Client Reviews

We worked with Ryan and his team on a project that finished our basement into an extended living space. The unfinished area was a challenge to work with given the ductwork, utility placement and changes in ceiling height. It required some creative thinking and a detailed plan to give us the desired layout we wanted and the variety of spaces we were focused on having. 

Ryan came with an open mind and was patient to hear our input and requests so he and his team could meet our expectations. 

During the project, we worked together to agree on specific details that helped keep the initial vision when coming across some unexpected challenges. 

Ryan was flexible with our needs and we had a common goal of trying to stay on time and within budget. While some things forced a longer timeline and some costs added up due to changes mid-stream, Ryan and his team were friendly, polite and respectful to work with while taking pride in their work. 

- Ryan L. St Charles, IL

I write this letter to recommend OC Ventures as a general contractor. My wife and I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Ryan O’Connor on the renovation of our kitchen, mud room and powder room in the summer of 2016. We are very pleased with the outcome of his work, and we highly recommend him.

After interviewing several contractors, we selected Ryan because of his innovative designs, his high-quality options for materials, and his overall demeanor.  We used Ryan nearly 10 years ago for a renovation in our condo.  During this process we learned most importantly that Ryan is good to his word. Ryan would not leave until both he and I were completely satisfied, with his standards being higher than my own. 

For our kitchen remodel, Ryan created several CAD drawings. He thoroughly discussed them with us, listened to our feedback and made revisions per our requests.  Ryan’s suggestions maximized our space and provided the innovative aesthetic design that other contactors did not provide.  I believe this is what Ryan prides himself on: not only quality, but the added details that others overlook, or are unwilling to create due to the time or difficulty to execute.   Additionally, he offered us many high quality options for cabinetry and countertops and guided us through the selection process. 

Ryan’s team consists of skilled tradesmen who deliver the highest quality. Ryan and his team were always very personable, friendly, responsible and professional. This was an important component to us as they spend many days in our house. Ryan and his team took special care to minimize the dust from trailing throughout the house. Overall, our job was completed with care and precision, and Ryan was not satisfied until we were completely happy with the results.

We are extremely pleased with Ryan’s work, and we highly recommend OC Ventures. We will use Ryan and his team again when we are ready for our next home renovation project.

-Bob Sallmann, Green Oaks, Illinois

My wife and I spent almost two years searching for a lake house in southern 

Wisconsin / northern Illinois.  We came across one that was being built by OC Ventures in Burlington, WI and fell in love with the look and craftsmanship.  After a couple of days, we put a bid in on the house and it was accepted.  

We began working with Ryan to finalize the main levels of the house and to have OC Ventures finish the basement to our needs.  Ryan was very knowledgeable and offered great suggestions on how to finish the basement.  With us being 50 miles away, Ryan was very accommodating to meet with us during our busy 

schedules.  The finished product turned out great and we have enjoyed the last year in the house.

Ryan and his team were timely in getting any warranty work done.  Throughout 

the process, it was a pleasure working with OC Ventures and we would recommend them to anyone.

Jim and Tina Raap, Burlington, WI

After interviewing other contractors to do a complete rehab of our kitchen, we selected OC Ventures to perform the work.  Their quote was the most economical and they committed to a quicker turnaround than other contractors.

Ryan and his team showed up on time the first day (and all other day) and their work exceeded our expectations.  They met their budge and time commitments despite significant challenges along the way.  Ryan personally communicated with our kitchen designer dozens of times to modify existing plans to address numerous unplanned setbacks.  His creativity and experience enabled him to seamlessly address these challenges and deliver a kitchen that was beyond our expectations.

In addition to doing what was asked of them, Ryan and his team went the extra mile to address numerous other requests.  As other minor issues were uncovered - some not even relating to the kitchen rehab - Ryan and his team addressed them without issue.

Finally outside of the work they performed, the OC Ventures team was extremely courteous to us, our family and all of the vendors which were involved in the process.  They were clean throughout the process as they ensured that their work was isolated to the kitchen - other areas of our house were left free of dirt, dust and damage.

Overall, our experience with OC Ventures was excellent. The cost was relatively low, but the quality of the work was exceptional.  We have several other areas of the house we intend to address, and we look forward to OC Ventures helping us with these requests.

Jack & Johanna Grange, Northbrook, Illinois

Ryan O'Connor has been a superb contractor for us. We have used Ryan for numerous construction and repair projects on our house and property over the past seven years.  Projects included complete kitchen remodel, two fully remodeled bathrooms including steam shower and extensive tile work, new hardwood flooring on entire first level including custom staircase, renovated garage system with epoxy floor and custom shelving, remodeled basement with custom kitchenette, extensive outdoor patio work with custom fencing and exterior lighting, paint and trim work throughout house.  

He has always completed each job quickly, efficiently and for an outstanding value.  Ryan has always brought professional and trustworthy craftsmen into our home.  This is very important to us, as we are a family with small children.  Each evening construction was cleaned up and our home was livable. 

We recommend Ryan and OC Ventures for any contractor work, and would be pleased to discuss his capabilities with anyone who wishes to inquire. 

Katrina and Justin Treutelaar, Libertyville, Illinois

We selected OC Venture to handle the project of finishing our basement. We knew what we wanted in our basement but needed a contractor who could make our dream come true. We choose OC Ventures because Ryan was willing to do whatever was needed to get the end result we were looking for. Ryan's crew arrived on time and worked tentatively through out the project. They cleaned up everyday before leaving. We handed Ryan pictures of different feature we wanted in the basement and Ryan made it happen.....even when we thought it could not happen. Ryan saved the day and recommended a few changes to allow us to keep the options we wanted. As we progressed through the project Ryan brought in the needed trade specialist that our project required. Ryan has the tools, abilities and drive to deliver what we wanted. Ryan took the time and assisted us in find the right materials to get the finishes we were looking for. Ryan even worked in materials we purchased to allow us to make our own and put our touches on it.   We now have a dream basement that makes you feel like your anywhere but the basement. We use our basement everyday!!!!!


After the first experience, it was clear there was only one choice as to who would handle the remodeling project for our main floor. Ryan's guys installed our new wood floors, replaced a few windows, updated our wood trim through out the house and then worked hand in hand with my kitchen cabinet and appliance contractor. Ryan crew also installed a beautiful coffer ceiling. The woodwork and tile work was incredible. Once again Ryan's desire to exceed his clients expectations separates him from other contractors. We now have a house we are excited about raising our kids and meets our lifestyle.

Thanks Ryan!!!!!!

Charneskes, Hawthorne Woods,  Illinois