Renovating vs. Moving: Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Results of a new survey out last week reveal some hard truths for home buyers in the Greater Toronto Area: sky-high prices that leave many residents unable to purchase low-rise housing such as detached, semi-detached and town homes.

From The Financial Post:
The Building Industry and Land Development Association said the average price of a new low-rise home in the GTA hit a record-high $785,800 in June, according to RealNet Canada Inc. Prices rose 15.5 per cent from a year ago. The average high-rise sold for $441,134, up just 1 per cent from a year ago.

If you’re a current homeowner weighing the pros and cons of moving, these figures might  be all it takes to convince you to renovate your home to suit your needs instead of moving.

Is moving the answer?
Whether you need more space to accommodate your growing family or your home’s current layout is posing mobility issues, renovating your current living space to adapt to your new lifestyle may make more sense.

Would the money you’ll have to spend on moving fees be better spent by putting it back into the home you know and love?

The cost of selling your home and moving is higher than you think.
The time and effort involved in preparing your home for sale is staggering. From cleaning the house and painting walls, to landscaping to grab some extra curb appeal, you’ll wonder why you’re doing all this work for someone else’s benefit. When you add in all the other costs − lawyers, movers, real estate agents, bank fees, taxes, disbursements, insurance and home inspections − it can add up to huge numbers.

Should you move?
Ultimately, it comes down to how you want to spend your money. If the cost of moving is just too great, putting the money you do have into your home is key for living happily and functioning effectively in your day-to-day life. But which elements of your home do you need to renovate to make this work?

“Now more than ever, our customers are opting to open their homes and remove the barriers that separate them from interacting efficiently with their families,” says Monarch designer Amanda Willson-Suppa.

From opening up your living space and creating a great room, to making your home more accessible for members of your family, Monarch designers are qualified to help you address the changing needs of your home.

Call us today at 905-686-2001 or drop by our showroom.

Three Reasons Why Patience is the Key to Any Successful Home Renovation

You’ve done it! You’ve set a budget and made the final decision to renovate one or more rooms in your home. It’s exciting and you’re ready to get started NOW.

But wait! Whether you’re redesigning the powder room on your main floor or doing a complete tear down of your out-dated kitchen, it’s important to understand that quality renovation projects require a significant amount of lead time.

Here are just a few reasons why:

1. Trustworthy, Quality Contractors are Booked for Months in Advance
Everyone wants their project to run smoothly, and that’s why reputable design and renovation firms like Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre receive the majority of their new business by word-of-mouth and referrals from previous clients. This means we are often booking design projects months in advance. (If you find a contractor that’s ready to start the job tomorrow, you may want to consider the reasons why.)

2. Custom-made Materials Take Time to Order, Make and Deliver
High demand for quality services is just one of the reasons to be realistic with your timeline. In most cases, the materials required for your project will require a significant time for production and delivery. A custom kitchen or bath is just that – customized based on the measurements of your home. Custom cabinetry ordered through Monarch, for example, takes approximately six to eight weeks (from the time of order) to be delivered.

3. Your Renovation Project May be Seasonal or Delayed by Poor Weather
As Canadians, we’re used to the unpredictability of Mother Nature and poor weather messing with our party and travel plans. With this in mind, it’s also important to remember that November through February are probably not the best months to build a deck or have a your roof re-shingled. Due to the frozen ground in many regions, it’s also not the best time to do major excavation work for an addition. Prep work for those jobs will have to be done by late fall or the project needs to be put off until the snow melts in the spring.

Scheduling is one of the most critical elements to managing your home renovation. At Monarch, we have over 30 years experience planning successful renovations and making your design dreams a reality. Drop by our showroom or call 905-686-2001 to speak with a member of our design team.

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%

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre -- Your Baeumler Approved Contractor

Over a year ago on this blog, we announced Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre were among a

limited number of home improvement specialists in the Greater Toronto Area to be Baeumler Approved. Monarch’s team continues to be proud of this designation and works diligently to ensure we live up to the Baeumler Approved level of excellence.

