Which Home Renovations Yield the Best Return on Investment?

Whether you’re renovating to meet your changing needs or trying to improve the overall look of your home, it never hurts to consider what the return on your design investment will be.

According to yearly surveys done by the Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC), refurbished kitchen and bathrooms continually yield the best return on investment, with 75 to 100 per cent of spending for these renovations recovered at resale. Interior painting, a new roof or heating system and a finished basement also ranked high (see full list below).

Of course, a high return on investment is only possible if the renovation is done tastefully, adheres to local building codes, and is in line with current trends.

Avoid projects that set your home apart from other houses in your neighbourhood. The AIC advises: “If the value of your house exceeds the average market value in your neighbourhood, your renovations will not yield much return. But if your house value is below the average, you can recover a larger part of the renovation costs.”

Whatever your reason for updating your home, Monarch designers can help. Working with you from conception to completion, our customized design services include complete project management and the use of licensed, insured and bonded tradespeople. In addition, we offer three lines of custom cabinetry covering a range of budget options perfect for your house, condominium or cottage.

Percentage of investment recovered upon resale:

Kitchen upgrade: 75% to 100%
Bathroom upgrade: 75% to 100%
Interior painting: 50% to 100%
Roof replacement: 50% to 80%
Replacement of furnace or heating system: 50% to 80%
Expansion (addition of family room): 50% to 75%
Doors and windows: 50% to 75%
Deck: 50% to 75%
Installation of hardwood floor: 50% to 75%
Construction of a garage: 50% to 75%
Fireplace (wood or gas) 50% to 75%
Central air conditioning: 50% to 75%
Finished basement: 50% to 75%
Wood fence: 25% to 50%
Interlocking paving stones on driveway: 25% to 50%
Landscaping: 25% to 50%
Asphalt driveway: 20% to 50%
Pool: 10% to 40%
Skylights: 0% to 25%

Stay in Your Home Longer with an In-Home Elevator

Aging in place – the ability to live in one’s own home safely, independently and comfortably – has become an increasingly hot topic among homeowners over the past decade.

Baby boomers who have struggled to find a place for their aging loved ones to live safely are realizing that planning ahead for their own retirement and future health challenges is a priority. For many, the planning has changed from downsizing or moving into a seniors’ complex, to aging in place in order to stay safely in their home longer.

And why not? If you consider the amount of time, money and love homeowners put into their homes over the course of their lifetime, doesn’t it makes sense to further invest in adapting your living space instead of planning a big move?

As we age, navigating stairs become one of the biggest hindrances to aging in place. And while chair lifts are a viable solution, residential elevators are fast becoming a popular choice in the homes able to accommodate them.

If adding an elevator to your home seems like an outrageous expense, consider the cost and stress involved in finding a new home and the stress and expense of the move itself.

At Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre, aging in place is a topic we all hold dear to our hearts. Having the ability to make our clients’ home function for them regardless of their age and physical abilities is something each member of our design team strives for.

From something as simple as installing grab bars during a bath renovation to arranging for a design and renovation to include an elevator, Monarch is able to help you in all of your home renovation needs. Our goal is to help our clients stay in their home as long as they are comfortable.

To learn more, call Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre today at 905-686-2001 to discuss your design and renovation needs.

Happy Thanksgiving from Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre

The holiday weekend forecast for Southern Ontario includes mostly sunny skies and moderate temperatures. We hope you have the opportunity to enjoy some time outside with close friends and family over the next few days.

For those of you inside cooking up a storm, here are a few videos from Sarah Carey at Everyday Food we thought you might find useful.

Remember, there's still time to spruce up your kitchen before the Christmas holiday season. Call Monarch today at 905-686-2001 or drop by our showroom and speak with one of our designers.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre team

Book Now and Spruce Up Your Kitchen in Time for the Holidays

If you're considering a home renovation this fall, you're not alone.

A new survey found that 65% of Canadian homeowners plan some kind of home renovation in the next 12 months. A whopping 38% of those planning to renovate will tackle their bathroom, followed by 33% who admitted their kitchen needs work.

