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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.

November 11, 2024

We are proud to announce that we have been named one of Ottawa’s Best Places to Work in 2024 by the Ottawa Business Journal and the Ottawa Board of Trade! Amsted Design-Build was ranked #10 out of the top 20 Places to work in Ottawa. This recognition is particularly meaningful to us as it reflects…

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OHBA Wins!

November 11, 2024

On September 24th, Amsted was honoured to be presented with TWO awards at the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) Awards of Distinction. For the second year in a row. Amsted was proudly named Ontario Renovator of the Year. This accomplishment is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and the highest standards of…

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Camp Smitty 2024

October 11, 2024

The Amsted team was thrilled to return for the 18th year for our annual weekend dedicated to making repairs and enhancements at Camp Smitty. This weekend is one we eagerly anticipate each year, and it continues to grow in both participation and impact. Over the years, our commitment to Camp Smitty has led us to…

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RenoTour – Beautifully Accessible

September 23, 2024

Amsted is proud to be featured as one of nine homes on the 2024 RenoTour Parade of Homes. The RenoTour Parade of Homes is an exciting event that offers you the opportunity to tour a curated selection of exceptional home renovation projects and custom-built residences. Organized by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA), this…

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Come see the Reveal!

September 16, 2024

Come see the reveal! Join us as we highlight this home, and its recent exterior renovations performed by the Amsted Team. Come learn more about the Design-Build process from concept to construction and see the before and after transformation. Our team will be there to answer all your questions.  This renovation features many exterior updates…

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Your Guide to a Successful Renovation

September 11, 2024

UPCOMING SEMINAR Your Guide to a Successful Renovation With 35 years of experience, Amsted Design-Build is known for creating successful renovation projects from design through to construction. If you’re planning an upcoming home improvement project, let us help you overcome the unknowns with our upcoming seminar: Your Guide to a Successful Renovation. In this interactive…

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Accessible & Adaptive Renovations: Design Solutions for All

September 11, 2024

UPCOMING SEMINAR Accessible & Adaptive Renovations: Design Solutions for All Join us for an informative seminar on creating accessible homes. With over 35 years of experience, Amsted Design-Build has been at the forefront of home design, recently earning the 2023 GOHBA Housing Design Award for Best Adaptive and Inclusive Design. During this seminar, Adaptiv Certified…

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GOHBA 2024 Finalist

August 25, 2024

We are incredibly proud and excited to announce that Amsted has been named a finalist in 8 categories for the 2024 Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association Housing Design Awards. ⁠This year’s finalists include:⁠ 🌟Into the Woods – Custom Home (3000 sq.ft. or less)⁠ 🌟Living in Colour – Custom Urban Home (2800 sq.ft. – 3800 sq.ft)⁠…

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Brockville Business of the Year Finalist

July 29, 2024

Amsted Design-Build Proud to Be Named Business of the Year 2024 Finalist by the Brockville Chamber of Commerce Amsted is proud to announce that we have been named a 2024 Business of the Year finalist by the Brockville Chamber of Commerce. This marks the second consecutive year that we have received this prestigious nomination and…

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Steve Barkhouse Receives Algonquin College Fellowship Award

July 8, 2024

Strengthening community has always been at the heart of Amsted’s values for the past 35 years. It is with great pride that we announce co-owner, Steve Barkhouse has been awarded the Algonquin College Fellowship Award. This honour has only been presented once before in the College’s history and recognizes exceptional individual community members who have…

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Crafting a Perfect Urban Home

June 24, 2024

Project Highlight: Living in Colour Creating a custom home on a limited urban lot is a unique challenge, but one that we embraced with strategic design choices and innovative solutions. Located in Ottawa’s Golden Triangle neighbourhood, this custom home showcases how thoughtful planning and precise execution can transform a small plot into a spacious, functional,…

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#Amsted35for35

June 14, 2024

Celebrating 35 Years with 35 Charitable Acts It can not be said enough that Amsted would not be where we are today without the support of our incredible team members, valued trade partners, and cherished clients. From Ottawa to Brockville, and everywhere in between, homeowners in these communities have given us 35 great years. At…

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Seen about town: Celebrating 35 Years

May 31, 2024

Proud Clients Display Lawn Signs in Support of 35 Year Milestone As we mark a significant milestone this year, our 35th anniversary, we wanted to celebrate in a way that acknowledges the heart of our success: our clients and their homes. To do this (and like we did at our 25th anniversary), we launched our…

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Creating an Accessible Home

May 27, 2024

To celebrate National AccessAbility Week, let’s focus on how we can craft a home that is customize to the homeowners’ unique needs and eliminate barriers. Whether it is due to a sudden injury, disability, or simply the desire to live in your home for as long as possible – an Adaptiv Home Renovation can help.…

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CTV News – How much will 24 Sussex cost to repair?

