Shannon Construction is proud to announce the successful, company-wide rollout of HH2, a cloud-based remote construction payroll platform that’s already making a big impact across our operations.
Shannon Construction partnered with CPL Architecture and Engineering to transform a former media room at Sewickley Academy into a state-of-the-art esports suite.
At Shannon Construction, we don’t just adopt technology—we use the right tools to build smarter, faster, and with greater transparency.
OpenSpace uses a 360° camera mounted on a hardhat to document project progress during normal site walks. These images are automatically mapped to floorplans and uploaded to the cloud, creating a time-stamped, navigable visual record accessible to the entire team—whether onsite or remote.
Shannon Construction is proud to showcase our ongoing work at Pittsburgh International Airport, where we are collaborating with top national and local brands to create stylish, functional retail and dining spaces.
In 2025, construction materials like concrete, gypsum, and raw materials sourced domestically are likely to be less impacted by tariffs.
In 2025, construction materials like concrete, gypsum, and raw materials sourced domestically are likely to be less impacted by tariffs. This is because these materials are generally produced and used within the US, minimizing the impact of import duties. However, it’s important to note that even domestically sourced materials could see price increases due to increased demand as construction companies shift towards them.
As the industry continues to adapt, innovation in building materials is gaining momentum. Products like cross-laminated timber (CLT), insulated concrete forms (ICFs), and 3D-printed components are being explored not only for their structural advantages but also for potential cost and schedule efficiencies. These materials can reduce construction timelines, lower labor needs, and improve sustainability ratings—key considerations in today’s market.
With increasing focus on energy efficiency, life cycle cost, and environmental impact, project teams are evaluating materials not just by upfront price, but by total value over time. High-performance glazing, recycled steel, and new types of thermal insulation are examples of materials gaining popularity due to their long-term return on investment.
At Shannon Construction, we remain proactive—analyzing trends, assessing supply chain risks, and partnering closely with suppliers to ensure cost predictability and material availability. Whether it’s refining the budget with real-time pricing insights or coordinating with design teams on material selections, we’re focused on delivering smart, resilient buildings that meet our clients’ goals.
As 2025 unfolds, the key to success will be adaptability. Shannon Construction continues to lead with a solutions-driven mindset—navigating market shifts, integrating innovative materials, and maintaining the craftsmanship and control that define our work.
As Pittsburgh’s commercial construction market evolves in 2025, estimating processes are becoming more sophisticated to meet the growing demand for cost certainty, strategic planning, and adaptability.
As Pittsburgh’s commercial construction market evolves in 2025, estimating processes are becoming more sophisticated to meet the growing demand for cost certainty, strategic planning, and adaptability. Rob Means, Shannon Construction’s Director of Estimating, discusses the latest trends in these areas and what they mean for contractors, developers, and clients.
Rob Means:
One of the most significant trends we’re seeing is the increased demand for early cost certainty. With tighter budgets and greater scrutiny from lenders, owners and developers are pushing us to deliver more accurate estimates earlier in the design phase. This means we’re relying heavily on detailed takeoffs, historical data, and market-informed assumptions.
For bidding, developers and owners are expecting more than just a simple price. They want transparent, detailed bids that reflect the true market conditions, including material prices, labor availability, and potential risks. The process is much more strategic now, as it’s not just about offering the lowest price—it’s about providing value, expertise, and risk management to ensure the project stays on budget and schedule.
Rob Means:
After several years of unpredictable swings in material costs, especially for steel, concrete, and lumber, we’re seeing some stabilization. However, there are still uncertainties, mainly due to tariffs and international supply chain issues. To manage these risks, we’re building flexible allowances and escalation clauses into our estimate, ensuring that we can address potential price increases without unnecessarily inflating the project’s budget.
Rob Means:
Labor availability is a significant factor, especially here in Pittsburgh where skilled trades are in high demand. We’re seeing premiums for labor-intensive tasks like MEP work, and longer lead times are becoming common. As part of our estimating process, we factor these labor concerns into our schedules and budgets upfront to avoid surprises later. When it comes to bidding, we ensure that labor costs are transparent and included in our breakdowns so clients can understand the full scope of potential costs.
