Monarch Kitchen & Bath Clients Say it Best on Homestars

Choosing a company you can trust to renovate your home can often be a challenge for homeowners. As kitchen and bath designers for over 35 years, we understand that the best way to put your mind at ease is to let you read what our happy clients have to say and present you with the facts you need to make the decision that's right for you.

From Homestars.com:

My wife wanted her kitchen renovated and after asking around to friends who had had a kitchen renovation we decided to approach Monarch Kitchens to ask for a quote. All of the staff at Monarch kitchens made us feel welcome and took a lot of the stress out of such an intimidating project. Right from the start to the finish the renovation was done in an extremely professional manner. Most people have had scary stories of booking with various contractors who didn't keep their word. Monarch was not like that at all. In a world that says "Buyer Beware" Monarch was a very welcome exception. I can say without a doubt that Monarch has very high ethical values and stood by their word every step of the way. They were always on time, on budget and had excellent workmanship. 10 out of 10 stars to Monarch Kitchens and all of their staff. I have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone wanting professionals to help in home renovations.  

We recently had our kitchen and powder room renovation completed by Monarch Kitchen and Bath. Our first meeting with Monarch was with Kevin, who came by the house to thoroughly reviewed the space and spent much time with us to discuss our vision for the powder room and kitchen renovation. 

Kevin completed 2 design plan options and took the time to go over each of the plans with us. We visited their extensive showroom to make choices for flooring, cabinets, counter-tops, backsplash, and hardware. Kevin was very friendly, patient, and helpful throughout this process and we never felt rushed. He consistently kept us updated on costs in order to ensure we stayed within our budget.

For the most part, the work was completed as outlined on the schedule provided. We were always informed of any change in schedule. Everyone, including the plumbers and electricians, as well as the cabinet, flooring, counter-top, and tile installers were all very professional and addressed any questions and concerns we had in a timely manner. We are extremely happy with our beautiful new kitchen and powder room. Thank you to Kevin, Neil, and each and every member of the Monarch crew for all of your hard work and expertise. We would not hesitate to recommend Monarch to anyone looking to renovate their home.

Why choose Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre?

1. We are experienced and qualified.

Take comfort in the knowledge that all Monarch designers are professionally trained and educated. Monarch has been a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) for over thirty years. The NKBA promotes professionalism and ethical business practices within the kitchen and bath industry, and is committed to helping design professionals create more energy efficient living spaces. 

Monarch is a member of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA). The CHBA is committed to a fair and competitive marketplace and provides members with opportunities to learn and grow.

In 2012, Monarch became a Baeumler Approved contractor. Baeumler Approved pre-screens home renovation companies to ensure their references check out and they have all the require insurance and licenses necessary to run their business. They also check with previous customers and the tradespeople and companies they employ on a regular basis to ensure a company they deem “Baeumler Approved” has a solid reputation in the industry and with their clients.

In 2013, Monarch became a RenoMark and BILD Approved contractor. As a RenoMark approved renovator, Monarch is recognized as understanding the value of customer service as well as providing warranties and continually educating ourselves on trends, materials and new regulations.  

The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) encourages innovations and excellence in the planning and building of sustainable communities and the redevelopment and renovation of existing communities. As a BILD approved contractor, Monarch must abide by a strict code of ethics.

2. We understand that our success depends solely on the satisfaction of our clients.

Our primary goal is to help our clients design a space that not only reflects their personal style, but also meets their requirements for function and versatility – now and for years to come. Many of our new clients come to us as a result of referrals. Not only have they walked into a friend or family member’s newly designed space and been blown away by its beauty, they have also learned firsthand about our attention to detail, expert guidance and respect for their time. Click here to read our reviews on HomeStars.

3. We design and renovate homes, cottages and condos!

Monarch offers customized design and renovation services for all rooms in the home, condominium or cottage. This service includes in-home consultations; detailed plans and designs; a written description of the scope of work for each project; computer-generated plans and perspective; "one-stop”shopping on a large range of cabinetry, tile, flooring, and plumbing fixtures; licenced, insured and bonded trades; complete project management; and several lines of cabinetry to cover a range of budget options.

4. We offer concierge services, too!

Monarch offers a concierge service to help our clients manage the many steps and stages involved in a renovation. Our concierge service includes a pack-up service; professional organization; appliance moving; cleaning services; duct and filter cleaning; daily progress reports with pictures or video; product sourcing and interior design and decorating services.

5. We are your long-term renovation partner.

Our commitment to you does not end when your design project is finished. We offer a one-year parts and labour warranty on everything we supply and install. Should something get broken or damaged, we will help you obtain replacement parts. We are always happy to make time for you, your friends and anyone you refer to us.

