Next Stage Design + Build is a full-service residential remodeling company that serves clients in Santa Clara County. Founded in 2005 in San Jose, the firm’s design/build remodeling services cover kitchens, bathrooms, complete home remodels, additions and exteriors.
President Jim Kabel says he was inspired to start Next Stage Design + Build because of personal experiences. Frustrated with the lack of interest and capability local contractors showed him when contacted to work on his home projects, Mr. Kabel left the high-tech industry with a new goal in mind: to bring a high level of responsiveness, client care and guaranteed quality to the home improvement business.
Next Stage Design + Build features an in-house design staff, project management and lead carpenters that provide complete design, management, and construction of clients’ projects from start to finish. The company provides complimentary consultations, and it only hires security-cleared, experienced craftspeople. All of this has led to numerous awards for design and customer satisfaction both nationally and locally.
“We’re committed to a high level of professionalism, communication, safety and reliability. And our work comes with a guarantee of quality of workmanship and materials that backs up that commitment.”
When selecting a contractor for a remodeling project, preplanning can affect your choice.
“People are often overly focused on price when looking for a contractor,” says Jim Kabel, owner of Next Stage Design + Build. “Price shouldn’t be your driving force, because if the work isn’t done right or backed by a warranty, you can do more harm than good to your home.”
Before talking to a candidate, ask yourself the following questions:
• Do you have a clear idea of the scope of your remodeling project?
• Are there changes to your living situation that may be affected by the project?
• How long do you expect to stay on the property?
When you talk to a company’s owner or representative, ask yourself the following questions:
• Do they listen to your needs?
•Do they have good suggestions and ideas? Do they seem proactive?
• Did they show up on time for the first consultation?
• Did they return your call quickly and promptly?
• Do they offer a guarantee or back up their services in any way?
Mr. Kabel also recommends having an expert review the exterior of your house once a year to make sure it’s sealed properly. Finding examples of rotted trim or siding, gaps in caulk or seams, holes in stucco, window gaps, and infestations of termites or other pests can be extremely important to the upkeep and value of a house. Basic maintenance can save on costly repairs in the future.
Next Stage Design + Build is an independently owned and operated branch of a national franchise that operates in 120 regions of the United States. The company is staffed and equipped to handle jobs ranging from small home repairs to full kitchen remodeling projects. “We’re a full-service design/build company,” says owner Jim Kabel, “and we have the capabilities to offer a one-stop approach to remodeling. We can help clients from concept to completion.”
Mr. Kabel says Next Stage Design + Build takes a highly professional approach to everything it does, from the way its employees answer phones to how it schedules appointments and consultations. The company focuses on kitchen and bathroom remodeling, but its services extend to weather stripping, door installations and major additions.
Next Stage Design + Build applies Green design whenever possible or when clients show a particular interest based on need or budget. When applicable, the company uses sustainable materials and energy-efficient lighting.
Next Stage Design + Build has an interior designer on staff who’s certified by the American Society of Interior Designers and can help clients plan and lay out space and select materials. After project designs are completed, the company creates computer-rendered drawings and ensures its construction crews build toward their specifications.
Handyman services include replacing door locks, hanging ceiling fans, patching drywall, installing crown molding or trim, and replacing rotted siding or trim. Mr. Kabel says the company can typically handle anything except emergency plumbing and major electrical work. “We can do basic plumbing, electrical, carpentry, sheet rock and a bit of painting. Our customers don’t have to call three different companies to finish a project.”
