The Fourth Step to Renovation Success: Do a Progress Check

Kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

So far this month, we have discussed how crucial planning is to your renovation's success, the importance of hiring a RenoMark™ renovator and why having a written contract is an absolute necessity for every home renovation project.

The fourth step to your kitchen or bath renovation success involves keeping the channels of communication open throughout the renovation project to avoid any issues that may come up.

Bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

In "Read Before You Renovate," Renomark notes that it's not uncommon for a homeowner to request changes or ask for additional work. Because these new requests can affect the cost and time it takes to complete the project, they stress the importance of having a signed change order that details:

• the precise scope of work;
• the costs involved for the changes;
• an updated timetable for completing the renovation.
  

"Clarity and transparency are very important to us," says Monarch designer Jackie Schagen. "If unexpected issues arise during the renovation process, we explain the options and their cost implications to our clients so they are able to make informed choices."

 

Related: The First Step to Renovation Success: Carefully Plan Your Project
               The Second Step to Renovation Success: RenoMark™ Renovator
               The Third Step to Renovation Success: Get a Written Contract 
 
Are you ready to renovate? Contact Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre at 905-686-2001.

What's on Your New Bath Design Wish List?

For these Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre clients, updating their over 20-year-old four-piece en suite bath provided the perfect opportunity to check some items off their wish list.

According to designer Kevin Samson, the couple had a number of the most common complaints about their current space:

• the shower was too small
• there wasn't enough storage space
• the sinks were crowded together
  
  

Kevin addressed the need for additional storage and elbow room by replacing the single two-sink vanity with individual vanities on opposite sides of the shower.

By relocating the shower to the opposite side of the room, he was able to create a shower almost double in size, and include a large tiled bench.

A custom glass door system complemented the look and allows more natural light into the shower.

Do you have an outdated en suite in need of a makeover? Drop by the Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre showroom for some design inspiration and knowledgeable advice from a member of our experienced design team.
 

Home Sweet Condo: Seamless Style and Storage in the Master Bath

Condo bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

 Downsizing from a large home into a condominium can be a very stressful experience. While the end goal may be to streamline and simplify, there’s no need to give up all the comforts of big-home living.

In this condo renovation, the master bathroom was completely overhauled to create an elegant and beautiful space.

“Moving from a large home with a big kitchen and multiple bathrooms into a two-bedroom condo was quite a life change for our clients,” says Monarch designer Amanda Willson-Suppa. “The goal of this renovation was not only to make it as seamless as possible, but also make condo living enjoyable. A master bathroom that didn’t feel like it was part of a condo was the first item on the to-do list.”

Condo bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Amanda used light finishes to make the space seem larger. “The storage in this room was increased, and lighting was added so that our clients could feel as though the space was as light and bright as possible,” says Amanda. “The storage is second-to-none. The sizable vanity includes many drawers, and the big cabinet next to the shower allows for more storage than bathrooms in most homes have.”

The Cambria counter tops, porcelain tile, glass shower enclosure and stylish one-piece toilet create an elegant and luxurious space with all the comforts of “home.”

Up next: The Condo Kitchen

Home Renovations -- Don’t Get Hustled!

Consumer Protection Ontario encourages homeowners to know their rights when starting renovations or repairs.



The first step to hiring competent home renovation contractors is asking the right questions.

As professional kitchen and bath designers for over 30 years, Monarch is proud of the solid reputation we’ve built throughout Durham Region, the GTA and beyond. Here, we answer Consumer Protection Ontario’s recommended questions for contractors:

Can I get references from people who have had a similar work done in their homes?
Absolutely! We are happy to provide you with references for jobs larger, smaller and similar to the project you are planning.

Will my estimate be included as part of my contract?
Yes, our contract will include your estimate, as well as a detailed description of all the work that will be done in your home.

Will you get any building permits on my behalf? Can you say so in my contract?
We will provide you with all of the necessary documentation and engineered drawings required for you to obtain your building permit. With the proper documentation, you will find obtaining your building permit a fast and easy process. We will gladly describe this within your written contract.

How will we handle any disagreements or disputes? Can you include that in the contract?We seldom have disagreements and disputes because Neil Samson, president and owner of Monarch, works closely with all of our clients to ensure they are well informed during every step of the renovation process and as happy as can be. Any disagreements or disputes will be resolved to your complete satisfaction. Our commitment to your complete satisfaction will be included in your written contract.

If I cancel my contract after the work is started, will I have to pay for any work or materials?
Yes, you will have to pay for any work and materials that have been custom ordered for you and work that has been completed to date. However, we endeavor to never put you in that position. We can say with pride that in our 33-year history, a client has never canceled a project while work has been underway.

