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What is design-build and why is it the best option for homeowners seeking to renovate? In the second video in our ATV series, President Steve Barkhouse explains it all!
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If you’re thinking about a home renovation, this is one talk you don’t want to miss. Amsted’s president, Steve Barkhouse, will take to the stage at this weekend’s Ottawa Home and Remodelling Show to give you all the advice you need to plan your project.
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We hear a lot about the importance of increasing your home’s R-value, but what does it mean? Put simply, R-value refers to the ability of your insulating material to resist the transfer of heat. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power. And the less heat you lose, the lower your energy bills.
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The beginning of a new year is the perfect time for fresh ideas, which is why we have chosen now to launch an exciting new approach to home renovation that we call Amsted TV (or ATV for short).
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As we edge closer to Christmas – it’s just a week away! – we would like to take this time to remind you of a few holiday home safety considerations to make sure your celebrations stay merry.
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The kitchen may be the heart of the home, but when it comes to holiday gathering, the most welcoming space is often your living room or family room. These spaces naturally invite you to come on in and get comfortable, relax and have a conversation, and escape the cold outside. Seasonal decorating aside, what makes living…
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One of the most common complaints from homeowners looking to renovate is that they either don’t have enough space in their home or the space they do have simply does not meet their needs. Often, the solution does not require more space, it just requires a better use of the space that’s there.
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If the last few snow flurries didn’t give you a jolt, here’s a final reminder to get that last-minute outside maintenance done to properly prepare your home for winter. There are certain tasks that are very important to do to prevent damage. If you haven’t done any of these yet, we urge you to get…
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Our leader, company President Steve Barkhouse, doesn’t like to brag, but we feel it’s important to recognize the huge honour he received last week when he was named to the Order of Ottawa!
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A Vanier triplex we finished earlier this year presented an unusual challenge that proved very satisfying to overcome. Building a triplex was not the issue: while we’re known more for our single-family renovations, additions and custom homes, we have tackled projects of this size before. But the location and the disconnect between the owner’s vision…
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This past Saturday, the Amsted team was thrilled to welcome 30 past clients to watch the Senators take on the Vegas Golden Knights, showing our appreciation for their continued support and ongoing referrals.
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It’s award season in Ottawa, which makes this a perfect time to explore how solving your home’s issues can lead to award-winning designs. In the first part of his most recent appearance on CTV News at Noon, Steve explores how solutions to challenges involving light, pets and an outdated space led to this spectacular transformation…
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In part two of Steve’s latest appearance on CTV News at Noon with Leanne Cusack, he discusses the topical issue of flooding in Ottawa, before sharing some of the most common questions we hear regarding the very early stages of the planning process. Armed with these answers, we hope you can comfortably begin your renovation…
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It is an honour to be recognized by the industry for our projects, as we were at the recent Housing Design Awards hosted by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association. That recognition has even more meaning as, facing some stiff competition, we were once again named the Renovator of the Year.
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We’re seeking a motivated, eager individual to assist our Construction Department and proudly represent Amsted Design-Build as our new Service Department Technician!
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Join us for an interactive seminar, and leave feeling enthusiastic and well-prepared for your upcoming renovation project.
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As the days get shorter and the nights longer and darker, it seems like a good time for some tips on lighting. Whether you’re looking for general tips or specifically lighting for the Christmas season, we’ve got you covered.
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It’s always a joy to work on a project in which balancing the scale of a home brings out its true charms. Such was the case with this impressive Carp home that sat alone atop a hill, and it resulted in two finalist nods for the upcoming Housing Design Awards.
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If you’re planning a renovation, what better way to check out a prospective renovator than to visit them at one of their completed projects? That’s the thinking behind the RenoTour, an annual showcase of Ottawa renovation projects and trends that’s now in its third year.
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Powder rooms make a great canvas for having some fun. They’re small, contained spaces where adding extra oomph doesn’t seem like too much of a commitment and they offer a bit of an unexpected pop for your guests. That was the case with this powder room renovation, one of our finalists in this month’s Housing…
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Think you can’t do an addition in the winter? It’s a misconception that you need to wait until Spring to “break ground”. The key is in the planning!
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Every year staff from Amsted Design-Build and Promus Ottawa make time to come together and volunteer for a weekend at Camp Smitty, a Boys & Girls Club of Ottawa initiative that ensures kids of all means have access to the summer camp experience.
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Many of our renovation projects involve opening up spaces. Once upon a time, dividing rooms by their function was the way to design, but many of today’s families prefer a more open concept so that family members can still be together even when they’re doing different activities.
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It’s that time again, when we prepare for the changing seasons with fall maintenance on our homes. Steve offers his tips on getting your home ready for winter in his latest appearance on CTV News at Noon with Leanne Cusack.
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