BILD Awards Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre with "Best Renovation Under $75,000"

Monarch president Neil Samson accepts the BILD award
with designer Janet Dawson.

On March 11, the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) recognized the top renovators and custom home builders in the GTA at the Renovation and Custom Home Awards. 

Created in 1999, this annual program recognizes professional renovators for their professionalism, quality of work and industry leadership.

The Best Renovation Under $75,000 was awarded to Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre. The renovation involved integrating the kitchen into a home's adjacent rooms to facilitate entertaining while maintaining its "eat in" functionality.

"Our clients wanted big things from their kitchen and we delivered," says Monarch designer Janet Dawson.

"We opened up the sight lines to the living and dining rooms, maintained the eat-in kitchen for five people, improved the flow for frequent entertaining of large groups, and improved the kitchen design with more counter space, drawers, storage and innovative accessories."

BILD award-winning kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

BILD award-winning kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

BILD award-winning kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

BILD award-winning kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

BILD award-winning kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Is this the year you make your kitchen renovation dreams a reality? We can help! Contact us today at 905-686-2001, or drop by our showroom and speak with a member of our design team.

Related posts:
One More Reason to Trust Monarch With Your Kitchen or Bath Renovation: We're BILD Approved!
5 Reasons to Trust Monarch With Your Kitchen and Bath Design Needs
 

Help Monarch President Neil Samson Support Men's Health this "Movember"

The Movember Foundation is a global charity committed to men living happier, healthier, longer lives. Since 2003, millions have joined the men’s health movement, raising $677 million and funding over 1,000 programs focusing on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, poor mental health and physical inactivity.

Join Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre president Neil Samson in his quest to provide positive change for men's health. To offer your support for Neil this month, please visit http://mobro.co/neilsamson

To learn more about the Movember Foundation and how your donations are used, click here.

Habitat for Humanity Recognizes Monarch’s Commitment to the Environment and Community

Many thanks to Habitat for Humanity Durham for recognizing Monarch in their Spring 2015 e-newsletter for its ongoing commitment to waste reduction during the home renovation process.

 

Monarch believes companies must conduct sustainable business practices and be responsible stewards of the environment while seeking profit only in a manner that leaves the earth healthy and safe. A proud supporter of Habitat for Humanity for 15 years, Monarch encourages homeowners to think twice before taking old cabinetry, appliances or fixtures to the dump.

“If you are contemplating a renovation and are updating items in your home that are still perfectly functional...think about donating them to Habitat for Humanity," says designer Amanda Willson-Suppa.

A non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to improving the lives of economically disadvantaged individuals through home ownership, Habitat for Humanity is committed to helping low-income families caught in the vicious cycle of poverty. 

If you're planning a kitchen or bathroom renovation, give Habitat for Humanity a call before tear down begins. Their volunteers will remove your old kitchen cabinets, appliances or bathroom fixtures at no-charge and issue you a tax-deductible receipt for the value of your donation.

Monarch's Design Team Gets in the Holiday Spirit by Building Holiday Homes ... with Gingerbread!

Always eager to flex their design muscles, Monarch's design team took on a holiday-themed design project on a smaller-than-usual scale -- gingerbread houses.

 

With no blueprints in sight, all they needed was some icing and colourful confections! Except for Kevin Samson -- his gingerbread house was held together with green packing tape.

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre Nominated for APBOT Business Excellence Award

At Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre, we understand that our success depends solely on the satisfaction of our clients. Recently, we received word that a past client (and business associate) had nominated us for a Business Excellence Award from the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade.

The Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade (APBOT) is the voice of the business community in Ajax and Pickering. Established in 1955, the 500-plus members represent a wide array of business sectors. The APBOT Business Excellence Awards were established in 1994 to recognize the achievements and excellence in business performance. An independent panel of judges evaluates the nominees based on three categories – one to nine, 10 to 49, and 50+ employees.

