Basements ยท Markham
Basement Renovation in Markham
A finished basement adds a full floor of living space without changing the outside of the house. Done properly, it starts with keeping the space dry and warm. In Markham, the city mixes 1970s and 1980s subdivisions with newer communities such as Cornell and historic cores in Unionville and Markham Village.

Scope
What is included.
- Moisture and foundation assessment
- Insulation, framing and subfloor
- Bathrooms, bars and laundry rooms
- Electrical, lighting and heating
- Egress windows and new entrances
- Flooring, ceilings, doors and trim
Cost
What it costs.
From $32per sq ft
Most projects in Markham: $36,000 to $85,000
What moves the price
- Finished floor area
- Adding a bathroom, bar or laundry
- Waterproofing or ceiling-height work needed first
Prices are in Canadian dollars before HST, as of October 2026. Every project is confirmed with a written quote after a site visit.
Local knowledge
Basement Renovation in Markham.
Homes like these
Subdivision basements are typically full height with poured concrete walls and a bathroom rough-in, which makes finishing straightforward.
Housing
In Markham, the city mixes 1970s and 1980s subdivisions with newer communities such as Cornell and historic cores in Unionville and Markham Village.
Permits
Building permits in Markham are issued by the City of Markham's building department. We prepare the drawings, submit the application and book the inspections.
Areas we cover
We work throughout Markham, including Unionville, Thornhill, Cornell, Markham Village, Milliken and Angus Glen.
Heritage districts
Unionville, Markham Village and old Thornhill are heritage conservation districts. Exterior work there needs heritage approval in addition to a building permit.
Updating 1980s homes
Many Markham homes are reaching the age where kitchens, bathrooms, windows and mechanical systems all come due together.
Before you start
What to know.
Permits
In most GTA municipalities, finishing a basement needs a building permit when the work involves structural changes, new plumbing, heating changes or a new entrance. We confirm what applies to your address.
Water first
Any leak, damp wall or drainage problem has to be fixed before framing goes up. Finishing over moisture leads to mould behind the walls.
Ceiling height
Low ceilings, ducts and beams limit what a basement can become. If more height is needed, underpinning can lower the floor.
How we work
One team for every stage.
- AssessWe survey the house as it stands.
- Design and permitsDrawings and approvals before work starts.
- Strip-outWhat is worn out comes off.
- RebuildStructure, wiring, plumbing and walls.
- FinishesCabinetry, tile, floors and paint.
- HandoverWalkthrough and documents.
Questions
Basement Renovation in Markham: the short answers.
- How much does basement renovation cost in Markham?
- With Zigma Group, basement renovation starts from $32 per sq ft, and most projects fall between $36,000 and $85,000. Prices are in Canadian dollars before HST, as of October 2026, and are confirmed after a site visit. The main factors are finished floor area; adding a bathroom, bar or laundry; and waterproofing or ceiling-height work needed first.
- Do I need a permit to finish my basement in Ontario?
- Often, yes. A permit is usually required if you add or move plumbing, change heating, alter structure or add an entrance. Simple cosmetic work may not need one. We check with your municipality.
- Can you add a bathroom in a basement?
- Yes. It depends on where the main drain is and whether the new fixtures can drain by gravity or need a pump. We check this at the first visit.
- Do you do basement renovation projects in Markham?
- Yes. We work throughout Markham, including Unionville, Thornhill, Cornell, Markham Village, Milliken and Angus Glen. Call +1 (647) 718-3913 to arrange a visit.
- Who issues the permit for this work in Markham?
- Where a permit is needed, it is issued by the City of Markham's building department. We prepare the drawings and handle the application and inspections.
Book a consultation
Tell us what you want to change.
Call or email and we will arrange a visit. We work across the Greater Toronto Area and have been renovating and building homes since 2006.