Why Spending Money on a High-Efficiency Toilet Makes Sense

If you’re renovating your bathroom, you may be looking at replacing your current toilet. While choosing the right style is important to the overall look of your new bath design, you’ll want to consider its level of water efficiency, as well.

As the main source of water use in the home, toilets account for close to 30 percent of your home's indoor water consumption. If you own an older, inefficient toilet (manufactured prior to 1994), it may use as much as 6 gallons of water per flush – a huge source of wasted water (and money) in your home.

Recent advancements have allowed toilets to use 1.28 gallons per flush or less while still providing equal or superior performance.

To illustrate the difference this new technology makes to your home, Master plumber Ed Del Grande and HGTV's Nicole Facciuto compare new high-efficiency toilets to the traditional 3.5-gpf models in this video:



Here are a few suggestions of the high-efficiency toilets available for your home:

If you're considering a bath renovation, Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre can help. Drop by our showroom today or call us at 905-686-2001 and speak with one of our designers. 

Ensuring Your Kitchen and Bath Renovations Run Smoothly From Start to Finish

Many thanks to our loyal clients who have recently posted their reviews of Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre on Homestars.com:

Monarch designed our kitchen a few years ago and we couldn't be more pleased with the result. We were referred to Monarch through a close friend, and after meeting with president Neil Samson, we knew our search was over. Our kitchen renovation was quite extensive and everyone -- from the designers to the contractors to the office staff -- kept us well-informed. Except for a few blips along the way (due in large part to the poor construction of our home), the project ran according to schedule. My wife and I always knew what to expect and the contractors Monarch chose to come into our home were professional and respectful of our space and our time. ~ Nick from Pickering

I was extremely pleased with the kitchen reno performed by Monarch. Sarah was most helpful with her design suggestions and all staff and trades were professional and responded to questions in a timely manner. Neil attended regularly to ensure all work was satisfactory. Family and friends loved the reno and I have recommended the company to two other friends. I hope to do a washroom reno in the future and will definitely contact Monarch again. ~ Susan from Pickering

The excellent staff at Monarch gave us the best quality of service from the time we walked in the door to the time the job was finished. We received a great design, honest and frequent communication and great care to meet our needs in a timely manner. Kevin, Neil, Melissa, Kelly, Rick, Clint, and Roland were all friendly, informative, and efficient, leaving no detail too small. I would highly recommend Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre to anyone who wants a company with integrity, creativity and great customer service. Thank you for helping to make our home more beautiful. ~ Shawn from Toronto

Check out this Master Suite Makeover in Progress

Last November, we posted pictures of our client's tired and out-of-date master suite that was long overdue for a makeover.

As you may recall, their original bathroom featured a tiny 30x30-inch closed-in box-style shower; a huge vanity with only one sink; tired wallpaper; carpeting on the stairs into the bath; and an outdated Jacuzzi-style tub that was lacking in the energy-efficiency department.

Since the team at Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre has undertaken this master suite renovation, no dream has been overlooked. Monarch designers have worked closely with the homeowners to ensure the end result is a master bathroom with an open, airy feel ... one with carefully thought-out features and a design they'll love for years to come. 
  

With only a few small design elements to be decided, we'll be posting the stunning "after" pictures of this incredible new space soon. In the meantime, here are a few more pictures of this renovation in progress.
 

Master suite renovation in progress. Design by Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre

Master suite renovation in progress. Design by Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre

Their new bath design includes:

• a 4x4-foot glass shower enclosure with custom bench and GROHE flow-wise fixtures, including a rain shower head and hand-held shower;
• mosaic tile and marble shower thresholds;
• a luxury MAAX soaker tub;
• an updated vanity which will include two sinks and functional storage;
• more energy efficient and stylish lighting fixtures.

Shower in Luxury with the Halo™ Rainshower from Moen

Often it's the little things that make the biggest impact.

If you're planning to renovate your bathroom in 2013, you can make it a sanctuary of relaxation with the help of Moen's newest shower head, the Halo™.

The Halo™ showerhead delivers a truly luxurious rainshower experience. In addition to three spray settings, it has a unique pivoting outer ring so you can customize your showering experience with up to 60% more coverage than a standard rainshower.

Its clean and modern design makes a style statement in any bathroom.

Product features:

• chrome finish to create a bright, highly reflective, cool grey metallic look
• 9" diameter rainshower 
• three–function deep massage; full rainshower; relaxing massage
• limited lifetime warranty
• pivots to increase coverage up to 60%
• for full product details, click here.

SHOWER OUT LOUD with the Moxie Showerhead and Wireless Speaker from Kohler

From Kohler:

"The Moxie showerhead + wireless speaker deliver up to 7 hours of music, news and more by pairing wirelessly with your device enabled with Bluetooth® technology. Just you  + water + clean, clear sound.