“As a longstanding APBOT member and an active member of the Ajax-Pickering business community, it is an honour to be recognized for our commitment to excellence,” says Monarch president Neil Samson. “But most importantly, we are incredibly proud and humbled that our client felt so strongly about the quality of our service to nominate us for this award.”

The winners of the 20th Annual Business Excellence Awards will be announced at a special ceremony on October 9th, 2014, at the Ajax Convention Centre.

Choose Monarch for Effective — and Beautiful — Solutions to Your Long-Term Design and Renovation Needs

There are many reasons why you may want to change the kitchen and bath design of your home or cottage. Perhaps the décor is looking tired and outdated, or maybe your family dynamic has changed and you’d like to transform several rooms for a more efficient space.

Or, in what is often the case after a winter like Southern Ontario has experienced, renovating a space is a matter of necessity. If poorly insulated walls have resulted in your pipes freezing this winter, you may already be considering updating the design of the affected rooms.

In the meantime, Monarch president Neil Samson suggests a very temporary measure: turn your hot and cold faucets on to a low trickle. “Moving water has a difficult time freezing. Keeping the trickle of water going during the extreme cold patches can potentially prevent your pipes from freezing.”

Of course, keeping your water running is only a short-term solution and not environmentally friendly; Monarch’s goal is to always take the environmental approach.

The long-term solution is where Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre come in. “If your pipes have been freezing, it may be the perfect time to consider the renovation you’ve been putting off,” says Neil.

In addition to working with you to create the kitchen or bath design of your dreams, Monarch’s qualified design team has the expertise necessary to help orchestrate and coordinate any added changes your home requires. “Like installing insulation behind the drywall so your pipes don’t freeze,” adds Neil.

Is this your year to renovate? Drop by the Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre showroom today for design inspiration and to chat with a member of our design team. We can answer your design or renovation questions for your house, cottage or condominium.

Why choose Monarch? We have over 30 years experience in kitchen and bath design, and Monarch is among a limited number of renovation contractors in the Greater Toronto Area who are Renomark™ Approved. Renomark™ identifies contractors who have agreed to the Canadian Home Builders’ Association’s Code of Ethics and a renovation-specific Code of Conduct.

Getting Your Kitchen Ready for Holiday Entertaining? Adjusting Your Kitchen Cabinet Hinges is a Quick and Easy Fix!

The decorations are up. The turkey is in the oven and the table is set. Your kitchen is near spotless ... if only a few of the cabinet doors weren't hanging askew.

No matter how fabulous your kitchen cabinetry, daily use can result in doors that become out of alignment over time. If some of your kitchen cabinet doors are hanging incorrectly, fixing them is easier than you may think.

In this video, Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre president Neil Samson demonstrates how to adjust your cabinet door hinges using only a screwdriver.



If your cabinet door hinges aren't similar to the ones shown in this video, email us at contact@mkbi.com for assistance or drop by our showroom. We'd be happy to help.

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.

Monarch Designer Honoured at NKBA Gala and Design Awards

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre president Neil Samson congratulates designer Melissa Foley on her win at the
NKBA Awards on Saturday, February 23rd, 2013

Monarch designer Melissa Foley received an honourable mention in the "Medium Kitchen" category at Saturday's NKBA Awards at the Palais Royale in Toronto.

A celebration of kitchen and bath design excellence, the evening marked the 10th gala for NKBA's Ontario Chapter. The theme for the night was "50 Shades of Grey," with attendees being asked to wear formal attire in a shade of grey.

Watch for before and after pictures of Melissa's winning design later in the week.

Congratulations Melissa!

How To Adjust Your Kitchen Cabinet Door Hinges

No matter how fabulous your kitchen cabinetry, daily use can result in doors that become out of alignment over time. If some of your kitchen cabinet doors are hanging incorrectly, fixing them is easier than you may think.