Baeumler Approved is the brainchild of Bryan Baeumler, host of HGTV's "Disaster DIY" and "House of Bryan." Baeumler Approved screens home renovation companies to ensure that their references check out and they have all the required insurance and licenses necessary to run their business. Not only does Baeumler Approved check with previous customers, but they also check with the tradespeople and companies they employ on a regular basis to ensure a company who they deem "Baeumler Approved" has a solid reputation.

In an article in the Bay Observer, Bryan writes:

“We all work hard for our money. As a homeowner, deciding to renovate or repair your home it is very important to be wise before making a decision as to which contractor or tradesperson to hire. I have always encouraged people to dig below the surface in order to ensure they are making the right choice. A few hours spent online or on the phone can save you days and weeks of future frustration, not to mention the costs associated with redoing work that has been completed improperly, or not at all. A good contractor has liability insurance, conforms to all municipal and provincial guidelines and has active WSIB coverage for their workers. You can also learn a great deal by looking into a company’s work history and reputation online and through other businesses. 

This is the reason that I have established the Baeumler Approved network of quality contractors. We have actively sought out the best builders and trades from across Ontario and vetted our members for insurance, WSIB coverage, quality of work, and reputation to ensure that we are providing homeowners with quality workmanship that comes with honest service. Our members must adhere to a strict code of conduct and we encourage feedback from homeowners about the work that has been completed." 

I know that no one is perfect and even the best contractors will occasionally encounter issues, but quality contractors communicate openly and honestly with homeowners and ensure that the job is completed on-time and to a professional standard.”

Trust Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre with your kitchen and bath design and renovation needs. Drop by our showroom or call us today to book an appointment with a member of our design team.

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.

A Message from Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre Regarding the Recent Flooding in the GTA

To our fellow residents in and around the Toronto area that incurred damages in their homes on Monday as a result of the torrential downpour, please know that we here at Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre fully empathize with you.

We understand all too well how devastating flooding can be and the destruction that remains after the flood waters have receded. While it is regrettable that our homes were damaged, we are thankful there was no loss of life and together we can rebuild our homes.

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre has over 32 years of renovation experience. We carry quality cabinetry to satisfy any of your rebuilding needs, and have professional designers and installation technicians on staff that will work with you to restore your homes.

If we can be of any assistance, we are always here for you. Let us help you to rebuild your home and together we will not be beaten come hell OR high water.

Neil Samson
President
Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Tips from CAA insurance on making a efficient insurance claim:

• Contact your insurance company immediately
• Have your policy number ready
• Document and take photos of the water damage
• Ask your agent questions about your home insurance coverage and deductible.

Tips from the Canadian Red Cross for getting rid of water yourself and beginning basic flood recovery:

• Slowly use pumps and pails to remove standing water.
• Use a wet/dry shop vacuum to mop up the remaining water.
• Dress appropriately and keep children and animals away from the flooded area.
• Don't use flooded appliances, electrical outlets, switch boxes or fuse-breaker panels until an electrician has ensured they are safe.
• Clean washable items (such as clothes) immediately to prevent mould.
• Documents, books or photos should be air-dried.
• Throw out any medicine, cosmetics or toiletries that have come in contact with flood water.
• Soaked furniture should be professionally cleaned.

To download the Canadian Red Cross Guide to Flood Recovery, click here.

Ready to Renovate? Book with Monarch and Get the Kitchen You Want in Time for Fall!

After a winter spent indoors, you may be ready to say goodbye to your drab, outdated kitchen and ready to embrace a brighter, more efficient living space.

No matter how well you plan for the disruption of a major kitchen renovation, there's nothing that quite prepares you for the daily inconvenience of preparing meals and doing dishes in a temporary kitchen. As the heart of the home, your kitchen is more than a place prepare and eat meals; it's the central gathering place for most families.

Renovating your kitchen during the summer months has its advantages:

You can go on vacation.

If you have young children, it's often easier to leave for a week at the cottage or an extended road trip once they are out of school. You may not be able to avoid living at home during the entire period of upheaval, but you can reduce the amount of stress your family feels by planning to be away during some of the "messier" periods of your renovation.

Weather permitting...you can eat in your outdoor kitchen!

Polish up the patio set, turn on the portable CD player, set the table and VOILA! You've got yourself a temporary kitchen away from the dust and mess of your kitchen renovation.

