Advisory Services
Owner's Advocate
Independent guidance for homeowners navigating bids, contracts, disputes, and construction decisions.
Request Owner's Advocate ServicesWhen you are spending serious money on your home, you deserve someone in your corner who knows how construction actually works — and who is not trying to sell you anything.
Northern Builder Co-op LLC is an active licensed builder. That means we read bids, contracts, and field conditions the way a contractor reads them — not the way a lawyer or an inspector does. We tell you what we see, what questions to ask, and what we would do in your position. Then you decide.
One important thing: we will not advise you on a project we are bidding or building. Our advice is only worth something if it is independent. If that is the situation, tell us on the request form and we will say so right away and point you elsewhere.
What We Can Help With
Onsite Evaluation
We visit the project and give you a written assessment of what we see — conditions, concerns, and questions you should be asking.
Bid & Contract Review
We read bids, contracts, and change orders the way a builder reads them — scope, money, and risk — and tell you what stands out.
Bid Comparison
When you have multiple bids, we help you understand what you are actually comparing so you can make an informed decision.
Second Opinion
Work already done and something feels off? We take a look and give you an honest read on what we see.
Owner Representation
We attend meetings, review submittals, and represent your interests in conversations with your contractor throughout the project.
Dispute Documentation
If your project is in dispute, we document conditions, timelines, and facts in writing — the kind of record that matters.
How It Works
- 01
Send the request form
Tell us what is going on. The more specific you are, the more useful our answer will be.
- 02
We reply within one business day
We give you our honest read: whether we can help, and how. If we are not the right fit, we say so plainly and point you somewhere better.
- 03
We set up a call
If we believe we can be of service, we talk through your situation, answer your questions, and give you a clear estimate.
- 04
You decide
Nothing is booked and nothing is owed until you say so. Every engagement starts with a written Advisory Services Agreement.
What This Service Is
- Advisory only — we give you information, observations, and professional opinions. Every decision stays yours.
- Builder-perspective contract review — scope, money, and risk.
- Onsite evaluation of conditions, workmanship, and open questions.
- Independent — we have no financial relationship with your contractor.
- Honest — if we cannot help, we say so and point you somewhere better.
What It Is Not
- Legal advice — we read contracts the way a builder reads them. Enforceability and remedies go to your attorney.
- A code-compliance inspection or a home inspection to a published standard of practice.
- Architecture or engineering — when your question needs a licensed design professional, we tell you and help you find one.
- Encouragement to break an agreement — we do not advise anyone to breach a contract they have signed.
No charge. No obligation.
Tell us what's going on.
Send the request form and we will reply in writing within one business day with our honest read on whether we can help.
Request Owner's Advocate ServicesOr email us at [email protected] or call (763) 234-6773.
Owner's Advocate is an advisory service of Northern Builder Co-op LLC. Fees, scope, and terms are set out in a written Advisory Services Agreement provided before any engagement begins. Northern Builder Co-op LLC is a licensed Minnesota residential building contractor, License No. BC802778.