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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.

How to Prevent Winter Foundation Damage

September 29, 2021

Canadian winters can be hard on a home. Rapid temperature fluctuations and shifts in humidity threaten to damage your home’s foundation. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to prevent winter foundation damage and keep your home’s structural integrity intact. We’ve put together some tips to prevent the most common cold weather foundation issues. First,…

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4 Ways the Pandemic Has Changed Home Design

September 29, 2021

Home design is always evolving, but the pandemic has led to swift shifts in how spaces are used. COVID restrictions led many of us to become homebodies who work, play and exercise at home. We need our living spaces to reflect our new habits. Here are four ways the pandemic has changed home design.

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Employee Spotlight: Chris Mulholland, Architectural Designer

September 16, 2021

This month’s employee spotlight features Christopher Mulholland. Christopher has been an architectural designer with Amsted for eleven years. Read on to discover why he excels at his job, and how he uses his expertise to advocate for homeowners. Continuous professional development Christopher loves the versatility of his job, which involves designing family homes and multi-unit developments.…

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Clean, modern Interior

6 Benefits of Adding a Basement Suite to Your Home

August 10, 2021

A basements suite, also called a rental suite or basement apartment, is a multipurpose space that can provide many benefits to you and your family. With home prices increasing and rental prices skyrocketing, it’s no wonder that more and more people are interested in adding a basement suite to their home.

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Ctv News – Home Renovation Creates a More Cohesive Space

August 5, 2021

If you love a dramatic renovation before and after, we have the goods for you today. Amsted Design-Build owner Steve Barkhouse appeared on CTV News at Noon to share how we transformed a house in the Civic Hospital area. The home, which originally had a traditional Arts & Crafts style, became a modern, airy living…

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The Ultimate Guide to Sunroom Additions

July 16, 2021

If you’re thinking of adding a sunroom to your house, you may have a lot of questions on your mind. How much will a sunroom addition cost? What are the benefits? What type of addition should I choose? We’ll cover all of the above in this quick guide!

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Going Touchless | Renovation Tour

June 25, 2021

We’ve all come a long way during this pandemic which has forced us to adapt in order to keep ourselves, our families, and our communities safe. Halting the spread of COVID has become the planet’s number one priority. The good news; while we wait patiently for the mass distribution of the vaccine, there are ways…

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Kitchissippi Times Westboro | Renovation Tour

May 31, 2021

A Westboro family completed their renovations just before the pandemic hit. They were prepared for the repeated stay-at-home orders without even knowing it! Their story is shared in this article in the Kitchissippi Times by Anita Murray of All Things Home. Check out the article here.

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CHBA Award

May 21, 2021

In light of this extremely challenging year, we are celebrating the talent and resiliency this industry has shown. Amsted has been featured in ‘All Things Home’ as a recipient of a Canadian Home Builder’s Association Award in the Home Renovation category! For more on this accomplishment, read the article here!

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Downsizing on Guiges | Renovation Tour

May 7, 2021

After downsizing to a condo, our clients on Guigues Avenue decided it was time to add some style and functionality to their new space. The transition from a house to a condo was a welcome change for these long-time clients. Following the exciting move, two burning renovation-desires were top of mind: open up the new…

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Ottawa Citizen – From a Cell to a Sanctuary: Renovations Rise as Pandemic Continues

April 20, 2021

Our very own Steve Barkhouse, President and Owner of Amsted Design-Build, shares his experience in an Ottawa Citizen feature, about how renovations trends have changed this year due to the pandemic. Check out the article here!

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Ctv News Ottawa: Renovations Done Right – Popping the Top on an Amsted Dream Renovation

April 6, 2021

In case you missed it, Amsted owner Steve Barkhouse had the pleasure of joining CTV News Ottawa’s Leanne Cusak to discuss a home renovation and addition our team blew the roof off of… literally!

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Calling All Guests | Renovation Tour

March 26, 2021

Hosting extravagant dinner parties is hard work but it’s even more difficult without the right kitchen. That’s why we installed new appliances and created a brighter, more functional design make for the owners of Meadowbank! Dinner parties have never been easier.

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Ctv News – Tips to Prevent Leaks and Ice Damming on Your Roof

March 17, 2021

Raise the roof! Amsted Design-Build founder, Steve Barkhouse, joined Leanne Cusack on CTV News at Noon to share how just a few simple chores can save you thousands of dollars on roof repairs. Get all the details here.

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Shades of Grey | Renovation Tour

March 10, 2021

Without proper storage solutions in the kitchen, it’s easy for clutter to take center stage. These homeowners sought the expertise of our design-build team to create a more welcoming space by improving their storage woes and also adding seating. We helped reimagine their kitchen and transformed it into something they could truly enjoy. 

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Ctv News – A Groundhog Day Basement Makeover: A Place to Stay Until the End of Winter

March 5, 2021

What was once a dark and dreary unfinished basement is now a light and bright oasis the whole family can enjoy! Our president and founder, Steve Barkhouse, sheds some light on this dramatic basement renovation with CTV News.

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Light and Bright | Renovation Tour

February 10, 2021

The kitchen is the busiest place in your home and these homeowners wanted theirs brightened up and opened up. We got to work modernizing the center stage of their home, that along with some layout changes, created a bright and inviting space for the family to enjoy.

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Creating a Focal Point | Bentgrass

January 27, 2021

A staircase may be a functional necessity in your home, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful too. Smooth curves, clear sightlines and a modern aesthetic turn this everyday element into a showstopper thanks to the homeowners’ vision and the Amsted team’s ingenuity

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Amsted’s COVID-19 Response

January 15, 2021

As of January 15, 2021 It’s our goal at Amsted to be a valuable source of information to Ottawa homeowners such as yourselves. Given the new restrictions and stay-at-home order that were announced on Tuesday, we wanted to email you once again to help clarify what this means for your renovation – whether current or…

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Steve Barkhouse joins Leanne Cusack on CTV News at Noon to discuss Covid-19 Site Protocols

Amsted on Ctv: On-Site Protocols During COVID-19

January 15, 2021

In September, Amsted President, Steve Barkhouse, joined Leanne Cusack on CTV News at Noon to share the on-site protocols being observed during Covid-19. Our construction team is well equipped with safety measures designed to keep homeowners, staff and tradespeople safe.

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OHBA Renovator of the Year

November 24, 2020

The Amsted Design-Build team took home the title of Renovator of the Year for the fourth time at this year’s OHBA Awards of Distinction. This prestigious award celebrates renovators who demonstrate creativity, innovation and talent within our dynamic industry.   

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Owen & Shannon Ripley

November 5, 2020

When Owen and Shannon first bought their house in Hintonburg, there was a lot of work to be done.

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David & Elizabeth Mann

November 5, 2020

David and Elizabeth have lived all over the world, but have made Ottawa their home. Working with David and Elizabeth has been a delight.

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Jonathan Higdon

November 5, 2020

Jonathan and his wife own a beautiful home in the Glebe, with tons of natural light and bright, open spaces. But it didn’t always look this way.

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