Reviews

Houseplay handled a complete transformation of our kitchen …. We were so impressed with their many creative solutions …. It was our first renovation, so we needed lots of guidance and hand-holding. They responded promptly to our many questions, requests and concerns, and their team was always courteous and respectful of our home. We were even able to stay throughout the renovation, and our three children enjoyed having them around. Our new kitchen turned out even more beautiful, functional, and spacious than we had hoped. We … spend hours in our kitchen every day, and we still absolutely love it …

After several consultations with different contractors who were not very helpful, we met with Niall of Houseplay Renovations and have been very happy that we chose him for our kitchen renovation. He came up with some creative and innovative solutions to our challenging space and layout while incorporating our personal style into the design. He was responsive to our questions and concerns during the design and construction process. He is professional and pleasant to work with. We are so enjoying our new kitchen transformation and it is now truly the heart of our home!

We first hired Houseplay Renovations in 2015 on a large project, including the complete renovation of our master bathroom, kitchen update, and finishing the basement. Back then, I wrote, “We are extremely pleased with both the results as well as the process of working with Niall …. I would definitely work with him again.”

We had the chance to make good on our word in 2016, when we hired Houseplay for a design and build project that included the complete gut renovation of one full bathroom and a small powder room, as well as painting and minor repairs in the guest bedroom and carpeting in the staircase area.

Once again, they did great work! The bathrooms came out fantastic, and the powder room might be our new favorite room in the house.

Our house didn’t fit the way we wanted to live, but we didn’t have the vision to change it. Houseplay talked with us to help us understand our goals for our space and define our requirements. Then they came up with an innovative plan for both the space and the aesthetic that we love. Their work has completely changed how we use our house. Our kids have their own rooms now with awesome storage and we have a usable family room with solutions for our sporting equipment. Not only was the end product fantastic, but they are a pleasure to work with and dedicated to quality outcomes.

Houseplay handled a complete transformation of our kitchen …. We were so impressed with their many creative solutions …. It was our first renovation, so we needed lots of guidance and hand-holding. They responded promptly to our many questions, requests and concerns, and their team was always courteous and respectful of our home. We were even able to stay throughout the renovation, and our three children enjoyed having them around. Our new kitchen turned out even more beautiful, functional, and spacious than we had hoped. We … spend hours in our kitchen every day, and we still absolutely love it.

I cried happy tears the day my project was complete — it is just stunning. I had a vision for what I wanted to do, and Veronika got the intention behind it right away and seemed just as excited as I was. It can be stressful to live in a home that’s under construction, but Houseplay took care to protect my home, help me feel as comfortable as possible, and answer my questions. Niall is a meticulous and gifted craftsman, and a creative problem-solver. Plus, the project moved along efficiently (thanks to John’s scheduling). Overall, everyone on the Houseplay team exceeded my expectations, and my new space brings me joy and peace every day.

We love our fully renovated two-family in JC Heights – and we never could have done it without Houseplay! Niall helped us reimagine the entire space, planning a two-phase project that allowed us to live in the house the entire time with only minimal disruption. The artistry of their expert crew was remarkable. And interior designer Veronika really got to know our style, adding so much character with unexpected choices we’ve come to love. Complications are bound to arise in every renovation — but Houseplay met challenges with true professionalism, patiently addressing all of our concerns while keeping on budget. They cared about every detail as much as we did (sometimes even more so!) and their dedication resulted in a home that’s beautifully functional, open and bright.

[Houseplay] added a half bath to the basement, moved the laundry to first floor, put hardwood floors in the master bedroom, and completely remodeled the master bath. Houseplay Renovations completed all the work including providing subcontractors for plumbing, electrical, and tiling. The work was completed on time and within budget. We were very pleased with the entire process and would use them again. The work was done in a very professional manner. At the end of the project the owner made some detail work be redone because he was sure we would be bothered by the quality later even if we said it was OK then. He was right and now when I look at that door trim I am reminded that [Houseplay] did quality work for us.

Our historic home needed a full renovation, and we wanted to maintain key structural elements and mouldings while simultaneously changing the layout and making improvements.

We were so thankful to find Houseplay Renovations. Right from the start, I was amazed at how Niall took the disjointed information I offered as a starting point and created a design that was EXACTLY what I had in mind.

Niall’s design and build stayed true to the character of our house and modernized it at the same time. They renovated two floors of our home, preserving the historic touches we loved and also creating a more beautiful, functional space.

Words can’t express how much we love our new kitchen in particular; it has turned into the heart of our home. We’re so happy with the whole project.

We worked with Houseplay on a large renovation project: complete renovation of master bathroom, kitchen update, and finishing the basement. We are extremely pleased with both the results as well as the process of working with Niall. The project was on time and within the budget we set, even with a few unexpected things popping up. They were extremely professional, responsive, and respectful of our home and family … I would definitely work with them again.

