Commercial construction site near downtown Newark, Ohio with historic buildings in background

Protecting Your Investment in Ohio's Tech Corridor

Why Newark Projects Need Independent Oversight

Newark sits at the epicenter of one of Ohio's most transformative economic moments. The Intel semiconductor facility under construction just 20 miles away in Licking County represents a $28 billion investment that will fundamentally reshape the regional economy—bringing 3,000 direct jobs initially, with projections of up to 10,000 as the facility expands. Combined with existing data center operations from Google, Facebook, and Microsoft, Newark and Licking County have become ground zero for America's technology manufacturing resurgence.

This unprecedented growth creates both opportunity and construction risk. The local contractor market is increasingly strained, with subcontractors balancing commercial projects against the demands of massive industrial developments. Business owners planning expansions or new facilities in Newark find themselves competing for talent and materials in a seller's market. Meanwhile, the Historic Newark Arcade revitalization—a $20 million restoration of Ohio's first glass-ceiling arcade—demonstrates that growth also means navigating complex historic preservation requirements in the downtown core.

Whether you're expanding a manufacturing facility to supply the new tech corridor, developing commercial property along the US-161/16 Corridor, or renovating a downtown building for retail or office use, Newark projects carry complexity that demands professional oversight. An independent Owner's Representative ensures that the opportunities of this growth moment don't translate into budget overruns and schedule delays for your specific project.

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 construction "triangle," 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—a gap 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. We translate construction jargon into clear business terms, enabling you to make informed decisions without becoming a construction expert yourself. In a competitive market like Newark, having an experienced advocate ensures your project doesn't get squeezed by larger developments competing for the same resources.

Our Approach to Protecting Your Investment

We bring a disciplined, process-driven methodology to every Newark engagement.

  • 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. When we flag a problematic change order or schedule slip, it's because it affects your bottom line.
  • Financial Rigor: In a growth market where costs are rising, every dollar matters. We verify that pay applications reflect work actually completed, analyze change orders to separate legitimate costs from contractor overreach, and model the financial impact of decisions before they're made.
  • Mid-Market Focus: We specialize in projects from $500K to $50M—the range where most Newark commercial development occurs. These projects need professional oversight but often don't attract the attention of national firms focused on mega-developments like Intel.

Projects We Support in Newark

Our expertise spans the project types driving Newark's growth:

  • Commercial & Retail Development: New construction and tenant improvements serving the expanding population along the US-161 corridor and downtown Newark.
  • Industrial & Manufacturing Facilities: Supplier and logistics facilities supporting the tech manufacturing sector, requiring precise coordination and often aggressive timelines.
  • Historic Renovation & Adaptive Reuse: Converting downtown buildings into modern commercial or mixed-use spaces while respecting Newark's architectural heritage.
  • Corporate & Office Buildings: Professional office construction for businesses relocating to or expanding within Licking County's growth corridor.

The Right Time to Engage an Owner's Rep

In a growth market, timing is everything. 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 infrastructure availability, zoning constraints, and site conditions. In a market where utility capacity and contractor availability can make or break a project, this early insight is invaluable.

If your Newark 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—and in this competitive market, prevention is worth its weight in gold.

Contact DeVore Consulting to discuss your Newark 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.

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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.

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 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 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.

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.

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