Amsted BlogAmsted 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.
If you’re planning a home renovation project, chances are you’ve come across the term “Design-Build”. But you may be wondering – what does a Design-Build company do and how is it different from a contractor or typical renovator in the Ottawa and Brockville areas? What is Design-Build anyway? As the name implies, Design-Build companies handle…
Read MoreRecently, a local Ottawa Renovation Company went bankrupt leaving many homeowners with unfinished projects. When renovations go wrong, the impact on homeowners is more than monetary. It can feel deeply personal. After all, our homes are one of the most personal possessions we have. We guard them and those who live within our walls with…
Read MoreBuilding your dream home can be thrilling. A professional Custom Home Builder, can help you create a home you’ll never want to leave – one that brings a sense of peace and joy into your everyday. Given the challenges of purchasing a pre-owned home it’s no wonder that many folks are choosing, instead, to start…
Read MoreWould it surprise you to learn that one of the toughest parts of a renovation is often the decision making? It’s easy to assume that choosing the details of your project is the “exciting” part of your renovation or custom home, but for many people, it’s easy to feel stressed by the volume of decisions…
Read MoreOur team had a blast volunteering at Camp Smitty again this year! After 17 years of donating our time and talents to help upkeep the camp, we continue to be inspired by this magical place that helps hundreds of kids each year be able to experience the life-changing opportunity that is summer camp. Never heard…
Read MoreEarlier this month, we excitedly shared that Amsted Design-Build was named one of Ottawa’s Top Ten Places to Work in 2022. And the announcements just keep coming! After an exciting night at the Ontario Home Builders’ Association Awards of Distinction, last month, we took home top prize for: – Best Renovation under $250,000 for this…
Read MoreWith over 30 years of experience, Amsted is well-known for creating successful renovation projects. We also want to share our knowledge on just how to go about thinking about a renovation. Planning is the key to success! So, we’re back with our popular seminar series, where you will gain valuable information about renovating that will…
Read MoreWe are proud to announce that Amsted has been named one of Ottawa’s Top Ten Employers by the Ottawa Business Journal! This was our first year participating in the survey by The Ottawa Business Journal and we are so excited by the outcome. One of the reasons we are able to maintain a 96% satisfaction…
Read MoreWe’re proud to announce that Amsted is up for 10 Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) Housing Design Awards! Eight of our projects have been named finalists AND we are a finalist for the coveted ‘Renovator of the Year’ and ‘Designer of the Year’ special awards. This is a testament to the power of our…
Read MoreWith Ottawa housing prices expected to grow by 13 percent this year, and historically low inventory of properties for sale, it’s no wonder that many are turning to home renovations as a way to enjoy the space they have now. Not everyone is in a position to do a major remodel of their home, but using…
Read MoreThis June, Amsted Design-Build announced that the industry-leading team at Precision Contracting in Brockville had joined the Amsted Family. While most of the work was done behind the scenes to integrate Precision Contracting into our Amsted Design-Build brand and processes, our team came together to celebrate our expansion by throwing an official launch party on…
Read MoreHot and muggy, that’s the theme of our Ottawa Valley summers. If you’re like most homeowners, you probably have an air conditioning unit keeping your home cool, but skyrocketing your energy bill. In today’s energy-conscious world, this just doesn’t cut it. So, we’re sharing some tried-and-true ways you can reduce costs and be a little…
Read MoreWe are excited to announce that the industry-leading team at Precision Contracting in Brockville has joined the Amsted Family. By joining together, our expanded team of in-house designers, carpenters, and project managers can offer our services on an even broader scale to you, our valued clients.
Read MoreThe outdoor deck became a huge hit in the 1980s when homeowners realized their yard could be an extension of their living space. Today the trend is more popular than ever, as the pandemic has motivated homeowners to create comfortable, safe places to gather. Staying on top of the latest outdoor living trends can help you build a composite deck that stands out. Let’s take a look at this year’s trend.
Read MoreAmsted of Ottawa, Ontario recognized among the top customer service leaders in the residential construction industry.
Read MoreIt’s difficult not to feel inspired and motivated when a fresh season rolls around, filled with so much promise and possibility. A new season presents a blank canvas for you to transform your dreams into plans, and there’s no time like Spring to plan the design of your custom dream home!
Read MoreEveryone loves a good makeover, and the pandemic has led to an increase in home renovations over the past two years. Amsted Design-Build owner Steve Barkhouse gives us the inside scoop on the realities of renovating and the importance of planning, in this CTV News segment.
Read MoreHave you ever wondered what goes into building a custom home? There is more than you might think. From architects, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and civil authorities — there are many moving parts. At Amsted, we take care of all of this so you can relax and see your vision come to life.
Read MoreLiving at home during a kitchen renovation is an experience! As each day goes by, you see the material go from boards and boxes to the kitchen of your dreams. If you are gearing up for a kitchen renovation, and you want to know what to expect, read these five tips to prepare you for whatever comes your way!
Read MoreOver the past two years, almost all of us have spent more time at home than ever before. For better or for worse, we have realized the impact our space can have on our lives, productivity, and happiness. Your house has gone beyond being a place you come home to at the end of the day.
Read MoreThroughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have all realized how important some places are to us. Many of us have felt the impact of gym closures throughout the various lockdowns, and we have been forced to adapt. From Zoom workout classes to exercising while maintaining social-distancing outdoors, we have all shown our resilience during times of change.
Read MoreCurious about Amsted’s “People Plan?” In the Builder Nuggets’ podcast, Amsted’s co-founder Steve Barkhouse discusses his experience with losing valuable team members, and how a mindset shift has helped overcome this challenge. Steve reflects on how valuing team members as individuals has helped in retaining talent throughout this Great Resignation.
Read MoreOver the past two years, we have all spent more time in our homes than ever before. As a result of this ‘new normal,’ people are even more interested in making their homes as functional and beautifully-designed as possible. But before you take a sledgehammer to that wall which has been standing in the way…
Read MoreA lot of homeowners are planning to do a kitchen renovation this year. This is no surprise considering that a well-executed kitchen renovation increases the value of your home and can greatly enrich your family’s lifestyle. Of course, not all kitchen renovation stories have a happy ending. Poor planning can lead to big mistakes that deplete…
Read More