About this company
Next Stage Design + Build
Next Stage is a full-service residential remodeling company serving quality-oriented clients in Santa Clara County. We cover the spectrum from exterior and interior trim repairs, drywall, doors, windows, basic electrical and plumbing work, to complete remodels of closets, kitchens, baths, laundry's to decks, porches, and garages. Our in-house design capabilites, project management, and lead carpenter model enable us to completely design, manage, and build your projects from start to finish. We're a licensed insured general contractor and work with several highly skilled specialty subcontractors so we can be a one-stop solution for a wide range of repair and remodeling needs. Show more
Next Stage is a full-service residential remodeling company serving quality-oriented clients in Santa Clara County. We cover the spectrum from exterior and interior trim repairs, drywall, doors, windows, basic electrical and plumbing work, to complete remodels of closets, kitchens, baths, laundry's to decks, porches, and garages. Our in-house design capabilites, project management, and lead carpenter model enable us to completely design, manage, and build your projects from start to finish. We're a licensed insured general contractor and work with several highly skilled specialty subcontractors so we can be a one-stop solution for a wide range of repair and remodeling needs.
Jim Kabel, owner of Next Stage, was inspired to start his business based on personal experience. His frustration with the lack of professional interest in smaller projects at his own home drove him to retire from high tech and open a residential remodeling buisness. Jim spent 25 years at HP and Agilent in sales, marketing, and field service management and wanted to bring the same level of responsiveness and client care to home improvement here. Many homeowners are tired of searching for a professional remodeler who will take on all sizes of projects from small repairs to kitchen and bath remodels. And Next Stage has the right model to do this with a high level of guaranteed quality.
Next Stage is very process-oriented. From design consultation to documentation through project planning, scheduling, and management, we follow steps that enable us to exceed our clients expectations. We schedule on-time appointments and provide free consultations with a dedicated team of remodeling sales consultants. To enable us to perform a wide range of projects for our clients, we hire security-cleared, experienced craftsmen with a broad variety of experience in residential remodeling and repairs. We only use high quality, licensed and insured subcontractors and suppliers with a strong track record of customer service. We also back our work with a 2/5/10-year warranty.
We're very proud of the client satisfaction levels that we achieved. We've earned Diamond Certification in three categories for fifteen consecutive years and we are highly rated on Houzz with numerous positive reviews and winning Design and Service Awards from Houzz. We've also been recognized as one of the Top 500 U.S. Remodelers in Qualified Remodeler Magazine in 2007 through 2019. Also, in the last nine years, over 40 of our projects have won META Awards from the Silicon Valley Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) with two winning regional and National Contractor of the Year Recognition. And perhaps the best measure of our performance is that over 50% of our business comes from referrals and repeat clients. Hide
Types of work
GuildQuality surveys
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) response
We’re taking the following precautions for our customers:
At Next Stage Design, we take the health and safety of our team and clients seriously. As we are fully committed to our clients and their projects, it is important for us to find a way to serve our clients while creating a safe environment. We believe communication is key, and that is exactly what our team has been doing. During this unprecedented time, our team has diligently worked together to create a plan to assure you that we are taking all the steps we can to protect both you and our team.
Here are a few changes that we have implemented:
Consultations – Our Project Developers are now offering virtual consultations via Zoom and Face Time. This way, our Project Developers can tour your home to discuss your project while practicing social distancing.
Design– Once we begin design with you, we practice safe social distancing procedures followed by the real estate industry to visit your home, measure, and take detailed photographs. Our designers are using Zoom to discuss design plans in detail and to share photographs, plan sets, 3-D renderings, and product selections with our clients. Some of our vendors are even shipping material samples right to your doorstep.
Contract Agreement – Our team continues to provide detailed contracts that we review together and agree to before beginning your project. Through Zoom and Adobe sign, our Project Developers can walk you through the entire contract process virtually.
Build – In order to maintain job-site cleanliness and safety, we have trained our production team as well as our sub-contractors and vendors on maintaining strict protocols, which include:
- Staff must report their temperature every morning. Staff may be required to provide a COVID-19 test showing a negative result if they feel sick.
