efficiency ratings, your clients could save on up to 13% of their household energy use.
Upgrade Bathroom – Along with faucet aerators that almost anyone can add to sinks, there are upgrades that can be made to toilets and showers. By installing low-flow shower heads, there is less water to heat, saving both water and energy. Also, leaky pipes can go undetected for years, so a quick review of plumbing may be needed; even small leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water every year. Low-flush toilets are also useful as they can reduce water use from six gallons per flush to one and a half gallons.
Windows and Doors – Are the windows tinted? Properly sealed? Energy-efficient windows and upgrades are a great way to save energy and money for your client. From sealing air leaks to adding insulation, you could cut their energy bill by 5%-30% (source: energy.gov). Depending on the condition of the home, it may be as simple as caulking and using weatherstripping or as extensive as insulating walls and ceilings.

When it comes down to it, going green is a wide topic that can be addressed from the design and development phases to building and property maintenance. By taking simple steps and offering the latest in sustainable products and services, you can meet your clients’ and the environment’s demand for sustainability, making earth day a reality every day.

Florida Quarterly Residential Construction Review – First Quarter 2016

Posted on April 20, 2016 by Erika Carruth

More than 15,700 housing starts are on file with HBW for Florida, reflecting a 34% increase in new residential construction in comparison to the first quarter of last year.

Image courtesy of CarruthPhoto.com

A recent article in U.S. News highlighted the top 20 most desirable places to live in the U.S. Not surprisingly, 25% (5 cities) of the top locations were in Florida. When looking at the latest HBW residential construction reports for the first quarter of 2016, Florida continues to shine with 15,745 housing starts on file and a 34% increase (vs. Q1 2015) in new residential construction.

Florida New Residential Construction Permits Q1 (2015 vs. 2016)

Central Florida is at the top for total new residential construction permits in the first quarter. The area has 3,249 housing starts on file for this period, a 29.3% increase in comparison to Q1 2015. Orlando is definitely on the rise in Central Florida; the city was listed at #16 by U.S. News as one of the top 20 most desired places to live. In Q1, Orlando (Orange County) was #1 in the HBW database for total housing starts. With 1,400 starts on file for the quarter, the county has experienced a 34% increase in new residential construction (vs. 2015).

Southwest Florida is also strong at the start of this year with 3,207 housing starts in Q1, a 54.6% increase in comparison to 2015. Additionally, two cities in this region were identified as top places to live in the previously referenced report by U.S. News… Sarasota (#13 – U.S. News) and Fort Myers (#17 – U.S. News) both experienced more than 50% growth in residential construction in the first quarter of 2016. The southwest counties of Lee, Collier, Manatee and Sarasota all held spots on the HBW list of top 10 counties for total housing starts in Q1. As for growth, the southwest county of Charlotte was #1 in the state for growth with a nearly 153% increase in new residential construction over Q1 of last year.

As for total permits, the top three counties were spread across the state in Central, West and Northeast Florida. As previously mentioned, Orange County took the lead statewide. Just a short road trip from Orange County is Hillsborough County (Tampa). Along with Tampa being listed as the #12 top desired town to live in the U.S. (source: U.S. News), it is the second highest for total housing starts. With 926 starts on file for this period, Hillsborough County experienced more than a 32% increase in residential construction in comparison to Q1 2015. Just behind Tampa and in the third spot with 894 housing starts, we have St. Johns County. St. Johns is another area experiencing substantial growth with a nearly 45% increase in new residential construction permits on file (vs. Q1 2015). Here’s a closer look at the top counties for total housing starts in the first quarter of this year:

Florida 10 Top Counties for Total Residential Permits – Q1 2016

Earlier this week, Realtor.com identified America’s “Boom Towns”. Boom Towns are areas that are well, booming. According to the report, Miami (zip code: 33132) is expected to see households grow by 14.9% over the next five years. In just the first quarter of this year, and based on the latest from HBW, Miami-Dade County has seen a 60% increase in housing starts in comparison to the same time last year. Although not in our top ten counties this quarter for total new permits, Miami-Dade is the #1 county in Southeast Florida and second highest statewide for new homes valued over $500k. Other areas that are seeing the most new residential construction valued greater than $500k are Orange County (#1) and Palm Beach County (#3). Across the state, in Q1 of this year there have been nearly 1,200 housing starts for homes of higher value (>$500k), making up approximately 7.5% of new residential construction permits on file for Florida this period.

FL Total Residential Permits for Homes > $500k - Q1 2016

FL Residential Permits for Homes > $500k – Q1 2016

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

Metro Atlanta – Quarterly Home Building Report

Posted on April 15, 2016 by Erika Carruth

In the first quarter of 2016, the Metro Atlanta area is solid with a 32% increase in housing starts in comparison to Q1 2015.

