Meet Derek Sammons & the DSC Team
From Hands-On Builder to Design-Build Leader
DSC originally began in 2015 when founder Derek Sammons became a licensed General Contractor in Northern California. After many years in college studying engineering and business Derek realized that all the skills and knowledge that he had gained in his college career, as well as growing up in the construction industry, had prepared him to serve the needs of his community by helping families turn their house into their ideal home. In 2018 Derek and his wife relocated to Boise, ID and began serving the local community here in Idaho. Starting as a one-man operation, Derek handled every trade himself—refining the process that now powers DSC’s detailed pre-construction and design systems. Today, DSC has grown into a full design-build firm serving Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Star, and Emmett, built on the same values that started it all: integrity, communication, and craftsmanship.
Projects with Purpose, Partnerships for Life.
Our Core Values
Integrity
Transparent pricing and honest communication.
Craftsmanship
Quality that endures long after completion.
Accountability
Clear documentation, timelines, and follow-through.
DSC’s Design-Build Process
Initial Consultation
The process is started when a potential client either calls DSC or submits their information through the contact form on the DSC website.
- DSC will call the client or send an email to schedule a phone call to discuss the needs, wants and rough budget.
- Prior to the phone call or during the phone call DSC will perform the initial diligence.
- Satellite images for location, architecture, site limitations
- If home was sold in the past 10-12 years, we use Zillow or Realtor.com for images of the interior and exterior from previous sale.
- Zoning information and setback requirements info is pulled from the Assessors website.
The process is started when a potential client either calls DSC or submits their information through the contact form on the DSC website.
Site Review & Design Contract
- Design Contract – Based on design area a retainer amount is established. Design Contract includes creating a 3D model of any existing space as well as a 3D model of the new or modified space that is included in the project.
- Design Contract typically includes two revisions sessions for the design, but more can be added if needed.
- Preliminary design is presented to the owner. This is a sit-down meeting, typically on site, with paper plans to discuss details of the structural design. Revision requests are noted during the meeting.
- Revisions are completed and sent back to the client via BuilderTrend for review. A video meeting is scheduled to review the 2nd revision with the customers. Second round revisions are requested and noted during the meeting.
- Design Contract typically includes two revisions sessions for the design, but more can be added if needed.
A site visit is scheduled with the client to take detailed measurements of the existing structure, if applicable. Images of the existing structure or lot or work area are taken to allow for quick reference in the design phase.
Design Diligence
Once the design is approved the Design Diligence process begins.
- Design renderings and models are converted to construction documents for structural details.
- A detailed Scope of Work is created for the entire project as well as detailed individual SOWs for each trade partner involved. The individual SOWs are used to create bid requests from our trade partners to make sure the bids they submit are accurate to the project.
- Meetings are established for the client to meet with our team of designers so selections can be made for all fixture and finish selections.
- SOW is revised to include selections and construction documents are revised to include specifications for fixtures and finishes.
A detailed estimate is created using all the information collected during Design Diligence and presented to the client as a proposal.
Once the design is approved the Design Diligence process begins.
Construction Contract
If the client approves the proposal a construction contract is completed to initiate the construction project.
- Construction Contract includes all construction documents, plans, details and specification developed during Design Diligence.
- A tentative schedule is developed for the execution of the project including a payment schedule based on progress events such as inspection approvals or completion of installs of a trade.
- The construction contract is sent to the client for electronic signature.
If the client approves the proposal a construction contract is completed to initiate the construction project.
Preconstruction
This is the phase of the process where we set up to perform the work that we have been planning for.
- Engineering – Construction plans are reviewed by a structural engineer if required. HVAC system is engineered for energy code compliance and Manuals are developed.
- Permits are obtained.
- Site utilities, barriers or fencing are brought. Temporary and permanent utility services are requested and scheduled where needed.
This is the phase of the process where we set up to perform the work that we have been planning for.
Execution
The work begins
- DSC’s Project Management coordinates materials delivery, trade partners schedules and constant communications with clients.
- Daily logs are posted to BuilderTrend a minimum of 3 days a week or after any significant progress or event.
Close out
Final details are reviewed with the client to make sure the project is finished to their satisfaction.
- Notice of substantial completion is presented to the client and a punch list is requested.
- DSC Project Management can walk the project with the client and document the punch list or the client may prepare it on their own and submit the punch list to DSC.
- Punch list items are addressed by DSC as we finalize the project. Once DSC believes all punch list items have been addressed, a final walk through with the client is requested to confirm.
- Final Completion – once DSC has completed all the punch list items and the client confirms, DSC delivers all the maintenance and operating instructions, schedule, guarantees, certificates of inspection and the warranty period begin.
Final details are reviewed with the client to make sure the project is finished to their satisfaction.
The Experts Behind Every Successful Project
Derek Sammons
Founder / Lead Designer
Over 20 years in design, drafting, materials science, and project management. Licensed General Contractor, NKBA Certified, NARI Member, lifelong learner.
Don Boline
Project Manager
Dan Cretser
Lead Estimator
Sara Jensen
Office Manager
Merlene Zimmerman
Interior Designer
I believe home is the “hub of life”. The place where you rest, dream, build families, celebrate, heal, and gather. I know that what makes a space come alive is the people who live there. Having nearly 20 years of working in the interior design industry, I take pride in collaborating to create homes that are functional, beautiful and made for everyday living.
Professional Standards You Can Trust
Better Business Bureau Accredited