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 challenges are unique to construction projects in Appalachian Ohio?

Appalachian Ohio projects often face limited local contractor availability, longer material delivery times, and site conditions affected by the region's topography and former mining activity. Vinton County's brownfield remediation efforts are addressing some legacy site issues, but careful due diligence remains essential. We conduct thorough Fatal Flaw Analysis to identify these challenges before they become costly problems.

Can I get quality construction oversight for a smaller project in Vinton County?

Absolutely. We specialize in projects from $500K to $50M, which includes most commercial construction in rural markets like McArthur. Your project may be the most significant development Vinton County sees this year—it deserves the same professional oversight we'd provide for a larger project in Columbus. We scale our engagement to match your project's complexity and budget.

What should I know about renovating buildings in Chillicothe's historic district?

Buildings in the Chillicothe Historic District—particularly along Paint Street and Second Street—are subject to design review requirements that govern exterior changes. These reviews can add time to your project if not anticipated. We help you understand what approvals are needed, build them into your schedule, and ensure contractor work meets preservation requirements.

What hidden costs should I expect when renovating a historic building in Chillicothe?

Century-old buildings along Paint Street often conceal outdated electrical systems, compromised structural elements, and plumbing that doesn'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.

Are there grants available for downtown Newark renovation projects?

Yes, the City of Newark offers the Downtown Preservation and Rehabilitation Program with grants for new and existing businesses. Historic properties may also qualify for state and federal historic tax credits, similar to those used for the Historic Newark Arcade restoration. We help clients understand which programs apply to their projects and ensure renovation work meets program requirements.

How do I compete for contractors when Intel and data centers are absorbing the labor market?

In a tight labor market, project preparation and reputation matter. Contractors are more likely to prioritize well-organized projects with clear scopes, realistic timelines, and professional oversight. We help you present your project as a desirable job, level bids effectively, and build relationships with contractors who value repeat business with well-managed clients.

How does the Intel development affect construction timelines for Newark projects?

The Intel facility and related data center construction have significantly strained the regional contractor pool. Subcontractors are juggling multiple large projects, which can lead to scheduling delays and inflated bids for smaller commercial work. An Owner's Representative helps you navigate this competitive market by vetting contractor capacity and building realistic timelines into your project plan.

Connect

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