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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: 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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Canadian Home Builders' Association Ottawa renovators

Main-Floor Renovation Named a National Awards Finalist!

February 20, 2018

We were thrilled to learn recently that a recent Barrhaven renovation project has been named a finalist in the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence. Take a mini tour with us through the project to discover why we think it’s so special.

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ATV Episode 4: Step 1 of Our Proven Process – Getting Acquainted

February 12, 2018

Our Proven Process begins with a critical first step in any renovation project: learning about your renovator and having them learn about you, your needs and your existing home. In the 4th video of our series, Amsted President Steve Barkhouse explains how we take this first step.

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red brick and cement board cladding

Why It Works: Sharing More of Our ATV Inspiration Project

February 5, 2018

If this award-winning project looks familiar, it’s with good reason. We’ve used this home as our inspiration project in our just-released Amsted TV series, or ATV. And if those tantalising glimpses have left you wanting to see more, we’re sharing it in greater detail as a great example of why it works.

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ATV Episode 3: Our Proven Process for a Successful Renovation

January 29, 2018

The key to a successful renovation is the process. In the 3rd episode of our Amsted TV series, President Steve Barkhouse explains why.

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Also on Ctv News at Noon: Adding Warmth With a Fireplace

January 23, 2018

Once the anticipation of the holidays is over, we suddenly realize that there’s a lot of winter left. One way to beat the winter blues is by adding warmth with a fireplace. In the second part of his appearance on CTV News at Noon, Amsted President Steve Barkhouse talks about how to go beyond adding…

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On Ctv News at Noon: Creating Welcoming Living Spaces

January 23, 2018

When it comes to renovations, timing is often key to what catches our attention, which means you may very well be thinking about creating warmth this winter in those spaces where we have just finished spending time with family and friends over the holidays – the living room or family room. Today’s gathering rooms naturally invite…

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ATV Episode 2: What Is Design-Build?

January 17, 2018

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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home renovation

Your Guide to a Successful Home Renovation

January 15, 2018

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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Marty’s Maintenance Tips: Increasing Your Home’s R-Value

January 8, 2018

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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Announcing Amsted TV: Your Go-to for Home Improvement Help!

January 3, 2018

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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Holiday Home Safety Reminders

December 18, 2017

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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welcoming spaces 1

Creating Welcoming Spaces for Your Holiday Gatherings

December 11, 2017

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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Why It Works: When Thinking Inside the Box Solves Common Complaints

December 4, 2017

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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Your Last-Minute Checklist for Remaining Fall Maintenance

November 27, 2017

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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Order of Ottawa

President Steve Barkhouse Awarded Order of Ottawa

November 20, 2017

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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