Mark L. Rodio Outlines Ohio’s HCSSA Updates Including Expansion to Cover $25K+ Improvement Disputes in Properties Magazine

Frantz Ward Partner Mark L. Rodio was recently featured in Properties Magazine’s March 2025 publication for his “Legal Perspectives” article contribution, “Ohio Changes Home Improvement Dispute Law.”

The article discusses a recent change made to the Home Construction Service Suppliers Act, a 12-year-old law affecting home construction services in Ohio. Mark explains that the new changes expand the definition of “home construction service” to include repair, improvement, remodeling, or renovation of an existing structure—whereas the original law only applied to contracts for new construction.

One of the most significant impacts of this change is that contractors performing repairs, remodeling, renovations, or improvements greater than $25,000 are no longer subject to the threat of treble damages (three times actual damages)—as they would have been previously under Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act.

Whether the project is for more or less than $25,000, consumers should consult legal counsel before entering a contract for residential improvements. Discussion between the consumer, the contractor, and legal counsel can help all parties understand their rights and obligations under the contract.

Read the full article here.

Since 1946, Properties Magazine has been a monthly reporter on development, construction, design, and property management throughout Northeast Ohio.

Mark is a Partner in Frantz Ward’s Construction group with over 25 years of experience in advising clients on commercial, construction, and real estate matters. He serves as an arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association’s Commercial and Construction Panels and leverages his extensive experience to resolve complex disputes.