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December 28, 2016

Year in Review: A Look Back at Some of Monarch's Most Popular Posts of 2016

As another year comes to a close, we thought we'd look back at some of our most-popular blog posts of 2016.

We kicked off the year with "Home Sweet Condo," a three-part series detailing the stunning redesign of two baths and a kitchen.

White condo kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Condo bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre


In February, we helped homeowners make the most of their small space with a functional white kitchen design.

White kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

White kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

In March, BILD awarded Monarch with the Best Renovation Under $75,000.

Award-winning kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Award-winning kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre






In April, Monarch designer Kevin Samson showed us how he helped homeowners "keep the party in the kitchen."

White kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

White kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre



In May, we helped add some luxury to a homeowner's laundry room.

Laundry room design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Laundry room design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

 In June, we shared the transformation of a 1950s kitchen nightmare into an entertainer's dream.
Kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

Kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre


In July, we took a look at the three layers involved in lighting your kitchen.

Lighting your new kitchen design



In August, we examined seven bold and innovative tile products that could change the way you decorate your home.

Slide from irisceramic.com - floor and wall coverings inspired by glass
Photo courtesy of residentialproductsonline.com

Luminescence from marazziusa.com - highly reflective poured glass tiles available in eight colours
Photo courtesy of residentialproductsonline.com

In September, we showed you seven new products we love for your new kitchen or bath design.

PAREO - the telescoping island hood from faberonline.com
Photo courtesy of residentialproductsonline.com

This handle-free wine storage cabinet from liebherr-appliances.com opens with a tap and features beechwood telescoping shelves, a LCD control screen and storage for up to 18 bottles.
Photo courtesy of residentialproductsonline.com



In October, we revealed Poised Taupe as Sherwin-Williams 2017 Colour of the Year.




And then in November, we introduced you to Benjamin Moore's 2017 Colour of the Year, Shadow.


What a year! As fun as it is to look back, our job as designers is to continually look forward to find new and innovative ways to serve our clients best.


Is 2017 your year to renovate?

Call Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre today at 905-686-2001 or drop by our showroom, located just 15 minutes east of the Don Valley Parkway in Toronto, off the 401.

December 19, 2016

Happy Holidays from Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

In order for our staff to enjoy the holidays with their friends and families, our business hours for the next few weeks are as follows:

Saturday, December 24th - Christmas Eve
Closed

Sunday, December 25th - Christmas Day
Closed


Monday, December 26th - Boxing Day
Closed


Tuesday, December 27th
Closed

 
Wednesday, December 28th
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m


Thursday, December 29th 
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Friday, December 30th 
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 31st - New Year's Eve
Closed


Sunday, January 1st - Happy New Year!
Closed


Monday, January 2nd

Closed

Tuesday, January 3rd
Normal business hours resume
 

Help Us Support the Families in Your Community

Just a reminder that Monarch will be accepting nonperishable food items at our Pickering showroom until December 21st.

We hope you'll help us celebrate the holiday spirit by donating to our annual drive. For more information, please call our office at 905-686-2001.

All the very best to you and your family for a safe, healthy and happy holiday season, and a prosperous new year!

Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

December 14, 2016

The Fourth Step to Renovation Success: Do a Progress Check

Kitchen design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre


So far this month
, we have discussed how crucial planning is to your renovation's success, the importance of hiring
a RenoMark™ renovator and why having a written contract is an absolute necessity for every home renovation project.

The fourth step to your kitchen or bath renovation success involves keeping the channels of communication open throughout the renovation project to avoid any issues that may come up.

Bath design by Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre

In "Read Before You Renovate," Renomark notes that it's not uncommon for a homeowner to request changes or ask for additional work. Because these new requests can affect the cost and time it takes to complete the project, they stress the importance of having a signed change order that details:

  • the precise scope of work;
  • the costs involved for the changes;
  • an updated timetable for completing the renovation.
"Clarity and transparency are very important to us," says Monarch designer Jackie Schagen. "If unexpected issues arise during the renovation process, we explain the options and their cost implications to our clients so they are able to make informed choices."
 
Related: The First Step to Renovation Success: Carefully Plan Your Project
               The Second Step to Renovation Success: RenoMarkRenovator
               The Third Step to Renovation Success: Get a Written Contract 
 
Are you ready to renovate? Contact Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre at 905-686-2001.

December 8, 2016

The Third Step to Renovation Success: Get a Written Contract


Over the last few weeks, we have discussed how crucial planning is to your renovation's success and the importance of hiring a RenoMark™ renovator. In this blog post, we'll review why having a written contract is an absolute necessity for every home renovation project.

When you've made your decision to hire a contractor, get the details in writing before any work begins.

In "Read Before You Renovate," Renomark advises homeowners to ensure all contracts include:

  • the precise scope of work;
  • the exact price, including a schedule of payments;
  • a reasonable timetable for completing work;
  • and any instructions for protecting parts of the house not under construction.

Iron out all the details before signing the contract.
Once construction begins, significant changes to the design plan or material choices can cause delays and incur added costs. If your renovator and design professional aren't seeing eye-to-eye on procedures or materials, make sure the issues are resolved before the contract is signed.

At Monarch, you will receive copies of your approved final detailed plans, as well as documents outlining the exact products and services we provide.

Avoid renovators who offer to work without a contract to avoid a HST payment.
While it may be tempting to hire a renovator who is willing to work without a signed contract (and save you the HST), it should also serve as a red flag. The renovator may also not be paying provincial worker's compensation coverage or carrying adequate insurance, leaving you at financial risk.

Read more about asking the right questions of your potential renovation contractor in Home Renovations -- Don't Get Hustled!
 
Related: The First Step to Renovation Success: Carefully Plan Your Project
               The Second Step to Renovation Success: RenoMarkRenovator

Are you ready to renovate? Contact Monarch Kitchen & Bath Centre at 905-686-2001.