Not to be upstaged, the spray face features 60 angled nozzles that deliver the full, enveloping spray you've come to expect from a Kohler showerhead. 

Sync your device enabled with Bluetooth® technology with the wireless speaker from up to 32 feet away, and invite your playlist, podcast or live broadcast into the shower. Plus you can take your music with you anywhere. The Moxie speaker plays wirelessly in or out of the shower, so you can charge it up to use in the kitchen or take to the beach." 

Happy Halloween from Monarch! Looking for Scary Kitchen and Bath Renovation Stories? You Won't Find Any Here

A review by Shawn Fryer of Toronto, posted October 21, 2012 on HomeStars.

The excellent staff at Monarch gave us the best quality of service from the time we walked in the door to the time the job was finished. We received a great design, honest and frequent communication and great care to meet our needs in a timely manner. Kevin, Neil, Melissa, Kelly, Rick, Clint, and Roland were all friendly, informative, and efficient, leaving no detail too small. I would highly recommend Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre to anyone who wants a company with integrity, creativity, and great customer service. Thank you for helping to make our home more beautiful.

Benjamin Moore and Cambria Join Forces to Take the Guesswork Out of Paint Selection

Your kitchen or bath renovation is complete, your appliances have been delivered and you're ready for the final step: choosing the perfect paint colour to tie all of the elements of your new space together. If you're finding it a difficult task, you're not alone. 

Cambria, a leader in quartz countertop design, has partnered with Benjamin Moore to simplify the final stage of the kitchen or bath design process.

The perfect tool for homeowners and designers alike, every Cambria design has been meticulously paired with four complementary Benjamin Moore colors.

By using the interactive paint match tool on Cambria's website, you will instantly get a better sense of how each Benjamin Moore paint color plays against the shades, movement and colors inherent in your favorite Cambria designs.

Image courtesy of benjaminmoore.com

From Benjamin Moore:

"Cambria and Benjamin Moore have joined forces to make designer color selection easy. Benjamin Moore's design experts have paired four wall covering shades to every Cambria design, allowing you to match your Cambria designs to paint colors that are as rich and beautiful as the countertops themselves.

Now with more than 100 designs to choose from, Cambria is the industry leader in quartz countertops. Cambria and Benjamin Moore share the same deep commitment to quality and color innovation, with a constant and consistent focus on future design trends."

Addressing the Need for Kitchen and Bathroom Design Solutions for "Aging in Place"

As the "baby boomer" generation approaches the age of retirement, their need to downsize or retrofit their existing homes has become a priority.

Lessons learned from watching their own parents deal with the challenges of getting older and finding a safe place to live has no doubt inspired the "aging in place" movement.

From the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC): Impacts of the Aging of the Canadian Population on Housing and Communities
(2008) [Research Highlight]

“There will be profound changes in the age structure of the Canadian population over the next 25 years. These changes will transform our communities and significantly affect housing. Population aging is taking place in a society that is being reshaped by a range of remarkable demographic and socio-economic trends. These include changes in family size and structure, increasing numbers of immigrants with family traditions very different from those of earlier generations, a growing number of persons living alone and new urban dynamics with increased concern for sustainability in the face of urban sprawl.

Other significant trends include the intent of many of today’s near retirees to continue working beyond the traditional retirement age, the increasing participation by women in the workforce and the tendency of young adults to stay longer in their parents’ homes.

An aging population will change the pattern of housing needs and preferences, alter the nature of the demand for services, change transportation requirements, accentuate the need for making communities more responsive to people with disabilities and challenge existing neighbourhood design and community planning practices.

The increasing desire of seniors to “age in place” (that is, to continue to live in their current home and familiar community for as long as possible, even if their health changes) will have major policy implications for housing and communities. It will create a need for housing adaptations and other supports; for more innovative housing options; and for planning and zoning changes.”

At Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre, we understand the challenges involved in designing a home which allows you to "age in place." Kitchen and bath suppliers such as Kohler do, as well.

Below are two videos which illustrate some of the options available to help you live safely in your home for as long as possible. If you're considering renovating your home as you age in place, drop by our Pickering showroom or make an appointment with a member of our design team by calling 905-686-2001.

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure Raises over $30 million

This past Sunday, Kelly Fonseca of Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre participated in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure. We were proud to support Kelly in her Run for the Cure.

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

To everyone who donated, thank you for making this year’s Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure another truly inspirational day and for helping us work towards our vision of creating a future without breast cancer.

Thanks to your commitment and support, over $30 million was raised across Canada for relevant breast cancer research, risk reduction, education, community care and advocacy initiatives to improve the lives of Canadians affected by breast cancer.

