In this week’s Mass Trades Weekly:

I’m cheering for you. Now go out and crush it.
~Christie

A Few Notes on Small Public Projects:
Consult the bid documents: Always check the official project documents for full details including scope, requirements, and deadlines.
Bonding: Public projects in Massachusetts frequently require bonding. If you don’t already have it in place, consider reaching out to a surety broker to line it up prior to bidding on a project.
Prevailing wage: Assume prevailing wage for public work at all price points.

• Town Bid Document Request Email Template (printable).
• Small Public Job Listings (spreadsheet)

Why should small contractors care about large public projects? Large projects
show who the active primes worth knowing are. You’re not here for the
contract, you’re here for the contacts.

Why should local suppliers and equipment rental companies watch large public projects? Big awards show where projects are starting and who may need tools, materials, equipment, machines, labor, and support. You’re not just tracking projects. You’re tracking future purchase orders.

• Contractor Outreach Guide (printable)
• Large Public Projects (spreadsheet)

I recently connected with Katie Harevich, CEO of Dahlia Property Solutions, a Massachusetts property management company serving condominium and homeowner associations.

Since property managers hire contractors regularly for maintenance, repairs, and community association projects, I wanted to hear directly from the buyer side of the table.

I asked Katie two simple questions:

Her answers offered some useful insights for contractors looking to build long-term relationships with property managers.

Before hiring a new contractor, Katie looks for:

One theme came up repeatedly: communication. Katie noted that some contractors do excellent work but struggle with responsiveness, documentation, or follow-through.

For property managers, communication is critical. Boards and residents expect transparency and timely updates, and contractors who communicate well are more likely to become long-term partners.

One of the biggest issues Katie sees is finding quality contractors who actually have room in their schedule. Many excellent contractors are already busy, which can make it difficult to address time-sensitive projects. Being available when a property manager needs help can be a competitive advantage.

Katie also emphasized that community association work comes with unique challenges. Contractors may need to coordinate with:

Contractors who understand that environment tend to be the most successful long-term partners.

One statement stood out: "The lowest bid isn't always the best value."

Property managers are looking for contractors who are reliable, communicate effectively, follow through on commitments, and stand behind their work. For contractors trying to grow their business, those qualities may be just as important as price.

In Your Corner connects contractors with trusted local professionals and industry resources across Massachusetts.

Patrick helps contractors figure out if their jobs are actually making money. Tell him “Christie says hi!”

Patrick Kimera
KPI Solutions Inc.
Phone: 978-935-3669
Email: [email protected]
Website: kpiacc.com

Commercial Installer — Rockland, MA

DH Pace Company, Inc. is hiring an experienced Commercial Installer for commercial door and building material installation at its Rockland, Massachusetts location.
Highlights:

Apply Directly: https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/dhpace/jobs/5041830008

View Massachusetts trades job listings here: MTW Jobs Board.