- Staff will not carpool with others unless they live in the same household.
- A confined work area is to be created – this includes the use of plastic dust walls and zippered dust doors. Air filters will be taped over any air vents in the work area and Build Clean air scrubbers will be used.
- Workers will wear shoe coverings on job sites and will be required to frequently wash their hands with soap and water, use hand disinfectant, and wear latex gloves. Each person will have a mask to wear if the client
requests they do so. No-touch waste bins will be provided.
- Portable toilets will be provided on all job sites where feasible to ensure a separate bathroom for the homeowners and worker. Portable toilets will be cleaned and locked at the end of each day.
- Groups must be 6 people or less and remain the recommended 6 feet apart.
- Workers will regularly clean and disinfect tools, equipment, and frequently touched surfaces throughout the day.
- Next Stage Project Managers are the designated Site Safety Representatives for each of their active job site to ensure COVID-19 safety practices are being followed.
As the situation is fluid and continues to evolve, it is our top priority to keep up with the latest practices and protocols to create a safe environment for our team, our sub-contractors and vendors, and our clients. We thank you for your patience as we navigate the changing times and wish you and your families well.
On behalf of the Next Stage Team,
Jim Kabel, Owner/President
Customer satisfaction
Reviews 335
Recent reviews
Tamzen C.
Additional comments
Use Comments
Use Comments - I've used Next Stage/Case for over 10 years on both major remodels and minor ones. They are wonderful to work with, have top notch experts and subcontractors and make sure the job isn't done until the customer is satisfied. I recommend them all the time.
Cathy E.
Additional comments
Sales Knowledge
Sales Knowledge - Gary was so helpful with the finance end and of my project. He was always available to answer any questions I had!
Project Designer Knowledge
Project Designer Knowledge - Shelly was sooooo helpful in helping me realize what I really wanted in my bathroom. She was so sweet and at the same time professional in our interactions....so sad to not be seeing her anymore!
Lead Carpenter Professionalism
Lead Carpenter Professionalism - Damien was very efficient and knowledgeable in everything he did for me!
Schedule
Schedule - The project was finished well before the original projected date!
Project Manager
Project Manager - Tim kept things moving! I didn’t have much down time between installations! Fun guy...I will miss him!
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Tim, Gary and Shelly
Greg F.
This is the third project I've done with Next Stage, and each one has been a pleasure. In particular they have been excellent at laying out the practical needs of the project, been clear about the schedule, and delivered quality work! I would happily recommend them to my family and friends, or anyone! I am looking forward to doing our next project with them.
Additional comments
Employees Professionalism
Employees Professionalism - Everyone I have worked with at Next Stage (over at least a 5 year period) has always been a great mix of professional and fun. They are all just good people - it speaks well of the individuals, as well as those doing the hiring.
Sales Knowledge
Sales Knowledge - Patricia was great across the duration of the project, she was clear on the initial estimates - and did not over or under promise. So we knew clearly what we were getting into. Surprises and change orders were handled promptly and well.
Project Designer Knowledge
Project Designer Knowledge - Corina was great, even having to pick up the project after a personnel change - it was handled smoothly, and with no issues. We were very pleased with the design, design options, and ability to ensure what we wanted was best captured.
Lead Carpenter Professionalism
Lead Carpenter Professionalism - I've worked with Glenn on two projects now. I am always comfortable having him in my home, attended or not. He is great about asking where there are decisions, and just doing good work everywhere else. Even the smallest thing (hanging a towel rod) gets attention, ensuring at least one end was in wood so it will be extra sturdy.
Professional & Organized
Professional & Organized - Next Stage has always been professional and organized. Planning phases and options are always clearly laid out, the ordering/materials plan is always complete - and this time, even with COVID disruptions (forced work stoppages by the county), they still were.
Communication
Communication - Next Stage uses email, phone, text, and an App - and they use them well. They have great attention to detail, to make sure questions are answered, reminders and notices are clear, and we always know what's next.