If you're dreading the idea of celebrating another Christmas in your outdated kitchen, don't despair! There is still time to give your kitchen a face lift before having your family and friends over during the holidays.

After all, no matter how you try to steer people out of your kitchen, it's the heart of your and where guests feel the most comfortable.

Give Yourself the Gift of a New Countertop and Backsplash
Imagine how much a new countertop and backsplash would change the overall look and feel of your kitchen. A new look may be all you need to love your kitchen again, so give the designers at Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre a chance to refresh your space in time for the holidays.

To learn more, drop by our showroom or call us at 905-686-2001.

Why You Should Hire Monarch to Renovate Your Condominium

When introducing new products or services on this blog, we often reference renovations we’ve performed in the houses of our clients. The truth is, a substantial number of our clientele are condo owners, as well.

In fact last fall, condo owner Donna Young was the winner of our Win Your Granite or Quartz Countertop contest. Earlier in the year, Monarch transformed Mrs. Young’s traditional condominium kitchen into a sleek, contemporary space. This year, the National Kitchen and Bath Association honoured Monarch designer Melissa Foley for a major "medium kitchen" condominium redesign.

Renovating a condo is different than renovating a home. Condominium corporations typically have rules that regulate renovations and the condo board outlines what can and cannot be touched during a renovation (ie. windows, corridors, mechanical systems, plumbing, electrical, bearing walls etc.). You may be considering relocating a toilet or sink in your condo’s bath renovation, for instance, but the drains and supply lines are common elements between units and cannot be touched. If they were to be moved, it may disrupt the plumbing and drainage for the entire building!

Melissa Foley's NKBA award-winning "medium kitchen" design

Condo renovations require a great deal of planning and coordination between the designer, the tradespeople, the condo corporation and the owner. A well-executed renovation involves:

• a design that not only pleases the owner, but adheres to all building permits;
• the use of experienced, licensed tradespeople;
• managing noise levels and working only during designated hours so as not to disturb the neighbours;
• finding proper parking and booking elevator time for the transport of supplies and materials;
• effectively managing the removal of waste and construction debris.

Condo redesign by Melissa Foley, Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

With so many additional considerations involved, some contractors avoid working on condo units. Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre is not one of them. Our design team is experienced with the challenges of designing and renovating condo units and is committed to your complete satisfaction. Call us today at 905-686-2001 or drop by our showroom and meet with one of our designers.

Beyond the Wine Rack -- How Sub-Zero Protects Your Wine and Enhances Your Experience

While most of the wine we purchase is consumed within 24 hours, fine wines are often set aside for special occasions. One of the few things that actually improve with age, wine is capable of having its quality deteriorate rapidly if stored improperly. Inadequate lighting, temperature and humidity are just three ways consumers ruin a treasured bottle of wine.



Sub-Zero wine storage unit employs a suite of technologies to protect wine from its enemies:

Light: A full spectrum of protection  Dark bottles afford some protection for the wine inside, but invisible ultraviolet light still gets through. One answer is to store your wine in utter darkness — but how satisfying is that? Sub-Zero shields wine from harmful rays with UV-resistant, bronze-tinted glass. Your wine will be both beautifully protected and gloriously displayed. 

Heat: Doubly worth defeating  Most wine drinkers believe they protect their bottles from heat by storing within their home or refrigerator. However, even wine stored inside these places can suffer from temperature swings —for example if the sun shines on a wine rack for part of each day. The wine may continuously warm up and cool down, spoiling your wine in the process. Temperature can also be the enemy of the enjoyment of wine. You might be surprised what "too high" means when it comes to serving temperature. Today’s normal room temperature of 70-plus degrees is too warm for reds. Only at cooler serving temperatures, typically in the low to mid 60s, will the flavor of red wine be balanced. 

Humidity: Neither too little nor too much  When it comes to humidity, wine appreciates moderation. To keep corks from drying out and letting the wine oxidize, Sub-Zero technology ensures sufficient moisture in the air. But not too much. As one professional points out, an excess of humidity can create problems of its own. 

