A close-up, dramatic shot of a mysterious, worn black journal titled 'Jacob's Black Book,' held by a man's hand with visible tattoos, symbolizing exclusive local knowledge for Minnesota's North Metro area.

Jacob’s Black Book

Jacob’s Black Book | The Trusted Vendor Directory
The Realist’s Directory

Jacob’s
Black Book

I’m tired of “Sponsored” ads. Here are the North Metro contractors I actually trust with my own home.

You can’t buy your way onto this list.

Before I was a Realtor, I was a bartender. I learned quickly who showed up on time and who didn’t. Now, as an agent in Coon Rapids and Anoka, my reputation depends on the quality of people I recommend.

This isn’t Yelp. This is my personal rolodex.

HVAC & Plumbing

Aquarius Home Services

Local to the North Metro. My go-to for furnace tune-ups and emergency plumbing repairs.

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Electrician

MN Wiring Co

Family-owned in Andover. The experts at bringing 1970s split-level panels up to code.

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General Contractor

All Metro Construction

Serving the Twin Cities since 2000. Honest work on roofing, siding, and storm damage claims.

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Chimney Sweep

Suburban Chimney

Essential for safety. They inspect liners and masonry to keep your wood-burner safe.

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Locksmith

Reliable Locksmith MN

Fast and mobile. The first call you should make after closing on a new home.

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Air Quality

Green Home Solutions

Mold remediation and air quality testing using plant-based products safe for pets.

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The Philosophy: Why This List Exists

I am tired of seeing good people get ripped off by “Sponsored” ads. This directory is my personal rolodex of contractors who serve the North Metro (Coon Rapids, Blaine, Anoka, Andover) with integrity. No one paid to be here. They are here because they do the job right.


1. Critical Systems (HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing)

The “Oh No” calls. These are the vendors you need when the heat dies or the basement floods.

HVAC & Plumbing: Aquarius Home Services

  • Why I Trust Them: Based right here in the North Metro. They are big enough to have 24/7 dispatch but local enough to care about their reputation in Coon Rapids.
  • Best For: Furnace tune-ups, A/C repair, and emergency plumbing.
  • Contact: aquariushomeservices.com | (763) 296-4199
  • Verify It: Read their Google Reviews

Electrical: Minnesota Wiring Co.

  • Why I Trust Them: A family-owned business in Andover. They are masters at updating those old 1970s split-level electrical panels we see all over Anoka County.
  • Best For: Bringing homes up to code, installing EV chargers, and panel swaps.
  • Contact: mnwiringco.com
  • Verify It: Check their BBB Profile

Sewer Inspections: Marvel Sewer and Drain

  • Why I Trust Them: They don’t just unclog drains; they use high-def cameras to show you exactly what is happening underground.
  • The “Realist” Rule: Never buy a home built before 1980 without calling these guys first.
  • Contact: marvelseweranddrain.com

2. Exterior & Structural

Protecting the shell of your investment.

Construction & Roofing: All Metro Construction Services

  • Why I Trust Them: They have been serving the Twin Cities since 2000. They handle the “unsexy” but critical stuff: Roofing, Siding, and Windows.
  • Best For: Storm damage claims and exterior facelifts.
  • Contact: allmetrocsi.com
  • Verify It: See their Project Gallery

Chimney & Fireplace: Suburban Chimney Solutions

  • Why I Trust Them: Wood-burning fireplaces in Minnesota are great until they become a fire hazard. These guys are thorough, clean, and honest about whether you need a simple sweep or a new liner.
  • Best For: Annual inspections and masonry repair.
  • Contact: suburbanchimneysolutions.com

3. Safety & Health

Making your home safe to live in.

Locksmith: Reliable Locksmith MN

  • Why I Trust Them: When you close on a new house, you don’t know who has a copy of the old keys. Reliable is fast, mobile, and reasonably priced.
  • Best For: Rekeying your entire house the day you move in.
  • Contact: reliablelocksmithmn.com

Indoor Air Quality: Green Home Solutions

  • Why I Trust Them: We spend 6 months a year with the windows closed. They use plant-based products to treat mold and improve air quality without filling your house with harsh chemicals.
  • Best For: Mold remediation and air quality testing.
  • Contact: greenhomesolutions.com
The Renovation Audit | JZ Real Estate
Financial Tool

The Renovation Audit

Stop guessing. Calculate the exact cost of labor, materials, and loan interest to see if your project will actually make money.

1. The House Context

$

Smallest House Biggest House (Cap Risk)

2. The Project

$

100% DIY (Supplies Only) 100% Pro Labor

3. Financing

How long until you pay this renovation off?

Total Cash Out
$0
(Inc. $0 Interest)
Value Added (ARV)
$0
Estimated Resale bump
ROI %
0%

Cost Breakdown vs. Value

Detailed Ledger

Supplies Cost $0
Labor Cost $0
Loan Interest (The Killer) $0
Total Investment $0

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