The Real-Life Consequences of Building Without a Permit

Just over a year ago on this blog, we discussed the importance of obtaining the necessary building permits when doing renovations on your home. At Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre, we don't begin any renovation project without obtaining the required building permits first.

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.

"I can’t emphasize enough the importance of permits and inspections,” explained Monarch president Neil Samson in last year's blog post. “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."

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 save you time and money later on. Although obtaining the necessary building permits before commencing a renovation is a Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre policy, it is not the policy of many contractors and is a detail often left to the discretion of the homeowner.

In the recent case of a Toronto elderly couple, this "detail" may result in the demolition of their $80,000 addition.

A recent article on thestar.com explains: "After a six-year battle that included appeals to the courts, the Ontario Municipal Board and even the United Nations, an elderly Brunswick Ave. couple will probably now be forced to demolish a two-storey addition built without a permit."

Councillor Adam Vaughan, who joined a group of local residents in opposition to the addition, balked at the couple's plea that their fight to keep the addition was a human rights issue and discriminated against the disabled. "It's a planning issue. The addition was too big, and it was built without permission. It's unfortunate. But the lesson here is a very clear one: Do not build without permission because there are consequences. And the consequences become very expensive if you choose to fight rather than cooperate."

Sadly for the Tseng family, who have spent over $200,000 in legal and professional fees trying to keep the addition, this lesson comes a few years too late. (To read the entire article on thestar.com, click here.)

For a full list of projects you need a building permit for in the City of Pickering, click here. If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, click here for more information on obtaining a building permit for your renovation.

Planning a kitchen or bath renovation? Drop by our Pickering showroom today or call our design team at 905-686-2001.

Enter to Win Your Granite or Quartz Countertop with Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre!

Contemplating a kitchen or bath renovation? 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).

Photo courtesy of dupont.coam.

"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!

BainUltra's Temazkal: Three Therapies, One Unit

Where do you go to relax at the end of a hectic day or a busy week?

BainUltra invites you to make your quest for wellness and relaxation a reality with one of their Insperience Bathroom systems, designed to help you create a private sanctuary within your home.

Temazkal®  by BainUltra

BainUltra's Temazkal® combines three unique therapy systems with the functions a traditional shower to create a soothing experience that's practically a mini-spa within itself.
 

Temazkal® features include:

Aromatherapy

• diffuses essential oils into the air
• soothes aching muscles
• aides digestion
• stimulates the immune, circulatory and nervous systems
• enhances general well-being

Thermotherapy

• uses dtry heat to raise your body temperature and naturally stimulate the beneficial process of perspiration
• brings relaxation
• creates energy and inspires a true feeling of well being
• stimulates the metabolism
• accelerates circulation
• revives the skin
• reduces stress

Light Therapy

• uses intense light helps to synchronize your internal clock
• revives your entire being
• helps treat sleep-related disorders such as insomnia and jetlag
• prevents moroseness and seasonal depression
• stabilizes your biological clock
• helps you recover from the fatigue of working nights 

Do more than just renovation your bathroom, design the oasis you deserve. To view BainUltra's Temazkal® shower and therapy system, drop by the Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre showroom today at 1020 Brock Road, Unit 6, Pickering.

Photo courtesy of www.bainultra.com

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.