Rob Means:
Technology has really transformed how we operate. Tools like Procore, Sage Estimating and electronic takeoffs are helping us improve precision and streamline processes. These platforms allow us to collaborate in real time with project managers and architects, review historical data and provide more accurate budgets, leading to faster approvals.
Rob Means:
Value engineering plays a critical role, especially as costs rise. We’re helping owners prioritize what’s most essential to their projects by offering material substitutions, system efficiency reviews, and phased implementation strategies. This isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about making the project more efficient and ensuring that the budget aligns with the client’s priorities without sacrificing quality or performance. We include these options in our bids to show clients we’re thinking strategically about both their budget and their long-term goals.
Rob Means:
I believe we’ll continue to see tighter integration between estimating, bidding, and preconstruction planning. As projects become more complex—especially in sectors like healthcare, education and mixed-use developments—the need for accurate, adaptable estimates and bids will grow. Estimators are no longer just number crunchers; we’re becoming strategic partners who help shape the project from the earliest phases. Technology will continue to play a crucial role, making these processes more dynamic and responsive.
Rob Means:
At Shannon, we’re staying ahead by embracing new technologies, strengthening our relationships with clients, and continuously improving our estimating and bidding processes. Our team is focused on providing proactive, data-driven services to ensure that we meet the evolving needs of our clients in an increasingly competitive market. Whether it’s adopting new digital tools or collaborating more closely with project partners, we’re committed to delivering accurate, reliable estimates and bids that set projects up for success from day one.
Who says safety can’t be stylish? PPE is your first line of defense on the job—shielding against hazards, preventing injuries, and saving lives. Because protecting yourself never goes out of style.
Who says safety can’t be stylish? PPE is your first line of defense on the job—shielding against hazards, preventing injuries, and saving lives. Because protecting yourself never goes out of style.
Special thanks to our Shannon team members for modeling the gear live at the job site—bringing safety and style together where it matters most.
Completed in December 2023, this project involved a full interior and exterior renovation of the 130-year-old building, a prominent part of WVU’s historic campus.
Shannon Construction is proud to announce that we have received the MBA’s 2024 Award for Renovation Under $4 Million for our work on Chitwood Hall at West Virginia University (WVU). Completed in December 2023, this project involved a full interior and exterior renovation of the 130-year-old building on WVU’s historic campus.
Originally built in 1893 and located on Woodburn Circle, Chitwood Hall had not seen significant updates since the 1980s. With the building remaining unoccupied since 2020, WVU tasked Shannon with modernizing the structure, updating critical systems, removing hazardous materials, and ensuring compliance with current building codes.
“Working on a building of this age meant there would be unexpected surprises along the way,” said Patrick Bruce, Project Manager. “From remediation to water intrusion, every discovery required swift action. Despite the challenges, we successfully delivered a building that blends historic charm with modern functionality.”
Key challenges included water damage, mold remediation, outdated plumbing, and restoring historic windows that arrived in multiple pieces. “Managing the assembly of 122 custom windows was no small feat, but our team created custom jigs and coordinated the complex installation,” added Jim Baxter, Superintendent. The exterior preservation required careful planning to protect the historically significant trees surrounding the building, with safety being a top priority.
“From the outside, Chitwood Hall looks the same, but stepping inside reveals a completely transformed space,” said Patrick. The renovation preserved the building’s historic features while introducing modern upgrades, including updated IT, AV, electrical systems, and ADA-compliant features.
“We are thrilled with the final result,” said the WVU project representative. “Shannon Construction’s attention to detail has preserved the essence of Chitwood Hall while making it a functional space for the future.”
We worked with a skilled team of subcontractors on this project:
Their expertise was crucial in delivering this successful renovation.
This project allowed us to breathe new life into a 150-year-old building while maintaining its historic character. From the outside, Chitwood Hall looks unchanged, but inside, it now offers a modern, functional space for the WVU community. We’re proud of the craftsmanship and innovation that went into preserving this landmark and look forward to more projects that blend the old with the new.
A big thank you to our team, subcontractors, and clients for making this achievement possible!
