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Second-Storey Addition in Markham
Adding a second storey can double the size of a bungalow without using any of the yard. The existing house has to be able to carry it, so the work starts with the structure. 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.
- Structural assessment of foundation and walls
- Design, engineering and permit drawings
- Zoning review and variance applications where needed
- Roof removal and new floor framing
- New stair, bedrooms and bathrooms
- Exterior cladding and roofing to unify the house
Cost
What it costs.
From $260per sq ft
What moves the price
- Floor area being added
- Reinforcement the existing structure needs
- Number of bathrooms and finish level upstairs
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
Second-Storey Addition in Markham.
Homes like these
Subdivision lots have set building envelopes, so the usual options are a rear addition or building over the garage.
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.
Can the house carry it?
An engineer checks whether the foundation and walls can support another floor. Some houses need reinforcing first, and that changes the budget.
Permits and zoning
A second storey needs a building permit and must meet height and floor-area limits. Older neighbourhoods often have rules meant to keep new upper floors in scale with the street.
Moving out
The roof comes off, so the house is not liveable during the main structural phase. We plan the sequence to keep that period as short as the work allows.
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
Second-Storey Addition in Markham: the short answers.
- How much does second-storey addition cost in Markham?
- With Zigma Group, second-storey addition starts from $260 per sq ft. Prices are in Canadian dollars before HST, as of October 2026, and are confirmed after a site visit. The main factors are floor area being added; reinforcement the existing structure needs; and number of bathrooms and finish level upstairs.
- Can a second storey be added to any bungalow?
- Most can, but it depends on the foundation and wall structure. An engineer assesses it, and reinforcement is added where needed.
- Do I have to move out for a second-storey addition?
- Yes, for the main structural phase, because the roof is removed and services are disconnected at times.
- Do you do second-storey addition 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.