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.

Protect Your Investment: The Importance of Properly Humidifying Your Home

With winter still here and spring feeling like it is still months away, the topic of in-home humidity has been one that has surfaced around the office a lot.

You’re likely to feel the lack of humidity in your home in a variety of ways, including such physical discomforts as:

• dry itchy skin
• cracked lips
• dry sinuses
• bloody nose

Not to mention, the static electricity in a home with low humidity makes the thought of a handshake or a hug to a loved one a shocking experience!

You may even notice that there has been some shrinking in the wood products throughout your home. Perhaps your hardwood floors have larger gaps between the boards, or your picture frames seem to have cracks along the seam. Even worse, your cabinetry could be showing signs of cracking. All of these things could be caused simply by a lack of humidity in your home. 

Often when we think of home humidifiers, we think of the bedside table kind, blowing mist into the room. But there are more options; the best being a whole-home humidifier that you install on your furnace.

Ideally, the level of humidity in your home should range between 35 to 45%. Having the right level of humidity can mean feeling better, having less itchy skin, and extending the life of your wood products, as well as your artwork, paperwork and electronics.

Ensuring your home remains at the optimal humidity levels protects your health, and your investment in your home.

Monarch Designer Sarah Holmstrom Heads West!

 The team at Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre would like to wish fellow designer Sarah Holmstrom the very best as she embarks on a new adventure with her family.

Very soon, Sarah will be leaving Ontario and heading off to Calgary, Alberta. There, she'll be spending time with her new family and helping her husband to achieve his career aspirations.

Sarah will remain in touch with her Monarch family while away, and keep our team up-to-date on differing design trends in the prairie region.

Thankfully for us, the move is a temporary one and Sarah will be back and part of the Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre design team soon.

Please join us in wishing Sarah and her family all the best in this new adventure.

Happy Civic Holiday Long Weekend from Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

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

Our showroom hours over the next few days are as follows:

Saturday, August 3rd – 9am to 5pm

Sunday, August 4th – Closed

Monday, August 5th – Closed

Tuesday, August 6th – 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.