`/backend/_backend` file not found for @import: wp-content/themes/child-theme/scss/ on line 1, at column 0

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.

2023 Client Appreciation Event

May 23, 2023

The number 1 way clients find us is through referral.⁠ ⁠ We never forget those of you who have journeyed with us through every season of your home ownership journey and we never stop looking for opportunites to say ‘Thank You!’.⁠ ⁠ To that end, recently we invited a huge group of folks who have…

Read More

Your Trusted Brockville Home Renovation Experts

April 28, 2023

If you’ve checked out our website, you may have noticed a service we offer called  Home Care. Home Care is a special division within Amsted that offers the same award-winning craftsmanship and service Amsted is known for, but on smaller projects. From fixing a DIY mishap, to building a deck or sunroom, putting up a…

Read More
Steve Barkhouse Talks Lighting on CTV News

Steve Barkhouse talks lighting on CTV News

March 24, 2023

From flooring to paint to cabinetry, the choices can feel endless when designing your renovated space, and it can be easy to overlook the importance of some choices over the more obvious larger decisions. Take lighting, for example. Lighting can sometimes fall through the cracks when you are considering your design, but poor lighting choices…

Read More

Ice Ice Baby – Steve Barkhouse talks Ice Damming

March 4, 2023

Ice damming is something we get questions on year after year. Heavy snowfalls, particularly coupled with fluctuating temperatures, can cause serious problems for your roof. Left untreated, ice dams can damage your roof, gutters, paint, insulation, drywall, structure and even contribute to mold! In his latest appearance on CTV News at Noon with Leanne Cusack,…

Read More

Design-Build in Brockville

February 15, 2023

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 More

How to Avoid Renovations Gone Wrong

February 10, 2023

Recently, 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 More
Custom Home Exterior

11 Reasons Why a Custom Home is Worth it

January 6, 2023

Building 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 More
Subtle Pendant Lights by Amsted Design-Build

Lighting Fixtures – Top Tips from a Designer

December 14, 2022

Would 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 More
Amsted at Camp Smitty

Amsted Volunteers at Camp Smitty!

November 2, 2022

Our 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 More

Amsted Wins Big Awards in 2022!

October 17, 2022

Earlier 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 More
Amsted voted one of Ottawa's top ten employers by Ottawa Business Journal.

Amsted Voted One of Ottawa’s Top Ten Employers!

October 5, 2022

We 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 More

Amsted on CTV: Using Paint to Update your Home

August 8, 2022

With 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 More

Brockville Launch Party

August 3, 2022

This 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 More

Precision Contracting in Brockville is Joining the Amsted Design-Build Family

June 15, 2022

We 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 More

CTV News- Renovation Realities

April 18, 2022

Everyone 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 More

Building a Custom Home: Elements To Consider That Will Surprise You

March 29, 2022

Have 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 More

The People Plan: The Builder Nugget Podcast

February 4, 2022

Curious 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 More
Clean, modern Interior

6 Benefits of Adding a Basement Suite to Your Home

August 10, 2021

A basements suite, also called a rental suite or basement apartment, is a multipurpose space that can provide many benefits to you and your family. With home prices increasing and rental prices skyrocketing, it’s no wonder that more and more people are interested in adding a basement suite to their home.

Read More

The Ultimate Guide to Sunroom Additions

July 16, 2021

If you’re thinking of adding a sunroom to your house, you may have a lot of questions on your mind. How much will a sunroom addition cost? What are the benefits? What type of addition should I choose? We’ll cover all of the above in this quick guide!

Read More

Kitchissippi Times Westboro | Renovation Tour

May 31, 2021

A Westboro family completed their renovations just before the pandemic hit. They were prepared for the repeated stay-at-home orders without even knowing it! Their story is shared in this article in the Kitchissippi Times by Anita Murray of All Things Home. Check out the article here.

Read More
The eQ Homes Oliver living room features a spacious layout with a large couch and a stylish dining table, designed by Amsted.

CHBA Award

May 21, 2021

In light of this extremely challenging year, we are celebrating the talent and resiliency this industry has shown. Amsted has been featured in ‘All Things Home’ as a recipient of a Canadian Home Builder’s Association Award in the Home Renovation category! For more on this accomplishment, read the article here!

Read More

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!

Read More

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!

Read More

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.

Read More