In this video, Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre president Neil Samson explains how simple it is to adjust your cabinet door hinges using only a screwdriver. 

If your cabinet door hinges aren't similar to the ones shown in this video, email us at contact@mkbi.com for assistance or drop by our Pickering showroom.

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre Celebrates Earth "Weekend"

Last year, approximately 60% of Ontario residents turned off their lights for Earth Hour.

Were you one of them?

A global initiative designed to raise awareness of climate change, Earth Hour began in Australia in 2007 and spread quickly throughout the globe by 2008.

According to The World Wildlife Fund, last year 128 countries showed their commitment to saving energy and leading greener lives by celebrating Earth Hour.

This year, Earth Hour will take place on Saturday, March 26th from 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. local time.

At Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre, we're upping the ante and will be holding an EARTH WEEKEND.

Our lights will be off from Friday, March 25th at 5:00 p.m. until Monday, March 28th at 9:00 a.m. Only essential lighting will be turned on during business hours on Saturday.

You CAN make a difference.

To learn more about Earth Hour, visit the Earth Hour website.

Monarch's Whole-Home Makeover Continues: Safety First

The team from Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre continued work on John and Cindy's 1,000 sq. foot Toronto home--this week dealing with insulation and support issues.

The steel support beam installed in the ceiling replaces all interior support walls and creates an open concept.

“The exterior walls had no insulation in them whatsoever. We framed up new exterior walls and will insulate to bring the home up to current building code," explains Monarch president Neil Samson.

"The steel beam installed on the ceiling along the center of the room is what allowed us to remove all interior support walls and create this very open concept," says Monarch designer Sarah Overholt.

"Most of the second floor joists had to be replaced because of holes from previous renovations and cracks from age. The building inspector was very impressed that she didn’t have to issue an order to do this work," adds Neil.

"When it comes to issues of safety, we believe in being proactive. Our client's safety is our number one priority and we deal with every issue as it comes along and to the best of our abilities."

Many of the basement joists were compromised structurally.

This picture of John & Cindy’s basement shows the main floor joists after the room was stripped out. Many of the joists were compromised structurally due to cracking and dry rot." says Neil. “This is not uncommon in a home that is 100 years old or more. Most of these main floor joists will have to be replaced.”

Next blog post: Reconstruction begins

Follow this Renovation: Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre's "Whole Home" Makeover

This is John and Cindy’s kitchen. Their 1,000 sq. foot home, built in the 1920’s, is located in the Toronto neighbourhood of Lawrence Park.

"What began as a kitchen renovation turned into a whole home renovation," says Monarch designer Sarah Overholt. "When you start picking out the areas of your home that you don’t like, many parts of the home can be affected by the choices you make."

In this case, John and Cindy's objective was to create a warm, open concept while staying true to the time period of the home.

"The kitchen and dining areas were too small and the living room--also too small--had the staircase causing disjointed site lines," explains Monarch president, Neil Samson. "By creatively addressing these issues, we continued the flow of the design and new space through to the basement and second floor. The house will be completely gutted…all new electrical, all new plumbing, all new insulation...and brought up to code."

Follow us in the coming weeks as Monarch transforms John and Cindy's home.


Next post: Home renovation is definitely scary when you walk into your home and the inside is gone.

What is Neil Samson's Favourite Design Trend for 2011?

A great room by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

This Pickering "great room" is the new living room

A great room is a multi-purpose open-concept area that offers a warm and welcoming dimension to a home. Usually spacious and informal, it encourages interaction as family and friends are able to gather in a large, relaxed setting.
 

“While great rooms are certainly not new, it seems an increasing number of families are opting for more casual spaces in their homes,” says Neil Samson, Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre president. “Our clients are ridding themselves of the stuffy living rooms and separate dining rooms and bringing not only the spaces together but their families, as well.”

With the emphasis on comfort and relaxation, homeowners are encouraged to furnish their great rooms with low-maintenance comfortable items in sizes that fit the scale of the room. To help the room appear less cluttered, choose neutral colours and clean lines.