Problem Resolution
Problem Resolution - The only problem on this project was induced by COVID-19 restrictions. Next Stage was excellent at keeping us informed (we did not have to look up the rules ourselves), and also being flexible on restarting so we could get our own plans in order.
Expertise
Expertise - Between their own staff, and the trades the work with, there has never been a topic that they did not cover.
Schedule
Schedule - Only COVID-19 interfered with the schedule, and Next Stage handled that very well.
Subcontractors Professionalism
Subcontractors Professionalism - I enjoy the folks from the trades that Next Stage works with almost as much as the Next Stage folks!
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - On this project, Tim was exceptionally helpful navigating the COVID-19 induced disruptions, helping keep us aware of what was going on (as we moved out this time), and adapting to any changes.
Delene W.
Additional comments
Project Manager
Project Manager - Tim was absolutely great. Very professional and addressed All of our issues!!!
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Glen and Drew were excellent Workers who kept the job site clean.
Additional Comments
Additional Comments - We did a kitchen refresh and despite a pandemic year it was completed On budget and within a reasonable time and looked As good as the computer generated mockups when NextDoor originally designed our new kitchen. There were no issues in getting final approval by the City of San Jose. It was great working with a licensed and insured contractor who obtained appropriate permits. We would not hesitate to use Next Stage in our next project.
Dan P.
We have worked with contractors before, but working with NextStage is a completely different animal. We got a designer who gave us the perfect plan and finishes, a project designer to take us through the processes with minimal issues and fantastic carpenters who did the lion's share of the work.
Christina H.
Absolutely- I would be happy to.
Additional comments
Employees Professionalism
Employees Professionalism - All the people we interacted with were very professional. We found everyone to be good to work with.
Sales Knowledge
Sales Knowledge - Keith was very helpful with everything we needed. We were very happy with everything he did for us.
Project Designer Knowledge
Project Designer Knowledge - Shelly was great. She was always willing to show us more ideas when we weren't sure. She understood what we wanted and was always giving us new and great ideas. She was always enthusiastic about our project and really seemed to know what we would like.
Lead Carpenter Professionalism
Lead Carpenter Professionalism - Earl was the best. He was always courteous and always willing to help fix some of the extra little things that came up. He was very friendly and very knowledgeable.
Professional & Organized
Professional & Organized - Our experience with Case (Next Stage) was better than we could have hoped for.
Problem Resolution
Problem Resolution - Not too many problems, but the ones that did come up were handled perfectly.
Expertise
Expertise - Everything we needed was handled perfectly.
Schedule
Schedule - The schedule did get extended because of COVID-19 and the shelter-in-place order, however, they did everything they could to get our project finished in a timely manner, despite these issues that were beyond their control. We were very happy that the delay was not nearly as bad as it could have been. Since the delay was not in their control, I am still giving them a "strongly agree," because they did their best to keep the delay to a minimum.
Budget
Budget - The only additional money at the end was due to some things we asked them to do as they went along and this was entirely reasonable.
Clean & Safe
Clean & Safe - They always made sure that everything was cleaned up by the end of every workday.
Construction Quality
Construction Quality - Everything was just as I'd hoped it would be.
Punchlist
Punchlist - Again, some things got extended because of COVID-19. However, they still did everything they could to keep everything moving.
Value
Value - I believe we got what we paid for. Considering we were getting our kitchen designed, gutted, and custom-built, I believe we could not have gotten the quality of work if we'd paid less.
Project Manager
Project Manager - Tim was great. He was always responsive to our needs and he was wonderful to work with. He inherited our project about halfway in, but immediately got up to speed and was always available when we needed him. When the shelter-in-place order came down, he kept communicating with us so we would know what the status of our project was. He was very helpful.
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Everyone we worked with were wonderful- we were especially happy with Tim Kistler and Shelly Yoder. Tim became our project manager suddenly when our previous project manager left and he immediately familiarized himself with the project. He was always willing to help us out, and respond to all our needs. He went above and beyond. Shelly was wonderful as a designer. She went out of her way to find materials that we liked, even matching our light fixtures to our existing lights. And she always seemed to know exactly what our tastes would be.
