News Announcements
January 19, 2012
HSA Selected as Dealer and Installer of Best Buy Walk-in Tubs
Homeowner Services of America (HSA) is now a dealer and installer of the Best Buy Walk-In Bath Tubs, commonly used by senior citizens and others whose bathroom mobility may be limited. Best Buy selected HSA because David Rhoads, our company’s owner and president, is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), skilled in adapting homes for the safety, ease, and convenience of those with physical challenges.
“Our first installation of the Best Buy Walk-In Tub will be next month,” said David, “and the homeowner is really looking forward to it. The tub with its hydrotherapy jets will go a long way toward reducing the homeowner’s back pain.”
Best Buy Walk-In Tubs are manufactured in Texas, and come in a range of sizes and configurations. Learn more at www.bestbuywalkintubs.com.
November 18, 2011
HSA’s David Rhoads Named MAHB’s 2011 Remodeler of the Year
David Rhoads – the founder, owner, and president of Homeowner Services of America (HSA) and First Design Cabinetry, both in Saline – has been recognized by the Michigan Association of Home Builders (MAHB) as the 2011 Remodeler of the Year. Rhoads received the honor for his commitment to the building and remodeling industry and his high level of community involvement.
Read the MAHB press release announcing the award (download PDF, 46Kb) »
Read the article on the Saline Patch »
Read the article on the A2Y Chamber News Blog »
Read the article on the Saline Reporter »
Read the article on AnnArbor.com »
November 11, 2011
New Cabinetry Opens Space and Cuts Waste in Ann Arbor Homeowner’s Kitchen
A homeowner in Ann Arbor was unhappy with the cabinetry arrangement in her kitchen. There was a lot of wasted space. The upper cabinets blocked the view into the rest of the house. Complicating matters: The homeowner wished to install new cabinets while retaining the kitchen’s blue countertops.
HSA devised a new plan, fitting the existing footprint, using space-saving cabinetry from Diamond. The homeowner’s reaction? “We’re so happy with the new cabinets and the new layout. Everything – from the desk to the glass floors to the spices, and where our dishes can now be put – has been great. We can’t tell you how pleased we are.”
See the before and after photos for this kitchen remodel »
October 7, 2011
HSA Helps Saline Homeowner Add Old West Flair to Property
Mark Schlicher, a Saline homeowner, wished to surprise his wife Diane for her birthday by putting in an Old West-style ranch entry sign near the start of the driveway to their home. Guiding notions were that the sign should identify their “ranch” using Diane’s nickname, Dillon, and that it should incorporate peace signs – a particular favorite of hers – into the design. HSA was pleased to take on the task.
Read More »
Step one was to pin down the style and design of the sign. HSA’s owner and president, David Rhoads, drew upon his familiarity with ranch signs, having grown up in Texas. He found photos of sample ranch signs online, and reviewed them with Mark. After some give and take, they settled on the design concept.
Finding the right materials for the sign proved to be a challenge. While cedar boards are in abundant supply at local lumber houses, cedar logs are not. Rhoads’ carpenter, George Sondergeld, trekked north to Cadillac, Michigan to purchase the logs required. HSA then cleaned up the logs, trimmed their tapered ends, and applied a polyurethane finish to protect the wood from damaging moisture.
Next Rhoads contracted with Hosford & Co., an Ann Arbor metalworking company, to fabricate the overhanging “Dillon Ranch” sign. Hosford & Co. delivered the sign in raw metal. HSA cleaned it with acetone, primed it, and applied three coats of black paint.
Installation happened while the Schlichers were away for a week of vacation in early September. The HSA crew worked around rainy weather to dig holes for the cedar posts and brace them with concrete. Once the cement had set, HSA mounted the cedar crossbar and attached the metal sign. Everything needed to be lined up precisely. Some final touch-up completed the job just before the week’s end.