You can barbecue more and eat take-out less.

Eating at restaurants and bringing take-out food home is not only expensive, it can be tiresome, as well. Fortunately, the Internet offers seemingly endless creative ways to use your barbecue to grill meat, poultry, seafood and vegetables.

You can breathe easier!

With any renovation, there will be dust. Sure, you can close off rooms, shut all the doors...but the dust will follow you everywhere―except outside. Grab a book, your laptop or a deck of cards and head outside for a breath of fresh air.

You can clean less -- nice weather means less mess!

From the time tear down begins to the moment you sit back and enjoy your new kitchen, there is an enormous amount of traffic in and out of your home. When renovating during the summer months, you reduce the amount of dirt tracked through your house. And with any major renovation, a table saw is often a contractor’s best friend. During the warmer months, the saw won’t need to be set up in your garage, porch or basement. That means less dust floating around your home.

Are you considering a kitchen renovation? Monarch has been making homeowner's kitchen renovation 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 kitchen designers. But hurry, Monarch’s summer schedule is booking up!

What's Monarch's Secret to a Stress-Free Kitchen or Bath Renovation?

At Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre, we understand that major renovations -- particularly those which involve the kitchen area -- involve a large amount of upheaval and stress.

We've found that one of the largest stress factors for homeowners during a renovation is dust management. In other words, finding a way to keep the dust generated during the tear down and rebuilding process confined to the space. 

Our team works hard to alleviate as much of your stress as possible. In the picture below, you'll notice we have completely encapsulated the renovation area: all doorways leading out of the kitchen are closed off and all cold air returns blocked.

If you look at the opening on the left, you will see a zippered door which allows the homeowners access to their living room and temporary kitchen in the dining room.

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre uses zippered plastic "doors"
to keep renovation dust from spreading throughout your home.

Another zippered door (not pictured) closes off the space and restricts access to the upper level; this ensures dust does not enter the sleeping areas of the home.

This dust management system has proven very effective in keeping the dust particles within the work area, and minimizes the effects on the rest of the home.

“We now do this for every renovation project that we undertake," says Monarch president Neil Samson. "We care about your home and your well being." 

Are you considering a kitchen or bath renovation? Visit our new website at www.mkbi.com to learn more, or call 905-686-2001.

Say Goodbye to Water Spots with Spot Resist™ by Moen

Leave it to Moen to find a way to make cleaning your kitchen and bathroom—often the most used rooms in your home—easier!

"Spot Resist™ does just what it says—resists fingerprints and water spots. This innovative Spot Resist™ finish maintains the brilliance of your faucet or shower head to help you spend more time enjoying your home...and less time cleaning it. And, when it is time for periodic cleaning, Spot Resist™ easily wipes clean."   
— moen.ca

Spot Resist™ brushed nickel and stainless steel surfaces are available on a wide variety of kitchen and bath faucets and shower heads. For a full list of products featuring Spot Resist™, click here.

"Teamwork and Dedicated Staff" Still the Backbone of Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre's Success

Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre's team took a trip down memory lane recently with this article from The News Advertiser which appeared almost 15 years ago.

Happy Halloween! Looking for Scary Kitchen Renovation Stories? You Won't Find Any at Monarch.

www.homestars.com

A review from Laura in Uxbridge, posted March 11, 2011, on HomeStars:

Finally moved into my dream home, and had quite a bit of renovations to do to bring it up to date. I used Monarch Kitchen and Bath for my kitchen and 3 bathrooms. From the start, I felt good about my decisions. I knew exactly what I wanted and they had all the products and the skill. Their staff is fully knowledgeable and they covered all the details, so I didn't have to worry about a thing. They even come back later to give you a complimentary "tune-up". They made sure I was completely satisfied, and now I get tons of compliments on my kitchen and bathrooms and I recommend them to everyone!! Thanks Monarch!

Giving Back to the Community with Habitat for Humanity

A proud supporter of Habitat for Humanity for many years, the Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre team is always left more inspired than ever when they come into the office--as they did last week--for a presentation.

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. 

How can you help? 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.



