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Estimating Trends in Pittsburgh’s Commercial Construction

April 16, 2025
Rob Means, Director of Estimating for Shannon Construction

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.

An Interview with Rob Means, Director of Estimating at Shannon Construction

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.

Q: Rob, what are the most significant trends you’re seeing in commercial construction estimating so far in 2025?

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.

Q: How has the volatility in material pricing impacted estimating recently?

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.

Q: What role does labor availability play in estimating?

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.

Q: Technology seems to be playing a larger role in estimating. How is it shaping your processes?

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.

Q: What impact does value engineering have on your approach?

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.

Q: Looking ahead, how do you see the estimating and bidding process evolving in Pittsburgh’s commercial construction market?

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.

Q: How is Shannon Construction preparing for these evolving trends?

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.

Spotlight on Leann: Women in Construction

March 21, 2025
Leanne Mazur, Project Administrator for Shannon Construction

As the project coordinator, Leanne shares insight on her careers in construction.

What inspired you to pursue a career in construction, and how did you get started in the industry?

My journey into construction was somewhat accidental. I originally interviewed for a retail position at the store owned by my future employer, where I ended up working for 11 years. However, instead of offering me the retail job, he offered me a position in construction. With no prior experience, I took a leap of faith, and I’ve never looked back.

Can you tell us a bit about your role as a Project Administrator?

As a Project Administrator, I manage all the documentation throughout the lifecycle of a construction project—from initiation to completion. This includes handling permits, change orders, securing insurance, preparing contracts, and processing purchase orders. It’s a dynamic role that requires high levels of organization and attention to detail.

What skills or qualities do you think are essential to succeed in the construction industry?

Strong problem-solving skills are essential in construction. Things don’t always go as planned, so the ability to think on your feet, adapt, and find solutions is key. Communication is also vital—construction projects involve many moving parts, and clear communication between team members, clients, and subcontractors ensures everything runs smoothly. Lastly, being organized is crucial, as there’s a lot of documentation, deadlines, and details to track.

How do you balance the challenges of your role with maintaining a healthy work-life balance?

Construction work can be demanding, especially with tight schedules and high stakes. I manage my time efficiently, prioritize tasks, and set boundaries when necessary. Having a supportive team at Shannon has been a big help because we all work together to ensure the workload is manageable. It’s also important to take time for yourself—whether through hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or just unwinding. Keeping that balance helps me stay motivated and focused.

What has been one of the most rewarding aspects of working in construction, and how has your perspective on the industry evolved over time?

One of the most rewarding aspects that many people may not realize is the stability of the construction industry. It’s a field that will always be needed—we’re constantly building, rebuilding, and creating. This offers a strong sense of job security that many industries can’t match.

How do you think the role of women in construction has changed over the years, and where do you see it heading in the future?

There’s been a noticeable shift in the number of women entering the industry, and that trend is steadily growing. I believe we’ll continue to see more women join the field, especially as opportunities expand beyond the trades into roles like project management, estimating, and marketing.

What advice would you give to other women considering a career in construction or looking to grow within the industry?

The construction industry offers many opportunities beyond the trades—project management, estimating, marketing, and more. It’s a field that provides growth and stability, and companies are often willing to invest in training and education. You don’t need a college degree or prior experience to start. If you’re willing to listen, learn and put in the effort, there are endless possibilities for growth and advancement in your career.

What unique values and perspectives do women bring to the construction sector?

Women often bring strong attention to detail, exceptional organizational skills, and great listening abilities. We’re also skilled in time management and multi-tasking, especially in project management, where these abilities are crucial to success.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Flying—especially when stuck in traffic! It would save a lot of time and frustration.