When the couple returned from vacation early the next morning, Diane responded just as Mark had expected: She was surprised – and thrilled! In a letter to HSA, Mark described the experience: “Diane’s reaction when she first saw the sign was a special moment for me. She likes it! I am grateful to you for that moment.”
Mark added, “I appreciate how you conducted business with me. Two men simply met and discussed an idea, agreed on a ballpark price (which you kept to), and shook hands on it. To me that’s how business should be done. I appreciate your integrity and understanding that a man’s word is his reputation. I look forward to our next project with you!”
See more photos of this project in our Portfolio »
August 30, 2011
HSA Helps Area Couple “Age in Place” with Innovative Bathroom Remodel
An Ann Arbor-area couple, advancing in age, loved the beautiful tiling and fixtures in their home’s cozy bathroom, but recognized that modifications would be needed to allow them to get around more easily within this fairly tight space. HSA, specialists in “Aging in Place”, made the bathroom remodel work precisely to the couple’s mobility improving needs. And, best of all, this was done without sacrificing the room’s fine aesthetics.
Get the before-and-after story on this project »
August 20, 2011
Small but Significant Changes to Home Improve Mobility for Elderly Couple
In the remodel of a Plymouth, Michigan home recently completed by HSA, none of the changes were very expensive, but they have made a significant difference in improving the elderly owners’ ability to move around comfortably and safely within the home.
Learn more about this “aging in place” home remodel by HSA »
June 15, 2011
HSA to Finish Basement for Newer Home in Saline
HSA has been selected to complete a partial basement finish in a newer home in Saline. The work included the design of the space to satisfy the homeowner’s needs while working within a limited budget. The project includes improving the stairwell and creating a foyer, a bedroom with closet, and two storage areas.
This is a complete finish of the area with carpet, paint and a 2' x 2' lay-in ceiling. The doors, hardware, baseboard, and casing all match those materials used in the upper floors. The improved areas will look as if they have always been there when the project is completed in July.
See samples of HSA’s work on area homeowners’ basements »
May 16, 2011
Milan Homeowner Chooses HSA for Kitchen Remodel
HSA is nearing completion on a kitchen remodel for a homeowner in Milan, Michigan. We used Diamond cabinets from First Design Cabinetry, our sister company. The client selected maple cabinets, in Diamond’s Shiloh design, with Harvest finish.
The remodeling project also involved installation of an oak floor, removal of soffits, new lighting, upgrading of electrical outlets, new counters, and painting.
While working on the kitchen, HSA replaced the home’s basement windows with glass block, and replaced an old cast-iron drainpipe in the basement.
April 1, 2011
HSA’s David Rhoads Rescues Chicken (Yes, You’re Reading That Right)
Remodeler par excellence... star of the silver screen... and champion of chickens everywhere. All describe David Rhoads, HSA’s founder, owner, and president. And despite the dateline on this news item, it’s no April Fools Day gag.
Our own David Rhoads is indeed the fearless friend of fowl who recently rescued one particularly wayward chicken from potential catastrophe on the busy streets of Saline. AnnArbor.com provided the full scoop on David’s avian-rescue heroics.
David, who is also president of the Saline Area Historical Society, may himself now go down in local history as our town’s most fearless friend of fowl.
March 16, 2011
HSA Completes Remodeling for New Saline Business: One on One Hair Styling
HSA recently remodeled Suite C at 199 West Michigan Avenue in downtown Saline – where HSA itself is also located – to house a new business, One on One Hair Styling, owned and operated by Louise Murphy.
Louise characterizes her place as “friendly, relaxing, and quiet – minus the hustle and bustle you’ll find at many of today’s bigger hair salons.” She provides the full range of hair services – cutting, coloring, extensions, waxing, and more – with one-to-one attention. “It’s just me and the customer,” she says. Louise has been in the hair care business since 1984.
One on One Hair Styling opened earlier this week. Its hours of business are: Monday and Wednesday, 9 am to 5 pm; and Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 11 am to 9 pm. Contact the salon at (734) 944-1101.
