WINNING WAYS
Reno firm’s keys to success
Local renovation company Amsted Design-Build is no stranger to taking home first place.
It has been nominated over a dozen times for the Canadian Home Builders’ Association national awards for housing excellence and took home its twelfth win this March for a full home makeover in Barrhaven.
“It is so great to be recognized for both our hard work and creativity,” says Steve Barkhouse, owner of Amsted. “I’m very excited for the team that worked so hard on this project and I’m excited for the clients as well.”
The winning project, aptly named “colour and light,” won in the category “Whole House renovation under $150,000” and was chosen from hundreds of submissions from renovators and builders across the country.
But perhaps the most important opinion about the renovation didn’t come from the nearly 150 judges, but from homeowner John Turner.
Without going into too many details Turner explained that he had previously hired a reputable renovator to make over his bathroom but was left with a bad taste in his mouth. While the finished product was up to standard, the process was unpleasant, he explained.
He was hesitant to start another renovation but put his trust in the Amsted team. That renovation exceeded his expectations.
In 10 weeks, the modest family home went from ordinary to extraordinary with the help of Barkhouse and his team.
There are always minor challenges that arise during construction, and the family was still living in the home during the renovation. Their dog was blind and partially deaf. He often got lost as changes were happening, becoming terrified, and then couldn’t move or find his way out.
Therefore, anyone working on the project had to be cautious at all times.
“Pets are a part of the family too, and accommodating these situations is part of who we are,” says Barkhouse.
The house is now bright, sleek and modern.
The kitchen has white cabinetry balanced with grey backsplash tiles and marble grey countertops. The same colour scheme continues into the dining and living area but pops of colour make the space feel funky — a stark contrast from the previously dark and boxy home.
The space was redesigned to be more open and inviting. To accomplish this, the Amsted crew removed a wall and reconfigured the layout of the kitchen and dining room to allow for more continuity.
But that’s not the reason the renovation took home gold.
“I think as far as the submission criteria, it not only hit all the requirements but had that extra little something that the judges look for,” said Barkhouse. “It was an all-inclusive, well-balanced project that was unique in more ways than one.”
It’s in the details, he explained. The living room has a coffered ceiling to visually expand the height, the window bench integrated in the dining area maintains continuity in the millwork and doubles as storage and the cherry butcher tops subtly define the dining area separate from the kitchen.
Amsted also used hardwood flooring throughout the main floor to seamlessly tie together the separate rooms.
“These personalized touches highlight the quality design and careful craftsmanship we are proud to present in all of our projects and for which we feel stood out in this award finalist renovation,” says Barkhouse.
He credits his team for the win — both at the CHBA awards and with the homeowners. Barkhouse said Amsted stands out because of what he calls the “Amsted Advantage.”
“We are the only people that have a detailed process — from first consultation meeting, all the way to the start of warranty on the finished project, (which) is carefully planned and executed,” said Barkhouse.
“Customer satisfaction is number one.”