“Opening up the main floor of your home can help to bring about a more casual and comfortable family atmosphere. The kitchen is no longer a space that we try to hide but the centerpiece and heartbeat of our homes,” explains Neil. “It becomes a multifunctional room where everyone can gather--to cook, do homework, work in a home office, relax or entertain.”

“So why not open up your main floor to the 'great room' kind of atmosphere?”

A Kitchen Design that Keeps Your Pets in Mind (Part Two)

Pepsi's Kitchen BEFORE

While it's important to keep pets safe during your kitchen renovation, you may also want to keep them in mind during the design process. After all, as the heart of the home, your kitchen should be a warm, inviting place for ALL members of your family. This includes your pets.

Pepsi's Kitchen AFTER

Take Pepsi, for example. He's a five-year-old Havanese who lives in Thornhill. Over the past two years, Pepsi has lived through two complete Monarch bathroom makeovers and a main floor redesign...including the installation of a Monarch custom kitchen.

As an important member of the family, Pepsi's needs were taken into consideration and designers Melissa Foley and Neil Samson incorporated a built-in dog bed into the kitchen cabinetry design.

Pepsi's kitchen: A stunning design that meets the needs of the ENTIRE family.

When Only a Happy Client Will Do

www.homestars.com

While an 8 out of 10 rating on Homestars.com might be enough for some kitchen and bath design companies, a recent review by "Jenni in T.O." left president Neil Samson wondering where Monarch had gone wrong. After reading her 8/10 review, Neil and designer Melissa Foley contacted Jenni immediately and resolved the outstanding issue to her complete satisfaction. Jenni re-posted her review and gave Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre a 10/10 rating.

Bathroom bliss 

Posted by Jenni in T.O. on November 8, 2010

"Monarch did my bathroom renovation and there were a few outstanding issues which initially led me to give a lower rating. However, Neil and Melissa were amazing at following up to ensure that I was completely satisfied and I now am!! Thank you for superior customer service and believing in your product! I will definitely recommend Monarch to others and use them again myself!"

Another 10/10 rating posted last week:

Wow factor!
Posted by Jeff in Pickering on November 15, 2010
"We shopped around a few local kitchen places before we chose Monarch. Melissa was excellent in making us feel special and that we were making the right decision. She presented us with an excellent design that covered all of our 'must haves'. She was thorough, listened to our ideas and suggestions and both her and Neil were always accessible to answer any questions or concerns that we had. Of course as with any renovation, there are glitches, but the ones we had were very minor and handled in a professional and timely manner. We are extremely happy with the end results and have blown away our family and friends with the transformation. See the photos for yourself! We would definitely recommend Monarch Kitchen to anybody." 

 

For a complete list of Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre reviews on Homestars, click here.

 

Monarch Kitchen helps EcoBusiness celebrate its 100th member

As the first business to join the Durham Sustain Ability (DSA) EcoBusiness program in 2007, Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre was on hand recently as DSA welcomed its 100th member--Search Engine People Inc. from Ajax, Ontario.

DSA is a non-profit organization that helps communities, schools, businesses, and individuals throughout Durham Region become more sustainable. By following their cost-free program, local businesses are learning to become greener by supporting initiatives in such areas as transportation and equipment, energy, water, pollution and waste reduction and conservation.

EcoBusiness members are encouraged to carpool to work, install low-flow toilets or automatic water faucets in bathrooms and invest in low-energy appliances or solar-panel roofing.

"There are also many things that businesses can do that involve no cost," explains Neil Samson, president of Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre.

For example, employees can take waste-free lunches to work and turn off lights when they're not needed. If companies don't have a green bin or recycling, they can take their recyclables or organic waste home and dispose of them there.

What are you waiting for? Become an EcoBusiness today! To learn more about becoming a member, click here.