Additional Comments
Additional Comments - I'm so happy that we went with Case/Next Stage for our kitchen remodel. Everything was done well and timely. I'm so happy with the final product, everything is exactly what I'd hoped for.
Gilne D.
Additional comments
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Jerry has been very helpful. He has a lot of skills, experience, and knowledge in the work that he does.All the regular staff leave my house clean and neat but not always the subcontractor/s. Overall, everyone that were involved in the renovation were pleasant to work with. They can be trusted as they have the expertise to do the work right. Thank you. I really appreciate it.
Bud C.
Additional comments
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Gary Frazier was very helpful during the first stages of the project. Gerry Aguilar did excellent work, carpentry and electrical, throughout our project. Shelly Yoder was outstanding. We are very happy with her design, features, and overall look of the finished remodel. She worked with us during all stages with consideration and good cheer -- planning, initial design and subsequent choices, choice of materials and appliances, and much more.
Maxine R.
My kitchen remodeling project exceeded my expectations! My project team listened to my wants & needs, worked diligently on every aspect of my project in order to create the kitchen of my dreams. Communication was excellent; the team arrived each day on time and took care to clean up at the end of the day. My Case team, as well as subcontractors, were courteous and professional. I could not have asked for a more positive experience experience.
Additional comments
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - My entire team from start to finish should be commended for their excellent work!Gary Fasier, Julie Prellwitz, Tim Kessler, Glenn Tirado were a pleasure to work to with.
Bruno C.
I found the extra cost to not be worth the money.My main concern was schedule and cost. Both were not well tracked. We had a fairly complex home expansion which required new foundation, new bath, new laundry. I would not recommend Next Stage for this.The project ran 6 months over schedule. Some of this was due to the city permit office being slow, but the majority was due to poor project management, cost estimation, and design issues. Here are a few examples of many:1. Their framing subcontractor incorrectly laid out the footings for our foundation. I noticed this the day before they were going to pour concrete; Next Stage's project manager never noticed. This was common for many items during the project; I felt like I needed to check their work to prevent backtracking.2. They tried to charge me for things that were poorly estimated at the end of the project: They did not install a laundry ventilation fan as required by code; the city caught this on the final inspection. Next Stage then fired our project manger and brought on a new one; another 2 week delay to get up to speed. He then called a second final inspection without fixing the issue, hoping the city wouldn't notice. The city noticed, and required a third final inspection. All the while, I'm paying for the city's time to do this, and Next Stage was trying to get me to pay for it (even though it was clearly required by code). Next stage should have estimated this in their original quote.3. The final window placements and door placements were off, and therefore looked uneven and uncentered. The designer created detailed plans not including thicknesses for drywall. Therefore, the subcontractors assumed the plans were for rough framing. Very poor communication between Next Stage and their framing subcontractor required many fixes and schedule delays. We had a baby on the way, so we did not have time to fix most of the issues, and had to live with them.4. Before the time my project ended, there was so much Next-Stage employee turn-over, that my original saleswoman, designer, and project manger were all replaced. Each time, there were schedule delays. I did not request these changes; the employees were either fired or chose the leave the company.5. Make sure they actually follow lead-safe practices during demo...6. And many other issuesThe positives:1. Their painting, electrical, tile, flooring, and HVAC contractors were very good. 2. Their internal carpenter was very good, and our replacement designer (after the first one left the company) was also very good.Overall:- Project management, cost estimation, and time management was lacking. - Original designer didn't think through all the details, causing us to compromise on a lot of thing once the building actually began.- Build quality from 90% of their subs and their internal carpenters was very good.- They would likely preform better for smaller renovations of existing kitchens and bathrooms, but not for larger projects.
Lynne H.
Next Stage Design + Build was highly professional. I appreciate their expertise and I would recommend them for any home remodeling projects.
Joey C.
