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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.

Amsted wins Renovator of the Year for the 8th Time!

Wow! We’re Ottawa Renovator of the Year for the 8th Time!

October 21, 2019

We have big news to share — Amsted has been named the Ottawa Renovator of the Year for a record 8th time! The award was one of three we earned at Saturday’s Housing Design Awards put on by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association and we are absolutely thrilled to share the news with everyone!

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Fun at Camp Smitty: A Bit of Work & a Bit of Play as We Volunteer for a Good Cause

October 15, 2019

At Amsted and our sister company Promus, we love to give back and one of the biggest ways we do that is our annual weekend helping out at Camp Smitty. For 14 years now, we have volunteered for a weekend in September to go up to the camp, which is a Boys & Girls Club…

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Amsted Design-Build renovation seminar

Planning a Renovation? Join Us for a Primer on Making Your Reno a Success

October 11, 2019

If you’re planning a renovation, get our advice on how to proceed by joining us at our latest reno seminar. Highlighting some of the common elements we see in urban homes, it’s free and it’s your guide to a successful renovation!

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amsted design-build basement renovation wet bar

Meet the Finalist: A Flexible and Versatile Basement Renovation

October 7, 2019

This basement renovation is all about flexibility and meeting the needs of the family both now and in the future. And it’s a finalist in this month’s Housing Design Awards put on by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association!

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Amsted presents a dining room adorned with clean white walls and contrasting black trim, establishing a stylish and inviting environment.

Meet the Finalist … on Reno Tour 2019!

September 30, 2019

This week’s Meet the Finalist instalment is particularly exciting because this is a project you can come and tour this Sunday, October 6th! Our entry for Reno Tour 2019 is our newest Living Room Presentation Centre and the apartment that’s upstairs. The powder room in this home is also a finalist in the Greater Ottawa…

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Amsted Design-Build StyleHaus Interiors Irpinia Kitchens black-and-white ensuite steam shower geometric tile

It’s a Three-Peat: We’ve Been Named Provincial Renovator of the Year for the 3rd Time!

September 25, 2019

We are absolutely thrilled and honoured to announce that for a third time in the past six years, we’ve been named the provincial Renovator of the Year! This wonderful recognition came at an awards gala last night celebrating the winners in the Ontario Home Builders’ Association Awards of Distinction.

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Designated Substances (Like Asbestos) And Your Role as a Homeowner

September 16, 2019

Many people aren’t aware that it’s the property owner’s responsibility to make sure their home is free of certain designated substances, such as asbestos, before work begins on a construction project, whether a renovation or a repair. We’d like to help clear the air.

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Meet the Finalists: A Full-Service Renovation

September 9, 2019

Kitchen and bathroom renos are among the most popular projects homeowners undertake. What’s not as common is a renovation that includes a full-service upgrade to a vintage car lover’s garage. We’ve written about part of this project before, but now we’re sharing all of it with you as a finalist for two renovation awards, one…

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kitchen renovation black and white

Meet the Finalist: Modern and Timeless in a Black-And-White Kitchen

September 3, 2019

A black-and-white kitchen is a classic look that’s also timeless, elegant and definitely on trend. In this Barrhaven main-floor renovation, traditional styling with a modern twist has helped this kitchen become a finalist in the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association Housing Design Awards this fall!

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Meet the Finalists: A Stunning Rockcliffe Renovation

August 26, 2019

As we get ready for both the Ontario Home Builders’ Association Awards of Distinction on Sept. 24 and the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association Housing Design Awards in October, we’d like to introduce you to our wonderful projects that have been nominated for awards, starting with this Rockcliffe Revamp.

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Behind the Scenes at Amsted: Meet the Team 11

August 19, 2019

For several months we’ve been periodically introducing you to the members of our fantastic team. We would not be the company we are without them and it’s a pleasure to share them with you. This time you’re meeting Kevin, Hugh and the big guy — our founder Steve.

