Thornhill · Vaughan & Markham
Renovation Contractor in Thornhill
Kitchens, bathrooms, basements and whole-home renovations on both sides of Yonge — from Thornhill Woods and Beverley Glen to Bayview Glen and Royal Orchard. 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 Thornhill contractor
Thornhill Homeowners Trust Our Work
We've renovated homes in Thornhill, and we're based just up Yonge Street in Richmond Hill. Thornhill is split between two cities, so the rules for your project depend on which side of Yonge you live on — we know both.
- Two cities, one team — permits with Vaughan (west of Yonge) or Markham (east of Yonge)
- A clear quote — before any work starts — no surprise costs
- Licensed trades — plumbing, gas and electrical done to code
- Minutes away — based just up Yonge Street in Richmond Hill
- Written 2-year workmanship warranty
What clients say
"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 · Google review
What we do
Renovation Services in Thornhill
One room or the whole house — residential and commercial, renovation and new construction.
Kitchen renovations
New layouts, custom cabinetry, islands and lighting for family kitchens.
Bathroom renovations
Ensuites, walk-in showers, tile and vanities — waterproofed properly.
Whole-home & basements
Open main floors, finished basements, basement apartments and additions.
Commercial renovations
Offices, clinics and retail units along Yonge, Bathurst and Steeles.
Decks, fences & yards
Cedar fences, decks, patios and retaining walls built to last.
Local know-how
Renovating a Thornhill Home: What to Expect
Thornhill grew from a historic village on Yonge Street into established neighbourhoods on both sides of the street. Each era of home has its own priorities.
Old Thornhill village
Along Yonge and Centre streets, Thornhill's historic village is a heritage conservation district in both Vaughan and Markham. Exterior changes, additions and new homes there need a heritage permit.
1960s–'80s neighbourhoods
Royal Orchard, Bayview Glen, German Mills, Thornlea and Spring Farm have bungalows, split-levels and two-storeys from the 1960s to the '80s — ideal for open main floors, new kitchens and updated ensuites.
Newer Thornhill
Thornhill Woods and the newer streets west of Bathurst were built from the late '90s on. Builder-grade kitchens and bathrooms and unfinished basements are ready for an upgrade.
Custom rebuilds & large additions
On larger lots, especially around Bayview Glen and Royal Orchard, older homes are being expanded or replaced. Protected trees and zoning set the limits — we check both before design begins.
Permits & City rules
Thornhill Rules Depend on Your Side of Yonge
- West of Yonge (Vaughan) — construction is allowed 7 a.m.–7 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and not on Sundays or statutory holidays. Private trees 20 cm or more in diameter need a City of Vaughan permit.
- East of Yonge (Markham) — construction noise stops at 7 p.m. on weekdays and is limited to 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on Saturdays, with none on Sundays or statutory holidays. Private trees 20 cm or more need a City of Markham permit, which can take up to 45 days.
- 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.
- Thornhill Heritage District — both cities protect Thornhill's historic village. Exterior changes, additions and new structures inside the district need a heritage permit.
- 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.
Two cities, one team
Vaughan or Markham?
Yonge Street
In Thornhill, Yonge Street is the city line: west is Vaughan, east is Markham. Your permits, tree rules and work hours depend on which side you're on. We confirm it at the consultation and deal with the right City for you.
Where we work
Thornhill Neighbourhoods We Serve
We renovate homes, condos and commercial spaces on both sides of Yonge Street.
Thornhill Village
Old Thornhill along Yonge Street and Centre Street
Thornhill Woods
Thornhill Woods, Beverley Glen, Brownridge
Spring Farm & Uplands
Crestwood, Spring Farm, Yorkhill, Uplands
Bayview Glen & Royal Orchard
Bayview Glen, Royal Orchard and the surrounding streets
German Mills & Thornlea
German Mills, Thornlea, Grandview
Condos & townhomes
Along Yonge Street, Bathurst Street and Steeles Avenue
Nearby? We also serve Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Markham, North York, Toronto and the rest of the GTA. See all areas we serve →
Transparent pricing
What a Renovation Costs in Thornhill
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.
Bathroom renovations
$12K – $30K
A full bathroom usually lands between $16K and $24K. Moving the toilet, tub or shower drain adds the most.
What moves the price in Thornhill
- Layout changes — moving walls, plumbing or gas lines costs more than updating what's there.
- Permits and approvals — building, tree and heritage permits with Vaughan or Markham 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
Thornhill & York Region Clients Trust J Group
"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
"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
How it works
How a Thornhill Renovation Works With Us
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.
Design & quote
Layout, materials and finishes — then a clear quote and a realistic schedule before any work starts.
Permits & approvals
Building, tree and heritage permits with Vaughan or Markham, depending on your side of Yonge.
Build
One project manager, licensed trades, protected floors and daily clean-up — with regular updates as we go.
Walkthrough & warranty
We don't call it done until you do — backed by our written 2-year workmanship warranty.
Questions
Thornhill Renovation FAQ
Is my Thornhill home in Vaughan or Markham?
Yonge Street is the dividing line: homes west of Yonge are in the City of Vaughan, and homes east of Yonge are in the City of Markham. Your property tax bill shows which city you're in.
What hours can contractors work in Thornhill?
West of Yonge, Vaughan allows construction from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Saturday. East of Yonge, Markham stops construction noise at 7 p.m. on weekdays and limits Saturdays to 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Neither city allows it on Sundays or statutory holidays.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Thornhill?
If it's 20 cm or more in diameter, yes — on both sides of Yonge. 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 the Thornhill 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.
Do I need a permit to finish my basement?
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.
Can I add a basement apartment or second unit?
Often, yes. Ontario allows up to three units on most serviced residential lots, and each city's zoning sets the rules for size, entrances and parking. We check your property at the consultation.
How much does a renovation cost in Thornhill?
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 Thornhill 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.