diff --git a/extra/mason/mason.factor b/extra/mason/mason.factor
index 9732c03dfa..3afa56290b 100755
--- a/extra/mason/mason.factor
+++ b/extra/mason/mason.factor
@@ -15,9 +15,9 @@ IN: mason
     error. flush ;
 
 : build-loop ( -- )
-    notify-heartbeat
     ?prepare-build-machine
     [
+        notify-heartbeat
         [
             builds/factor set-current-directory
             new-code-available? [ build ] when