Basements, Additions & Outdoor · Markham
Basement Finishing in Markham
Unfinished or dated basements turned into warm, dry family rooms, offices, gyms and guest suites.
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Markham, Scarborough & York Region
Basement Finishing in Markham
In Markham, a finished basement is one of the most requested projects we quote, especially in heritage homes and large newer family homes. Families in Unionville, Markham Village and Cornell use that space for a rec room, an office, a gym or a guest suite instead of moving to get more room.
We finish Markham basements from bare concrete to move-in ready: insulation, framing, bathrooms, wet bars, laundry, pot lights, drywall, flooring and trim, with the permit and inspections handled.
Building permits for basement finishing in Markham are issued by the City of Markham. We tell you up front whether your project needs one, prepare or coordinate the drawings, and book the inspections so the work is signed off properly.
Call (647) 424-1511 or send the form on this page for a free basement finishing quote in Markham. Tell us what you want to change, add a few photos of the space, and we will book a visit and send a written quote that lists the scope, the materials, the permits involved and the schedule.
Markham homes
What basement finishing involves in Markham's houses
Century and heritage homes in Markham
Basements in Markham's older homes often have stone, rubble or block foundations and low ceilings. They can be finished, but insulation has to suit the foundation so moisture is not trapped, and gaining height means underpinning or a bench footing, designed by an engineer and covered by a permit.
1970s to 1990s family homes in Markham
Many Markham basements from the 1970s to the 1990s were finished decades ago with wood panelling, drop ceilings and carpet on the slab. We usually take them back to the foundation, check for moisture, insulate properly and rebuild with a layout that suits how the family uses the space now.
Newer homes built since 2000 in Markham
Newer Markham basements are usually poured concrete with a bathroom roughed in, so they are among the easiest to finish. We check the builder's drainage and the grading around the house, which often settles in the first years, then insulate, frame and finish with the bathroom placed where the rough-in allows.
Rules in Markham
Permits and approvals for basement finishing in Markham
Building permits
Building permits in Markham are issued by the City of Markham. Electrical work anywhere in Ontario is done by a licensed electrical contractor under an Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) permit. We confirm what your project needs before you sign and book every inspection.
Testing before demolition
Homes built before the 1990s can contain asbestos in plaster, textured ceilings, floor tile, vermiculite insulation and pipe wrap, and homes from before the 1960s often have lead paint. In Markham's older houses we test suspect materials before demolition and handle them by the regulations if they are found.
The service
Basements Finished Warm, Dry and Bright
A finished basement is often the most affordable way to add real living space to a home: a family room, a home office, a gym, a guest suite or a playroom. The difference between a basement that feels like part of the house and one that feels like a basement comes down to moisture control, insulation, lighting and ceiling height.
Before framing, we look for signs of water and fix the cause first. Then we insulate the foundation walls properly, frame, run electrical and plumbing, add pot lights, and finish with drywall, flooring suited to below-grade spaces, trim and paint. Many basements also get a bathroom, a wet bar or a laundry room.
More about basement finishing →The process
How your Markham project comes together
01
Consultation
Tell us what you want to change and send a few photos. We visit, measure and talk through options.
02
Written Quote
A clear scope, materials, permits and schedule, in writing. No vague allowances.
03
Permits & Planning
Drawings, permits and material orders lined up before demolition starts.
04
Build & Walk-Through
Work done in the right order, inspected where required, and walked through with you at the end.
Across Markham
Basement Finishing throughout Markham
Markham mixes heritage streets in Unionville and Markham Village with large newer homes in Cornell, Berczy Village, Wismer and Cathedraltown, many with finished or unfinished basements.
Questions
Basement Finishing in Markham: FAQs
How do I get a basement finishing quote in Markham?+
Call (647) 424-1511, use the form on this page or email info@ontariorenovationcompany.com. Tell us what you want to change and send a few photos, and we will book a visit and send a written quote for your Markham project.
What kinds of Markham homes do you work on?+
All of them. Housing in Markham includes century and heritage homes, 1970s to 1990s family homes and newer homes built since 2000, and each comes with its own considerations, from older wiring and foundations to builder warranties, septic systems and shoreline rules. We plan the work around the house you actually have.
Do I need a permit to finish my basement?+
In most Ontario municipalities, yes, particularly for new walls, bathrooms and bedrooms. A permit also protects you when you sell. We confirm the requirements and handle the application.
What if my basement has had water in it?+
We find and fix the cause first, whether that is grading, downspouts, a crack in the foundation or a plumbing issue. Finishing over an unresolved water problem just hides it.
Can you add a bedroom in the basement?+
Yes, as long as it has an egress window or exit that meets the Building Code, plus proper smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. We can enlarge an existing window opening if needed.
What flooring works best in a basement?+
Luxury vinyl plank is the most popular choice because it handles moisture and feels warmer underfoot than tile. We check the slab for moisture before recommending a product.
Do you offer basement finishing across Markham?+
Yes. We work throughout Markham, including Unionville, Markham Village, Cornell, Berczy Village, Wismer, Cathedraltown, Milliken and Box Grove, and in nearby Richmond Hill, Scarborough, Vaughan, Stouffville and Aurora.
More renovation services in Markham
Alongside basement finishing, we also handle legal basement apartments, bathroom renovations and flooring installation in Markham, so related work can be planned together.
Other basements, additions & outdoor services in Markham: legal basement apartments, garden suites & detached adus, home additions and decks & outdoor living.
Further reading
Your Markham renovation, done properly.
Tell us what you want to change and send a few photos. We will book a visit and send a clear written quote, with no obligation.