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.

Springtime Promotion

In hope that spring will soon be giving us green grass, leaves on the trees, and colourful flowers everywhere, Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre would like to give our new customers something, too!

When you choose Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre for your  renovation this spring, you will be given a Blum accessory kit as an amazing gift. This kit is a fantastic tool for any kitchen 

and features the following accessories:

An in-drawer knife organizer.

A removable in-drawer spice rack for ease of use while cooking.

A portable plate holder that allows you to set your table easier and faster, and also allows you to store your plates in a drawer with ease.

These last items are the ones our designers are most excited about! They are the plastic wrap and tin foil dispensers. They keep your rolls organized, in their place and keeps them from tangling up. Well-designed tools to use in the kitchen. 

This great organizational accessory set is valued at over $600!

Come by our showroom soon to take advantage of this great promotion.

Five Design Trends for Your Cottage Kitchen

Spring has finally started to show its face: the snow is melting and the sun is warming the air. It won’t be long until you open the cottage for another season of good times, great friends and lots of laughs. Is your cottage kitchen up for all that entertaining?

Just like there are new trends in home kitchens, there are also some new trends in the cottage kitchen world, too. If you’re re-designing your cottage kitchen this year before the summertime fun begins, you’ll want to remember these points.

Keep open concept in mind.
Often, when we are at the cottages of our friends and family, we want to help our hosts with meal preparation. A small kitchen can become even smaller when there are six hands trying to prep a meal for hungry guests. If you design an open concept kitchen, the space will not only feel bigger, but it can become a bigger kitchen by incorporating eating areas into its space.

Consider adding a second sink.
Again, with all the help you have in the kitchen, you might find you are tripping over each other and having trouble accessing all the areas you need to. The sink being a major one! A second sink allows guests to fill their glasses, wash vegetables, and even their hands, without having to come into the main cooking area of the home.

Drawers, drawers…and more drawers!
When we think about our home kitchen renovation projects, we always think how great it would be to add more drawers to the space. The cottage kitchen is no exception. In order to act as an effective multi-functioning space, the cottage should have an allocated storage spot for everything. And what better way to organize your expanding and unmatched containers than in a nice deep drawer? Maybe even an easy-to-reach drawer to store the kid-friendly plates so your little helpers can help set the table!

Ease of clean.
Let’s face it, the cottage is not somewhere you need to keep spotless 24/7. It’s a place to relax, a place to enjoy and often, a place to get dirty. When selecting the finishes for your kitchen cabinets, floors and counter tops, remember to select surfaces that are easy to clean.

An alternate location for the bar.
For many, the cottage is a place to kick back, relax and enjoy some drinks on the deck. Keeping a wet bar with a small fridge outside of the kitchen space is a great way to avoid congestion in the kitchen at meal times. It will draw those in need of refreshment away from the workspace, and ensure a safe and uncluttered prep area.

Are you ready to renovate your cottage kitchen?
The designers at Monarch are ready to help you achieve the kitchen of your cottage dreams! Call us at 905-686-2001 or drop by our showroom today.