Renovation Contractor Markham: 2026 Cost & Process Guide
A renovation contractor in Markham in 2026 typically delivers kitchen renovations from $30,000 – $150,000+, bathroom renovations from $7,000 – $75,000+, basement projects from $30,000 – $300,000+, and home additions from $250 – $650 per square foot fully built. Markham renovations are governed by the City of Markham permit process (typical plan-review service standard: 20 business days) plus the Ontario Building Code and Ontario Fire Code. Markham’s mix of newer subdivisions (Cornell, Cathedraltown, Berczy) and heritage areas (Unionville, Markham Village) creates diverse renovation contexts. Heritage Permit may be required in Unionville’s heritage district.
Why Country Renovations. Renovating across Toronto and the GTA — including Markham — since 2014. HCRA-registered, Tarion-enrolled for qualifying projects, WSIB-cleared, $5M general liability insured. Free written fixed-price quote in 5 business days. Book a free site visit →
Key Takeaways for Markham Homeowners
- Kitchen renovation in Markham: $30,000 – $150,000+ depending on scope (refresh through luxury custom).
- Bathroom renovation: $7,000 – $14,000 powder room, $18,000 – $35,000 full bath, $35,000 – $75,000+ primary ensuite.
- Basement renovation: $30,000 – $120,000 family use, $85,000 – $300,000+ legal apartment.
- Home addition: $250 – $500/sq ft single-storey, $300 – $650/sq ft second-storey, $500 – $1,200+/sq ft custom-home rebuilds.
- City of Markham plan review: 20 business days service standard for residential permits.
- Second suites: Markham permits second suites as-of-right post-Bill 23 with a registration program and parking review.
Renovation Services We Provide in Markham
- Kitchen renovation — full pillar guide, all scope from refresh to luxury.
- Bathroom renovation — powder room, full bath, primary ensuite.
- Basement renovation — finished basements and legal apartment conversions.
- Home addition & custom build — single-storey, second-storey, knockdown-rebuild.
- Licensed electrical services — panel upgrades, EV chargers, pot lights, rewiring.
- Licensed plumbing services — repipes, basement rough-in, backwater valves.
- Heated driveway — electric and hydronic snow-melt systems.
- Interlock & landscaping — driveways, walkways, patios, retaining walls.
- Flooring & tiling — hardwood, engineered, LVP, tile, stone.
- Interior painting — pre- or post-renovation paint and wallpaper.
- Custom closets & interior design — built-ins, walk-in closets, butler’s pantries.
- Roofing & eavestroughs — asphalt, metal, cedar replacement.
- Custom railings — glass, iron, code-compliant interior & exterior.
Markham Renovation Cost Tiers (2026 CAD)
| Project | Refresh / Good | Mid-Range / Better | Premium / Best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | $15,000 – $30,000 | $45,000 – $85,000 | $95,000 – $150,000+ |
| Bathroom (full) | $14,000 – $19,000 | $20,000 – $35,000 | $35,000 – $50,000+ |
| Primary ensuite | $30,000 – $42,000 | $42,000 – $60,000 | $60,000 – $90,000+ |
| Basement (family use) | $30,000 – $55,000 | $60,000 – $95,000 | $100,000 – $175,000 |
| Legal basement apartment | $85,000 – $130,000 | $150,000 – $200,000 | $250,000 – $300,000+ |
| Single-storey addition | $250/sq ft | $350/sq ft | $500/sq ft |
| Second-storey addition | $300/sq ft | $450/sq ft | $650/sq ft |
| Custom home build | $500/sq ft | $750/sq ft | $1,200+/sq ft |
Markham Permit & Code Reality
- Permit authority: City of Markham handles building, plumbing, and electrical permits for residential renovations in Markham.
- Plan review service standard: 20 business days for residential permits — sometimes faster, occasionally slower during peak periods.
- Permit triggered when: moving plumbing fixtures, altering load-bearing walls, modifying exterior openings, changing electrical service capacity, creating a new dwelling unit, or adding any structure.
