Unionville
Heritage home renovations, additions & heritage compliance
For 15 years, homeowners across Unionville, Cornell, and Milliken have hired us as their general contractor in Markham to renovate kitchens, finish basements, and expand their living space without the surprise invoices or disappearing acts.
We submit through the city’s ePLAN portal and coordinate York Region Building Standards inspections. You don’t touch paperwork. Our team has submitted hundreds of permit applications and knows exactly what documentation inspectors want to see.
Your quote is your final price. We build contingency into our estimates so you’re not hit with unexpected costs mid-project. Every line item is broken down — demolition, framing, electrical, plumbing, finishes — so you know exactly where your money goes.
Our electricians, plumbers, and HVAC techs have worked local homes for years. No fly-by-night subcontractors. Every trade partner we use has been vetted through dozens of projects across Markham and York Region.
Every Friday, you get progress photos and a written update. No wondering if anyone showed up this week. We protect your floors, keep the site clean, and ensure neighbours aren’t disrupted by our work.
Every worker on your property is covered. We carry $2M liability insurance and full WSIB coverage — non-negotiables for any general contractor in Markham. We provide proof of insurance before any work begins.
Yok Mei Construction Corp. started with a simple belief: homeowners deserve a general contractor in Markham who shows up, communicates clearly, and finishes the job right. That belief has guided every project we have taken on since day one. From our first kitchen renovation in Unionville to our most recent basement suite conversion in Cornell, we have built our reputation one project at a time.
We are not a franchise. We are not a sales operation that subs out every trade to the lowest bidder. We are a family-run construction company based at 91 Cottsmore Crescent in Markham, and we treat every home we enter like it is our own. Our crew lives in the communities we serve. Our kids go to the same schools as our clients kids. We have a vested interest in doing work that makes this city better.
Over the past 15 years, we have completed hundreds of projects across Markham and York Region. We have worked on heritage homes in Unionville where every detail had to be approved by the heritage conservation district, and we have built modern open-concept kitchens in Cornell where speed and efficiency were the priorities. We have finished basements in Milliken that now generate rental income for young families, and we have added second floors to bungalows in Berczy Village that gave growing families the space they needed without leaving the neighbourhood they loved.
Our process has been refined through every project. We know that the best renovations start with honest conversations — about budget, timeline, and what is actually possible within the constraints of your home and the local building code. We do not oversell. We do not cut corners. And we do not disappear when problems arise. That is why our clients come back to us for second projects, and why they recommend us to their friends and family.
If you are looking for a Markham general contractor who treats your home with the same care they would give their own, we would love to talk. Start with a free estimate and see why homeowners across the city keep recommending us to their neighbours. Whether you are planning a small bathroom update or a full home transformation, we bring the same level of attention and craftsmanship to every project — because your home deserves nothing less.
Full-service home renovations from a single general contractor in Markham. No juggling multiple trades — we coordinate everything under one roof, one timeline, and one invoice
Custom cabinetry, quartz and granite countertops, kitchen island installs, and full layout reconfigurations. We work with local suppliers for faster lead times on materials.
Walk-in showers, heated tile floors, freestanding tubs, and double vanities. We waterproof to Ontario Building Code standards every time.
Legal secondary suites, home offices, rental units, and entertainment spaces. We handle egress windows, ceiling height compliance, and fire separation.
Second-floor additions, rear expansions, and garage conversions. We match your existing brick, siding, and rooflines for a seamless look.
We navigate building management rules, elevator bookings, noise bylaws, and common area protection. Experience in downtown towers and townhouse complexes.
Full gut renovations, heritage home updates, and pre-sale makeovers. One timeline, one point of contact, one invoice.
After
Before
$25,000 – $65,000 + HST
Custom cabinetry, quartz and granite countertops, kitchen island installs, and full layout reconfigurations. We work with local suppliers for faster lead times on materials.
$25,000 – $65,000 + HST
One of the best ROI projects. We handle framing, insulation, drywall, flooring, lighting, and legal suite requirements including egress windows.
$15,000 – $40,000 + HST
We visit your home, take measurements, and deliver a detailed scope of work with a fixed-price quote. No hidden fees. No vague allowances. What we quote is what you pay. Typical timelines: Kitchen 4–6 weeks, Bathroom 2–4 weeks, Basement 6–10 weeks.
We visit your home, take precise measurements, and discuss your goals, budget, and timeline. You’ll get honest feedback on what’s feasible. We bring material samples and past project photos so you can see real results from homes in your neighbourhood. This consultation is free and carries no obligation.