"I feel Habitat for Humanity is such an important entity to have in the community because they help families achieve goals that they would otherwise not be able to achieve on their own," says Amanda Willson-Suppa of Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre. "Each family who is granted a Habitat for Humanity home not only pays a mortgage on the home that is structured to their income, but they also help build their own home, giving them a sense of accomplishment and ownership. 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."

Praise for the Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre Team

At Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre, our goal isn't to meet our clients' expectations, it's to exceed them.

Recently, we received a kind note from our clients John and Martha. We'd like to thank them both for taking the time to write.

I wanted to take a moment to thank you and your entire team for the wonderful job that you did on our kitchen renovation. It was truly a pleasure from beginning to end working with your staff. We greatly appreciate the detailed planning you went through to convert our outdated kitchen room into a beautiful modern and functional kitchen. To say we are pleased with the finished product would be an understatement. With that in mind, we would highly recommend Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre to anyone.

Monarch Kitchen Showroom Displays On Sale Now!

What happens to Monarch's display kitchens when the showroom gets a makeover? They are sold to the public at a fraction of the original cost.

Drop into the Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre Pickering showroom today to view what's available...but hurry! With prices this low, these kitchens are sure to go fast!

MODERN KITCHEN - Only $1,500

Originally $9,847

• MDF Presto door cabinetry with a Wedgewood Blue high- gloss finish
  
  
• Silestone Aguaul countertop
  
  
• Sink and faucet included
  
  
• All cabinet accessories (Blum cutlery system, garbage and magic corner) are included
  
  
• Transforms easily into a bar!

BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN - Only $1,900

Originally $10,163

• Perfect for the basement or Granny suite!
  
  
• Created in a Maple Chamberlain door cabinetry with a Snowdrift finish
  
  
• Corian Canyon countertop
  
  
• Features a glass corner cabinet and open shelf
  
  
• All accessories (corner garbage storage, recycling centre) are included. Dishwasher not included.

PLEASE NOTE: Any cabinets required to complete your installation will be available by quotation. Prices exclude installation, HST and delivery.

For more information, call Neil Samson at 416-464-0511.

Lighting Your Outdoor Living Space

Last post, we talked about bringing your kitchen and living space outdoors for the warmer months. If you plan on doing a lot of entertaining, you'll need the right lighting for when the party runs late into the night. Not only does a properly lit patio and walkway help set the mood...it helps you get safely from A to B.

For some inspiration on where to start, check out these two videos.

The Warm Weather Has Arrived: Have You Taken Your Kitchen Outdoors?

Earlier this year, we blogged about the three must-haves Canadians need to include in their outdoor living space if they want to take advantage of the cooler spring and fall weather. They are: a patio heater, an outdoor fireplace and a fully covered patio.

Now that the warm summer weather has arrived--and appears to be sticking around!--you're probably trying to find ways to spend more time cooking, eating and entertaining outside. And, why not? We only get a few months of beautiful warm weather a year. Let's enjoy it while we can!

Picture courtesy of outdoorkitchens.info

Nothing makes dining and entertaining outside easier than a fully equipped kitchen just steps from the house...and more and more homeowners are looking for the same quality of furnishings and appliances they are accustomed to having indoors. Thankfully, the days when eating outside meant a picnic table, a few lawn chairs and a charcoal grill are gone. In addition to a gas grill, today's outdoor kitchens often include a sink, refrigerator, wet bar, fireplace and even a pizza oven.

The barbecue still plays a central role in our outdoor cooking spaces, and most high-end grills come equipped with side burners, a warming shelf, a motorized rotisserie, a smoker box and ceramic briquettes to ensure even heat distribution. But be warned, whether you choose a free-standing unit or have one built-in, quality comes at a price and you can spend anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 on the barbecue of your dreams.

Outdoor kitchens can be built onto existing patios, decks and pool areas and often tap into the house's gas, electrical and plumbing lines. As with any home design project, the key to getting what you want is in the planning. From the outset, it's important to know what you want and how much you have to spend. Falling in love and splurging on a $10,000 gas grill is fine...but only if you still have room in your budget for the other key features you may want to include, such as:

• lighting for key activity areas and on pathways

• a new deck or outdoor floor surface

• a countertop for food prep

• appliances such as a fridge and/or pizza oven

• a pergola or awning

• chairs, tables, decor items

• an updated landscape plan

Next up: Lighting your outdoor living space.

