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 Springfield's location between Columbus and Dayton benefit commercial development?

Springfield's position directly between Columbus and Dayton, with access to Interstate 70 and major state routes, provides ideal market access. Businesses can serve both metropolitan areas while benefiting from lower costs and a strong workforce. For construction projects, this location also means access to contractors from multiple regional markets, though project organization and professional oversight help you compete for their attention.

What hidden costs should I expect when renovating historic buildings in downtown Hamilton?

Historic buildings often conceal outdated electrical systems, compromised structural elements, environmental remediation needs, and utility connections that don't match recorded plans. These conditions typically emerge once demolition begins. We recommend budgeting a contingency of 15-20% for historic renovations and conducting thorough pre-construction investigations to reduce surprises that would otherwise translate into costly change orders.

What opportunities exist for EV supply chain companies in Springfield?

Springfield is positioned in the EV supply chain with Topre's stamping facility expansion serving electric vehicle manufacturers. Companies supporting the EV transition can leverage Clark County's central location, workforce, and manufacturing infrastructure. We support facility construction for suppliers needing to meet OEM timelines, ensuring projects proceed on schedule despite the competitive contractor environment.

What workforce development resources support construction projects in Clark County?

The Greater Springfield Partnership coordinates workforce development initiatives that have brought over 2,000 new jobs and $800 million in investment to the region. Local job fairs connect employers with workers across manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and other sectors. For construction projects, this workforce pipeline means access to trained workers, though competition from major employers remains a factor in project planning.

What new funding tools are available for Butler County development projects?

The Butler County Finance Authority recently achieved certification as a Community Development Entity, enabling access to federal New Markets Tax Credits and other investment tools for transformative projects. This designation can channel capital into revitalization and workforce development initiatives. We help clients understand how these programs might apply to their projects and ensure construction meets program documentation requirements.

How does Canton's diversified economy affect construction project complexity?

Canton's mix of healthcare, manufacturing, finance, and entertainment creates a contractor market juggling diverse project types simultaneously. Subcontractors may be balancing hospital renovation work against industrial projects and Pro Football Hall of Fame district development. An Owner's Representative helps you secure reliable contractors by presenting well-organized projects and building realistic timelines that account for market competition.

How does Hamilton's downtown renaissance affect the contractor market?

Hamilton's revitalization success has attracted significant development activity, creating competition for contractors experienced in historic renovation and mixed-use development. Projects like The Marcum, Rossville Flats, and the Champion Mill Conference Center absorb contractor capacity. We help you identify contractors with availability and the right experience, and structure projects to compete effectively for quality subcontractors.

Connect

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