`/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.

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.

Read More
Amsted reacts to winning Renovator of the Year.

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.   

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

Why You Need Our Kitchen Design Guide

November 5, 2018

If you’re thinking of a kitchen renovation but aren’t sure where to start, you need our Kitchen Design Guide.

Read More

Thinking of Renovating? Start With Amsted TV

October 30, 2018

If you’re thinking of renovating, start the process with Amsted TV. ATV is our solution for navigating the endless sea of information out there when it comes to home renovations.

Read More
bathroom renovation amsted design-build Ottawa renovations

Let Our Free E-book Guide You Through the Bathroom Renovation Process

August 13, 2018

If you’re thinking of a bathroom renovation but aren’t sure where to start, you need our Beautiful Bathrooms e-book. Not only will it guide you on ways to add some oomph to your bathroom, it will do it with your return on investment in mind.

Read More

In the Citizen: From Ordinary to Extraordinary With Main-Floor Makeover

July 30, 2018

Our award-winning Barrhaven main-floor makeover got some welcome attention in a recent Ottawa Citizen story. The project, which transformed a modest suburban home into a bright, modern and welcoming space, won its category of home renovation under $150,000 at the Canadian Home Builders’ Association’s National Housing Awards for Excellence.

Read More

ATV Episode 15: The Value of a Dedicated Service Department

July 23, 2018

At Amsted, having a dedicated service department means we are there to provide you with superior service beyond your renovation. In this final episode of our ATV series, President Steve Barkhouse explains the benefits of that dedicated service department.

Read More

ATV Episode 14: What Does It Mean to Have an In-House Design Team?

July 9, 2018

Why is having an in-house design team valuable? In the latest episode of ATV, Amsted President Steve Barkhouse shares the answer.

Read More

ATV Episode 13: Meet the Amsted Team

June 25, 2018

On ATV, we’ve been sharing a lot about the process of design-build; now, let’s start to meet the Amsted team. A common question we get is: What’s the difference between a Project Co-ordinator and a Project Manager? Amsted President Steve Barkhouse explains.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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…

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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!

Read More

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).

Read More