Vibration: Bottles need to be babied  A rough, noisy compressor would disturb not only the wine; it would disturb the peace of your household. Sub-Zero’s exceptionally quiet compressor rests on isolation mounts to minimize sound and vibration. Bottles are cradled on rustproof, coated shelves that glide out smoothly on a roller assembly, further protecting against agitation.

Sub-Zero’s six wine-storage products offer limitless design options. Classic stainless or with any custom cabinetry you desire. Undercounter, freestanding, all wine or with refrigerated storage drawers. Storage capacities range from 26 to 147 bottles.

To learn more about incorporating Sub-Zero technology into your new kitchen design, drop by the Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre showroom or call 905-686-2001 and speak with a member of our design team.

Images courtesy of subzero-wolf.com

Introducing Six New Stunning Designs from Caesarstone

Just in time for your fall kitchen or bath renovation, Caesarstone has added six new countertop designs to their Classico collection. Drop by the Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre showroom today and view these samples and more from Caesarstone.

Bianco Drift - Caesarstone's own interpretation of a granite texture, refined with a clean and glossy feel that imbues the slab with a marbly touch. This interesting twist makes Bianco Drift ideal for both traditional and contemporary interior designs. Bianco Drift blends the classical beauty and elegance of white with delicate swirls of light brown and grey hues.

Vanilla Noir - Vanilla Noir offers a patent-pending, natural look of delicate wide veins that beautify the slab with a powerful and impressive look. Vanilla Noir dramatically merges solid black and bold beige and vanilla strokes. Treasured in the right space, Vanilla Noir enriches your interior with a unique, luxurious feel.

Coastal Grey - Caesarstone's own interpretation of the traditional granite look, beautified with strokes of black and white, Coastal Grey has dark, dominant tones and a strong character that empowers your interiors with a rustic beauty.

Summer Rye - Savouring the gentle array of classic, timeless brown hues with calming white details, Summer Rye creates an ambiance of confidence and tranquility that completes the harmony of any space with warmth.

Clamshell - Fusing a sophisticated blend of soft-toned, trendy greys with intricate details of deep greys and whites. Clamshell offers the versatility to suit interiors featuring either warm or cold colour pallets.

Alpine Mist - Alpine Mist offers a patent-pending, natural look of delicate wide veins that beautify the slab with a powerful and impressive look. Immerse in the exquisite depths of Alpine Mist's lustrous white, glossy feel and captivating white details. Alpine Mist is a perfect match to any interior design environment.

What's the Best Time of Year to Renovate a Kitchen or Bath?

“Our clients frequently ask us what time of year is best to renovate a kitchen or bathroom,” says Monarch designer Kevin Samson. “There is no standard answer to that question, as every client has a slightly different requirement or reason for choosing a date.”

Before the renovation scheduling begins, your Monarch designer reviews the particulars of your kitchen or bath project so you know exactly what to expect during the entire renovation.

“By asking a few questions at the beginning of the planning process, we’re able to work together to determine an ideal project date,” explains Kevin. “Sometimes clients want to upgrade their kitchen or bath prior to hosting an event in their home and this can determine the date the project will start or finish.” The warmer months are a popular time to renovate because clients are able to cook outdoors and spend more time outside, away from the ‘job site.’

“Families with younger children often prefer to have their home renovated during the school year, as it is less stressful on the family if the children are in school during the day. One of my clients has completed three projects with Monarch, and each time they’ve asked for them to be performed during the winter months,” says Kevin. “Their reason for the winter time frame is so they can enjoy their home during the summer without disruption.”

Are you considering a kitchen or bath renovation? Monarch has been making homeowner’s kitchen and bath dreams a reality for over 30 years. Drop by our showroom or call us at 905-686-2001 to book a consultation with one of our design team.

The Beauty and Versatility of Viatera Quartz Countertops

Earlier this year, over 300 National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) members-designers from the United States and Canada responded to NKBA’s annual design trends survey. In the survey, respondents were asked to report the materials, product types, and design styles they specified over the final three months of 2012. The results are in and it appears that quartz countertops are making a comeback: “While the use of quartz finishes was in slight decline last year, it has surfaced as a clear trendsetter this year [2013].” ~ NKBA

If you’re considering a kitchen or bath renovation this fall, chances are choosing a new countertop is on you’re to-do list.

Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre designers often recommend quartz countertops to our clients. Stunning and exceptionally versatile, quartz is low-maintenance, resistant to stains and comes in a variety of textures, tones and colours.

The Viatera line of quartz countertops from LG Hausys, for example, is available in four colour collections. Drop by our showroom today to see them first-hand.

Terracota (warm earthen tones of beiges, browns and rust)

Woodlands (inspired by the colours and tones of the forest)

Urban Chic (an eclectic mix of colours that are both fresh and inviting)

International (bold coloured patterns, some with chips of glass, mirror and metal)

To view the Viatera Inspiration Gallery, click here.

Kitchen Designers Are Crucial to the Success of Your Kitchen Renovation

Kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

In a recent article on thestar.com, writer Rita Zekas provides a humorous rundown of her two frustrating visits to furniture superstore, IKEA.

Her goal: to order new kitchen cabinets, a granite countertop, sink and fan hood.

How did she fare? After numerous calls to her contractor, she eventually got what she was looking for, but not without a great deal of angst and frustration:

“We pass a series of sample kitchens and finally arrive at kitchen central, where I had envisioned some kindly person sitting down with me, mano a mano, mapping out my kitchen for me. Not so.”

Instead, Zekas is told to sit down at a computer and sign in, then select items on the screen and place them on IKEA’s 3-D planner. Not exactly the helpful design collaboration she was looking for.

If you’re planning to redesign your kitchen, you may be contemplating the do-it-yourself route, as well. Before you hop in the car and head to your local big box store, consider the benefits of working with a kitchen designer.

“As professional kitchen designers, we are able to translate our client's needs into a functional kitchen design that reflects both their needs and wants,” says Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre president Neil Samson. “Monarch’s team of graduate designers have comprehensive knowledge in both kitchen and bath design, as well as construction, plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems.”

Using a kitchen designer to help with your kitchen renovation is crucial for your project’s success. Kitchen designers are trained professionals with extensive knowledge about a variety of products and know how to properly construct and install the materials in your home.

From cabinetry, countertops and storage space to sinks, plumbing and appliances, there are a tremendous number of decisions involved in a kitchen renovation.

“With little or no technical knowledge to base their decisions on, homeowners quickly become overwhelmed and frustrated,” says Neil. "A kitchen designer has years of design training and experience and can offer you their professional perspective, sharing the tricks of the trade to maximize your space and get the kitchen you want.”

Kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Here are some answers to common questions from our website’s FAQ page.

We're interested in having Monarch design our new kitchen. Where do we begin?
The design process starts with a visit to our showroom. Here, you have the opportunity to interview your designer, tour our showroom and obtain an overview of the products and services that we offer.

What happens after our first meeting?
Regardless of whether you are renovating an existing property or in the process of building a new house, our next meeting is at your home. The primary focus of this meeting is to develop a clear picture of your personal tastes, preferences and develop a comprehensive "wish list" for your project. Your designer will take detailed measurements of your home and the information from this meeting will be used to formulate a custom design personalized for you.

How much say will I have in the overall design?
Monarch's goal is to create a kitchen you can enjoy for years to come. While we do offer advice and guidance throughout the design and renovation process, the finished design is a true reflection of your ideas and dreams for that particular space. Your designer will use your feedback from their design survey to fine-tune each element of the design.

What happens after the design is finalized?
With the help of your designer, you will make selections such as wood species, door style, door finish, hardware, accessories and countertop colour and material. You can also ask your designer for advice on flooring, lighting, back splash treatments and paint colours.

This sounds like a lot of information to keep track of. How can I be sure we all understand who is doing what?
Monarch strives to make your renovation as seamless and stress-free as possible. You will receive a detailed description of all work that Monarch and our associated contractors will undertake on your behalf.

How will I know what is happening on a day-to-day basis?
Monarch will coordinate your project with follow-up from your designer and our production office so that no detail is overlooked. You can expect project updates on a daily basis. As an added convenience, Monarch clients can login to Monarch's website to view the progress of their project in "real time".

