Markham · Residential & Commercial

Renovation Contractor in Markham

Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, whole-home renovations, custom homes and commercial build-outs across Markham — from Unionville and Markham Village to Cornell and Berczy. One family-owned team handles the design, the permits and every trade.

  • 5.0★on Google
  • Best of 2024HomeStars
  • Since 2015Family-owned
  • LicensedInsured & WSIB-covered

Your Markham contractor

One Accountable Team for Your Markham Home

Markham homeowners want quality work, clear communication and a crew that respects their home and their neighbours. We're based next door in Richmond Hill and manage everything — design, City of Markham permits and every trade — so you deal with one team.

  • Permits handled — building, tree and heritage permits with the City of Markham
  • A clear quote — before any work starts — no surprise costs
  • Licensed trades — plumbing, gas and electrical done to code
  • Close by — based in neighbouring Richmond Hill, just off the 404
  • Written 2-year workmanship warranty
Request a Consultation

What clients say

★★★★★
"I haven't had many great experiences with contractors in the past, and I have bought and flipped 11 homes in the GTA. J Group is by far the most professional, transparent and accountable team I have ever worked with."
Marc A.Has bought & flipped 11 GTA homes

What we do

Renovation Services in Markham

One room or the whole house — residential and commercial, renovation and new construction.

Kitchen renovations

Family kitchens with custom cabinetry, big islands and smarter storage.

Kitchens →

Bathroom renovations

Ensuites, walk-in showers, tile and vanities — waterproofed properly.

Bathrooms →

Whole-home & basements

Main-floor makeovers, finished basements, basement apartments and additions.

Home renovations →

Custom homes

New custom homes, rebuilds and garden suites, from permits to keys.

Custom homes →

Commercial renovations

Offices, clinics, retail and showrooms — build-outs and leasehold improvements.

Commercial →

Decks, fences & yards

Fences, decks, patios and retaining walls built to last.

Outdoor projects →

Local know-how

Renovating a Markham Home: What to Expect

Markham blends historic villages — Unionville, Markham Village and Thornhill — with some of the GTA's newest planned communities. Each type of home has its own priorities.

Historic villages

Main Street Unionville and Markham Village have homes from the 1800s and early 1900s inside heritage conservation districts. Exterior changes, additions and new builds there need a heritage permit — and older homes can hide outdated wiring and plumbing behind the walls.

1960s–'80s neighbourhoods

Parts of Unionville, Milliken and Markham's side of Thornhill were built from the 1960s to the '80s. Split-levels and two-storeys from that era are ideal for open main floors, new kitchens, updated ensuites and finished basements.

Newer communities

Cornell, Berczy, Wismer, Cathedraltown and Angus Glen were built from the late '90s on. Many still have unfinished basements and builder-grade kitchens and bathrooms that are ready for an upgrade.

Condos & townhomes

From Downtown Markham to the condos along Highway 7, condo renovations need management approvals, elevator bookings and set work hours, and townhome updates often need condo-corporation sign-off. We handle the paperwork.

Permits & City rules

Markham Rules We Handle for You

  • Building permits — needed for structural changes, new or moved plumbing, finished basements, basement apartments and decks more than 60 cm (24 in) off the ground. We prepare the drawings, apply and book every inspection.
  • Construction hours — Markham's noise by-law stops construction noise at 7 p.m. on weekdays and limits Saturdays to 9 a.m.–5 p.m. It isn't allowed on Sundays or statutory holidays. We schedule loud work inside those hours.
  • Protected trees — under Markham's Tree Preservation By-law, private trees 20 cm or more in diameter need a City permit before they're injured or removed — and a building permit doesn't cover it.
  • Heritage districts — Unionville, Markham Village and Thornhill are heritage conservation districts. Properties inside them need a heritage permit for exterior changes, additions and new structures.
  • More homes on your lot — Ontario now allows up to three units on most serviced residential lots — for example, a basement apartment plus a garden suite. We check your lot's zoning at the consultation.

Read our renovation permits guide →

Plan ahead

Tree Permits Take Time

Up to 45 days

Markham can take up to 45 days to process a tree permit, and work that could injure a protected tree can't start without one. We check your lot for protected trees at the consultation so approvals don't hold up your schedule.

Request a consultation →

Where we work

Markham Neighbourhoods We Serve

We renovate homes, condos and commercial spaces in every part of the city.