March 8, 2011
Could an Oscar Be in the Offing for HSA’s David Rhoads?
George Clooney? Brad Pitt? Hah! Who needs ‘em? HSA’s own David Rhoads has a small speaking part in the off-kilter comedy Cedar Rapids, recently released to enthusiastic reviews by Fox Searchlight Pictures.
The movie’s makers recruited David for the role when, as president of the Saline Area Historical Society, he helped arrange for Saline’s historic Rentschler Farm to be used as the setting for a brief scene in the movie. David’s assistance, by the way, led the film’s producers to donate $4,000 to the Historical Society. Nice going, David!
Now, with a genuine Hollywood credit to his name, will it be hard to keep David “down on the farm,” so to speak? No way! David’s starring role remains as HSA’s founder, owner, and president – just where he wants to be.
Learn more above David Rhoads’ experience in the Hollywood spotlight »
March 3, 2011
Not Just One, But Two Winners, in HSA’s 25 /25 Drawing
We have a winner! Two, in fact. On Sunday, February 27, at HSA’s headquarters, we drew the winner of our 25th Anniversary / 25% Off award, with many contest entrants in attendance. Robert Bender of Saline was the lucky winner of a 25% rebate on his home remodeling project done with HSA during 2010, our 25th year in business. In a second surprise drawing, Rolf Amsler, also of Saline, won a consolation prize of $100.
David Rhoads (right), HSA's founder and president, presents a check for $100 to Rolf Amsler of Saline. Amsler won the consolation prize in HSA's 25th Anniversary / 25% Off drawing, celebrating HSA's Silver Anniversary.
Thanks to all HSA clients who have supported us with new remodeling projects – not just last year, but now and all through our company’s history.
Learn more about HSA’s 25th Anniversary / 25% Off promotion »
February 17, 2011
Winner of HSA's 25th Anniversary / 25% Off Promotion to Be Selected This Month
Homeowner Services of America (HSA) will select the winner of its 25th Anniversary / 25% Off promotion in a drawing to be held at HSA's headquarters on Sunday, February 27, at 2 pm. All clients eligible to win have been invited to attend, though the winner need not be present. HSA will serve light hors d'oeuvres and beverages. The promotion marked HSA's 25th year in business. HSA will reimburse 25% of the winner's cost, up to $5,000, on an eligible home remodeling project that was completed during 2010, HSA's 25th anniversary year. HSA's headquarters are at 199 W. Michigan Ave. in downtown Saline, just couple of blocks west of the center of town.
Learn more about HSA's 25th Anniversary / 25% Off promotion »
January 3, 2011
HSA Donates to Allen Elementary School's Silent Auction
Homeowner Services of America recently donated one hour of free carpentry time to a silent auction benefiting Ann Arbor's John Allen Elementary School. HSA's donation was one of many, which together helped raise $12,000 for the school's field trips and other student programs. The 2010 auction was the school's fifth annual, held each year by the John Allen Parent Council. You can see the parents' appreciation, along with the thanks of the school's students themselves, in the two PDF downloads below.
See the student's "thank you" note (download PDF) »
See the Parent Council's "thank you" note (download PDF) »
December 7, 2010
HSA's David Rhoads Earns Title of Local Life Director from BRAGAA
David Rhoads – the founder, owner, and president of Homeowner Services of America (HSA) and First Design Cabinetry in Saline – has been awarded the title of Local Life Director in recognition of his ten years of service on the board of directors of the Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Ann Arbor (BRAGAA). David has served as that organization's president, and is an executive director of the Michigan Association of Home Builders (MAHB) and a director of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). David is also on the board of the Home Builders Foundation (HBF).
November 17, 2010
HSA Donates Building Space for Saline’s Indoor Winter Farmers’ Market
David Rhoads, the owner of HSA and First Design Cabinetry, has donated space within the companies’ building at 199 West Michigan Avenue in Saline for use as an indoor Winter Farmers’ Market.