How can I be sure that Monarch is committed to my renovation project?
We want you to be our client for life and are committed to your complete satisfaction. We will be there to answer your questions or help with additional renovations long after your project is finished. To learn why Monarch clients keep coming back, please view our testimonials page or ask a member of our team for a list of references.

One Design Trend You May Not Have Seen Coming

Brushed Bronze handshower
by Moen

Brass. It’s showing up in an increasing number of design showrooms and making its way back into your home!

Never completely gone, brass designs have had a rougher, more patinated feel to it in the past few years. For 2013, however, interior designers are embracing the shine. From gleaming chandeliers that incorporate a mixture of metals and hang above your dining tables, to brushed bronze hardware for your kitchen and bath cabinetry, there’s no denying it: brass is back and here to stay.

Icon by Moen
Brushed Bronze

“I love the fact that most of the new finishes are polish-free,” says Monarch design Marion Cuddie. “If you are a traditionalist at heart, brass is a great way to honour the past with all the style and convenience of today.”

Brass Ring Knob
by Berenson

Savvy kitchen and bath manufacturers are fully aware of the stigma attached to the word “brass” and have found ways to ease consumers into including brass décor into their homes.

Ever fearful of furnishing their homes with the shiny polished brass that decorated their parents’ homes, consumers are now purchasing items with such descriptions as “antique bronze” and “brushed bronze.”

What’s old is new again! For more ideas on including brass into your kitchen or bath décor, drop by the Monarch showroom and speak with one of our designers.

What Do You Wash in Your Kitchen Sink?

Large basin sinks have been popping up in kitchen showrooms for years and have been slowly winning over consumers for their practicality and simple beauty.

Large basin sink in a kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

“Ten years ago, most homeowners sought out double sinks when renovating their kitchens,” says Monarch designer Amanda Willson-Suppa. “In recent months, however, we have started to see a shift from the double sink to the larger basin sink.”

Apron-front sink in a kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Apron-front sink from Kindred KCFS33B

Why the change in attitude? For many, it comes down to evaluating what they actually use their kitchen for. With energy-efficient dishwashers in over 60% of homes in Canada, the kitchen sink is rarely used to wash plates, bowls, glasses and cutlery anymore.

“Those items get rinsed quickly and placed in the dishwasher,” explains Amanda. “What’s left are large pots and pans, cookie sheets and casserole dishes…items that don’t fit in a dishwasher and are difficult to wash in the standard double sink. Large basin sinks are also deeper than traditional sinks and make a great place to hide your dishes when company drops by unexpectedly!”

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre Uses Schluter-Ditra for Beautiful Floors that Last

Seeing your ceramic or stone floor installed in your new kitchen or bath design is an exciting part of the renovation process. Flooring often puts the finishing touch on a room’s design and ties in all of the design elements you’ve spent months choosing with care.

Proper installation is key to keeping your floor beautiful and protecting the integrity of the tile assembly. At Monarch, we use Schluter-DITRA.

From Schluter.com: 

Ceramic and stone tiles are durable, easy to maintain, and hygienic, representing the ideal surface coverings. However, today's lightweight construction methods can make the installation of hard surface coverings particularly challenging. In order to protect the integrity of the tile assembly, an underlayment that performs multiple functions is required. 

Schluter-DITRA is a polyethylene membrane with a grid structure of square cavities, each cut back in a dovetail configuration, and an anchoring fleece laminated to its underside. Schluter-DITRA is bonded to the substrate using thin-set mortar. The anchoring fleece on the underside of Schluter-DITRA is fully engaged in the mortar to provide a mechanical bond to the substrate. Tile is installed over Schluter-DITRA using the thin-bed method in such a way that the mortar becomes mechanically anchored in the square, cutback cavities of the Schluter-DITRA matting.  

Designed specifically for ceramic tile and dimension stone installations, Schluter-DITRA serves as an uncoupling layer, waterproofing membrane, and vapor management layer that accommodates moisture from beneath the tile covering. Further, DITRA performs all these functions while still providing adequate support/load distribution for the tile covering.

