Bathroom Renovation Markham

Yes for most projects. City of Markham requires a building permit whenever you move plumbing, add new fixtures, alter electrical circuits, or make structural changes. Cosmetic-only renovations (replacing tile, vanity, or fixtures in the same locations) generally don't need a permit. Electrical work requires an ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) permit regardless. RenoEthics handles all permit submissions and inspection coordination.

Most Markham bathroom renovations take 2 to 4 weeks of on-site work, plus 2-3 weeks of lead time for design, selections, and permit approval. Powder rooms complete in 1-2 weeks. Large ensuites with shower + tub + custom cabinetry run 3-5 weeks. Permit approval timing varies by municipality (Aurora and Newmarket fastest, Toronto slowest).

Markham bathroom renovations typically cost $15,000 to $45,000. Powder rooms $6,500-$14,000. Guest baths $12,000-$22,000. Primary ensuites $22,000-$45,000+. The biggest cost drivers are vanity quality, tile selection, and whether plumbing relocation is required. Older homes often need partial repipes, adding $2,000-$5,000.

Yes — full gut renovations are our most common bathroom project type. We remove all fixtures, tile, vanity, and substrate down to the studs, inspect framing and plumbing, replace rotted or water-damaged elements, waterproof with a full Schluter-Kerdi membrane, and rebuild to modern standards. A full gut takes 3-5 weeks and allows layout changes, fixture relocation, and plumbing/electrical upgrades to current code.

Yes. Aging-in-place bathrooms are a growing specialty. We install zero-threshold showers with linear drains, grab-bar reinforcement behind wall board, comfort-height toilets, lever-style faucets, and non-slip porcelain tile. Projects with accessibility modifications may qualify for the federal Home Accessibility Tax Credit up to $20,000 — we provide documentation needed for your accountant.

We use Schluter-Kerdi membrane waterproofing in every shower — the same system specified in healthcare and hospitality projects. Full membrane coverage extends from floor pan up to 72" on all shower walls, with sealed transitions at every penetration. We don't rely on cement board alone; that's how showers leak at year 5. Our waterproofing approach adds $400-$800 to project cost but prevents the $8,000-$15,000 mould remediation job down the road.

Yes. In-floor electric heating (Ditra-Heat, Warmup, or Nuheat systems) is installed under tile during the bathroom build. Adds $1,200-$2,800 depending on bathroom size. Requires ESA-inspected electrical connection. Very popular in Markham ensuites and master bathrooms — eliminates cold tile in winter and reduces overall room heating needs.

Standard in older Markham homes (pre-1990). If we uncover rotted subfloor, mould, asbestos tile, galvanized pipe, or knob-and-tube wiring during demolition, we stop, document with photos, and provide a fixed-price change order before proceeding. You decide the scope — remediate now or patch and defer. Our contracts include a transparent change-order protocol.

Yes. City of Markham offers the Energy-Efficient ARU Incentive for homeowners adding second units with efficient HVAC, insulation, and windows. Reach out during consultation and we'll help determine if your project qualifies.

Yes. Unionville's heritage overlay applies mostly to exterior changes. Interior bathroom, kitchen, or basement renovations proceed through standard City of Markham permit review without heritage complications. Exterior additions to heritage homes require Heritage Markham review.