DGA Plus +
Professional cost certainty for your project
DGA Plus is a self-led cost management toolkit for bespoke residential and small commercial projects under £1m, supported by three structured QS review sessions with the DGA team.
DGA Plus +
Professional cost certainty for your project
DGA Plus is a self-led cost management toolkit for bespoke residential and small commercial projects under £1m, supported by three structured QS review sessions with the DGA team.
Clear budgets. Confident decisions. A practical framework you run yourself, backed by expert QS judgement when it matters.
Clear budgets. Confident decisions. A practical framework you run yourself, backed by expert QS judgement when it matters.
What is DGA Plus?
DGA Plus is a self-led cost management toolkit for bespoke residential and small commercial projects under £1m.
It is designed for early-stage projects at design and planning stage – where the right decisions save the most money, but where a full managed Quantity Surveying appointment isn’t required.
This is not a managed service. It’s a structured, professional alternative resulting in clear budgets and confident decisions. A practical framework you can run yourself backed by expert QS judgement when it matters.
Each DGA Plus pack includes:
- – A comprehensive physical project folder
- – Clear guidance and decision frameworks for each project stage
- – Templates you can actively use and update
- – Three structured QS review sessions (3 hours total)
Why do I need it?
Architects
Use DGA Plus to sense check budgets early, support planning submissions, and align designs with realistic cost expectations.
The framework helps structure conversations with clients, while QS review sessions allow you to validate assumptions before sign-off – without committing the project to a full QS appointment.
Builders
Use DGA Plus to bring clarity and discipline to estimating, procurement, and contract decisions.
Templates support accurate pricing and variation tracking, while QS reviews provide an independent sense-check at key moments; particularly pre-contract and mid-build.
Homeowners
DGA Plus gives you clarity before you commit.
You receive professional cost guidance, structured templates, and expert reviews so you can understand quotes, variations, and final costs, without relying blindly on others.
How does it work?
DGA Plus follows the same logic as a professionally managed project but in a format you control.
Your physical project folder becomes your cost and decision making reference from start to finish.
1. Planning & Brief Development
Purpose:
Define your vision, priorities, and practical requirements before cost commitments are made.
DGA Plus tools include:
- Wants & Needs Statement
- Planning guidance and briefing notes
- Design explainers (Architecture, M&E, Interiors, Landscaping)
Optional QS review session:
Early-stage sense-check of your budget against your ambitions.
2. Pre-Contract & Procurement
Purpose:
Turn ideas into buildable information and select the right contractor on solid terms.
DGA Plus tools include:
- Procurement process guide
- Choosing a builder checklist
- Tender comparison template
- Value engineering explainer
- Risk and contingency guidance
Optional QS review session:
Pre-tender or pre-contract sense check of cost plans or builder pricing.
3. On Site & Construction Stage
Purpose:
Maintain cost control through good records, clear communication, and informed decisions.
DGA Plus tools include:
- Contract administration explainer
- Site meeting agenda and minutes templates
- Variation log template
Optional QS review session:
Bring valuations, variations, or claims for a structured, independent sense check before responding.
4. Completion, Snagging & Final Account
Purpose:
Close the project thoroughly and protect value at handover.
DGA Plus tools include:
- Snagging and close out guidance
- Snagging list template with worked example
- Final account and retention notes
Optional QS review session:
Final account sense check before retention release.
Built on DGA experience - delivered differently
For nearly 30 years, DGA has provided professional, accurate, and trusted cost advice.
DGA Plus distils that experience into a lighter, more agile format giving you access to structure and judgement without the commitment of a full service appointment.
Think of it as a professional safety net, not a project manager.