Epitaxial Ni(Pt)Si2-y (y < 1) films readily grow upon thermal treatment of 2 nm thick Ni and Ni0.96Pt0.04 films deposited on Si(001). For annealing at 500 degrees C, the films are 5.4-5.6 nm thick with 61-70 mu cm in resistivity. At 750 degrees C, the epitaxial Ni(Pt)Si2-y films become 6.1-6.2 nm thick with a resistivity of 42-44 mu cm. Structural analysis reveals twins, facet wedges, and thickness inhomogeneities in the films grown at 500 degrees C. For higher temperature, an almost defect-free NiSi2-y film with a flat and sharp interface is formed. The presence of Pt makes the aforementioned imperfections more persistent.