The Artisan Contracting by J. OTT Blog

The cost of building materials in Burlington in 2026 is not moving in one direction. Some materials are climbing, a few are holding steady, and each answers to its own supply chain. Lumber, drywall, windows, siding, concrete, and flooring all behave differently, and knowing which is which is the difference between a budget that holds […]

The cost of labour in Burlington in 2026 runs about $30 to $33 per hour in median wages across the main homebuilding trades, according to Government of Canada data. What a homeowner pays per hour is considerably higher, because a billed hour carries the cost of running a licensed, insured contracting business on top of […]

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 […]