Expert Interview with Brian Tetreault
June 25, 2026
Today we are joined by Brian Tetreault, Co-Founder of Kitching & Co DirtworX, the top rated excavation contractor in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, known for self-performing every phase of horizontal construction – from excavation to underground utilities and concrete work under a single contract. In our conversation, Brian shared how the earliest decisions made on a site (often before development officially begins) shape everything from cost and timelines to long-term value.
Q1: When investors evaluate land, what are the most commonly overlooked site factors that can significantly impact a project’s outcome?
Brian Tetreault: One of the biggest gaps I see is assuming that all land is fundamentally the same once it’s zoned and priced correctly. In reality, subsurface conditions can vary dramatically, even between neighboring parcels. Soil stability, drainage patterns, and existing underground infrastructure all play a role in what’s feasible and how much it will cost.
A common red flag is when there hasn’t been enough geotechnical or utility investigation upfront. If you’re discovering rock where you expected workable soil, or realizing utilities need to be rerouted after the fact, that’s where budgets and timelines start to slip. The investors who do well are the ones who treat site evaluation as part of the investment decision and not something that happens after.
Q2: How does early-stage site preparation influence long-term property value, beyond just getting the land “build-ready”?
Brian Tetreault: Site preparation isn’t just about making a site usable, but also about setting the conditions for everything that follows. Proper grading, drainage, and utility placement directly affect how a property performs over time. Poor drainage, for example, might not show up immediately, but it can lead to foundation issues, maintenance costs, and even reduced tenant appeal down the line.
We’ve seen projects where thoughtful early work allowed for more efficient vertical construction and fewer long-term issues. On the flip side, cutting corners early almost always shows up later, usually at a higher cost. Value isn’t just created by what you build – it’s protected by how well the site supports it.
Q3: Many developers focus heavily on what gets built above ground. How do underground utilities and horizontal work shape what’s ultimately possible?
Brian Tetreault: Everything above ground depends on what’s happening below it. Utility layout, capacity, and sequencing dictate building placement, density, and even future expansion options. If those systems aren’t designed and installed with the full picture in mind, you can end up with constraints that are difficult or expensive to fix later.
One issue we often see is misalignment between design intent and site reality. Plans might look great on paper, but if they don’t account for actual site conditions or utility requirements, adjustments become inevitable. The more coordination that happens early – between developers, engineers, and contractors – the smoother the execution.
Q4: Cost overruns are a major concern for investors. From your perspective, what typically drives them at the site level, and how can they be avoided?
Brian Tetreault: Most overruns at the site level come down to incomplete information or fragmented execution. When key details are missed early, they don’t disappear, they just resurface later as change orders, delays, or rework.
Another factor is too many hand-offs between different contractors. Each transition introduces potential gaps in communication and accountability. What we’ve found is that tighter coordination and clearer ownership reduce those risks significantly.
Q5: Kitching & Co DirtworX operates with a self-performing, integrated model. How does that approach change outcomes compared to more traditional, segmented structures?
Brian Tetreault: When one team is responsible for excavation, utilities, and concrete, you eliminate a lot of the friction that comes with multiple contractors. There’s a single point of accountability, and decisions can be made with a full understanding of how each phase connects to the next.
From a practical standpoint, it improves efficiency and helps maintain momentum. But more importantly, it reduces the risk of misalignment. Everyone is working toward the same outcome, with visibility into the full scope.
For investors and developers, that often translates into more predictable timelines, fewer surprises, and a smoother path from raw land to finished asset. And ultimately, that consistency is what protects both the project and its long-term value.
