
Next Stage Design + Build
About us
Next Stage Design + Build (formerly CASE Design/Remodeling) is a design-build firm that specializes in kitchen, bath, and addition remodels.
Business highlights
Services we offer
Home Additions, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Whole House Remodeling
Amenities
Free Estimates
Yes
Accepted Payment Methods
- CreditCard
Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
---|---|---|
88% | ||
9% | ||
3% | ||
1% | ||
1% |
"We appreciate the review from this homeowner in Sunnyvale! Our team enjoyed working with you!"
"Hello [Member Name Removed], My apologies that the appointment did not go as anticipated. Summer is our busiest season, hence the 2-3 week back log. We initially scheduled a two hour appointment based on the description that was given to us on the phone. According to your assigned Home Repair Specialist, the bifold door hardware that was client supplied was a complete remodel kit to install the existing bifold doors. Custom modifications had to be done to the existing bifold doors to accept the new hardware resulting in the doors taking a full two hours to hang. At times, projects do not go as simply as expected, therefore our Home Repair Specialists will let our clients know what is feasible and what is not. We were prompt in calling you the same day (within one hour of the carpenter's departure) to address these matters and quickly referred you to a trusted licensed plumber to take care of your toilet and faucet installation. Again, we apologize that your expectations were not met. We do our best to be transparent about our processes and always strive to communicate this to each and everyone of our clients. Best Regards, Jill White CASE Design/Remodeling"
"Thanks so much for taking the time to provide your feedback about Jesse and his work!"
We hired a design/build firm because we wanted a full-service partner. What we got was basically a contractor with some designers on-staff. After the initial round of design / review, we agreed to a final scope of work and schedule.
The project ran pretty much on-time, although who showed up each day and at what time was somewhat random. Most things were subbed out, and the coordination between subs wasn't always smooth. For instance, the tile person and the granite contractor didn't quite mesh.
The final job is pretty much what we agreed to. My biggest issues were:
- 1) Quality - They clearly haven't learned the "measure twice, cut once" principle. They ordered and installed the wrong window, which had to be replaced. The tile and the granite didn't line up and had to be reworked. And the shower door had to be replaced not once but twice. It's no surprise that the company name used to include the word 'handyman'.
- 2) Coordination - You hire a general contractor to have a single project manager and point of contact. We scoped the project with a project consultant. We worked with a designer on the plan. For our project, we were told the lead carpenter would also be the project manager. Then we were given a different name of a production manager. Every week we got a bill from the production coordinator. There was too much "you'll need to talk with ... about that".
- 3) Price - The cost to remodel a ~ 300 square foot bedroom was over $90K. It would have been closer to $100K, but we chose to do the painting ourselves rather than agreeing to what was quoted. Nothing is gold-plated. There were no structural modifications. it was just a straightforward remodel. We tried shopping around, but there aren't many design-build firms in the Valley. My advice is to hire a designer-architect separately, then hire a general contractor. You'll end up saving 30-40%.
- 4) Closeout - Maybe I've watched too many episodes of This Old House, where the crew interacts constantly with the homeowners and there's a party at the end of the job. This was nothing like that. For our job, workers would show up most days. They'd work for a while and then leave. If you wanted the schedule, you had to ask - repeatedly. Our project manager kept getting pulled into other jobs. We had to push for fixes. When the job was done, there was a quick walk-through then they collected their last check and were gone.
"We're sorry that this homeowner did not take the time to contact us directly about his concerns. At our final walkthrough, he did not express any of these issues and appeared to be pleased with the final outcome which, as he noted, was completed on-time and on-budget. The project did run on schedule as the client noted. Unlike many design/build companies, we do have designers on staff to ensure that the design is completely defined and priced before the work begins. The homeowner did agree to the price and the scope before signing an agreement to build the project, which was completed in the budget range. We are always upfront that we use trade partners for tile, countertops, glass, drywall, and plumbing We did make a mistake on the window which happens rarely but took complete responsibility for it. As the homeowner noted, the schedule was not impacted. There was an issue with the tile and granite alignment which was resolved. When solid surface materials are integrated with tile, to avoid these problems. we typically use one company which prevents this issue. That will always be the case in the future. We no longer use the glass company that was referred to. They were a new partner that we needed to use due to the long backlog with our primary provider. As for coordination, we introduced our project team at the pre-construction walkthrough but the gentleman who wrote this review did not attend that meeting. Our lead carpenters are backed up by a production manager in the field and a production coordinator in the office. We thought our team roles were clearly expressed in the walkthrough but only Ms. Client attended. Our pricing is very competitive with other design/build firms. Hiring a general contractor and independent designer can save if the homeowner is willing to provide the coordination between the two entities and make sure the scope is complete. We appreciate the feedback about the job close-out. We do send weekly updates on progress and the upcoming week. We are working to make our schedule available to homeowners on-line to make it easier to get regular updates."
The 2 carpenters they sent out were amazing, they were very punctual, polite and obviously experienced with the job. They took off all of the old wood and replaced it so that it matched the original woodwork only better. They installed the new window and it looks so good. And they cleaned up and took away all the rotten wood.
"We appreciate the kind review. Our team really enjoyred working for you!"
"We appreciate this member taking the time to provide a review from as far back as 4 years ago and are glad he was happy with our quality and professionalism. As far as pricing goes, we only hire experienced, background screened, substance cleared, skilled craftspeople that can independently work with homeowners on a variety of projects. We pay them a fair wage with good benefits which enables us to find and keep the best people in the area. They are the prime reason our service, quality, and customer satisfaction continue to be so high. There are people who will work for less but they don't fit our business model and our homeowner client expectations."
Licensing
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