The Artisan Contracting by J. OTT Blog

In 2026, Burlington remains a desirable place to live, but the cost of owning here has changed the way homeowners think about their current property. Here we look at current living, real estate and property tax costs and how they may affect renovation projects.   Burlington Real Estate Costs Per Square Foot  Burlington home prices remain high, even with some month-to-month market movement. Current 2026 […]

For many Burlington homeowners, upgrading a home isn’t as accessible as it once was. We’re in a city where moving can be expensive, and construction costs keep skyrocketing. This is where remodelling comes in to save the day, by improving the home you already have.   Sometimes that means opening up a main floor, adding a second storey, reworking an old bathroom, replacing windows and doors, or making the home more energy efficient. […]

When homeowners ask us about remodelling trends, the right place to start is not colour or hardware. It is about ensuring your home functions as well as possible. When remodelling, you are not starting from a blank page. You are working with an existing structure, systems, permit requirements, and a budget that needs to hold up once the walls are opened. That is why the best 2026 trends are practical first and beautiful second. They add function alongside […]

Open-concept living is often sold as the shortcut to a brighter, airier home. But removing walls doesn’t automatically create a cohesive open concept design. Sometimes, it amplifies exposure to sightlines, clutter, and circulation. Cohesion in an open plan that connects, yet delineates, spaces through thoughtful design choices. Below, we discuss how this is achieved through lighting, zones, colour and material schemes and more.   Interior Design: What is and Isn’t “Cohesive”  Designers describe cohesion as a “red thread”: a subtle, […]

Homeowners often enter a renovation expecting steady forward progress week after week. In reality, projects move through defined phases, each dependent on the one before it. When timelines slip, it’s rarely random, but the end result is frustration. Fortunately, there are patterns behind the slowdowns. We sat down with Alex Ott, Owner and President of […]

Building a dream home is super thrilling, until you realize you’re not sure what the first move is. If you have the means and motivation, the best next step is a clear: build a practical plan that turns ideas into decisions. Here’s a ground-up, homeowner-friendly path to get started without getting overwhelmed, according to our expert builders.  Start with the “Why” and The Non-Negotiables  Before you look at lots or sketch layouts, get clear on what […]

Renovating part of your home is an exciting time. Designing and choosing your new features is the fun part. But when it comes to actually having the work carried out, a home renovation can be quite disruptive and stressful, and many wonder about surviving a home renovation. “So why go through it all?” I hear […]

Windows are the eyes to your home’s soul, right? Is that the saying? Anyways… one thing is for certain: your windows and doors are among the hardest-working components of your home. They establish curb appeal, control energy use, influence comfort, protect your family, and define how your home feels day to day. That makes it […]

Ensuite bathrooms, the private sanctuaries connected to primary bedrooms, are evolving beyond their traditional functionalities. Whether you’re planning a remodel or just seeking inspiration, here are the top ensuite bathroom trends we’re predicting for 2026.  1. Backlit Mirrors  Gone are the days of simple mirrors—chic backlit mirrors are stealing the spotlight. These mirrors aren’t just […]

Your front door does more than welcome guests. It protects, insulates, and defines your home’s character. Your entrance door can also come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials. Each one has its pros and cons when it comes to the aesthetics of your property, security and energy efficiency. In this article, we compare the main materials for entry doors: steel, wood, and fibreglass.  Steel Doors  […]