Metro Atlanta is having a great start to 2016 when it comes to residential construction. Just last month, the Atlanta Business Chronicle reported that Metro Atlanta’s home prices are growing every year. Based on a recent S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, home prices were reported to be up 5.7% year over year which is higher than the national growth rate. Along with home prices, new residential construction activity also increased in the first quarter of the year. According to the latest HBW permit report, there are more than 5,000 new residential construction permits on file for Q1 in the Atlanta area, a 32% increase from the same time last year; of the 5,017 housing starts on file with HBW, approximately 4% of them represent homes valued over $500k.

The counties with the greatest amount of growth in comparison to the same time last year include: Bartow (+300%); Clayton (200%); Dawson (167%); and Walton (161%). Although these counties show massive growth in the first quarter, the number of total housing starts are slim in comparison to other counties in Metro Atlanta.

Counties with the highest concentration of new residential construction, and therefore the most new permits on file with HBW, also reflect growth for the start of the year. Taking a look at Gwinnett County, there was a marked increase in new residential construction of 24% in comparison to Q1 2015. With 881 housing starts in the first quarter of 2016, Gwinnett holds the top spot for total new residential construction permits in Metro Atlanta. Forsyth County was close behind and second highest with nearly 800 housing starts – a 30% increase in comparison to the same time last year. Next in line is Fulton County, and although Fulton County is in third with 500 housing starts, it is the county with the most new homes valued over $500k. Nearly 17% of the starts in Fulton are for higher value (>$500k) homes, and overall the area has experienced a 24% increase in new residential construction over Q1 of last year.

Just behind Fulton County and in the fourth top spot is Cherokee County. Cherokee County is up 59% (vs. Q1 2015) with 476 housing starts on file. Finally, the county holding in at fifth for total new residential permits also saw the greatest amount of growth in the top five. In the first quarter of this year, Dekalb County experienced an astounding 95% increase in comparison to Q1 of last year with 337 housing starts. Over the past five years, Dekalb has consistently reflected huge leaps in residential construction activity, with the percentage of growth doubling year after year.

Metro ATL Top 5 Counties for Total Permits - Q1 2015 vs. 2016

Metro Atlanta Top 5 Counties for Total Permits – Q1 2015 vs. 2016

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

Texas Residential Construction Quarterly Report

Posted on April 13, 2016 by Erika Carruth

With the closing of the first quarter, here’s a look at the highs and lows of residential construction in Texas.

HBW subscribers working with leads in Texas are already aware of the more than 15,000 new residential construction permits on file in the first quarter of 2016. From Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin, there was about a 2% drop in activity in comparison to Q1 2015, yet areas like Dallas and Austin were on the rise with increases in housing starts of 12% in Dallas and 20% in Austin.

According to the latest report in Dallas Business Journal, home sales in Dallas-Fort Worth are up 22% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2016. The same article attributed the strength in the market to more favorable weather conditions in comparison to 2015, noting that the figures could be even higher if the labor shortage wasn’t still an issue in the industry.

When reviewing HBW’s latest Building Trend Report for new residential construction, the increase in housing starts was evident in the Dallas area with more than 4,700 new permits on file in the first quarter (up 12% in comparison to Q1 2015); just over 10% (500 homes) of the housing starts in Dallas were for homes valued over $500k.

The greatest number of housing starts on file was found in the Houston area, with more than 6,600 new residential permits in the first quarter. Although the area saw a 16% decrease overall in new residential construction in comparison to the same time last year, the County of Brazoria experienced a massive 89% increase in housing starts. The area also reflected more affordable housing as less than 3% of new residential construction was for homes with values in excess of $500k.

As previously mentioned, Austin was up in the first quarter with a 20% increase and more than 2,400 housing starts. The majority of new residential construction took place in Travis and Williamson counties, and approximately 5% of new homes were valued greater than $500k. Just behind Austin was the San Antonio area with nearly 1,500 housing starts. San Antonio experienced a 5% increase in activity in comparison to Q1 of 2015, and less than 3% of new residential construction was for homes valued over $500k.

Texas New Residential Construction Permits – Q1 2015 vs. 2016

Taking a look at the counties with the highest concentration of housing starts in the first quarter, there are areas in Houston, Dallas and Austin that take the lead. Harris County (Houston) was #1 for total starts with 3,303 new residential construction permits on file. Harris County was also one of the top areas (third highest) for total starts of homes valued over $500k (102 homes). In Dallas, Collin County was second highest in the state with 1,514 housing starts, an increase of 14% in comparison to Q1 2015. Collin County was also second highest for homes valued over $500k as more than 7% of starts (113 homes) were in the higher value bracket. In the third spot, we look back at Houston and the county of Fort Bend. Although Fort Bend was third highest for total starts (1,434 permits), it had a 27% decrease in total new permits in comparison to Q1 2015. Of course, this is just the first quarter, and since 2011, Fort Bend has consistently had a pattern of growth in new residential construction year after year.

