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 incentives are available for business expansion in Stark County?

Canton and Stark County offer several incentive programs including the Ohio Job Creation Tax Credit, Economic Development Grant Program, and Enterprise Zone Program. The Reconnecting Canton Recompete Plan provides additional workforce development resources. We help clients understand which programs apply to their projects and ensure construction documentation meets program requirements for incentive qualification.

What should I know about pursuing historic tax credits in Hamilton?

Historic tax credits can significantly offset renovation costs for qualifying downtown buildings, but they require specific documentation and adherence to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards throughout construction. Changes during construction must be approved to maintain credit eligibility. We coordinate with your design team and tax credit consultants to ensure construction work meets program requirements from day one.

What should I know about developing near the Pro Football Hall of Fame district?

Development near the Hall of Fame district involves unique considerations including tourism season deadlines, visitor traffic patterns, and coordination with ongoing district improvements. Projects often face compressed timelines to open before major events. We help you build realistic schedules, ensure contractor commitments account for peak season constraints, and manage the coordination required when working near active hospitality venues.

How do healthcare facility projects in Canton differ from standard commercial construction?

Healthcare construction requires compliance with specialized codes, infection control protocols during renovation, and coordination with ongoing patient care operations. Projects at facilities like Aultman or Mercy Medical Center face regulatory inspections and documentation requirements beyond typical commercial work. We ensure contractors understand healthcare-specific requirements and that project documentation meets regulatory standards.

How does Kenworth's expansion affect the local contractor market in Ross County?

Kenworth's $89 million expansion and the Appalachian Community Grant projects are absorbing significant contractor capacity in Ross County. This can lead to longer lead times for subcontractors and more competitive bidding environments. We help you plan project timelines realistically and identify contractors with capacity for your scope of work.

How do I find qualified contractors for a commercial project in a rural area like McArthur?

Rural projects often require a mix of local contractors who know the area and regional firms with specific commercial experience. We help identify contractors with the right capabilities, verify their qualifications, and structure bids to attract quality proposals. Our relationships with contractors throughout Central and Southeast Ohio give you access to firms who might not otherwise bid on a Vinton County project.

Does DeVore Consulting travel to Vinton County for project oversight?

Yes. McArthur is approximately 65 miles from our Columbus base—about an hour's drive. We regularly travel to project sites throughout our service area for critical meetings, site observations, and contractor coordination. Our proximity means you get responsive, hands-on oversight without the premium that truly remote consultants might charge.

Connect

Get a Project Feasibility Review

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