Compare Local Pros
Megawatt Construction vs Washburn Construction
Santa Clara General Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Washburn Construction brings 29 years of licensed experience compared to Megawatt's 6 years, a substantial difference in contractor maturity.
| Megawatt Construction | Washburn Construction | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 3.7 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 6 years | 29 years |
| License # | 1065545 | 734942 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Saratoga, CA | Sunnyvale, CA |
| Website | megawatt.com | washburnconstructionca.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Megawatt Construction
Limited review history with mixed customer feedback suggests inconsistent service quality or communication issues.
Key Takeaway: Megawatt's mixed feedback creates uncertainty that contrasts with Washburn's lack of available reviews, making direct reference checks essential for both contractors.
Customer Reviews
Megawatt Construction
Great Company woth Great employees
Washburn Construction
Excellent service some of the best carpentry work I've seen in my life.
Consider Megawatt Construction if...
- ✓ You're working with a tighter budget and Megawatt offers a significantly lower bid for a straightforward project like a room addition or standard kitchen remodel
- ✓ Your project timeline is flexible and you're willing to accept some uncertainty in exchange for potential cost savings
- ✓ You've obtained strong references from Megawatt's recent clients that address concerns about their mixed feedback history
- ✓ Your project is relatively simple with minimal risk of hidden complications that require veteran-level diagnostic skills
Consider Washburn Construction if...
- ✓ Your home is older and likely to reveal hidden structural, electrical, or plumbing issues that require experienced problem-solving during construction
- ✓ You're planning a complex renovation involving multiple trades, permit challenges, or unusual structural requirements where veteran judgment matters
- ✓ You prioritize contractor stability and want the reassurance of working with a company that's successfully operated for nearly three decades in your local market
- ✓ The lack of customer feedback data for Megawatt concerns you and you prefer Washburn's established presence despite limited online reviews for both
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Megawatt directly about the mixed customer feedback and request references from their three most recent projects similar to yours
- → Ask both contractors how long their current crew has been together and what percentage of work they self-perform versus subcontract
- → Ask Washburn about their experience specifically with projects like yours and whether they've encountered common complications in older Santa Clara County homes
- → Request detailed timelines and payment schedules from both to compare project management approaches
The Bottom Line
For most homeowners, Washburn Construction's 29-year track record provides substantially more reassurance than Megawatt's 6 years, particularly for complex projects or older homes where veteran problem-solving matters. Megawatt's mixed customer feedback adds uncertainty that only strong recent references can overcome. Unless Megawatt offers a significantly lower bid for a straightforward project and you've verified their recent work quality directly with clients, Washburn's veteran status makes them the safer choice. If you're moving forward with Megawatt, insist on detailed references and clear communication protocols upfront.
Get Up to 3 Free Quotes
Compare prices from licensed, verified contractors
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your project complexity. For straightforward work with clear scope and minimal unknowns, the gap matters less. But for renovations in older homes or projects involving structural changes, those 23 extra years mean Washburn has seen virtually every complication that can arise and knows how to handle permit issues, code changes, and hidden problems efficiently. Experience directly reduces your risk of costly surprises and project delays.
Mixed feedback suggests inconsistent service quality, which is a legitimate concern when hiring any contractor. Since both companies have limited online review history, you'll need to do extra due diligence with Megawatt by speaking directly with recent clients. Ask specific questions about communication, timeline adherence, and how they handled unexpected issues. Consistent performance matters more than occasional great results.
Yes, both maintain active workers compensation insurance and $25,000 bonds, meeting standard industry requirements. Your liability risk from uninsured worker injuries is equivalent with either contractor. The bonding levels are identical, providing the same financial protection if work isn't completed as contracted. The difference lies in experience and track record, not legal compliance.
Not automatically, but experience should weigh heavily in your decision unless cost differences are substantial. A 6-year contractor can absolutely deliver quality work, especially on simpler projects. However, you need stronger references and clearer evidence of consistent performance from Megawatt to offset Washburn's veteran status. If Megawatt provides compelling recent references and addresses your concerns about mixed feedback, they remain a viable option for the right project type.
Looking for the Best?
See our ranked list of top general contractors in Santa Clara.
Other Santa Clara General 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 10, 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.