The market started on November 6 and is slated to continue until at least through the end of the calendar year. Continuance after that will depend on the availability of the farm and craft products and how many customers show up to shop.
“So far ,” says Rhoads, “a dozen vendors from Saline’s Summer Farmers’ Market have participated. They’ve brought a good variety of items. There were 103 customers on the first Saturday and 306 the next.”
The market’s doors are open from 8 am until noon on each Saturday morning. The HSA building is located at the corner of West Michigan Avenue and Lewis Street, just one block west of the four corners of Downtown Saline.
See the Saline Reporter’s scoop on the Winter Farmers’ Market »
Download the Winter Farmers’ Market Flyer (PDF, 1.2 mb)»
October 1, 2010
HSA Sponsors Saline’s Harvest of the Arts / Oktoberfest
Last Saturday, September 25, Homeowner Service of America was one of over 40 sponsors of the 6th annual Saline Harvest of the Arts / Oktoberfest celebration on the streets of historic Downtown Saline. Dozens of artists displayed their wares at this festive, well-attended event. Other highlights included musical performances and a chili cook-off. David Rhoads, HSA's owner and president, showed off our classic pick-up truck. He also touted our 25th anniversary promotion, which will give one lucky winner 25% back, up to a $5,000 maximum, on their home remodeling work completed before December 31, 2010.
Get the details on HSA’s 25th anniversary / 25% back promotion »
Learn more about Saline's annual Harvest of the Arts / Oktoberfest »
September 27, 2010
HSA to Build Stairs in Mangiamo, Saline’s Soon-to-Open New Restaurant
HSA has been awarded the contract to construct new stairs in Mangiamo, the new restaurant soon to open in the space formerly occupied by Kelly’s in Downtown Saline. The new stairs, to be installed prior to Mangiamo’s opening, will begin the process of readying the restaurant’s second floor for access and use.
Learn more about the eagerly awaited Mangiamo restaurant »
September 24, 2010
Recent HSA Remodels Range from Bathrooms to a Basement and Windows
The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of productive activity for HSA’s skilled craftsmen and subcontractors. We have completed the remodeling of three bathrooms for a Saline client, and are hard at work on two more bathroom remodels for a homeowner in Ann Arbor. The HSA team also recently installed energy-efficient windows in a historic home. For a York Township client, we have begun a basement remodel, which will include installation of an egress window.
July 6, 2010
Still Half a Year Left to Qualify for “Get 25% Back” Reward
Six months remain in this calendar year. That’s plenty of time for HSA to complete your home remodel by December 31, 2010, and thus qualify you for the chance to get 25% back – up to $5,000 – on the cost of your project.
This promotion marks HSA’s 25th year in business. One lucky client will win. The winner’s name will be randomly drawn from all eligible registrants at our 25th anniversary celebration in January 2011. Our purpose: to say “thank you” to the community that has supported us so well over the past quarter-century.
Get the details on HSA’s 25th anniversary / 25% back promotion »
See our “Get 25% back” postcard (download PDF) »
July 2, 2010
David Rhoads Seeks Re-election to Saline’s City Council
David Rhoads – the founder, owner, and president of HSA – has filed nominating petitions to run for re-election to Saline’s City Council in this November’s election. David has served two terms of two years each – four years in total – on City Council to date.
For David’s perspectives on issues critical to our region and community, please see his blog at www.davidrhoadssaline.com.
June 2, 2010
HSA Touts Saline Farmers’ Market in Memorial Day Parade
HSA used the occasion of Saline’s Memorial Day Parade this past holiday weekend to help promote the Saline Farmers’ Market, now happening twice per week: Saturday mornings in Downtown Saline, and Tuesday evenings at the Saline District Library.
The parade featured HSA’s own 1930 Model A truck, festooned with a banner touting the Farmers’ Market’s expanded operations.
