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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.

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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Kanata Artists Studio Tour Coming up May 1-3

April 10, 2015

Amsted Design-Build is proud to support the West-End art scene, as community artists open their studios for the Kanata Artists Studio Tour. Held the first weekend in May, the tour takes you from one end of Kanata to the other, visiting 12 studios and browsing over 15 artists’ wares. If you’re in the market for a…

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Start of a New Year

The Start of a New Year

February 23, 2015

The start of a new year represents many things to many people. On January 12th, Amsted Design-Build President Steve Barkhouse joined Leanne Cusack on CTV News at Noon to discuss how this can affect our homes this winter. For many, the start of the year represents a clean slate – the chance to try something…

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Fresh Ideas for the New Year

February 23, 2015

The start of a new year represents many things to many people. On January 12th, Steve Barkhouse joined Leanne Cusack on CTV News at Noon to discuss how this can influence and affect our homes this winter.

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Amsted’s Winter Weather Tips

February 23, 2015

Winter is in full force! And while milder days are a great reprieve from the cold, followed up with a return to the freezing cold can create dangerous slip hazards not only on city sidewalks and roads, but also on personal driveways and walkways. The last thing anyone wants is to slip and fall or…

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Amsted Profiled in the Stittsville News!

December 12, 2014

“Celebrating its 25th year in business. Impressive. Receiving more awards than any other company from the local home building construction industry. Awesome. Being the first Canadian company to be a finalist in the prestigious Fred Case Remodeling Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Priceless.“ On a warm summer morning in July, John Curry of the Stittsville…

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Watch Ctv News at Noon on Thursday, April 26!

December 12, 2014

Steve Barkhouse, owner of Amsted Construction, will be on CTV News at Noon with Leanne Cusack Thursday, April 26 discussing where you should update your home and what should be on your spring checklist.   The show will be aired from one of Amsted’s recent renovation projects – thank you to the proud owners for allowing…

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“Making Spaces Beautiful” for Over 20 Years

December 12, 2014

Amsted was featured with a full page article in the community newspaper Kitchissippi Times on May 3, 2012.  (Amsted’s “Living Room” is located in the Westboro / McKellar Heights area of Ottawa.)   Please take a look!   Kitchissippi Times Article

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Discussing Basement Renovations on Ctv News at Noon

December 12, 2014

Steve Barkhouse, owner of Amsted Design-Build appeared on CTV News at Noon with Leanne Cusack on March 6th to discuss basement renovations! They first took us through a recent renovation project, where modest changes were used to maximize the basement and add value to the home. Click here for Segment 1′s Before and Afters. Following…

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Talking Kitchens on Ctv News at Noon

December 12, 2014

Steve Barkhouse, owner of Amsted Design-Build appeared on CTV’s News at Noon with Leanne Cusack on April 21st. This month’s focus was on KITCHENS! As the heart of the home, kitchens tend to be beloved but often abused. During this segment, Steve and Lianne looked at two spectacular kitchen transformations, in which Amsted’s team of…

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Amsted Earns Honour Roll Status From Better Business Bureau

December 12, 2014

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 was complaint free in 2013.

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Amsted a Finalist for Prestigious Fred Case Award

December 12, 2014

The Fred Case Remodeling Entrepreneur of the Year Award was created in 2007 to honor and recognize the entrepreneurial spirit of remodelers and the importance of creativity and innovation to the industry. The award is modeled after the professional achievements of Fred Case, founder and CEO of Case Design/Remodeling, one of the largest full-service remodeling companies in…

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Catch Amsted on Rogers TV! Monday, June 2nd

December 12, 2014

Don’t miss “Ottawa Experts” this Monday, June 2nd at 8:30pm! Industry experts from the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association will be on Rogers Television Ottawa Experts to share some insight and take your calls on housing issues in Ottawa. The lineup includes Steve Barkhouse, President of Amsted Design-Build who will be sharing tips on home renovations.

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“Transformations for Life” on Ctv News at Noon Thursday, June 12

December 12, 2014

Don’t miss Steve Barkhouse, owner of Amsted Design-Build live on CTV’s News at Noon with Leanne Cusack on Thursday, June 12th. Steve and Leanne will be discussing designing for accessibility. Taking us through a complete home transformation and a couple of viewer questions, Steve will demonstrate how employing the principles of “Universal Design” can lead…

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The Glebe House Tour Is Coming!

December 12, 2014

Amsted is proud to be the 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 21st, 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…

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Amsted Named to “Remodeling 550”

December 12, 2014

The REMODELING 550 is a list of the nation’s largest residential renovation companies. Compiled by Remodeling Magazine, companies are divided into four categories: full service/design-build; replacement/specialty; insurance restoration; franchisors. Amsted is proud to have been named #44 and the only Canadian company on the list of 300 full-service remodelers. Amsted’s sister company Restore-All Corporation also…

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Falling into a Routine

“Falling” Into a Routine on Ctv News at Noon – September 23rd

December 12, 2014

Steve Barkhouse, owner of Amsted Design-Build will appear on CTV News at Noon with Leanne Cusack on Tuesday, September 23rd, discussing fall routines. For most people, September is a time of transition. Summer holidays have come to an end, the kids are back in school and new activities have begun. The weather mirrors this transition,…

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Welcome to the Living Room!

December 12, 2014

On a beautiful September afternoon, Amsted opened the doors of our newest Living Room to neighbours, local business owners, valued trade partners, and past clients. Owners Steve Barkhouse and Kirk Haw were joined by Councillor Peter Clarke to cut the ribbon and officially open the completely renovated space. Guests enjoyed a tour of the Living…

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Amsted Wins Top Honours at the 2014 Housing Design Awards

December 10, 2014

Amsted is proud to have been recognized for two awards at the 2014 Housing Design Awards. Organized by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association, the 31st annual gala was held on Saturday, October 4th at the Ottawa Convention Centre. Joining forces with Chuck Mills Residential Design & Development, Amsted was first called to the stage…

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