Ohio Real Estate Project Management & Owner's Rep Services

On-Time, On-Budget Commercial Construction Oversight.

An Owner's Representative is your dedicated Project Manager, hired to protect your interests -not the contractor's or architect's.

An Owner's Representative (or "Owner's Rep") is a professional expert hired by a business owner, developer, or organization to be their exclusive advocate throughout a construction or development project. We manage the entire process, from design and contractor selection to budget control and final closeout, ensuring your interests are protected at all times.

✔ Creates a Crystal Clear Plan
✔ Proactive Communication and Coordination
✔ Advises on Contracts
✔ Reduces Change Orders
✔ Accelerate Timeline
✔ Vendor Accountability

We are the ideal partner for small business owners, non-profits, or first-time developers who are experts in their own field but not in construction. If you need to build, expand, or renovate but lack the time, technical expertise, or in-house staff to manage the process, we fill that gap and ensure your project is a success.

We review contracts to prevent the exact disputes we resolve as Construction Defect Experts.

* This animated overview of our Project Standards Manual was created using NotebookLM to make our methodology more accessible. The framework itself is the result of 20+ years managing projects

Services Overview

Services For Small Business Owners

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.

Black construction hard hat with scratches and a blue geometric elephant logo on the side.

Where we love to work:

Execute

Our Work

Trust

Why Business Owners Choose DeVore Consulting

Experience You Can Trust

We've been where you are. We've navigated the same challenges, made the same tough calls, and delivered successful projects under real-world constraints.

✼ 20+ years leading complex developments from concept to completion

🏘️ Hundreds and hundreds of residential units delivered

🏭 Millions of square feet of commercial space across diverse property types

👷 Personal experience as developer, not just consultant, we understand what's at stake

👣 Track record with lenders, municipalities, contractors, and design teams

Your Advocate, Not the Contractor's

We work exclusively for you. No conflicts of interest, no hidden markups, no incentive to inflate costs or approve substandard work.

🚧 Never act as general contractor, we only represent owner interests

💵 No financial relationships with subcontractors or suppliers

📈 Objective analysis of all change orders and cost overruns

🤨 Challenge contractors when necessary, protect you from unnecessary costs

🕵️‍♂️ Independent oversight you can trust without divided loyalties

Clarity Without Complexity

Construction has its own language. We translate technical jargon into clear business decisions and keep you informed without overwhelming you with details.

📧 Weekly progress reports in plain language, not construction-speak

✅ Dashboard tracking of budget, schedule, and key milestones

💬 Clear explanations of issues and recommended solutions

👨‍💼 Accessible for questions, you work directly with Jay DeVore, not junior staff

🪟 Transparent processes so you understand what's happening and why

Accolades

Proven leadership in delivering complex, high-stakes projects.

Nathan Sampson

Principal
Behal Sampson Deitz
Working alongside Jay on numerous projects over the years, including Idyll Reserve, has given me a front-row seat to how he leads complex projects: with financial rigor, thoughtful decision-making, and a real ability to adapt without losing strategic focus. He knew when to take the long view and when to make the hard calls. As a partner, I always felt fully informed, aligned, and confident in the direction we were heading.

Jonathan Barnes

Founder
Jonathan Barnes Architecture and Design
Jay is a rare kind of developer, clear on vision, sharp with the numbers, and genuinely collaborative throughout the process. He balanced design ambition with financial discipline and kept the project moving through every challenge. One of the most well-run developments I've been part of.

Todd Moroz

COO
Kaufman Development
Jay played a central role in the successful delivery of 250 High, a complex mixed-use project in the heart of downtown Columbus. He brought clarity to both the financial management and design aspects of the project. Jay kept teams aligned and consistently identified issues before they turned into financial or schedule issues. His ability to navigate the competing demands of residential and commercial tenants, as well as civic stakeholders, allowed the project to deliver on-time and to a high standard.

FAQs

Is Your Project on Your Mind?

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.

How does Warren County's rapid growth affect the Lebanon contractor market?

As Ohio's third fastest-growing county, Warren County experiences sustained construction demand. Contractors balance projects across Lebanon, Mason, and other growing communities. An Owner's Representative helps you compete for quality contractor attention by presenting well-organized projects with clear scopes and realistic timelines.

What specialized construction requirements apply to research and laboratory facilities?

The Ohio University Innovation Center includes Biosafety Level 2 lab spaces requiring specialized construction. Research facilities demand precise environmental controls, specialized mechanical systems, and equipment coordination. We ensure contractors understand these requirements and that construction meets the technical specifications essential for laboratory certification and operation.

How do I manage construction timelines around Cedar Point's tourism season?

Hospitality projects in Sandusky often face compressed timelines to open before peak tourist season. The region's 8,000 hotel rooms and tourism infrastructure create seasonal construction patterns. We help you build realistic schedules accounting for these constraints, coordinate contractor commitments around seasonal deadlines, and manage the pressure of tourism-driven milestones.

How does Ohio University's presence affect construction opportunities in Athens?

Ohio University is the largest employer in Athens County, driving demand for student housing, research facilities, and supporting commercial development. The proposed $220 million Ridges project would create over 700 housing units. University-related projects may involve institutional stakeholders, specialized requirements, and coordination with academic calendars. We help navigate this complexity.

What economic diversification is happening beyond tourism in Erie County?

Erie County has diversified beyond Cedar Point, with Ardagh Metals investing $400 million in facilities and Ventra Automotive employing 2,300 people. Manufacturing provides year-round economic stability. For construction projects, this means opportunities in industrial development alongside hospitality, with a contractor pool experienced in both sectors.

What are Destination Development Grants and how might they help my project?

Shores & Islands Ohio has distributed over $1.5 million in Destination Development Grants over three years to businesses enhancing their communities and customer service. Eligible projects in Erie and Ottawa counties may qualify for funding support. We help clients understand program eligibility and ensure construction work meets grant documentation requirements.

What should I know about developing at National Road Business Park?

National Road Business Park was developed with $3 million in JobsOhio support and $4 million through the Rural Industrial Park Loan Program. The park broke ground on speculative buildings with $2 million JobsOhio grants. Available infrastructure and development incentives may benefit your project. We help navigate available programs and ensure construction meets park requirements.

Connect

Get a Project Feasibility Review

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