“We were proud to be part of the Memorial Day Parade, an event honoring those who have died in service to our country,” said David Rhoads, HSA’s founder, owner, and president. “And we were just as pleased to be able to help bring attention to two of our city’s best resources — our wonderful Farmers’ Market and our superb library.”
John Moore, a friend to HSA, drove the company’s classic pick-up truck in the parade. He was accompanied by Laurel Schmidt, the daughter of one of the Friends of the Saline District Library, and Jaden Bradley, who is David Rhoads’ grandson.
David Rhoads himself participated elsewhere in the parade, marching together with fellow members of the Saline City Council.
Learn
more about the Saline Farmers’ Market »
See
AnnArbor.com’s coverage of Saline’s Memorial Day Parade »
Learn about the Friends
of the Saline District Library »
June 1, 2010
Don’t Miss Your Chance to Get 25% Back on Remodeling Cost
Area homeowners are continuing to sign up for the chance to get 25% back — up to $5,000 — on the cost of their home remodeling project completed by HSA during 2010. One lucky client will win. HSA is celebrating 25 years in business, and this promotion says “thank you”" to the community that has supported our company so enthusiastically over the years.
Learn more about HSA’s 25th anniversary / 25% back promotion »
See our “Get 25% back” postcard (download PDF) »
May 10, 2010
Panel of Senior Housing Experts Includes HSA’s David Rhoads
Today at the Chelsea retirement Community in Chelsea, Michigan, five experts on senior living presented on the topic, “Comparing Costs — My Home Versus Senior Housing.” Among them was David Rhoads, the founder, owner, and president of HSA. The panel discussed the financial factors influencing an aging person’s decision to remain in their home or move to senior housing. David lent his knowledge on “aging in place” — in particular, how much it costs to remodel a home to adapt to changing physical needs. Other panelists included financial planners, a realtor, and representatives of the University of Michigan Health System’s Housing Bureau for Seniors.
Learn more about Aging in Place,
with HSA’s help »
May 4, 2010
CMU Recognizes HSA’s David Rhoads for Continuing Education
Central Michigan University has recognized David Rhoads — HSA’s founder, owner, and president — for continuing education to keep his builder’s license current. Specifically, David completed coursework covering updates to the Michigan Residential Building Codes, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA), and the parts of the Michigan Occupational Code relating to Residential Rules and Regulations.
Learn more about David’s experience
and expertise »
April 21, 2010
Bathroom Remodel Helps Milan Homeowners “Age in Place”
This “aging in place” project, just completed by HSA for a pair of homeowners in Milan, Michigan, involved only modest changes to the first-floor bathroom, but it had a significant impact on the couple, as the husband was no longer able to climb the stairs to use the second-floor shower.
Learn
more and see the “before” and “after” photos »
March 15, 2010
“Saline Salutes” Selects David Rhoads of HSA for Vision Award
David Rhoads – HSA’s founder, owner, and president – has been selected by “Saline Salutes,” a program sponsored by the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce, as the recipient of the 17th annual George A. Anderson Vision Award. The award recognizes David’s leadership and service to:
- Saline Sustainability Circle
- Saline Leadership Institute
- Friends of Henne Field
- Saline Area Historical Society
- Saline Downtown Merchants Association
- Saline Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking
- Saline Youth Council
- Saline’s Coalition for a Quality Community (CQC)
David will formally receive the award at the “Saline Salutes” gala to be held on Friday, April 16, at Saline High School in the Ellen A. Ewing Performance Arts Center.
Learn
more about “Saline Salutes” and the Vision Award »
Learn more about David Rhoads’ community
involvement »
March 1, 2010
David Rhoads of HSA Creates Blog on “All Things Saline”
David Rhoads – the founder, owner, and president of HSA – has created a blog that aims to cover all topics of vital interest to members of the Saline community. Interested? Visit www.davidrhoadssaline.com and sign up for the RSS feed. You are invited to add comments on current posts, or email David Rhoads at david@hsa-remodel.com to suggest additional topics. As David says, “This blog will be only as good as the people who interact with it.”
