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July 31, 2012

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.

July 27, 2012

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 31st, 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 31st, 2012.
  5. The draw is open from June 1st, 2012 until August 31st, 2012.
  6. The draw will be held on September 5th, 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!

July 25, 2012

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

July 20, 2012

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.

July 19, 2012

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 31st, 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 31st, 2012.
  5. The draw is open from June 1st, 2012 until August 31st, 2012.
  6. The draw will be held on September 5th, 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!

July 18, 2012

Tiles, Tiles and More Tiles...Drop by Monarch's Pickering Showroom to View Hundreds of Samples from Sarana Tile


Last week, Sarana Tile dropped off over a thousand tile samples at the Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre showroom.

Sarana Tile imports a large selection of natural stone, porcelain, glass, and mosaic products from their suppliers in Europe and from around the world.

Our designers have been drooling over these gorgeous samples and we know you will, too! Perfect for your kitchen back splash or any flooring project, they are available in a variety of price ranges and the selection will blow you away.

Are you looking for the perfect tile for your kitchen or bath renovation? Drop by our showroom at 1020 Brock Road, Unit 6, Pickering. For more information, contact our office at 905-686-2001.

Photos courtesy of saranatile.com.





July 13, 2012

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.

July 12, 2012

Book Your New Kitchen or Bath Design with Monarch and Win!


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 31st, 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 31st, 2012.
  5. The draw is open from June 1st, 2012 until August 31st, 2012.
  6. The draw will be held on September 5th, 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!

July 11, 2012

How Can Your New Bath Design Help Save You Money and the Environment?

Choosing a new toilet and faucet is often one of the final design choices you'll have to make in a bath renovation, but potentially the most important.

From Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC):
A high-quality toilet can help you save money, protect the environment and conserve water, all without sacrificing performance or peace of mind. Choose the wrong toilet, and you could wind up flushing your hard-earned dollars down the drain.
In this short video, master plumber Ed Del Grande explains how Kohler's new products have been re-engineered to help you save up to 30% off your water bill.



With so many makes and models to choose from, deciding on which product is right for your home can be a bit overwhelming. If you're considering a bath renovation, Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre can help.

Drop by our Pickering showroom today or call us at 905-686-2001 and speak with one of our designers. Book your bath renovation with Monarch before August 31, 2012, and you could win your new granite or quartz countertop. To learn more, click here.

July 6, 2012

Eco-Friendly Kitchen & Bath Design Solutions: Discover the Beauty of Cork Flooring

If you are one of the increasing number of homeowners who are trying to incorporate as many eco-friendly products into your new kitchen or bath design, Monarch Kitchen and Bath Centre can help.

Monarch believes strongly in the importance of sustainability and our team of designers are as committed to the environment as they are to you.

Over the next few weeks, we'll be examining several different ways you can make your new kitchen or bath renovation "greener."

We thought we'd start at the bottom and work our way up. In this video, interior designer Candice Olson discusses the benefits of using cork flooring.

Beauty, comfort, durability and sustainability...cork floors have it all!

 

July 3, 2012

Ready to Renovate? You Could Win Your Granite or Quartz Countertop with Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre!

Book Your Kitchen or Bath Renovation with Monarch 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 31st, 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 31st, 2012.
  5. The draw is open from June 1st, 2012 until August 31st, 2012.
  6. The draw will be held on September 5th, 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!