Compare Local Pros
Craft Builders Construction vs Next Generation Electric
Santa Clara Electrical Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Both are experienced contractors with similar customer service strengths, but Next Generation Electric lacks workers compensation insurance, creating liability risk for homeowners.
| Craft Builders Construction | Next Generation Electric | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.6 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 11 years | 13 years |
| License # | 1005138 | 984649 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | — |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Morgan Hill, CA | Gilroy, CA |
| Website | craftbuilders.net | nextgenerationelectricinc.jobbersites.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Craft Builders Construction
Customers emphasize Craft Builders Construction's helpful communication throughout projects and thorough explanations of technical decisions across diverse project types from kitchens to solar installations.
Next Generation Electric
Customers highlight Next Generation Electric's responsive communication and educational approach to explaining electrical systems, with particular appreciation for prompt scheduling and efficient problem-solving.
Key Takeaway: Both companies receive remarkably similar feedback about communication and professionalism, suggesting the real differentiation lies in project scope capability and insurance coverage rather than service quality differences.
Customer Reviews
Craft Builders Construction
Craft builders did an amazing job remodeling our kitchen! Jennifer's communication and scheduling made everything run smoothly and she was so helpful with letting us know what we needed to decide next...
Craft Builders are very professional and went beyond to make sure I was satisfied with my project
I would highly recommend Craft Builders for any construction project. We had them replace our roof and couldn't be happier with our experience. Chris and Jennifer were great to work with. They are...
Next Generation Electric
Great work. Arrived right on time, were able to identify the problem and made the repairs in one visit
Quick. Easy. Professional.
Completed appointment promptly after scheduling. Amazing Service. Thank you for your service and time.
Consider Craft Builders Construction if...
- ✓ You need electrical work as part of a larger renovation project like a kitchen remodel or roof replacement where coordination across multiple trades is essential
- ✓ You want the protection of workers compensation insurance to avoid potential liability if someone is injured during your project
- ✓ Your project involves combining electrical work with other construction services like roofing or solar panel installation under one contractor
- ✓ You prefer working with a contractor who can handle permitting and coordination for multi-phase residential projects
Consider Next Generation Electric if...
- ✓ You have a straightforward electrical-only project like installing an EV charging station or upgrading your main circuit breaker
- ✓ You value weekend scheduling flexibility and need a contractor who can accommodate non-standard appointment times
- ✓ You're willing to verify your homeowner's insurance covers contractor injuries or confirm the contractor will provide workers comp documentation before starting work
- ✓ You need specialized electrical expertise for generator repair or complex circuit troubleshooting where a dedicated electrical contractor may have deeper technical knowledge
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → For Next Generation Electric: Ask directly about workers compensation coverage and request a certificate of insurance before work begins, or verify with your homeowner's insurance that you're protected if a contractor without workers comp is injured on your property
- → For Craft Builders Construction: If your project is primarily electrical, ask about their electrician's specific experience with your type of installation and whether they handle it in-house or subcontract
- → For both: Request references from projects similar to yours completed in the past two years to understand their current crew's capabilities
- → Ask about project timeline estimates and what factors might extend the schedule based on your specific scope of work
The Bottom Line
If your project involves only electrical work and you can verify adequate liability coverage, Next Generation Electric offers specialized expertise with responsive service and flexible scheduling. However, for most homeowners, Craft Builders Construction is the safer choice due to their workers compensation coverage, which protects you from significant financial liability. This protection becomes even more important if your project involves any construction beyond pure electrical work, where Craft Builders Construction can coordinate multiple trades under one contract. Unless you have a compelling reason to prioritize electrical specialization and are comfortable managing the insurance gap, choose Craft Builders Construction for better risk protection and broader project capability.
Get Up to 3 Free Quotes
Compare prices from licensed, verified contractors
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this is a legitimate concern. Without workers comp, you could be held personally liable if a worker is injured on your property, potentially facing medical bills and legal costs. Before hiring Next Generation Electric, verify your homeowner's insurance covers this scenario or ask them to provide proof of coverage. Some contractors operate as sole proprietors and may not be required to carry it, but you need to understand your exposure.
Craft Builders Construction has completed electrical projects including recessed lighting, pendant installations, and solar panel electrical work over 11 years. For straightforward electrical additions during a larger renovation, they're well-qualified. For highly specialized electrical work like generator systems or complex circuit troubleshooting, ask specifically about their electrician's experience with your project type to ensure they have the depth of expertise you need.
Not meaningfully in this case. Both contractors have been licensed for over a decade, placing them in the same established experience tier. Thirteen years versus eleven years is not significant enough to suggest a difference in capability. Focus instead on their insurance coverage, project specialization, and relevant experience with your specific type of work.
Craft Builders Construction is the better choice for multi-trade projects. They can coordinate electrical work alongside roofing, kitchen remodeling, or solar installation without requiring you to manage multiple contractors. This also means a single point of contact for scheduling, one warranty covering all work, and the protection of workers compensation insurance across all trades involved in your project.
Looking for the Best?
See our ranked list of top electrical contractors in Santa Clara.
Other Santa Clara Electrical Contractors Comparisons
How We Compare Contractors
License Verification
All license data is sourced from official California CSLB records and verified regularly.
Review Analysis
Customer reviews are aggregated from Google and analyzed to identify patterns in service quality.
Detailed Comparison
We analyze credentials, insurance, experience, and feedback to highlight meaningful differences.
Not all licensed contractors are created equal. While a valid license is the baseline requirement in California, contractors can vary significantly in experience, insurance coverage, and customer satisfaction.
- Experience matters: A contractor with 15+ years of experience has likely encountered and solved problems that newer contractors haven't faced yet.
- Workers' compensation protects you: If a contractor without workers' comp insurance has an employee injured on your property, you could be held liable.
- Reviews reveal patterns: Individual reviews can be misleading, but patterns across many reviews often reveal a contractor's true strengths and weaknesses.
- Bond amounts vary: A contractor's bond provides financial protection if they fail to complete work as agreed. Higher bonds offer more protection.
Taking time to compare contractors on these factors can save you from costly mistakes and help ensure your project is completed by a qualified professional.
Data Sources: License information from California CSLB. Ratings and reviews from Google. Last verified March 13, 2026.
This comparison is based on publicly available information. We recommend getting multiple quotes and verifying all credentials directly before hiring.
Get in Touch
Have questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.