“Monarch uses Schluter-DITRA when tiling because it ensures that the tile will stand the test of time and look spectacular for many years to come,” says Monarch president Neil Samson.

Choosing the Drawer Style that Fits Your New Kitchen Design and Your Budget

Kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

If a new kitchen design is in your future, you’re probably balancing a desire to have a beautiful kitchen with your basic need to have a more functional workspace.

This is where your choice of kitchen cabinetry comes in. Sure, you want your cabinetry to look great on the outside, but don’t underestimate the importance of making the time you spend in your kitchen more convenient.

Today, an increasing number of homeowners are choosing to include more drawers in their kitchen cabinetry design. Stronger glide technology has allowed manufacturers to create bigger drawers that can handle heavier items like pots, pans, dishware, large serving dishes and chopping blocks. With drawers, items are in full view and no longer become lost at the back of the cupboard!

Like most design elements, there are a variety of styles and sizes to choose from. “When you are looking at what type of drawer to get in your kitchen, generally budget does come into play. If you’re on a tight budget, then a drawer without the slow close features, and without full extension is what you might consider,” says Monarch designer Amanda Willson-Suppa. “If you’ve got some room in your budget, drawers that provide full extension and slow-close technology are preferred.”

Double-wall steel drawers have the slow close and full extension glides on them, but the bottom of the drawer is melamine to match the interior of your kitchen. “The wood dovetail drawers are generally made out of birch, but can have an extra style feature of being constructed out of walnut,” says Amanda. “These drawers are more traditional, and often we find that people chose the wood dovetail when they are constructing a more transitional or traditional kitchen.”

Dovetail Drawers by Cuisines Laurier

These traditional wooden dovetail drawers are assembled by hand; one by one; to make sure that every joint is perfect. Dovetail drawers are made of birch wood and mounted on premium quality soft closing full extension slides.

Tandembox Drawers by Cuisines Laurier

These contemporary drawers are available in gray aluminum or stainless steel. Light and strong, Tamdembox drawers are a modern alternative to the traditional dovetail drawers. The drawers are mounted on premium quality soft closing full extension slides. Gallery, double gallery and double walled sides options are available. 

To get a closer look at the cabinetry and drawer options available, drop by Monarch’s showroom today.

Purging is the First Step to a Streamlined Kitchen

Recently, an article on theglobeandmail.com caught the attention of our kitchen designers. In 5 ways to streamline your kitchen, writer Dave McGinn offers some practical advice on how to make your kitchen more functional without sacrificing style.

While homeowners often remodel their kitchens to improve the overall look of the space, increasing a kitchen’s functionality can be just as rewarding.

McGinn suggests purging the items you don’t use very often and removing them from the countertop or kitchen cupboard so you can make room for the items you do use every day.

“Even before renovating my own kitchen, the ‘great purge’ began,” says Monarch designer Marion Cuddie. “It amazed me how much space was freed up simply by discarding or storing items that were

not used on a regular basis.”

Look to all areas of the kitchen when purging. This includes stripping magnets, to-do lists, school calendars and pictures off your fridge door. Instead, try setting up a separate area for your messaging. A cluttered fridge door makes the space look untidy.

Once you’re done purging, consider how you can organize the space better. If you’re tearing down your existing kitchen, your kitchen designer will help you plan your “work triangle.” The work triangle operates on the theory that the majority of the work we do in a kitchen takes place between the stove/cook top, sink and refrigerator. The imaginary lines between these three points make up the work triangle. A carefully designed, efficient kitchen plan will ensure these three elements are close (but not too close) to each other.

Finally, the key to working – and enjoying – your new kitchen design is finding the tools you need quickly and with little effort. McGinn points to the Pinterest-trending use of pegboards in kitchens for smaller items like measuring cups and commonly used tools such as scrapers, ladles and spatulas. For bigger items like mixing bowls, pots, storage containers and food, large pull-out drawers ensure nothing gets forgotten at the back of the cupboard.

“Whether you are planning to renovate or not, these tips are useful and a great starting point to getting a kitchen that works for you,” says Marion.