Two other areas that have continued a pattern of growth over the last five years are Travis County (Austin) and Tarrant County (Dallas). Travis County is already on the upswing in the first quarter of 2016 with a 33% increase in comparison to Q1 2015 and 1,325 new residential construction permits on file. Tarrant County (Dallas) was fifth highest for total housing starts with 1,153 new permits on file in Q1.

Texas Top 5 Counties for Total Permits – Q1 2016

Information utilized for the graphs and above listed figures was directly derived from HBW construction data reports. To gain access to the HBW database and receive custom and detailed reports on the latest building activity in Texas and beyond, please contact HBW for details.

Building and Maintaining an “A” Team

Posted on April 8, 2016 by Erika Carruth

With the success of your business being reliant on the skills and expertise of your team, attracting and retaining top employees is vital in today’s competitive market.

How is a business a cut above the rest? Well, it takes time, but delivering a high-quality product and offering top-of-the-line customer service is a good place to start. How does one get there? One of the answers is through developing a solid and reliable team. To create that solid team, the business must be structured in a way that attracts and retains top talent. As the old adage goes, “you are only as strong as your weakest link”; when it comes to building a winning team, the concept most certainly rings true.

Earlier this week, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics released the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Report for February. The report revealed that construction job openings have continued to rise at a rate of 2.8%, a 107-month high. The report also revealed an increase in “separations” (quits, layoffs, discharges, etc.) since January. Although monthly and annual fluctuations are expected and do not define the state of employment in construction, there is no denying the shortage of quality and skilled professionals in the industry. According to a survey by the Associated General Contractors of America, the shortage of construction employees is evident in more than craft workers – it has also been a challenge filling salaried professional positions.

When looking at your own business, there are few things you can review and revise to make your workplace attractive to top talent. Being attractive to the younger generation, while retaining your current key players, is important in building a winning and lasting team. Here are five things you can do to get the ball rolling:

Strengthen Your Hiring Process – Identifying your needs for a new hire and having a clear understanding of the ideal candidate is necessary in finding the right fit. Your recruiting and screening process should follow proven and effective methods, and you will want to hire more than just qualifications… The right candidate should also fit well with your company culture. Many firms rush the hiring process to get someone in the door, but you should be thorough in interviewing and reference review. It is not only important that the candidate is right for the position but that your company is right for the candidate.
Educate and Train – While apprenticeships and internships may assist in bringing in fresh talent with great potential, ongoing education and opportunities for growth keep them there. By providing training in the latest management tools, sales strategies and technology, you can keep your executive team engaged. At the same time, your field staff can always benefit from technical and safety training that will build confidence and refresh their skills.
Provide Opportunities for Growth – As noted in the Future Workplace “Multiple Generations @ Work” survey, 91% of millennials expect to be at a job for less than three years to advance their careers. Break the job-hopping cycle and cut them off at the pass by providing career advancement opportunities within your own company. In alignment with increased responsibilities and options for promotions should be growth potential in both salary and benefits. Performance-based bonus structures are a great way to provide a built-in system for growth for your more experienced employees and can also serve as a level of motivation for your entire team.
Be Flexible – where possible. This is not to say that everyone should make their own schedule and bring their dogs to work every day, but allowing flexibility for the personal life of your team will in turn make them more productive and refreshed each day. Options for working remotely, freelancing and having flexible schedules are just some of the ways a business can offer flexibility that can reduce stress and add to longevity.
Lead with Purpose – Having an “A” team means having “A” players, and high performing people need to have purpose in their work. Being a part of a healthy company culture with a clear mission and purpose is vital in developing a strong team and keeping them engaged. Make an effort to announce and recognize team and individual accomplishments. Show your appreciation with employees of the month and by highlighting the latest new project or secured job. Motivating your team entails more than just a few “attaboys” – By having collaborative meetings and sharing successes and best practices, your winning team will serve as motivation for each other.

Attracting and retaining top performers is not an overnight process, but neither is the process of building a successful business. Consider the amount of time you put into planning and creating your company; the same level of dedication and focus must be taken in developing your employees. By having a company culture and workplace that offer ways to be rewarded and growth potential, you open the doors to new talent and can begin building a winning team that will thrive with your business.

Making the Most of Video Marketing

Posted on April 6, 2016 by Erika Carruth

Earlier this year, we explored various ways that home builders can develop “explainer videos“. At this point you may have developed those videos or are still on the fence about whether or not videos are a valuable marketing tool for you and your business. If you are on the fence, now is a good time to look at the facts about the power of video and dynamic content and ways to best incorporate video in your marketing efforts.

