In this week’s Mass Trades Weekly:
MTW Wants to Feature Your Company!
Small Public Jobs you can Bid this Week that Don’t Require DCAMM
25 Large Projects Getting Started + Contractor Outreach Guide
One Question: Laurie Casavant, Bookkeeper
Who Won this Project? Crite Park Plaza
In Your Corner: Professional Services for Contractors
I’m cheering for you. Now go out and crush it.
~Christie
MTW Wants to Feature Your Company!
Has MTW led to a connection, conversation, quote, or job? Or let us know how you use MTW each week, and why you look forward to it. And for Pete’s sake, send us a real job site photo. I’ll feature one business next week with a link to your website.
Click here to submit your information.
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.
• Email template (printable). Use this when the listing directs you to email a town contact for access to plans and specs.
• This week’s 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.
• Read this first - Contractor Outreach Guide (printable)
• This week’s Large Public Projects (spreadsheet)
One Question: Laurie Casavant, Bookkeeper
MTW: Why would a contractor benefit from using a bookkeeper?
Laurie: A bookkeeper helps a contractor stay profitable and in control by keeping accurate, up-to-date financials and focusing on job costing, cash flow, and timely billing. Construction finances move quickly and can get complicated, so small mistakes can become expensive fast. Job costing shows which projects are actually profitable, timely billing keeps cash coming in, and cash flow management ensures there's enough to cover payroll, materials, and subcontractors despite delayed payments or retainage. Without solid bookkeeping, a contractor might think they're profitable just because there's money in the bank but that doesn't account for unpaid bills, retainage, or job overruns. A bookkeeper turns guesswork into clear, reliable numbers so better decisions can be made. Ultimately, it's not just about recording numbers, it's about giving the contractor visibility and control over their business.
Laurie Casavant
www.dimes2dollarsbookkeeping.com
Who Won this Project?: Crite Park Plaza in Boston, $400K
Boston is transforming the small triangular Crite Park into a vibrant neighborhood plaza. Phase 3 includes installing metal pergola shade panels, high steel picket fencing or garden railings, site irrigation connected to landscaped beds and planters, and new plantings and trees to create a shaded, welcoming gathering space for residents. Read more here.
Who won this project?
In Your Corner: Professional Services for Contractors
I’m building a small group of local professionals who help contractors navigate commercial, residential, and public work at every stage. I’ve spoken directly with the people listed here and feel comfortable pointing you toward them.
Click here for the MTW Directory.