Within 48 hours of our visit, you receive a detailed scope of work, material selections, and a fixed-price quote. We break down every line item — demolition, framing, electrical, plumbing, finishes — so you know exactly where your money goes. No hidden fees. No surprise add-ons halfway through.
Our crew arrives on schedule and works efficiently while respecting your property. Every Friday, you receive progress photos and a written update. We protect your floors, keep the site clean, and ensure neighbours aren’t disrupted. As your general contractor, we handle all trade coordination.
We do a final inspection together, fix anything on the spot, and leave you with a 2-year workmanship warranty plus all manufacturer warranty documentation. We don’t consider the project done until you’re completely satisfied with every detail.
DIY projects seem cheaper on paper, but they come with hidden risks that can cost you far more than hiring a general contractor in Markham. When you manage your own renovation, you’re responsible for sourcing materials, scheduling trades, pulling permits through the city’s ePLAN system, and coordinating inspections with York Region Building Standards. One missed inspection or incorrect permit can delay your project by weeks.
We’ve been called in to fix DIY projects gone wrong — improperly installed load-bearing walls, electrical work that failed inspection, and basement waterproofing that led to mold. These fixes always cost more than doing it right the first time.
Permit knowledge: A general contractor knows which projects need permits and how to navigate the ePLAN portal efficiently.
Trade coordination: We schedule electricians, plumbers, and HVAC techs so no one is waiting around.
Code compliance: Every project meets Ontario Building Code, protecting your home’s value and your family’s safety.
Insurance coverage: If something goes wrong on a DIY project, your homeowner’s insurance may not cover it. Our $2M liability policy protects you.
Time savings: What takes a homeowner 6 months of weekends takes our crew 4–6 weeks of focused work.
If your project involves structural changes, electrical work, plumbing, or basement finishing, hiring a licensed general contractor isn’t just recommended — it’s the smart financial decision.
The City of Markham requires permits for most structural, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work. If you’re removing a load-bearing wall, finishing a basement, adding a bathroom, or extending your home, you need a permit. Even replacing windows in some heritage areas of Unionville requires approval.We handle the entire permit process through the city’s ePLAN online portal. This includes preparing architectural drawings, submitting applications, paying fees, and scheduling inspections with York Region Building Standards. Most homeowners find the ePLAN system confusing — we’ve submitted hundreds of applications and know exactly what documentation inspectors want to see.
Common Permit Requirements in Markham
Basement renovations: Egress windows must meet minimum size requirements (0.35m² clear opening), ceiling height must be at least 1.95m, and fire separation between units is mandatory for legal secondary suites.
Kitchen renovations: Electrical upgrades require ESA inspection. Gas line modifications need a TSSA-licensed technician.
Bathroom renovations: Waterproofing must extend 150mm above showerheads. Drainage slopes must meet Ontario Building Code minimums.
Home additions: Setback requirements vary by zoning. Unionville heritage districts have additional design guidelines.
Condo renovations: Most buildings require alteration agreements, insurance certificates, and designated work hours.
If your project involves structural changes, electrical work, plumbing, or basement finishing, hiring a licensed general contractor isn’t just recommended — it’s the smart financial decision.
With rental rates climbing across York Region, more homeowners are converting unused basements into legal secondary suites. The City of Markham has streamlined the permit process for compliant basement apartments, making this one of the highest-ROI projects you can undertake. A properly finished basement with a separate entrance, kitchenette, and full bathroom can generate $1,500–$2,200 per month in rental income. We handle the egress window installation, fire separation, and ceiling height compliance so your suite passes inspection on the first try.
Kitchen renovations continue to dominate our project list. Homeowners in Cornell, Berczy Village, and Angus Glen are removing walls between kitchens and living rooms to create open, flowing spaces. Quartz countertops in white and grey tones remain the most popular choice, paired with custom shaker-style cabinetry and large kitchen islands with waterfall edges. Smart appliances and under-cabinet LED lighting are also trending features that add functionality without breaking the budget.
Walk-in showers with frameless glass enclosures, freestanding soaker tubs, and heated tile floors are no longer luxury items — they’re standard requests in master bathroom renovations. Homeowners in Milliken and Unionville are upgrading en-suite bathrooms to create private retreats. Heated floors are especially popular given Ontario’s cold winters, and they’re more affordable than most people expect.
With energy costs rising, more homeowners are incorporating efficiency into their renovation plans. This includes upgrading insulation during basement finishing, installing energy-efficient windows during home additions, and switching to LED lighting throughout the house. These upgrades reduce utility bills and increase resale value — a win-win that pays for itself over time.