First, let’s take a look at the facts…

The number of people viewing YouTube has increased 60% year-over-year which is the fastest growth the website has experienced in two years (source: YouTube)
Globally, 80% of consumer internet traffic will be video by 2019. That’s an increase from 64% in 2014. (source: Cisco)
The current state of TV viewing is flat, while digital video viewing has increased. Online video ads score higher impact than TV ads on Nielsen measured metrics (source: Nielsen).

So now that we know that the power of video marketing is obvious in its growth and widespread use, let’s look at ways that you, the construction professional, can optimize use of video in your online presence. Here are video ideas and uses to consider as you get started:

Promote – Promotional videos are the obvious one here, but videos should be more than just an internet ad or modified TV commercial. A well-made TV commercial doesn’t always translate in a way that is equally effective online. Promotional videos can hit a variety of angles and audiences. Consider shorter and more specific content. Along with an eye-catching opener and video testimonials, you may choose to promote a specific service or product. You can also use video to highlight your company’s attributes that make you stand out from the competition. Simple photo montages are an easy way to highlight your portfolio, while demos and interviews are ideal for sharing your expertise and skills.

Educate – The e-learning industry is has become over a $1 billion/year industry, and online videos as an educational tool have become part of a cultural norm. Even higher education institutions are on the video train. As suggested in a survey (ITC), student enrollment in online courses continues to grow at a higher rate than overall student enrollment at colleges and universities. Although home builders are not in the business of college education, utilizing videos to teach about proper installation, safety and care can help build your reputation by flexing your credentials and expertise. Whether the video is for industry professionals or for the purpose of educating consumers and clients, educational videos are useful for building your business and online presence.

Diversify – YouTube is great; it is the king of video apps and platforms. That being stated, don’t limit video to your YouTube channel alone. In order to expand your reach and improve SEO, you need to get out there. Post your video and embed your link on your website and various social networks (Facebook, Twitter). Consider GIFs of the week and video shorts on Instagram, your e-newsletters and communications.

Go Live – Periscope and Snapchat are just two apps that have played a role in the growth and familiarity of live communication. Periscope, along with platforms like UStream and LiveStream, allow users to easily broadcast live streaming video. Whether you’re launching a new product or have a new service that would be of interest to your customers, producing a live streaming video is a great way to offer a personalized Q&A session and tailor information and instructions to your audience. Live streaming video can provide real-time answers that help prospects and clients make informed decisions.

From developing an explainer video to simply putting an opening intro video on your website and social media feed, dynamic content is valuable in converting a site visitor to a customer. Start small and test the waters to see what gains the most responses by tracking views and activity. There are a myriad options, and well-developed video content may just be the one thing that convinces a prospect to go with your business over the competition.

Swimming Pools Heating Up in Florida

Posted on April 1, 2016 by Erika Carruth

The start of springtime has delivered higher temperatures to Florida, along with an increase in swimming pool construction.

Since the start of the year, Florida has experienced an increase in swimming pool construction each month. Last month, the state saw a 7% increase in comparison to January. The southwestern region continued to be on top for total permits while Jacksonville was the highest for average construction value. The areas with the greatest gains in activity were Jacksonville (22% increase) and Orlando (15% increase).

FL Pool Permits by Area – Feb. 2016

From Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa and Miami, more than 1,700 new permits were added to the HBW database last month. In February, Florida reached nearly $71.3 million in new swimming pool construction value, with the greatest total value of construction being in southwest Florida with nearly $20.6 million on record for the month.

County-by-County, Lee County (SW) was the area with the highest new swimming pool construction activity in the state, with 164 starts and more than $6.8 million in total value. Moving to the southeast, Palm Beach County was the second highest for new swimming pools last month with 161 new permits and nearly $6.2 million in total value. Collier County (SW) was third highest with 139 starts and a construction value in excess of $6.1 million, while Orange (Orlando) and Miami-Dade (SE) closed the top five counties with 124 and 111 permits respectively.

FL Top 10 Counties for Pool Construction – Feb. 2016

When reviewing the latest leads for average value, the landscape changes a bit. Although Jacksonville held the least number of total new permits, the area is #1 for average value in swimming pool construction. Last month, the average value of new swimming pools in Jacksonville was close to $66k, which is more than 50% higher than SE Florida. Southeast Florida holds the #2 spot for average construction value with a February average just over $41k. Tampa and Southwest Florida were about the same for average value ($40k+), while Orlando held the lowest average value ($35k+) for new swimming pools.

FL Average Pool Construction Value – Feb. 2016

Information utilized for the graphs and above listed figures was directly derived from HBW builder data reports. For more detailed information and access to construction leads in Florida and beyond, please contact HBW for details.