We hope you join us again on Sunday, October 6, 2013,

Deborah Dubenofsky
Chair, National Board of Director
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

Frameless Shower Doors Provide Sleek Clean Lines in these Modern Bermuda Bathrooms

The clean lines and timelessness of frameless shower doors has made them an increasingly popular choice both in North America and abroad.

Made of thick pieces of glass and devoid of a border or frame, frameless shower doors rely on heavy-duty hinges at the top and bottom of the door for support. The result is a glass door that seemingly floats in air.

Both of these stunning bath designs by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre use frameless glass shower doors to open up the room and give the space an airy, modern feel.

Bath Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Bath Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Bath Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Bath Design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Considering a bath renovation?  Drop by the Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre showroom today.

Monarch's Beautiful Bar and Bath Designs -- in Bermuda!

This stunning bar design ties in seamlessly to the rest of the home.

Bar design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Design

An elongated bar sink adds a sleek, modern touch.

Keep it bright and white with a shower partition instead of shower curtain or door.

A white marble Bermuda bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre.

Only 9 Days Left -- Don't MIss Your Chance to Win a Granite or Quartz Countertop with Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Dreaming of a new kitchen or bath?

You could save BIG when you book a kitchen or bath project with Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre before August 31st, 2012.

"Win Your Granite or Quartz Countertop" Rules

1. Any kitchen or bathroom renovation project contracted with Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre will be given one ballot to enter into the draw to win your granite or quartz countertop.
2. There is one prize available valued up to a maximum of $5,000.00.
3. All entries must be entered prior to August 31^st, 2012.
4. Your entry will be valid if your Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre contract and deposit have been signed and collected prior to August 31^st, 2012.
5. The draw is open from June 1^st, 2012 until August 31^st, 2012.
6. The draw will be held on September 5^th, 2012. The winner will be contacted by a representative of Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre.
7. By entering the draw, you consent to Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre, or its representatives,  the right to use the personal information you submitted on your entry form. You also give Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre the right to use your image, drawings, and project images for use in advertising. 

Visit our Pickering showroom today and find out how you could win a granite or quartz countertop (up to a maximum of $5,000) when you book with Monarch.

How to Clean Your Caesarstone Countertop

Consisting of up to 93% quartz, Caesarstone surfaces are designed to last. Blending modern sophistication and timeless luxury with unbeatable strength and durability, Caesarstone surfaces require only simple and routine care to maintain their beauty.

Caesarstone's hard, non-porous surface does not require sealing and in most cases, can be cleaned with soap and warm water or a mild detergent. If necessary, a non-abrasive cleaner such as Vim Oxy-Gel or a mild degreaser can be used. 

Adhered materials like food, gum, or nail polish can be scraped away with a plastic putty knife. Any marks left by the blade can be removed with Method Daily Granite. Just make sure to thoroughly rinse the surface with clean water to remove residue.

Use the chart below to help tackle each of your cleaning challenges as they arise. If you have any questions, call us at 905-686-2001 or drop by our kitchen and bath showroom at 1020 Brock Road., Unit 6, Pickering.

Book Your Kitchen or Bath Renovation Now and You Could Win Your Granite or Quartz Countertop!

Book a kitchen or bath project with Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre before August 31st, 2012, and you could win a granite or quartz countertop (up to a maximum of $5,000).

"Win Your Granite or Quartz Countertop" Rules

1. Any kitchen or bathroom renovation project contracted with Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre will be given one ballot to enter into the draw to win your granite or quartz countertop.
2. There is one prize available valued up to a maximum of $5,000.00.
3. All entries must be entered prior to August 31^st, 2012.
4. Your entry will be valid if your Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre contract and deposit have been signed and collected prior to August 31^st, 2012.
5. The draw is open from June 1^st, 2012 until August 31^st, 2012.
6. The draw will be held on September 5^th, 2012. The winner will be contacted by a representative of Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre.
7. By entering the draw, you consent to Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre, or its representatives,  the right to use the personal information you submitted on your entry form. You also give Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre the right to use your image, drawings, and project images for use in advertising.

Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre is committed to your complete satisfaction. Drop by our Pickering showroom today and let us know how we can make your renovation dreams a reality!

Redesigning Your Bathroom? Check Out Monarch's Showroom Specials!

Italian-made vanity, solid wood, Italian glass countertop integrated and included.
(Faucet not included.)
Retail Price: $10,000+      Monarch Price: $1,800

Italian-made vanity, solid wood, Italian glass countertop integrated and included.
(Faucet not included.)
Retail Price: $10,000+      Monarch Price: $1,500

For more information, drop by our Pickering showroom or call 905-686-2001.