February 8, 2010
New Third-Floor Bathroom Presents Remodeling Challenge
HSA will soon begin construction of a new bathroom on the third floor of a home in Ann Arbor. It is an older home, so the project has presented a bit of a challenge. We have been especially careful in planning the work so the home’s interior appearance will not be compromised.
February 7, 2010
Attention to Detail Can Extend Your Remodel’s Lifetime
Last week, HSA installed a new roof on a Saline home, and added insulation in the attic. The previous contractor had installed some blown-in insulation, but did not put insulation baffles between the rafters. This resulted in a lack of airflow through the attic. The attic then overheated and caused shingles on the roof to fail before they should have. Moral of the story: a little attention to remodeling detail can make a big difference in the lifetime of the work.
January 22, 2010
Your Chance to Get 25% Back on Your Home Remodeling Project
Homeowners in Washtenaw County are advised to watch their mailboxes, as HSA is sending postcards announcing the opportunity to get 25% back – up to $5,000 – on a home remodeling project completed by HSA in 2010. The promotion is part of HSA's 25th anniversary celebration – our big "thank you" to the community that has supported our company over the years.
Learn
more about HSA's 25th anniversary "Get 25% Back" promotion »
See
our "Get 25% Back" postcard (download
PDF) »
View the news archives »
View HSA press releases »
Meet David Rhoads
David Rhoads – HSA’s founder, owner, and president – is a regional leader of the home remodeling industry. He is also highly involved in the community. Learn more about David »
Get David’s perspectives on issues critical to our region and community. See David’s blog »
Email Updates
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Recent Awards, Achievements, and Accolades
2012
HSA’s expertise in Aging in Place helps the company earn selection as a dealer and installer of Best Buy Walk-In Tubs, used by senior citizens and other homeowners who may have limited physical mobility.
2011
David Rhoads is named 2011 Remodeler of the Year by the Michigan Association of Home Builders. The award recognizes David’s professional commitment and community involvement.
2010
David Rhoads earns the title of Local Life Director for ten years of service on the board of directors of the Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Ann Arbor.
Voters re-elect David Rhoads to Saline's City Council for a third two-year term.
The Saline Area Chamber of Commerce selects David Rhoads to receive the 17th annual George A. Anderson Vision Award in recognition of David's years of leadership and service to many community development and improvement organizations.
2009
Saline's City Council elected David Rhoads as Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Saline.
2008
The Home Builders Association (HBA) of Washtenaw County selects HSA as "Builder of the Year for 2007."
David Rhoads is elected President of the Saline Area Historic Society.
David Rhoads is re-elected to City Council of Saline, Michigan.
David Rhoads — the founder, owner, and president of HSA — helps to establish the Friends of Henne Field, a non–profit organization dedicated to redeveloping an under–utilized recreation area in Saline, Michigan.
2007
David Rhoads is appointed City Representative to Saline’s Historic District Commission and the Saline Area Senior Center.
2006
David Rhoads is elected Chairman of the charitable "House of Dreams" initiative by the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Washtenaw County.
David is elected to the City Council of Saline, Michigan.
2005
David Rhoads is elected President of the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Washtenaw County.
2004
David Rhoads receives the "Steve Keppler Remodeling Achievement Award" and the "Distinguished Service to the Community Award" from the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Washtenaw County.
David is named Saline’s "Citizen of the Year" by the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce.
HSA is selected by the American Association of Retired People (AARP) as a "Fraud Fighter" for defending senior citizens from home improvement scams.
2003
David Rhoads is elected Vice President of the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce.
David helps organize the "Safe House" kitchen remodeling project for the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Washtenaw County.
2002
David Rhoads is selected as one of four group facilitators for the Saline Leadership Institute after completing SLI participation the previous year.
2001
David Rhoads is named a Director of the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Washtenaw County.