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Bathroom renovation

It’s Awards Season and We’re Nominated for 11 Provincial and Local Awards!

August 14, 2019

It’s an exciting week for us here at Amsted — awards season is upon us and we’re up for a whopping 11 trophies! Announcements were made this week naming finalists for both the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association Housing Design Awards and the Ontario Home Builders’ Association Awards of Distinction.

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Poll Numbers Show the Value of Planning Your Renovation

August 5, 2019

A recent poll by CIBC offered some sobering statistics that just go to show the importance of planning your renovation. We’ll take a look at some of the numbers, then explain how to make sure you aren’t on the negative side of them.

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The Biggest Employee Milestone of Them All: 30 Years at Amsted!

July 29, 2019

We like to recognize employee milestones here at Amsted and there’s none bigger than company founders Steve Barkhouse and Kirk Haw, who are marking 30 years at Amsted this month!

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kitchen renovation

The Importance of Choosing the Right Kitchen Appliances

July 22, 2019

We do a lot of kitchens. The kitchen truly is the heart of the home, which is why it’s often what drives a renovation project or a new home design. There are many elements to consider, but one of the most important has to be your kitchen appliances.

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Reno Roadblocks: 9 Things That Can Stall Your Renovation

July 15, 2019

If you’re thinking of renovating, beware of the reno roadblocks that can slow down or stall your project. It happens easier than you might think, but being prepared can go a long way toward ensuring your renovation is carried out smoothly and with few bumps in the road.

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designated substances asbestos Amsted Design-Build after kitchen

Counter Intelligence: Choosing a Kitchen Countertop

July 8, 2019

Wondering which way to go when it comes to choosing a kitchen countertop? Here’s a quick guide to 11 popular styles.

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Your Summer Maintenance Checklist

July 2, 2019

It’s officially summer! And over the summer, there are a number of indoor and outdoor maintenance tasks to look after. To help you stay on top of them, we’ve included our handy checklist here.

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Bbq Fun: Celebrating and Thanking Our Trade Partners

June 27, 2019

A huge part of Amsted’s success is the strong relationships we have developed with our trade partners. That’s why it’s important for us to celebrate and nurture those partnerships. One of the ways we do that is through our annual trade partner barbecue!

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women in the trades Amsted Design-Build Ottawa renovations

Ally Goes to School: Empowering Women in the Trades

June 24, 2019

Amsted Lead Carpenter Ally W. went back to school last month to mentor a group of high school girls and show them how rewarding it can be for women in the trades. “Thank you for sending us Ally! It was an amazing experience for our students!” said teacher Natalie Wainwright of St. Francis Xavier High…

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Amsted Design-Build Ottawa renovations kitchen

Behind the Scenes at Amsted: Meet the Team 10

June 17, 2019

For quite some time now, we’ve been introducing you to the members of our team through a series of questions and answers. We have such an awesome team that we are thrilled to share them with you! Today’s trio includes two who have been with us for some time — Stephanie and Chris — and…

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Amsted Design-Build living room presentation centre

It’s Official! Our Glebe Living Room Presentation Centre Is Open!

June 10, 2019

How many house-warming parties have you heard of where the mayor stops by? When your “house warming” is the official opening of your newest Living Room Presentation Centre, having Mayor Jim Watson help with the ribbon cutting is all part of the celebration!

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Amsted Design-Build renovation seminar

Renovation Advice: Planning a Reno? Join Us for Your Guide to Success

June 3, 2019

If you’re thinking of remodelling, get our renovation advice by joining us at our latest reno seminar. It’s free and it’s your guide to a successful renovation!

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Amsted’s Fearless Leader: Steve Barkhouse as Superman?

May 31, 2019

Is Amsted President Steve Barkhouse Superman? Maybe not, but we couldn’t resist having some fun with this photo of him that’s popped up on the latest cover of Canadian Contractor magazine. After all, we think he’s super!

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