In this week's Tracker, we examine how K-12 construction projects vary across states and regions. Specifically, we compare the share of active projects classified as New Builds, Renovations, Additions, and Facility Refreshes.
The analysis is based on Burbio's K-12 Construction Tracker, which follows school construction projects from early discussion through completion. By monitoring board meetings, facility master plans, bond discussions, and district communications, the Tracker provides continuously updated, district-level visibility into projects long before plans, budgets, or RFPs are finalized, allowing for timely outreach by suppliers.
Fast-growing states are dominated by New Build projects, while Northeastern states show a greater concentration of Renovations and Facility Refreshes.
We begin with the three largest states, California, Texas, and Florida, to illustrate how the mix of active construction projects varies across markets. In California, just over half of all projects are New Builds, while just over one-third are Renovations:
A Renovation is a significant modernization or improvement of existing spaces, such as auditorium renovations, science lab upgrades, or cafeteria remodels. A Facility Refresh is a replacement or upgrade of building systems and infrastructure without materially changing the use of the space, such as HVAC, roofing, electrical, or mechanical system upgrades.
Texas is heavily weighted toward New Build activity, with roughly two-thirds of active projects involving new facilities. Renovations account for less than one-quarter of projects.
Florida shows a similar pattern, with more than 60% of projects classified as New Builds and fewer than 20% categorized as Renovations.
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The picture changes significantly in New England, where existing facilities are more likely to be modernized than replaced. Only one-third of active projects are New Builds, while Renovations represent the largest category:
Markets dominated by New Builds often favor firms involved early in planning and design, while renovation-heavy markets may generate greater demand for phased construction, specialty trades, building systems, furniture replacement, and modernization projects.
In our final chart we extend the analysis to the top ten states plus New England, and present the data in a bar chart so as to compare the percentages more easily.
The differences across states are substantial. North Carolina, Texas, and Florida are among the most New Build-oriented markets in the country, while New England, New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois show a much higher concentration of renovation activity. Understanding these regional differences can help suppliers align territory plans, marketing efforts, and business development strategies with the types of projects most likely to emerge in each market:
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