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.

What should I know about healthcare facility construction in Lima?

Mercy Health-St. Rita's Medical Center and Lima Memorial Health System represent significant healthcare employers with ongoing facility needs. Healthcare construction requires specialized codes, infection control protocols during renovation, and coordination with patient care operations. Projects face regulatory inspections beyond typical commercial requirements. We ensure contractors understand healthcare-specific requirements and that documentation meets regulatory standards.

What makes Lima one of the top-performing small metros for economic development?

Lima has ranked in Site Selection's top tier for economic development for six consecutive years, with over $3 billion in business investments facilitated over the past five years. This reflects diverse activity from Spring and Main downtown development to industrial expansions at Nutrien, Vanamatic, and Procter and Gamble. For construction projects, this active market means opportunity but also competition for contractor resources.

How does the Lima Refinery's ongoing investment affect the local contractor market?

Cenovus Energy's Lima Refinery, Ohio's oldest continuously operated refinery, receives ongoing investment in training and equipment modernization. When refinery maintenance or expansion projects are active, they absorb significant contractor capacity, particularly for industrial trades. Mid-market commercial and industrial projects compete for the same contractors. We help you navigate this competitive environment through professional project organization and effective contractor management.

How does Richmond's manufacturing heritage benefit new construction projects?

Richmond's industrial manufacturing heritage means access to a workforce with production experience and contractors familiar with industrial project requirements. Companies like Liberation Labs chose Richmond specifically for this workforce depth. For construction projects, this heritage translates to trades experienced with manufacturing facility work, though competition for their services from ongoing industrial operations requires professional project management.

What should I know about developing in the Midwest Industrial Park?

The Midwest Industrial Park is a city-owned development offering 500 acres of greenfield lots with Interstate 70 access and Norfolk Southern rail connectivity. Recent investments by Anchor Ingredients and others demonstrate market activity. Development here requires coordination with available infrastructure and may involve utility extensions. We conduct Fatal Flaw Analysis to identify site conditions and infrastructure requirements before you commit.

What opportunities exist for biomanufacturing facility construction in Richmond?

Liberation Labs' biomanufacturing facility represents an emerging sector in Richmond, with the company partnering with Ivy Tech Community College for workforce development. Biomanufacturing facilities require precise environmental controls, specialized equipment installation, and regulatory compliance. We support projects requiring this level of technical coordination, ensuring construction meets stringent quality and regulatory requirements.

How do I manage a construction project that spans the Ohio-Indiana border?

Construction projects in Richmond may involve contractors from both Ohio and Indiana, each with different licensing requirements, insurance needs, and regulatory frameworks. Coordination becomes more complex when managing a project near the state line. We help you navigate cross-border complexity, ensure contractor compliance with Indiana requirements, and maintain consistent oversight regardless of where contractors are based.

Connect

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