April 29, 2024

  Did you catch Steve Barkhouse on Ottawa CTV News last week giving his expert take on how much it would cost to renovator the historic 24 Sussex Dr? Renovating a project of this scale presents unique challenges. Not only is this the Prime Minister’s official residence, but it also holds historical significance and serves…

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Upcoming Seminar: Your Guide to a Successful Renovation

April 26, 2024

With 35 years of experience, Amsted Design-Build is known for creating successful renovation projects from design through to construction. If you’re planning an upcoming home improvement project, let us help you overcome the unknowns with our upcoming seminar: Your Guide to a Successful Renovation. In this interactive presentation, Chris Mulholland (2022 GOHBA Designer of the…

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Upcoming Seminar: Crafting your Dream Custom Home

April 25, 2024

🔨 Craft a Home that Brings Your Dreams to Life! 🏡 Are you dreaming of building a custom home but don’t know where to start? Join us for this exclusive seminar! Choosing to build a custom home is a significant financial and time investment. The journey can be full of hurdles, from zoning laws to…

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CHBA finalist

2024 Canadian Home Builders’ Association Finalist

April 18, 2024

We are proud and honoured to announce that 4 of our stunning projects have been nominated for awards with the Canadian Home Builder’s Association (CHBA). It is an incredible feeling for our work and our client’s homes to be recognized at a national level. Check out these highlights below and visit our gallery for more…

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Amsted Design-Build is Building for the Future

April 12, 2024

2024 is a big year for Amsted. Not only does it mark our 35th year in business, but also our owners, Steve Barkhouse and Kirk Haw, are preparing for retirement. Amsted was recently feature in Ottawa’s Faces Magazine to discuss our continued success with a new leadership team, ensuring a lasting legacy for Amsted Design-Build.…

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Planning Your Cottage Getaway

February 28, 2024

As the days grow longer and the promise of warmer weather beckons, it’s the perfect time to start envisioning your upcoming cottage getaway. Whether it’s loved ones gathered around the bonfire, the smell of pine in the air, or the sound of waves lapping at the shore, we know how important your cottage life is…

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Ontario home builders association award, renovator of the year 2023

2023 Ontario Renovator of the Year

February 7, 2024

Amsted Design-Build has been crowned 2023 Ontario Renovator of the Year by the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA)! At the OHBA Awards of Distinction Gala held in October 2023, our team was honoured to receive this prestigious award. This marks the fifth time receiving this esteemed accolade since its introduction in 2013. This achievement is…

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Home renovation ottawa living room

Design Trends for 2024 and Beyond

January 12, 2024

The world of home renovation and design is always evolving with exciting new trends that promise to elevate our living spaces. This year, we’ve notices a demand on creating warm, inviting environments that seamlessly blend modern aesthetics with natural elements. Here’s a glimpse into the design and selection elements that are currently taking centre stage…

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Renovation seminar Ottawa Brockville

“Beat the Winter Blues” – 2024 Renonation Seminars

January 11, 2024

Beat the winter blues with a burst of inspiration! As we find ourselves spending more time indoors during the winter months, it’s natural to become acutely aware of the aspects of our homes that could use a little TLC. Those outdated fixtures, worn-out floors, or inefficient layouts suddenly become glaringly apparent. If you’ve been contemplating…

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Best Ontario Renovator 2023

December 8, 2023

2023 has been another banner year for our team at Amsted Design-Build! Here are a few of the highlights from our award-winning season:   Ontario Renovator of the Year! Last month Amsted was honored with the prestigious title of Ontario 2023 Renovator of the Year for the 5th time (since the award was created 9…

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