Multi-award-winning renovator and custom builder Amsted Design-Build offers an inspiring project in the 2023 Reno Tour.
A whole-home renovation of a smaller Alta Vista home, it shows how thoughtful updating means you don’t need to tear down an existing home and replace it with a larger one. It also shows how a smart layout and attention to detail can create a home that lets you gracefully age in place.
The Reno Tour is presented by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) and RenoMark (a national program that identifies professional contractors who have signed on to a code of conduct that protects the homeowner).
This home is one of seven that can be seen in person on Oct. 1. The tour is a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased online or at either of Habitat’s ReStore locations: 768 Belfast Rd. at Ottawa Train Yards or 3 Iber Rd. in Stittsville.
If you can’t make the in-person tour, 3D virtual walk-throughs of the homes (plus an eighth bonus home) will be available afterwards at RenoTour.ca.
Here’s more info on Amsted Design-Build and its project from marketing manager Stephanie Haw (edited for clarity).
Q: What made you decide to join the tour this year?
A: The Reno Tour is such a great opportunity for homeowners and renovators alike, and Amsted has been a proud supporter since its inception.
People are most inspired when they can see and feel something, so to be able to walk through a completed renovation not only gives homeowners a fantastic vantage point of what can be done in their own homes, but it gives renovators the chance to highlight their design and construction quality as well.
Q: Why choose this project for the tour?
A: We love this project because it’s a whole-home renovation that has a little something for everyone. On the main floor, we completely rearranged the layout, creating a space that would be comfortable to age in place. On the second floor, we made more modest updates to the existing floor plan, widening the hallway and repurposing some of the oversized bedrooms into more functional uses, like larger closets and a home office.
Q: What kinds of things should visitors watch out for when they tour the project?
A: As the main floor was designed to be barrier-free, visitors should note the ease with which you can walk through the space — open-concept design, shower with curb-less entry, even a stacked washer/dryer disguised as a pantry. There’s also a unique French sliding door providing easy access from the new kitchen location to the new two-level backyard deck; perfect for entertaining!
Q: For the in-person tour, what do you expect to have on hand for visitors?
A: We will have members of our development and construction team ready to answer questions about all aspects of the build, along with before photos to give a true sense of the total transformation of this space.
Q: For the virtual tour, will you be adding any extra details?
A: The virtual tour will include several before photos as well. They might be a bit tricky to visualize, as the main floor layout is completely changed, but the before-and-afters really showcase to homeowners what they can do in their own space with a little ingenuity and design help.
Q: Tell us a bit about your company.
A: Amsted Design-Build has been working in Ottawa for nearly 35 years now. Most recently, we also expanded to Brockville so that we could service the entire area between here and the St. Lawrence. We are proud to provide true design-build to our clients, offering innovative design solutions and exceptional construction quality. Our team has been awarded renovator of the year a record-setting 10 times by GOHBA, an honour for which we are very proud.
Q: What’s the value of this tour for those who will visit the homes?
A: It’s like Pinterest come to life! And it’s a chance to get a sense for several high-quality renovators in the area. All in one shot you can meet some of the team, see their work on display and learn more about whether one of these companies is right for any upcoming projects you may have.