…we opted to buy a home with good bones and in need of a little TLC or Houseplay Renovations. Niall is professional, friendly, and VERY organized. It makes you feel good knowing that your permits, timeline and job will be done with care and concern. I remember Niall apologizing (I can’t believe it still) that he didn’t call me back right away on a Saturday night at 7p.m. (when people eat dinner and enjoy family time) Anything that I asked of [them] they did. He made sure to put covers over my refinished floors and furniture and even made sure to clean up with a hand broom…Houseplay Renovations is a friendly, organized and efficient small business definitely worth considering for your home renovation.

… I needed a complete bathroom overhaul …. The remodel required taking the room down to the studs. The estimate was accurate and complete, the work was done with care and attention to detail, and in a timely manner. Niall and his team were clean, courteous, punctual and responsive.

…We hired Niall and Houseplay Renovations to do a complete gut and rebuild [on our bathroom]. Niall was professional and friendly …. [He] opened our eyes to more possibilities and his helpful input continued throughout the project. He understood what was important to us and his skill and attention to detail made sure that that’s what was achieved. We will definitely call Niall for our next project.

I can’t say enough good things about our experience with Houseplay Renovations. From our initial conversations through the completion of our bathroom, I felt like we made the correct decision. I was great knowing that things were being done correctly. Every question I had was answered, every line item on the proposal was explained. If you are looking for the quick and dirty solution where corners will be cut and codes will be ignored, go somewhere else. If you want a truly professional experience, this is the place.

I hired Houseplay to renovate my bathroom from top to bottom. Niall was by far the best contractor I have ever worked with. The entire process … was professional, friendly and flexible. Niall and his team worked diligently and even came on a Sunday when a delay, which was out of his control, occurred. He is meticulous, offers good advice and really listens to what you want. His workmanship is of the highest standard and I couldn’t be happier with the finished product.

We hired Houseplay Renovations to redo our bathroom …. The work and the detail was superb! My neighbors raved about his daily clean up and professionalism. My family and friends can not get enough of our bathroom every time they see it! We are having other renovations made in the house and we have asked Houseplay Renovations back …. If you are in doubt about contractors out there, fear no more! Hire Niall and his crew.

A kitchen renovation became unavoidable for us. We entered into the process with dread. We interviewed many contractors, designers and architects. Getting real numbers was almost impossible. Houseplay got real with numbers, and we simply had a positive feeling about them, supported by good reviews. Our old house gave us a few unexpected challenges to confront along the way. But, we could not have endured the surprises without the professionalism, skill and good humor of the entire Houseplay team. We’d call upon them again in a heartbeat.

We (mostly I… ha) weren’t the easiest clients with lots of opinions and a handful that changed mid-stream, but what the Houseplay team designed for us is beyond anything we imagined. Our home is so much more functional, and every detail they considered, literally EVERY ONE, makes us smile every time we interact with it. Consummate professionals, highly skilled artisans, and savvy, innovative designers with a finger on the pulse of modern interior architecture—I cannot recommend enough.

We are so pleased with the work that Houseplay Renovations did on our home and we felt that we were in such great hands from the onset of the project. Veronika and Niall are a pleasure to work with and great at what they do. Houseplay is thorough, organized, professional, and reasonable. They worked on our nursery while we were awaiting the arrival of our baby girl and we couldn’t be happier with how the room turned out. We would definitely work with Houseplay again and we highly recommend them to anyone looking for a contractor that checks all of the boxes.

Niall painted the trim on the facade of my house a few years ago, and I have been working with him since. The job he recently finished for me was quite a challenge and I was pleased with the results. My tired enclosed porch with layers of peeling exterior paint and rotting steps to the yard needed a full overhaul. The job required more than a little carpentry, as well as finishing and trim work around some windows that were poorly installed years ago (by another contractor). The very worn original wood clapboard siding was able to be restored to a pristine condition and the trim work added brightness and vibrancy to that primary entertaining area. Thanks to Niall, I am now proud to invite guests to enjoy my back porch with me.

Niall and his team from Houseplay Renovations are outstanding! We hired Niall to do a major restoration project for our 1865 home. From the moment we met Niall … we knew that he would be a delight to work with. Niall’s carpentry skills are fantastic. The hip roof that he built for our porch is perfect. He installed Ipe decking (which is very expensive and an extremely hard wood to work with) without any waste and we are thrilled with the result …. Niall and his team showed true professionalism and strong work ethics when work was being done in temps over 90 degrees! …. Niall built our family a front porch to be proud of and we cannot wait to spend many summer days enjoying it. If Niall happens to be booked when you are ready to do your project … postpone your project until he is available, you will not be disappointed!