- ESA notification: Required for all hardwired electrical work — filed by the Licensed Electrical Contractor before work begins.
- TSSA gas permit: Required for any work on gas-fired appliances (water heaters, ranges, dryers, fireplaces).
- Second suites: Markham permits second suites as-of-right post-Bill 23 with a registration program and parking review.
We pull all permits on your behalf as part of every project — including drawings, structural engineering letter (where required), HVAC heat loss/heat gain calculations (CSA F280-12), and the AST or municipal portal submission.
Markham Neighbourhoods We Build In
Country Renovations works across Markham including Unionville, Cornell, Cathedraltown, Box Grove, Berczy Village, Markham Village, Thornhill (Markham side). Each neighbourhood has its own building stock, permit context, and design language — and we build differently for each:
Markham’s mix of newer subdivisions (Cornell, Cathedraltown, Berczy) and heritage areas (Unionville, Markham Village) creates diverse renovation contexts. Heritage Permit may be required in Unionville’s heritage district.
The Country Renovations Markham Process
- Free Site Visit (Day 1). We measure the space, assess existing conditions, and discuss scope options at no charge and no obligation.
- Written Fixed-Price Quote (within 5 business days). A line-itemed proposal — materials, labour, permits, contingency, timeline. No “TBD” categories.
- Design & Selections. Floor plans, finish selections, 3D renderings for premium projects. Our in-house interior designer guides material choices.
- Permits & Engineering. City of Markham permit submission, structural engineering (if required), ESA filing for electrical, TSSA permit for gas work, Conservation Authority approval if applicable.
- Build. Daily check-ins with your project manager. Single accountable point of contact throughout.
- Final Inspection & Handover. Building inspection, ESA pass certificate, and a complete site clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a renovation cost in Markham in 2026?
Cost varies dramatically by project type: kitchen renovations $15,000 – $150,000+, bathrooms $7,000 – $90,000, basements $30,000 – $300,000, additions $250 – $1,200+ per square foot. The Cost Tiers table above gives the full breakdown.
Do I need a permit to renovate in Markham?
A permit is required when you move plumbing fixtures, alter load-bearing walls, modify exterior openings, change electrical service capacity, or create a new dwelling unit. Cosmetic refreshes (paint, like-for-like fixture swap, flooring) generally do not require a permit. City of Markham plan review takes 20 business days.
Are second-suite basement apartments legal in Markham?
Markham permits second suites as-of-right post-Bill 23 with a registration program and parking review. Compliance with the Ontario Building Code (Part 9), Ontario Fire Code Section 9.8, and local zoning is mandatory regardless of municipality.
How do I verify my Markham renovation contractor is legitimate?
For new home builds and substantial additions, verify HCRA registration at hcraontario.ca/find-a-licensed-builder. For renovation-only projects, confirm WSIB clearance, $2M+ general liability insurance, and a written fixed-price contract before any deposit. Country Renovations publishes all four credentials before signing.
How long does a renovation take in Markham?
Kitchen renovations 6 – 24 weeks, bathrooms 4 – 22 weeks, basements 6 – 50 weeks (longer if underpinning required), additions 6 – 24 months, custom homes 12 – 36 months. Permit timelines and material lead times are the most variable phases.
Can I stay in my home during a Markham renovation?
For kitchen, bathroom, basement, and most addition work, yes — most homeowners stay in the home with temporary relocation of impacted spaces. For full-home gut renovations or knockdown-rebuilds, temporary relocation is required.
Get a Free Quote in Markham
Country Renovations has been renovating across Markham and the GTA since 2014. HCRA-registered. Tarion-enrolled for qualifying projects. WSIB-cleared. $5M insured. Book a free site visit and you’ll receive a written, fixed-price quote with credentials attached in 5 business days.
Markham — Service-Specific Pages
Project-specific cost and process information for Markham homeowners (10 services):