Whole-House Renovations in Markham
Whole-house renovations across Markham, from heritage homes in Unionville, Thornhill and Markham Village to the subdivisions built since the 1970s. One design-build team from plans to finishing.
Villages, Subdivisions and Everything Between
Markham's housing is young. Only 2.6% of its homes were built before 1961, according to the 2021 census, while 34.2% went up between 1981 and 2000 and 47.4% since 2001. The City's own history notes that the opening of Highway 404 in the mid-1970s sped up the town's urban development, and many of the houses that followed are now old enough for a full update.
Most of those homes are owner-occupied family houses: 81.7% of Markham homes are owned and 56.2% are single-detached. In a house from the 1980s or 1990s, a whole-house renovation often centres on a new kitchen and bathrooms, opened-up living space, new flooring throughout and modern heating and cooling.
The older villages are a different story. Thornhill, Unionville and Markham Village are designated heritage conservation districts, and the City also maps a district in Buttonville. Altering the exterior of any building in these areas, or making additions or structural alterations, requires heritage review and approval.
- Licensed & insured contractors
- Transparent, itemized pricing
- Permits & approvals handled for you
- On-time delivery, every project
Markham Whole-House Projects
The full-home renovations we plan most often in Markham.
- 1980s and 1990s Home Renewals. Complete updates to kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, lighting and systems in one project.
- 2000s Builder-Grade Upgrades. Replacing builder finishes with custom kitchens, ensuites and millwork throughout.
- Heritage Village Homes. Renovations in Unionville, Thornhill and Markham Village, with heritage approvals built into the plan.
- Wall Removal and New Layouts. Opening main floors with engineered beams under a City housing permit.
- Multigenerational Living. Reworking a house for extended family, including a secondary suite where permitted.
- Flood-Ready Basements. Backwater valves and weeping tile work planned in, with City rebates where eligible.
Markham at a Glance
| Homes built 2001 to 2021 | 47.4% (2021 census) |
| Homes built 1981 to 2000 | 34.2% (2021 census) |
| Owner-occupied homes | 81.7% (2021 census) |
| Residential alteration permit (2026) | $8.43 per m²; $151 minimum (By-law 2025-121) |
| Low-rise zoning preliminary review | $315 |
| Heritage districts | Thornhill, Unionville, Markham Village; Buttonville mapped |
Markham Rules That Shape a Full Renovation
These are the local requirements we plan around.
Housing Permits
Markham lists wall removal and finished basements among the projects that need a housing permit.
2026 Permit Fees
Under By-law 2025-121, residential alterations are $8.43 per square metre and the minimum residential permit fee is $151.
Zoning Preliminary Review
A preliminary zoning review for a low-rise residential project costs $315 and flags issues before the permit application.
Heritage Approvals
In heritage conservation districts, exterior alterations, additions and structural changes all go through heritage review.
Flood Protection Rebates
In flood-prone areas, with pre-approval, the City lists rebates of up to $1,750 for an indoor backwater valve and up to $5,000 for weeping tile disconnection with a sump pump.
Markham Whole-House Renovation Costs
Our 2026 GTA cost guide sets out three tiers. For a 2,000 sq ft home, a cosmetic refresh typically totals $100,000 to $200,000, a mid-range renovation $200,000 to $400,000, and a high-end or full gut renovation $400,000 to $700,000 or more. Most projects land between $100 and $300 per square foot.
In a newer Markham house where the structure and systems are sound, more of the budget can go to kitchens, bathrooms and finishes, which can keep a project in the cosmetic or mid-range tier. Keeping plumbing where it is also helps, since moving kitchens and bathrooms is one of the biggest cost multipliers.
Our Simple 5-Step Process
Our five-step process takes a Markham renovation from first call to final walkthrough.
Reach Out
Call us or fill out our quick form to tell us about your home and your plans.
Free Consultation
We visit your home, measure the space and talk through layout, finishes, budget and timeline.
Detailed Estimate
You receive a transparent, itemized estimate within 2 to 3 business days.
Review & Refine
We walk through the proposal together until you are fully confident.
Sign & Start
We lock in your start date and handle scheduling, permits and coordination.
Markham Communities We Serve
We renovate homes in communities across Markham.
Markham Whole-House Renovation FAQs
What does a whole-house renovation cost in Markham?
Do I need a permit to renovate my Markham house?
Is it better to renovate or rebuild in Markham?
Can you renovate a heritage home in Unionville?
Does Markham offer rebates for flood protection?
Recent Whole-Home Renovations
Whole-home renovations we have completed around the GTA.
