Building a house in Pakistan has many steps, and one of the most essential is the grey structure stage. If you're constructing a 5 Marla, 10 Marla, or 1 Kanal house, then it's key to recognize what the grey structure includes, how the price is calculated, and what factors affect the total cost.
In 2025, the cost of grey structure construction will increase due to inflation, higher cement and steel prices, and diverse labor rates in cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad.
In this guide, we'll clarify everything from up-to-date rates, example cost estimates to instructions on how to manage your budget better.
What Is Grey Structure (Meaning)
The grey structure of a house means the basic frame or skeleton of the building. It includes key Work, such as foundations, walls, roofs, columns, beams, and plastering.
Still, it does not include finishing, such as paint, tiles, woodwork, or electric fittings. In simple words, when your house is at the grey structure stage, it is constructed and durable, but not prepared to live in yet.
Grey Structure Meaning in English:
The grey structure means the key framework of a house that is complete up to plaster, but finishing Work hasn't started yet.
What's Included & Excluded in Grey Structure
A grey structure is a house's basic skeleton. It gives the house its shape and strength, but does not include any attractive or finishing Work. Identifying what is included in the grey structure and what is not helps you plan your costs well.
What's Included in Grey Structure
The grey structure includes the main construction and basic functions of a house:
Foundation and RCC Work: Strong base and concrete structure for permanency.
Brickwork and Walls: Building key walls and boundary walls.
Roofing and Beams: Roof slabs and supporting beams.
Cement Plastering: Smooth walls prepared for painting or tiles later.
Plumbing: Pipes in walls and floors for bathrooms, kitchens and water tanks.
Electrical Wiring: Conduits and wires fixed for future switches and outlets.
Main Gate and Parapet Walls: Boundary gate and walls on the roof.
What's Not Included in Grey Structure
The grey structure house is durable but not ready to live in. It does not include:
Flooring: Tiles, marble or wooden floors.
Paint and Finishes: Interior or exterior decoration.
Doors and Windows: Wooden, aluminum or glass fittings.
Kitchen & Bathroom Fittings: Sinks, faucets and cabinets.
Ceilings & Wardrobes: Wrong ceilings or built-in furniture.
Electrical Fixtures: Lights, fans and switches.
In short, the grey structure is your house's strong framework. It's prepared for the next steps but not yet all set for life.
Factors That Drive Grey Structure Cost
Several factors influence the final cost per square foot of a grey structure in Pakistan:
Material Prices
The grey structure's cost per square foot depends heavily on resources. The main prices are cement, steel (Sarya), bricks, and sand. If steel or cement rates go up, the total construction cost will also rise.
Labor Costs
Labor costs vary by city. Expert workers in large cities charge more, while those in smaller towns are inexpensive. For example, the grey structure labor rate in Lahore is higher because of involvement and demand, which increases the overall cost.
Plot Size & Design
Larger or more difficult houses cost more per square foot. Big plots or fancy designs require extra materials, stronger structures, and more labor, which increases the time and money spent on the grey structure.
Soil & Foundation
The kind of soil disturbs the grey structure's cost per square foot. Weak or wet soil wants deeper foundations, waterproofing, or soil treatment. This creates a stronger base but also adds to the price.
Quality of Materials
Better quality resources cost more. Using high-grade steel, branded cement, and strong bricks makes the house more durable but increases the grey structure cost per square foot.
Contractor & Supervision
Employing an expert contractor confirms good Work and fewer mistakes. They manage labor and resources well, but their fees are greater than those of minor local builders, slightly increasing the whole grey structure cost.
Current Grey Structure Rates in 2025
| City | Average Cost (PKR / Sq. Ft.) |
|---|---|
| Lahore | 2,600 – 3,300 |
| Karachi | 2,800 – 3,400 |
| Islamabad | 2,700 – 3,200 |
| Faisalabad | 2,400 – 2,900 |
| Multan | 2,400 – 2,900 |
| Gujranwala | 2,400 – 2,900 |
Grey Structure Houses for Sale
If you don't need to build a house yourself, purchasing a grey structure house is a good option. These homes are partly constructed, so you can finish them later the way you like. In 2025, lots of developers in Lahore, Islamabad, and Bahria Town are selling them at reasonable rates.
Lahore (Bahria Town): 5 Marla grey structure prices about PKR 4 – 4.5 million.
Islamabad (DHA): 10 Marla grey structure prices around PKR 8 – 10 million.
1 Kanal Houses: In top areas, costs are PKR 12 – 15 million, depending on design and resources.
These houses offer you a strong base and allow you to finish interiors at your own pace.
Tips to Control Grey Structure Costs
Keep an eye on your construction plan and monitor the Work's completion. Minor mistakes or changes can cause costs to go up quickly.
Make a Clear Material List: Know accurately what materials and labor you want before beginning.
Buy Materials in Bulk: Purchasing cement, sand, and bricks together can save money.
Stick to Your Design: Moving designs in construction wastes time and resources.
Check Work Regularly: Ensure that the correct materials are used correctly and that the Work is done correctly.
Choose a Trusted Contractor: A good contractor may price more and avoid blunders and additional repairs.
Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
Lots of people make mistakes when constructing a grey structure. Not testing the soil can create a weak foundation. Employing unfamiliar contractors may cause bad Work. Overlooking waterproofing leads to leaks. Forgetting more costs like plumbing and wiring can increase costs. Cheap resources may cause future complications.
FAQ
Q1: How much time it take to build a grey structure?
A small 5 Marla house takes about 3–4 months, a 10 Marla house takes 5–6 months, and a 1 Kanal house takes 7–8 months. Time depends on the contractor and the climate.
Q2: Can I build the grey structure first and finish later?
Yes, lots of people do this to protect money and finish interiors later.
Q3: Which city is the cheapest for grey structure in 2025?
Smaller cities like Faisalabad, Multan and Gujranwala are typically expensive than Lahore or Islamabad.
Q4: How can I check my contractor's cost estimate?
Question for a thorough list of materials and labor (BOQ), and related to market rates.