Unionville

Unionville, Main Street Unionville, Angus Glen, Cachet

Markham Village

Markham Village, Mount Joy, Greensborough, Wismer

Central Markham

Downtown Markham, Berczy Village, Cathedraltown, Victoria Square

East Markham

Cornell, Box Grove, Cedar Grove

South Markham

Milliken Mills, Armadale, Raymerville

Thornhill (Markham)

Royal Orchard, Bayview Glen, German Mills, Thornlea

Nearby? We also serve Richmond Hill, Thornhill, Vaughan, Toronto and the rest of the GTA. See all areas we serve →

Transparent pricing

What a Renovation Costs in Markham

Every home is different, but here's where most of our projects land before HST.

Kitchen renovations

$25K – $60K

Size, layout changes and cabinetry drive the price. Keeping your existing layout keeps costs down.

Kitchen budget guide →

Bathroom renovations

$12K – $30K

A full bathroom usually lands between $16K and $24K. Moving the toilet, tub or shower drain adds the most.

Bathroom budget guide →

What moves the price in Markham

  • Layout changes — moving walls, plumbing or gas lines costs more than updating what's there.
  • Permits and approvals — building, tree and heritage permits add drawings, fees and time.
  • The age of your home — older wiring, plumbing and framing may need updating once the walls are open.
  • Finishes — custom cabinetry, natural stone and large-format tile cost more than stock options.

Reviews

York Region Homeowners Trust J Group

★★★★★5.0 on Google · Read our Google reviews →

★★★★★
"Thanks to J Group's exceptional work, the renovations on my house in Thornhill exceeded my expectations… I wholeheartedly recommend J Group Renovations to anyone looking for a contractor who will go above and beyond."
Danial Z.Thornhill · Home renovation
★★★★★
"I had the privilege of working with contractors J Group to renovate my house in Vaughan, and I must say that my experience was nothing short of exceptional. AJ's professionalism and attention to detail is unmatched."
Ali B.Vaughan · Home renovation
★★★★★
"J Group was phenomenal to work with from start to finish. AJ supported us through the entire process and each and every trade he brought in was equally great. Trustworthy, honest, diligent and quality workmanship."
Melissa O.Home renovation

How it works

How a Markham Renovation Works With Us

  1. Consultation

    $199 in-person visit, credited in full toward your project. We walk the space, talk through budget and timing honestly, and give you a measured floor plan report.

  2. Design & quote

    Layout, materials and finishes — then a clear quote and a realistic schedule before any work starts.

  3. Permits & approvals

    Building, tree and heritage permits with the City of Markham, plus condo approvals when needed.

  4. Build

    One project manager, licensed trades, protected floors and daily clean-up — with regular updates as we go.

  5. Walkthrough & warranty

    We don't call it done until you do — backed by our written 2-year workmanship warranty.

Questions

Markham Renovation FAQ

Do you work across all of Markham?

Yes — Unionville, Markham Village, Cornell, Berczy, Cathedraltown, Milliken and Markham's side of Thornhill, plus the rest of York Region and the GTA. We're based next door in Richmond Hill.

Do I need a permit to finish my basement in Markham?

In most cases, yes. Finishing a basement with new walls, plumbing or a bedroom needs a building permit and inspections, and a basement apartment also has to meet zoning rules. We prepare the drawings and handle the permit.

What hours can contractors work in Markham?

Markham's noise by-law stops construction noise at 7 p.m. on weekdays and limits Saturday work to 9 a.m.–5 p.m. It isn't allowed on Sundays or statutory holidays.

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my property?

If it's 20 cm or more in diameter, yes — even if it's dead or damaged. Markham can take up to 45 days to process a tree permit, so we flag protected trees at the consultation.

Can I renovate a home in Unionville's or Markham Village's heritage district?

Yes. Interior work is usually unaffected, but exterior changes, additions and new structures need a heritage permit that fits the district plan. We plan the design around it from the start.

Can I add a basement apartment or second unit?

Often, yes. Ontario allows up to three units on most serviced residential lots, and Markham's zoning sets the rules for size, entrances and parking. We check your property at the consultation and tell you honestly whether it's a fit.

How much does a renovation cost in Markham?

Most of our kitchens land between $25,000 and $60,000 and most bathrooms between $12,000 and $30,000, before HST. Layout changes, permits and finishes affect the price. You get a clear quote after your consultation.

What does the $199 consultation include?

An in-person visit, an honest conversation about budget and feasibility, and a measured floor plan report of your space. The $199 is credited in full toward your project.

Request Your Markham Renovation Consultation

Tell us about your home or space. $199, credited in full toward your project. We respond within one business day.

Live in the city? See our Toronto renovation services, or all the areas we serve.