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Amsted Blog

Learn more about Amsted by reading our latest news or watching our informative videos. If you’d like Amsted’s latest projects and special announcements delivered directly to your inbox, simply sign up for our quarterly newsletter at the bottom of this page.

An Impressive Attic Transformation & the Importance of Hiring the Right Contractor

January 3, 2016

On November 2nd, Amsted Owner Steve Barkhouse joined Leanne Cusack on CTV News at Noon to talk about renovation planning done right! Viewers were first inspired with an attic transformation that would bring the homeowners new-found comfort year-round. Steve then shared some not-so-great photos collected over the years of projects gone wrong!

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Is Your Home Winter Ready?

October 27, 2015

Inspecting your home on a regular basis and following good maintenance practices are the best way to protect your investment in your home. Whether you take care of a few tasks at a time or several all at once, it is important to get into the habit of doing them. As the leaves fall, we…

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Tour Renovated Homes in Ottawa

October 9, 2015

The first ever Reno Tour is coming to Ottawa on October 18th from 11am – 4pm. If you’re in the market for a renovation, need a little design inspiration, or are just looking for a Sunday activity, please join us! Amsted will be featuring a 2014 Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association award-winning project, located at 42 Granville…

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Amsted Recognized as Ottawa’s Renovator of the Year

October 9, 2015

  At the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association Housing Design Awards on October 3rd, Amsted proudly took home the Ottawa renovation industry’s top prize, for the 6th time and 2nd consecutive year – Renovator of the Year.

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Amsted Recognized as Ontario’s Renovator of the Year

October 9, 2015

At the Ontario Home Builders’ Association Awards of Distinction on September 29th, Amsted proudly took home the Ontario renovation industry’s top prize – Renovator of the Year.

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Amsted Seminars: Your Guide to a Successful Renovation

October 9, 2015

With 25 years of experience, Amsted President Steve Barkhouse is well known for creating successful renovation projects. Have a look through our website to find photos of testimonials of clients who have created their unmistakable home. Now it’s your turn! Join us for one of our upcoming seminars, and gain valuable information about renovating that will…

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Your Home Maintenance Schedule

September 21, 2015

Caring for your home’s maintenance needs throughout the year is the best way to protect your investment. Click here for our Home Maintenance Schedule and help avoid costly surprises in the future. As always, if you do not feel comfortable performing some of the home maintenance tasks listed here, or do not have the necessary equipment, consider calling…

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Glebe House Tour This Weekend!

September 16, 2015

Amsted is proud to be a Platinum Sponsor for the Glebe House Tour again this year. In the market for design inspiration? Maybe just plain curious about other people’s homes? Then Sunday, September 20th, the annual Glebe House Tour is where you want to be! This self-guided tour features five unique homes in the neighbourhood, from traditional to modern…

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Ontario Home Builders’ Association Names Amsted an Aod Finalist!

September 16, 2015

  The Ontario Home Builders’ Association Awards of Distinction (AoD) program is an opportunity to pay tribute and honour the creativity, innovation and talent of builders, renovators, designers and marketers within the new home building and renovation industry,” said OHBA President Vince Molinaro who added, “The building industry continues to be a major driving force in…

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Amsted Named a Finalist for 11 Local Housing Design Awards

September 16, 2015

  Amsted is thrilled to announce we have been named a finalist for 11 awards at this year’s Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association Housing Design Awards, including 2015 Renovator of the Year. These local industry awards recognize design innovation and superior craftsmanship for builders across the city, and we are honoured to continue to be recognized year-over-year. Award winners…

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Amsted Will Be at the Home Show! Will You?

September 16, 2015

The Ottawa Fall Home Show is the ultimate authority on all things design, entertaining and home improvement. Amsted is excited to showcase at booth 1400. Visit our Home Show Living Room to meet with our design-build professionals for insight and inspiration on your next project. Some of our expert partners will also be on hand throughout the weekend to…

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Safety First This Summer

July 22, 2015

The lazy days of summer are upon us. But for many, that list of spring maintenance items and DIY projects you’ve got your eye on mean you’ll be spending a good portion of that time working on your home. So we want to talk safety, helping to ensure you avoid injury and can make the most of…

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Ontario Home Builders “Tools of the Trade”

July 7, 2015

Ontario Home Builder magazine asked 10 renovators across Ontario about their favourite long-standing tool and their most recently found innovation. Amsted Owner Steve Barkhouse was one of those renovators profiled in the issue.