The shift to remote and hybrid work has permanently changed how people use their homes. Basement renovations now regularly include dedicated home offices, soundproofed Zoom rooms, and multi-functional guest suites. A well-designed home office adds value whether you work from home full-time or just need a quiet space for focused work.
Homeowners in Angus Glen and Cachet are increasingly investing in outdoor kitchens, covered patios, and landscaped entertainment areas. These spaces extend the usable square footage of a home and create year-round gathering areas for family and friends. We design outdoor living spaces that complement the architecture of your home and withstand Ontario’s variable climate — from hot summers to freezing winters.
As more families choose to stay in their homes long-term, accessibility features are becoming standard in renovation plans. Walk-in showers with grab bars, wider doorways, main-floor bedrooms, and lever-style handles are practical upgrades that add value for every stage of life. We incorporate these features seamlessly into bathroom and whole-home renovations without making them feel clinical or institutional.
Moving in today’s market means paying land transfer taxes, real estate commissions, moving costs, and potentially higher mortgage rates. For many homeowners in Markham, renovating the home you already love is the smarter financial move. A well-planned kitchen renovation can return 75–85% of its cost at resale. A finished basement with a legal rental suite can generate $1,500–$2,200 per month in rental income.If you love your neighbourhood, your commute, your schools, and your neighbours, staying put and improving your space often delivers better value than starting over somewhere new. We’ve helped dozens of families in Berczy Village, Cornell, and Angus Glen add the space they need without giving up the community they’ve built.
Signs It’s Time to Renovate
Your layout doesn’t work anymore. Growing families in Milliken bungalows often need an extra bedroom or a more functional kitchen. A home addition or main-floor reconfiguration solves this without relocating.
Your home is outdated but structurally sound. If the bones are good, a whole-home renovation can transform a 1980s house into a modern, energy-efficient home for less than the cost of buying new.
You need rental income. With housing costs rising, legal basement suites are one of the best investments you can make. We specialize in secondary suite conversions that meet all Ontario Building Code requirements.
You’re planning to sell in 3–5 years. Strategic updates — kitchen refreshes, bathroom upgrades, and curb appeal improvements — can significantly increase your sale price when the time comes.
When Moving Might Be the Better Option
If your home has structural issues, foundation problems, or is in a flood zone, moving might be the wiser choice. But for most homeowners in established neighbourhoods like Unionville and Thornhill, the homes are well-built and the locations are desirable. A conversation with our general contractor team can help you understand what’s possible within your budget — sometimes the right renovation changes everything.
Get a free, no-pressure estimate. We’ll visit your home, assess the scope, and give you a fixed-price quote within 48 hours.
Yok Mei Construction provides full-service residential renovations in Markham and York Region, including kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations, basement finishing, legal basement suites, condo renovations, home additions, and whole-home renovations. We coordinate the trades, scheduling, permits, and construction process from start to finish.
Yes. After visiting your home and reviewing the scope of work, we provide a detailed fixed-price quote showing the major project costs, including demolition, framing, electrical, plumbing, materials, and finishes. Our goal is to make the renovation budget clear before construction begins.
Yes. We can manage the permit process for renovation projects that require approval, including preparing the necessary documentation, submitting through the City of Markham’s ePLAN system, and coordinating required inspections. Permit requirements vary depending on the type and scope of renovation.
Timelines vary according to the size and complexity of the project. A typical bathroom renovation may take approximately 2–4 weeks, a kitchen renovation around 4–6 weeks, and basement finishing approximately 6–10 weeks. Larger home additions and whole-home renovations may require additional time.
Yes. Yok Mei Construction is fully insured and carries $2 million in liability insurance along with WSIB coverage. We can provide proof of insurance before work begins so homeowners know their property and project are properly protected.
Yes. Our completed renovation projects include a 2-year workmanship warranty. During the final walkthrough, we review the completed work with you and also provide applicable manufacturer warranty information for installed products and materials.
Yes. Clear communication is part of our renovation process. Clients receive regular progress updates, including weekly photos and written updates, so they know what has been completed and what is happening next.
Yes. As a full-service general contractor, we coordinate the electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, carpenters, and other trades required for your project. This gives you one main point of contact instead of having to manage multiple contractors yourself.
Yok Mei Construction has more than 15 years of experience serving homeowners in Markham and York Region. We offer fixed-price quotes, permit assistance, coordinated local trades, weekly project updates, WSIB coverage, $2 million liability insurance, and a 2-year workmanship warranty.