Dayton is currently undergoing a significant transformation, characterized by the aggressive adaptive reuse of historic structures in the Fire Blocks District and the Oregon District, alongside modern mixed-use expansion along the riverfront. While this revitalization offers immense opportunity, it introduces specific risks that standard construction management often overlooks.
Developing in Dayton requires navigating a complex intersection of historic preservation guidelines, modern zoning density requirements, and the unique infrastructure constraints of a river city. For business owners renovating century-old structures or expanding facilities near the Wright-Patterson technology corridor, the "standard" construction process can quickly derail. Old buildings hide expensive secrets—from outdated utility capacities to structural deficiencies—that frequently lead to change orders and schedule delays if not identified early.
Furthermore, the surge in development activity has strained the local labor market. Without independent oversight, owners are often left exposed to "scope gaps" in bids or schedule slippage due to subcontractor unavailability. An Owner's Representative acts as your firewall against these market-specific risks, ensuring that the complexities of restoring a Gem City landmark or building a new commercial facility do not compromise your financial goals.
An Owner's Representative is the only party on a construction project with a fiduciary-style commitment to the owner's interests. In the traditional "triangle" of construction, the Architect focuses on design intent and code compliance, while the General Contractor focuses on means, methods, and their own profitability. This often leaves a "Leadership Vacuum" where the owner’s budget and schedule are unprotected.
DeVore Consulting fills this void by acting as your exclusive advocate. We do not act as the General Contractor; we manage them. Our role is to translate your business goals into construction reality, managing the project from pre-design through closeout. We serve as a single point of accountability, vetting contracts, scrutinizing pay applications, and ensuring that every dollar spent contributes to the value of the asset.
For many small business owners and developers, the construction process is a "minefield" of technical jargon and hidden costs. We provide the "clean, calm, and confident" process-driven approach needed to transform that uncertainty into a predictable system, protecting you from the "grey zones" where disputes and cost overruns typically occur.
Our methodology is built on a "trilingual fluency" that bridges the gaps between architecture, finance, and construction execution. Unlike firms that offer project management as a secondary service, our approach is rooted in the financial discipline of a developer. We understand that a project is not just a building; it is a capital investment that must perform.
Conflict-Free Advocacy:We never hold the trade contracts. This ensures our advice is purely objective. When we recommend rejecting a change order or adjusting a schedule, it is because it serves your interest, not because it improves our margin.
Financial Rigor:We bring an MBA-level focus to budget management. We don't just track costs; we model the financial impact of every decision. We rigorously review pay applications to ensure you never pay for work that isn't in place, and we dissect change orders to differentiate between true unforeseen conditions and contractor errors.
Mid-Market Focus:We specialize in projects ranging from $500K to $50M. This is a critical segment of the market often ignored by national firms but too complex for a business owner to manage part-time. Whether you are navigating a historic tax credit renovation or a ground-up commercial build, we provide the institutional-grade oversight usually reserved for high-rises.
DeVore Consulting provides oversight for a diverse range of development types suited to the Dayton market’s evolving needs.
The single most expensive mistake owners make is waiting until construction begins to hire an advocate. By the time a shovel hits the ground, 80% of your project's costs are already locked in.
The ideal time to engage DeVore Consulting is during Pre-Construction Planning or even Land Acquisition.
Engaging us early allows us to set the "Rules of Engagement," establishing the budget tracking systems and contract protections that prevent problems before they start.
We provide comprehensive project oversight for business owners and developers who need expert guidance through the construction process. With 20+ years overseeing the design and construction of residential and commercial, we know where problems hide and how to prevent them.
These FAQs are a starting point, but your project has specific goals, risks, and financial stakes. My role is to be your trusted guide.I protect your time and money by simplifying the process, providing experienced oversight, and preventing costly mistakes before they happen.
The City of Xenia maintains regular collaboration with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the Dayton Development Coalition to support business growth, educational opportunities, and workforce development. This regional coordination can benefit commercial development through access to resources, incentive programs, and partnership opportunities. We help clients understand how their projects might align with regional economic development priorities.
Yes. While some firms only focus on large institutional projects, we specialize in guiding small business owners and first-time developers. The need for an owner's rep depends more on your project's complexity than its size. A complex $2M restaurant renovation often has more risk than a simple $5M warehouse. We can help you assess if professional oversight makes financial sense for your specific project .
Depending on scope, fees typically range from 0.5% to 1% of the total construction cost, depending on the project's complexity, timeline, and the specific scope of services you need . Studies have shown this investment typically saves clients 3-5% on total construction costs through rigorous contractor management, change order review, and problem prevention, meaning the service more than pays for itself.
Yes. An owner's rep with a strong financial background is invaluable here. With an MBA in Real Estate Finance, we help you prepare the realistic, bank-ready documents lenders need to see. We create defensible pro formas, validate construction budgets, and manage the loan draw process, which builds essential trust and credibility with your lender.
Absolutely. While we add the most value by being involved from pre-construction through closeout , we can tailor our services to your specific needs. We are often brought in just for pre-construction planning, to help with contractor selection, or to get a troubled project that's already underway back on track.
Yes. Our service doesn't end when the contractor hands over the keys. Our "Phase 4: Closeout" process includes comprehensive warranty management and post-occupancy support to ensure your building functions as intended. We ensure all final documentation and manuals are collected, which is the foundation for your long-term facility management.
Of course. We'll provide you with all the free advice you can handle. But to get started formally, we'll have to make sure our services align with you needs. We'll get to know your project aspirations and put together a proposal. Until we have an agreement no payment is expected.
This information goes to a real human being. Its a great way to learn more and start the conversation without any obligation. We will never provide your personal or contact information to a 3rd party.
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