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre...SNAP'd!

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre's 30th anniversary celebration last month continues to make headlines in Durham Region.

A photographer from SNAP Pickering was on hand as Mayor Dave Ryan presented Monarch with an award of achievement and a representative from the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade congratulated them on their continuing success.

For more pictures of the event, visit the SNAP Pickering website.

Another Spectacular Monarch Kitchen Design Transformation

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre designer Sarah Overholt recently completed a stunning kitchen transformation. Her mission? To update the overall look and feel of her clients' kitchen, making it both functional for everyday life and perfect for entertaining.

With almost every kitchen renovation, there are barriers to overcome when combining a client's wants and needs with what can realistically be accomplished in the space available.

This kitchen was no exception.


"One of the biggest barriers in designing this kitchen was the sheer size of the island," explains Sarah. "Creating an open concept was also a challenge. We accomplished this by using a hutch cabinet to marry the kitchen and dining room together."

"One of my client's top priorities was having the cooktop placed in a very central spot in the space," says Sarah. "The colour scheme was important to them, as well; they had a two-tone look that they wanted to achieve."

"As big entertainers, they wanted to make sure that the island in their kitchen could accommodate the large parties they have...and more than anything, they were looking for a major 'wow' factor."
  
The kitchen's main highlight? "It is impossible to pick just one thing to love about this kitchen," says Sarah. "The cooktop is definitely a major highlight of the space...with the free-hanging hood over a corner cooktop area."

"But the raised seating portion on the island is stunning, too--it's solid heart-cut maple and provides a nice change of texture for such an expansive island. The sink area that was framed like a furniture piece, the custom hutch...there are so many little details that pulled this spectacular kitchen together."

Monarch's Showroom Makeover is Complete!

Visitors to Monarch's 30th Anniversary Celebration were blown away by our newest kitchen showroom.

Why not drop by soon and see it for yourself? Pictures just don't do it justice!

Cabinetry: White framed maple cabinetry by Cuisines Laurier

Countertops: Granite by Interstone Granite & Marble

Backsplash: Glass and stainless steel mosaic tiles from Saltillo

Hood Fan: Vent-A-Hood

Coffee Maker: Miele espresso and cappuccino maker

Oven: Miele wall oven

Range: KitchenAid Slide-in

Fridge: GE Monogram wine fridge

Sink: Kindred

Faucet: GROHE

Chairs: Chair Source

Door handles: Select Hardware

Pendant lights: Osso City Lighting, Oshawa

Renovating Your Kitchen? Chances Are You'll Need a Building Permit

At Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre, we don't begin any renovation project without obtaining the necessary building permit first.
 
"I can’t emphasize enough the importance of permits and inspections,” explains Monarch president Neil Samson. “This is your guarantee that work will be done according to Ontario Building Code Standards and your home will be returned to you in a safe and secure manner."

The City of Pickering's planning and development department describes a building permit as "your formal permission to begin construction or demolition."  

A building permit from the City of Pickering ensures it has approved plans for any new structure, addition or renovation. Most importantly, all approved plans must comply with the Ontario Building Code, local zoning bylaws and other applicable laws and regulations.

From the City of Pickering's Planning and Development website:

It is unlawful to start construction or demolition before you obtain a permit.

Building permits regulate types of construction permitted in the community and ensure that building standards are met. The building permit process protects each homeowner's interests, as well as those of the community at large, and provides for the erection of safe structures.

By obtaining a permit, you can also take advantage of the professional expertise of Building Division staff. Inspectors are good sources of information and can offer suggestions to help solve construction problems, often before they occur. They have extensive hands-on experience, so try to be around during their visits.

In many cases, your designer or contractor will obtain permits on your behalf. But remember, it is the building owner who is ultimately responsible for complying with all building requirements.

For a full list of projects you'll need a building permit for, click here.

If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, click here for more information on obtaining a building permit for your renovation.

While obtaining a building permit from the city or town you live in may seem like a nuisance, it ensures your project is completed according to code and will often safe you time and money later on.

“You’re spending a lot of time, energy and money on your renovation—be safe and protect your investment," says Neil.