Industrial development with Ohio River access near Ironton, Ohio Lawrence County

Protecting Your Investment Along the Ohio River Gateway

Why Ironton Projects Need Independent Oversight

Ironton and Lawrence County are positioned along the Ohio River with access to river transport, rail service, and highway connectivity. The Ironton-Lawrence County Industrial Park offers available industrial sites with competitive utility rates and transportation access. Major employers include Southern Ohio Medical Center, manufacturing operations, and government services supporting the regional economy.

The Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation actively promotes business investment, offering incentives and workforce development support. The region benefits from Appalachian development programs and state investment in infrastructure. Ohio University Southern Campus and regional career centers support workforce training for industrial employers.

Whether you're developing industrial property with river or rail access, expanding manufacturing facilities, or constructing commercial space for the regional economy, Ironton projects benefit from experienced oversight. An independent Owner's Representative ensures that infrastructure complexity and Appalachian development programs don't compromise your budget and timeline.

What an Owner's Representative Does

An Owner's Representative is the only party on a construction project with a fiduciary-style commitment to the owner's interests. In the traditional "triangle" of construction, the Architect focuses on design intent and code compliance, while the General Contractor focuses on means, methods, and their own profitability. This creates what we call the Leadership Vacuum where the owner's budget and schedule go unprotected.

DeVore Consulting fills this void. We work exclusively for you, attending every critical meeting, reviewing every pay application, and scrutinizing every change order.

Our Approach to Protecting Your Investment

We bring disciplined methodology to industrial and commercial projects in Lawrence County.

Conflict-Free Advocacy

We never hold trade contracts or self-perform work. Our recommendations are based solely on what serves your interest, not what improves our margin.

Financial Rigor

Projects with multiple funding sources demand precise budget control. We verify that pay applications reflect work actually completed, analyze change orders, and ensure proper documentation for grant programs.

Mid-Market Focus

We specialize in projects from $500K to $50M, the range where most Ironton commercial development occurs.

Projects We Support in Ironton

Our expertise spans the project types driving Lawrence County's economy:

Industrial & Manufacturing

Facilities capitalizing on river and rail access for heavy industry and manufacturing.

Healthcare Facilities

Supporting Southern Ohio Medical Center and healthcare providers with specialized construction.

Commercial & Retail Development

New construction serving the regional economy and workforce.

Community Development

Projects utilizing Appalachian development grants and community investment programs.

We serve communities throughout the Ohio River Valley including Portsmouth, Gallipolis, and West Union.

The Right Time to Engage an Owner's Rep

The ideal time to engage DeVore Consulting is during site selection and pre-construction planning, before you've committed to land or locked in designs. We provide Fatal Flaw Analysis that evaluates river access, rail connectivity, environmental considerations, and site conditions.

If your Ironton project is already in motion, we can still add value through rigorous contractor oversight and change order management. But the earlier we're involved, the more problems we can prevent.

Let's discuss how independent oversight can benefit your Ironton project.

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.

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 state funding did Lawrence County receive in 2024?

Governor DeWine announced $12.7 million for Lawrence County projects, including $5.2 million for a marina complex at Lock 27, $5.2 million for riverfront projects, and funding for Ro-Na Theater restoration. These investments support tourism, hospitality, and downtown revitalization development opportunities.

What is The District industrial development in Lawrence County?

The District is a collaborative initiative by JobsOhio and Lawrence Economic Development Corporation consolidating over 400 acres of prime industrial land with eight vacant industrial buildings. This creates significant opportunities for manufacturing and industrial development. We help clients evaluate available buildings and navigate development requirements.

Are there owner's representative services available for small business construction projects?

Yes. While some firms only focus on large institutional projects, we specialize in guiding small business owners and first-time developers. The need for an owner's rep depends more on your project's complexity than its size. A complex $2M restaurant renovation often has more risk than a simple $5M warehouse. We can help you assess if professional oversight makes financial sense for your specific project .

Can I get a free consultation with an owner's representative firm?

Of course. We'll provide you with all the free advice you can handle. But to get started formally, we'll have to make sure our services align with you needs. We'll get to know your project aspirations and put together a proposal. Until we have an agreement no payment is expected.

Can an owner's representative help secure financing for a construction project?

Yes. An owner's rep with a strong financial background is invaluable here. With an MBA in Real Estate Finance, we help you prepare the realistic, bank-ready documents lenders need to see. We create defensible pro formas, validate construction budgets, and manage the loan draw process, which builds essential trust and credibility with your lender.

Can I hire an owner's representative for a single phase of my construction project?

Absolutely. While we add the most value by being involved from pre-construction through closeout , we can tailor our services to your specific needs. We are often brought in just for pre-construction planning, to help with contractor selection, or to get a troubled project that's already underway back on track.

What are the typical fees for owner's representative services in construction?

Depending on scope, fees typically range from 0.5% to 1% of the total construction cost, depending on the project's complexity, timeline, and the specific scope of services you need . Studies have shown this investment typically saves clients 3-5% on total construction costs through rigorous contractor management, change order review, and problem prevention, meaning the service more than pays for itself.

Are there owner's representative services that offer post-construction and facility management support?

Yes. Our service doesn't end when the contractor hands over the keys. Our "Phase 4: Closeout" process includes comprehensive warranty management and post-occupancy support to ensure your building functions as intended. We ensure all final documentation and manuals are collected, which is the foundation for your long-term facility management.

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