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Steve Barkhouse Talks Shiny Wood on CTV News

Exploring Outdoor Living on Ctv News at Noon

July 7, 2015

With summer upon us, it’s time to make the most of our outdoor spaces! Joining Leanne Cusack on CTV News at Noon June 16th, Amsted Owner Steve Barkhouse inspired with TWO recent backyard transformations, and then broke down the basics in decking materials (provided by Royal Building Products and Home Depot Kanata).

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Steve Barkhouse Talks Lighting on CTV News

Design & Lighting Trends on Ctv News at Noon

May 19, 2015

Featuring an Arts & Crafts kitchen upgrade and all things LED, Amsted Owner Steve Barkhouse joined Leanne Cusack May 12th on the CTV News at Noon set to discuss the latest in renovation trends.

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Amsted Better Business Bureau

Amsted Earns Honour Roll Status From Better Business Bureau

May 19, 2015

Amsted Design-Build has proudly earned a place on the Honour Roll of the Better Business Bureau for promoting trust in the marketplace. Amsted has been an Accredited Business since 2000 with an A+ rating and remains complaint-free in 2014.

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Amsted Recognized as a Customer Service Leader for the 5th Consecutive Year

May 19, 2015

Amsted Design-Build is thrilled to announce that for the fifth consecutive year, we have been awarded the Guildmaster Award with Highest Distinction for exceptional customer service. Over the past few months, GuildQuality reviewed numerous survey responses submitted by customers of Guildmaster candidates. In granting awards, two primary metrics are considered: the percentage of customers who would…

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Guildmaster With Highest Distinction for the 4th Consecutive Year

May 15, 2015

Amsted Design Build is thrilled to announce that for the fourth consecutive year, we have been awarded the Guildmaster Award with Highest Distinction for exceptional customer service. Over the past few months, GuildQuality reviewed numerous survey responses submitted by Amsted customers. In granting awards, two primary metrics are considered for each candidate: the percentage of…

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Winner of CHBA National Sam Award!

May 5, 2015

On Saturday, March 17th Amsted took home the award for Home Renovation – $500,000 and greater – at the Canadian Home Builders’ Association 69th Annual Conference in Mont Tremblant, Quebec:  Congratulations!

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Renovations Reflect How We Live Now: Floor to Ceiling Feature

May 4, 2015

“Everything Home, Design and Renovation.” Metroland Media recently released their Spring 2015 Floor to Ceiling feature. As the name suggests, in this home supplement you will find advice and information on all of the latest home trends. In this feature, Amsted Owner, Steve Barkhouse, was interviewed to discuss all things reno. Read page 12 for his account on how…

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Be Proactive With Your Home Maintenance This Spring

April 27, 2015

Spring is in the air. With the snow fully melted and warmer temperatures creeping in, it’s time for a little spring cleaning, inside and out! These tips focus on regular homeowner maintenance, helping you create a list of possible repairs that are relatively painless if dealt with now, saving you from even bigger problems in the future.

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Planning for Flexibility in Your Home Renovation

April 21, 2015

As the days get longer and temperatures begin to rise, we can’t help but dream about summer. And summer means construction season in Ottawa! What many people don’t realize is that this is also the perfect time to start planning for your renovation, with most projects taking 2-3 months to develop before construction even begins.…

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Beautiful Bungalow Transformation

April 21, 2015

After raising their kids in the home, watching them grow up, and then move out, these homeowners were on their own and ready for an upgrade! Watch Steve Barkhouse, Amsted Design-Build Owner and Leanne Cusack, CTV News at Noon, as they discuss the befores and reveal the afters of this spectacular bungalow renovation.

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Uncovering the Unforeseen in Renovations

April 21, 2015

Steve Barkhouse joined Leanne Cusack on CTV News at Noon to discuss the tools and technology available to review a home prior to renovations, helping to avoid costly unforeseen surprises later on. Also touched upon, the common spring concern of ice damming. Photos demonstrate the benefits of using a roof rake.

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