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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.

On Ctv: A Cottage Rebuild That Creates a Welcome Family Retreat

June 20, 2018

A cottage rebuild for a family friend has become a cottage in name only as the transformed home on the water provides a modern and roomy family retreat. Take a tour of the home with President Steve Barkhouse and Leanne Cusack of CTV News at Noon.

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ATV Episode 12: The Preconstruction Meeting, or Precon

June 11, 2018

The first meeting after signing your construction contract is known as the preconstruction meeting, or precon. In the latest of our video series, Amsted President Steve Barkhouse explains the value of this important step in the renovation process.

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Renovating for Accessibility: When a Project Gets Personal

June 4, 2018

Renovating for accessibility comes with its own set of challenges. When you own a renovation company and that reno project is your own home, it also gets personal. But Amsted co-owner Kirk Haw didn’t shy away from sharing with the Ottawa Citizen how he and the Amsted team transformed his home for his wheelchair-using son.

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ATV Episode 11: The Value of the Job Showing Meeting

May 28, 2018

A meeting we call the job showing is an important part of the process for a successful renovation. We hold this meeting for our clients before the final drawings and construction contract are completed, and in this latest video, President Steve Barkhouse explains why.

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How 8 and 5 Add Up to a 10 in Customer Service

May 22, 2018

Customer service is key at Amsted. We are dedicated to maximizing client satisfaction, which is why we utilize GuildQuality to ensure we are living up to that promise. So how does that translate to 8 + 5 equaling 10? Through the positive feedback of our clients!

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behind the drywall tour

Our 2nd Mid-Construction Tour Is a Success!

May 15, 2018

This fun, behind-the-walls look at an Amsted project mid-construction let fellow homeowners see first-hand what goes on before the drywall is installed, giving those considering a renovation of their own a good idea of how and why things like insulation, solid framing and thoughtful design choices impact comfort, energy efficiency and budget.

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ATV Episode 10: Personalizing Your Service

May 14, 2018

Personalizing your service is a big part of what we call the Amsted Advantage. In the latest in our video series, President Steve Barkhouse explains how we personalize our service to meet your needs.

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Also on Ctv: Tackle Mom’s Spring Cleaning and Maintenance

May 7, 2018

In part two of our Mother’s Day-themed appearance on CTV News at Noon with Leanne Cusack, Amsted President Steve Barkhouse offers some ways to show Mom you care by helping her with spring cleaning and maintenance. The home décor inspirations he offered in part one may not be in your wheelhouse, but Mom is sure to…

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On Ctv: A Condo Renovation That Creates a Feminine Retreat

May 7, 2018

Just in time for Mother’s Day, we’ve got some ideas on what you can do around the house to show Mom you truly care, all presented in President Steve Barkhouse’s latest appearance on CTV News at Noon with Leanne Cusack. First up, a condo renovation that transformed an industrial space into a beautiful, feminine retreat.…

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Kitchen Renovation

How Our Proven Renovation Process Helped These Homeowners Love Their Home

April 30, 2018

Our feature project this week speaks to two key renovation issues: how to help homeowners love their home again; and the importance of the process. And the finished result is a stunning example of how one (our Proven Process) led to the other (a home our clients adore).

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ATV Episode 9: Enjoying Your Newly Renovated Space!

April 23, 2018

Finally, the part you’ve been waiting for in the renovation process: enjoying your newly renovated space! This is the final step of our proven process of design-build, but as President Steve Barkhouse explains in the latest of our video series, it doesn’t mean we’ve reached the end. Here’s why.

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Marty’s Maintenance Tips for Painting Your Walls

April 16, 2018

Much like the shift from winter to spring transforms our outside world, painting your walls is a great way to transform your inside space. Even if temperatures aren’t warming today or this week, the ability to open our windows before it gets too hot and humid is coming! And it’s a perfect time to think…

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mid-construction tour

Take Our Mid-Construction Tour and Learn What’s Behind Your Walls

April 11, 2018

Our first mid-construction tour last year was such a success that we’re doing it again! For some, the renovation process can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be a mystery. That’s why we offer a tour of an actual renovation in progress, which will be held on Saturday, May 12.

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ATV Episode 8: Step 5 of Our Proven Process – The Construction Phase

April 8, 2018

In these videos we’ve been explaining the process of design-build and it’s taken eight episodes to get to the most visible part: the renovation construction. The fact that it has been this many steps to get here shows the level of detail we devote to every project. Here’s what’s involved at this stage.

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On Ctv: How to Bring Smart Tech Home

April 5, 2018

Bringing smart tech home can be done in a variety of ways and there are two schools of thought when it comes to home automation: wanting an autonomous house; and wanting to easily access things in your home using your voice or phone. In this second part of his latest appearance on CTV News at…

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On Ctv: Renovating With Home Automation in Mind

April 5, 2018

Home automation is nothing new, but a recent boom in accessible smart home tech is bringing it into the spotlight and driving renovations. In his latest appearance on CTV News at Noon with Leanne Cusack, Amsted President Steve Barkhouse shares ways to make your home smart.

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Canadian Home Builders' Association Ottawa renovators

Main-Floor Reno Wins Canadian Home Builders’ Association Award!

April 3, 2018

We are thrilled to announce that a recent renovation project has garnered national attention, winning top prize from the Canadian Home Builders’ Association! The main-floor overhaul transformed a dark and dated home into a bright, open and welcoming space.

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ATV Episode 7: Step 4 of Our Proven Process – Renovation Details

March 26, 2018

What are renovation details? They’re the countless small and large decisions that must be made and the extensive planning and preparation that must go into a project before we’re even ready to swing a hammer. In the 7th video of our series, Amsted President Steve Barkhouse shows how the success of a renovation is in…

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Congratulations to Our Trade Partners!

March 21, 2018

We would not be the company that we are today without the valuable relationships we have with our excellent trade partners. That’s why, for the third year in a row, we’ve showed our appreciation by recognizing their efforts at our annual Trade Partners Awards Breakfast March 21.

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5 Questions to Decide if You Should Renovate Your Home or Move

March 19, 2018

Trying to decide whether you should renovate or move is not an easy one. At one time your home worked for you, otherwise you wouldn’t have bought it. But now it’s not meeting your needs. So, what should you do?

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ATV Episode 6: Step 3 of Our Proven Process – The Magic of Creation

March 12, 2018

One of the most exciting steps in the renovation process is creating the design and it’s an important part of our proven process for success. In the 6th video of our series, Amsted President Steve Barkhouse explains the magic of creation.

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Why It Works: A Classically Modern Kitchen

March 5, 2018

One test of a project’s success is how it holds up over time, like this classically modern kitchen that is also an award winner. Here’s why it works.

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ATV Episode 5: Step 2 of Our Proven Process – Planning for Success

February 26, 2018

Planning for success is a key component in any renovation project. Without a plan to guide you, how can you reach your goal? In the 5th video of our series, Amsted President Steve Barkhouse explains how we plan for success with your project.

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Planning a Renovation? Join Us for Your Guide to Success!

February 23, 2018

With 28 years of experience, Amsted President Steve Barkhouse is well-known for creating successful renovation projects. Have a look through our website to find photos and testimonials of clients who have created their unmistakable home. Now it’s your turn! We’re back this Spring with our popular seminar series, where you will gain valuable information about renovating…

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