Case Design/Remodeling has a knack for quality design and craftsmanship. From the start of the project, we felt confident that Case would craft a kitchen of our dreams. Little did we know, we’d be left with a Platinum Award-winning kitchen. Amazing! A special Thank You to the team: Keith, Corina, Shelly, Chris, and Gerardo.
Additional comments
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Keith, Corina, Shelly, Chris, and Gerardo are an awesome team. They did an amazing job! We also want thank Doug for connecting us to CleanRoofing for some unexpected roofing work.
Response
Mark B.
Additional comments
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - I would like to thank Kim, Shelly, and Tim for restoring our family as the center of our home. They did an outstanding job and we are very pleased with the results. Kim, Shelly, and Tim were very responsive to our needs and worked will within the confines of our work schedules.
Charles G.
If you're willing to pay the premium for a professionally managed project, Case is great. Their workmanship is top-notch, they have all the resources and experience to make a construction project happen on schedule. Their customer service is stellar. We are pleased with our experience with Case... but just make sure you have a checkbook, because despite being in the heart of Silicon Valley in the year 2020, you still have to physically write a check every week.
Additional comments
Budget
Budget - Case charges a premium (as they will be the first to point out), so although it stretched our budget, Case was always up front about all the costs, and there were no surprises.
Project Manager
Project Manager - Brad was great - always made us his priority, followed up on everything, and made sure everything ran smoothly.
Response
Susan N.
Additional comments
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Shelly Yoder and Patricia Métis were wonderful to work with.
Ying M.
Additional comments
Lead Carpenter Professionalism
Lead Carpenter Professionalism - Damien was fantastic, thank you.
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Damien and Samantha were both exceptional. We were so glad to work with both. Thank you!!!
Additional Comments
Additional Comments - Thank you for a lovey remodel!
Ross B.
Additional comments
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Both Patricia and Corina were very professional and an pleasure to work with. They provided great value as we developed the project.
Michael G.
Case did a great job in making our home good looking again. It looks like a new house.
Additional comments
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Damian Aguilar
Fred W.
Additional comments
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Corina Ramirez had exceptionally good suggestions for master bath decor.
Ed A.
Additional comments
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Chris Perko is very responsive in addressing our concerns. Where he effected the correction, that result was satisfactory in one visit.
Cedric C.
Additional comments
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - I would recognize Kim & Alex for their exceptional service.
Meghan S.
Additional comments
Sales Knowledge
Sales Knowledge - Keith was responsive and thorough with all of his answers to our inqiries
Project Designer Knowledge
Project Designer Knowledge - Samantha was increadible! She guided, recommended and supported us through all of our decisions with expert care and knowledge. An absolute pleasure to work with!
Lead Carpenter Professionalism
Lead Carpenter Professionalism - Damian joined the team late but we felt his professionalism from the second he arrived. He cared, and we knew it!!!!
Production Coordination
Production Coordination - Melissa was communicative and responsive to our requests.
Project Manager
Project Manager - We always felt that we were in good hands with Tim!
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Samantha, Tim and Kieth were an outstanding group of professionals to work with!
Follow Up Call
Follow Up Call - We will let you know when we are ready for our next project!!
Bernadette V.
Excellence is not measured by just one or two exceptional achievements, but by consistently raising the bar of expectations. We engaged with Case on a six month effort. It easily could have been a nightmare. Instead it was one a stable and joyful experience for my family. Time and time again Case would educate, listen and over deliver. They have redefined the term "quality" and even before the first project was complete we were already asking them to return. What made them most notable was that they would set expectations clearly. There were moments where they received a surprise that was not their fault. Each time they were upfront, honest and worked with us to understand how to best handle them and not have them affect the schedule. Case easily could have cut corners but they never did. Somehow they were also not late. Our home is stronger for their time here.
Donald S.
Additional comments
Lead Carpenter Professionalism
Lead Carpenter Professionalism - Damion was awesome!
Customer in Saratoga, CA
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Samantha was exceptional.
GuildQuality
Customer feedback report
