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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.

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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Jennifer M.

November 5, 2020

Working with Jen on her home renovation project was extra special because this house has been a part of her life for decades.

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Must-Have Muskoka | Renovation Tour

October 28, 2020

Big, bright and beautiful! Inside and out, the Amsted team worked wonders on this Muskoka dream house. This renovation made for a more family-friendly home including open common spaces, five bedrooms, a separate in-law suite, and a Craftsman-inspired exterior.

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Can’t Get Enough of Kenilworth | Renovation Tour

October 15, 2020

Home is where the heart is, so why not make it a space you love? That’s exactly what we did for the owners of Kenilworth. This newly-renovated dwelling showcases an open-concept kitchen, contemporary sunroom, updated living room, added powder room, redesigned staircase, and a fully finished basement.

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Protect Your Deck With These 6 Tips

September 25, 2020

From BBQ dinners on the patio, sunbathing on the deck after swimming laps, and starry nights under the pergola, your backyard has made this summer one to remember. Nevertheless, as much as we hate to admit it, the harsh Canadian winter is well on its way. Be ready for it and protect your beloved deck…

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Back-To-School Renovation Ideas

September 15, 2020

Though the Back-to-School season looks a little different this year, it’s time to start planning and prepping for its arrival. These helpful renovation ideas will set your kids up for success, whether they’re learning virtually or spending their days in class. Thoughtful touches to your existing spaces will help them ace the academic year ahead!

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BathroomRenovation

Steve’s Top 3 Renovation Tips

August 24, 2020

While there is plenty of advice Amsted President Steve Barkhouse can give to homeowners who are thinking of renovating, when asked to narrow it down to his top 3 renovation tips, here are his key recommendations.

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What Is Scope Creep and How Do You Avoid It?

August 10, 2020

Scope creep — it sounds scary, and it can be a menace, but with proper planning, good communication and an understanding of how to minimize it, scope creep doesn’t have to adversely affect your renovation project.

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white kitchen red backsplash Amsted Design-Build

Why It Works: White Kitchens Still Rule, but It’s Easy to Add a Dash of Colour

July 13, 2020

White kitchens stand the test of time because they are clean and fresh — and don’t risk becoming a passing fad (think avocado or harvest gold). While bold colours are exciting, there is a way of mixing the two that creates a recipe for a great space.

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Amsted Design-Build GuildQuality Guildmaster award

10 Years in a Row! Winning the Guildquality Guildmaster Award for Client Satisfaction

July 6, 2020

Wow! Thanks to our fantastic clients, we’ve won an amazing 10th consecutive GuildQuality Guildmaster Award for customer satisfaction! Here’s how.

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