More than just kitchen and bath design.
Monarch provides renovation services for every room in your home. We offer cutting-edge design services; licensed, bonded and insured trades; complete project management; and use only high-quality materials and finishes. That, combined with our commitment to your satisfaction, ensures you a seamless project. Visit our showroom or call 905-686-2001 to speak to a member of our design team.

Check Out This Stunning Bathroom Makeover: One Couple's Elegant Everyday Escape

As busy parents of two young children, our clients yearned for a contemporary ensuite that would meet their needs for functionality and relaxation. Inspired by an elegant hotel room ensuite they admired while vacationing in Chicago, Monarch designer Melissa Foley aimed to recreate the way they felt while in that harmonious space.

Bath Design by Melissa Foley, Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

To achieve this vision, a design was created that met all of their requests, including the top three items on their wish list: a larger shower, a double-sink vanity and a soaker tub.

Bath Design by Melissa Foley, Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

A portion of the wall between the bathroom and bedroom was removed to allow for a bigger shower. A two-sink vanity with ample drawer space was designed, providing the much-needed practical storage space that ensures a clutter-free countertop.

Bath Design by Melissa Foley, Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Although the limited space available for a full-size freestanding soaker tub posed a challenge, Melissa was able to source a smaller model. This allowed the design to maintain the refined look of a luxury hotel bathroom, while still giving our clients the soothing deep soaker experience they desired.

Bath Design by Melissa Foley, Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Several design details enhance both the feel and aesthetics of this stylish ensuite. The floor-to-ceiling glass shower enclosure opens the space with a simple elegance; the accent tile on the wet wall and the back of the niche provides interesting contrast, with the chrome insets creating a sparkle that catches your eye. The regal chrome fixtures add sophistication and highlight the hints of chrome in the accent tile. Both the cabinetry and countertop were kept in tones of white, with the warmth of the countertop flowing seamlessly into the tile selections. The darker floor tile ensures all elements of the design pop, and helps create a timeless look and feel for the ensuite.

Bath Design by Melissa Foley, Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Bath Design by Melissa Foley, Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Fall in Love with Your New Bath Design with Kohler

Leave it to Kohler to find exciting and inspiring ways to ramp up your bath design while creating a spa-like experience in your home.

In this video, learn how Robern's stunning cabinetry can transform the rituals of everyday life.

Kohler's DTV Custom Showering Experience allows you to create a spa-like environment in your home. Using just one simple electronic control, DTV's advanced digital platform wraps water, sound, light and steam together in a seamless and totally customizable system.

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre 2013 Holiday Hours

In order for our staff to enjoy the holidays with their families and friends,

our business hours for the 2013 holiday season are as follows:

Tuesday, December 24th

9 am to 12 pm

Wednesday, December 25th & Thursday, December 26th

Closed

Friday, December 27th & Saturday, December 28th

9 am to 5 pm

Sunday, December 29th

Closed

Monday, December 30th

9 am to 5 pm

Tuesday, December 31st

9 am to 12 pm

Wednesday, January 1st, 2014
Closed

Monarch's showroom will reopen for the New Year on Thursday, January 2nd, 2014.

All the very best to you and your family for a safe, healthy and happy holiday season.

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

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.

Happy Canada Day from Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

The team at Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Canada Day long weekend.

We proudly support our country and do our best to buy Canadian whenever possible. In fact, all the cabinetry manufacturers Monarch uses are Canadian companies. If you’re planning a renovation in the coming months, we hope you consider buying Canadian, too.

Our showroom hours over the Canada Day long weekend are as follows:

Saturday, June 29 – 9am to 5pm

Sunday, June 30 – Closed

Monday, July 1st – Closed

Tuesday, July 2nd – regular business hours resume

Feel free to drop by -- our designers would be happy to discuss your upcoming renovation plans and answer any questions you may have. 

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre Staff Proudly Support Kevin & Wendy Samson and the 2013 Gutsy Walk

On Sunday, June 9th, thousands of Canadians at close to 60 locations across Canada walked together to raise money to find a cure for inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis).

CCFC-funded IBD research has confirmed what we have suspected for years – Canada has one of the highest rates for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in the world and those rates are increasing. In fact, one in 150 Canadians is living with IBD. The Gutsy Walk is a great way to spread awareness of IBD and raise much-needed funds to support essential research. ~ GutsyWalk.ca

Among those participating were Monarch designer Kevin Samson and his wife Wendy. "Many thanks to my co-workers who, as a group, raised $700," says Kevin. The annual event is sponsored by the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada. "Wendy and I raised $2,580 and our group, Team Sinai, raised over $75,000."

Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre is proud to donate to this worthy cause. For more information on how you can donate or volunteer your time, visit www.gutsywalk.ca.