Business Details
33 Years
experience
Know what your project should cost, before you commit
Derek Gough Associates delivers independent professional services to clients commissioning high-quality residential building work. We bring together chartered quantity surveying, project management and contract administration within a RICS-regulated, ISO 9001-accredited practice. Our experience centres on substantial private homes, whether clients are undertaking renovations, constructing extensions or developing entirely new properties. Based in Knutsford and central London, we work throughout Cheshire, the North West and the capital, with our involvement also growing in the Midlands. We provide financial and contractual support intended to help clients make considered decisions and retain visibility over construction costs from the earliest planning stages.Our DGA Plus offering addresses the needs of domestic projects with budgets not exceeding £1 million. Rather than requiring a full consultancy appointment, homeowners can manage developing estimates using a structured toolkit alongside their architect. Templates reflect regional cost differences, while consultations with a chartered quantity surveyor help test assumptions, identify risks and clarify additional expenditure associated with surveys, investigations and professional appointments. This establishes a more reliable foundation for design decisions and tender comparisons. For larger developments, our complete service includes budgeting, procurement documentation, tender evaluation, contractor selection, contract administration and project management. We also manage post-contract expenditure, valuations and final accounts, provide lender fund monitoring and assess whole-life costs and carbon.
Services
Quantity surveying
Project management
DGA Plus cost planning
Cost plans and budget estimates
Schedules of works and tender documents
Tender management
Contract administration
Employer's Agent services
Post-contract cost management
Fund monitoring for lenders
Whole-life cost and carbon assessment
Served areas
- Knutsford, Cheshire, Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Prestbury, Hale, Altrincham, Macclesfield, Manchester, North West England, London, Belgravia, Chelsea, Kensington, Knightsbridge, Mayfair, Westminster, Midlands, UK-wide (DGA Plus)
Details
- Year established: 1993
- Employees: 17
- Licensed
- Insured
Highlights and features
- RICS-regulated practice
- ISO 9001 accredited
- Chartered quantity surveyors
- Independent advice, acting for the client
- Specialists in high-end private residential
- DGA Plus cost toolkit for projects up to £1m
- Review sessions with a chartered QS
- Offices in Knutsford and central London
- Regional cost templates for London and the rest of the UK
- Works alongside architects and designers
Associations and certifications
- RICS-regulated firm
- ISO 9001 accredited quality management
- Good Business Charter Accredited
Payment methods
- Debit cards, Credit cards, Mobile payments, Bank transfers
What people say
"Outstanding Service from DGA Quantity Surveyors"
"We received a great service where we required a 4M plus tender pricing in a short time frame"
For me the difference that makes the difference is the people ..and in my case I could not be happier with everything that Ian and Blair did for me so responsive, supportive and always ready to help or give guidance.
Services
Project Planning
We provide project planning advice from the earliest stages, assessing the suitability and feasibility of proposed schemes and their potential timescales. Our team offers guidance on selecting an appropriate design team and determining suitable contractor procurement methods. Working alongside our Quantity Surveyors, we prepare preliminary construction budgets and comprehensive project cost forecasts covering client expenses, professional fees and VAT.
Project Management
Our project management service provides comprehensive supervision and co-ordination of the project, design team and contractor. We act as your reliable advisor, maintaining a direct understanding of activities on site. By monitoring performance throughout, we help ensure that agreed timescales and costs are respected. Delivering work that meets the highest quality expectations remains our priority.
Client Representation
Every client approaches a construction project with different expectations regarding personal involvement. We accommodate these preferences by offering representation that extends beyond conventional project management. Our role includes understanding requirements through collaboration with family offices and internal staff, implementing agreed arrangements and providing progress reports. Participation in design sign-offs and materials selection remains entirely flexible.
Contract Administration
Our contract administration service ensures that contractual obligations and procedures are managed on your behalf. We maintain an organised flow of information between the relevant parties and oversee compliance with established contract requirements. When changes to the scope of works arise, we ensure they are identified and documented. Appropriate instructions are then issued accordingly.
People
Ian Scott
Director of Project Management
We deliver seamless project experiences to the highest of standards with expertise, integrity and a human touch. Our service is built upon decades of industry knowledge and trust, enabling a project to flow. Full of involvement, energised focus and enjoyment.
Reviews (6)
Raj Kalghatgi
Jan 25, 2026
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Will Cheung promptly addressed my inquiries, even going above and beyond by responding on his day off to provide the requested details.
Ian Macarthur
Nov 02, 2025
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It was my first experience with this company they submitted a tender for my company which was successful the whole process was a good experience
Mike May
Sep 15, 2025
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We received a great service where we required a 4M plus tender pricing in a short time frame.
The tender was priced before time, giving ourselves plenty of time to reflect.
The tender was provided in a fully priced BOQ format, easy to understand and an extremely professional presentation.
We would recommend this company.
The tender was priced before time, giving ourselves plenty of time to reflect.
The tender was provided in a fully priced BOQ format, easy to understand and an extremely professional presentation.
We would recommend this company.
St Demolition & Groundwork Ltd
Jun 19, 2025
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I can not praise this company enough, I have been a client of Derek Gough's now for 5 years and they have helped me grow my company to what is is today. The staff are professional and are there to assist us in getting the prices right for our clients. They have helped us so much and accommodated us at short notice. Thank you to Derek, Philippa, Edward and all the staff at Derek Gough Associates for assisting us in growing our business.
Alex Leslie
Jun 29, 2023
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Mike provided an amazing service. Straight to the point and exactly what was needed. Thank you
Kieron Smith
May 05, 2023
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We have used DGA services to tender for a few of our contracts now ranging from high-end refurbishment to small loft conversions and extensions and we’ve been very impressed with the service throughout. Philippa and her team are very professional and extremely accurate! One of the best QS’S we’ve worked alongside!