How Much Does a Grey Structure House Cost in Pakistan?

How Much Does a Grey Structure House Cost in Pakistan?

If you’re planning to build a home in Pakistan, one of the first milestones in the construction process is completing the grey structure. Whether you're building a 5 Marla house or a 1 Kanal villa, understanding the cost of a grey structure is essential for budgeting, planning, and decision-making.

This article provides a detailed breakdown of how much a grey structure house costs in Pakistan, what’s included in the cost, key factors that influence pricing, and tips to stay within budget.

What Is a Grey Structure?

A grey structure, also known as the skeleton or bare structure of a house, includes all the core construction elements, but excludes interior and exterior finishing.

Grey structure includes:

• Excavation and foundation
  
  

• Concrete structure (beams, columns, roof slabs)
  
  

• Brick masonry (walls)
  
  

• Cement plastering
  
  

• Plumbing and electrical conduits (without fittings)
  
  

• Door and window frames
  
  

• Boundary walls
  
  

• Stairs and roof work
  
  

It does not include tiles, paint, kitchen cabinets, ceilings, lighting, woodwork, or final sanitary fixtures. That comes later in the finishing stage.

Average Cost of Grey Structure in Pakistan (2025 Estimates)

Grey structure costs can vary significantly depending on the city, plot size, material quality, labor rates, and design complexity.

Here’s a general overview of estimated grey structure costs across Pakistan in 2025:

⚠️ These are estimates for standard quality construction. Costs may vary based on your city (e.g., Lahore vs. Karachi), contractor rates, material choices, and customizations.

Breakdown of Grey Structure Cost Components

Let’s look at the major components that make up the total grey structure cost:

1. Excavation and Foundation Work

• Excavation
  
  

• Termite proofing
  
  

• Plain cement concrete (PCC)
  
  

• Footings, base slab
  
  

🧱 Estimated Cost: PKR 250,000 – 800,000 (depending on plot size)

2. Structural Concrete and Steel

• RCC slabs (roof/floors)
  
  

• Columns and beams
  
  

• Steel reinforcement (Sarya)
  
  

🧱 Estimated Cost:

• Concrete: PKR 120 – 150/sq. Ft.
  
  

• Steel: PKR 270 – 300/kg
  
  

Steel is one of the most expensive components, often comprising 25–30% of the total grey structure cost.

3. Brickwork and Masonry

• Burnt clay bricks
  
  

• Cement mortar
  
  

• Internal and external walls
  
  

🧱 Estimated Cost:
PKR 90 – 120/sq. ft. for standard bricks
Better quality (e.g., Awwal bricks) cost more but offer durability

4. Plastering and Cement Work

• Internal and external cement plaster
  
  

• Roof leveling
  
  

• Skimming (if included)
  
  

🧱 Estimated Cost:
PKR 80 – 110/sq. ft. for plaster work

5. Plumbing and Electrical (Conduits Only)

• PVC piping for water and drainage
  
  

• Electrical conduit piping
  
  

• Gas line installation (in some cases)
  
  

🧱 Estimated Cost:
PKR 150,000 – 400,000 (basic piping, varies by house size)

6. Door and Window Frames

• Wooden or metal door frames (Chowkats)
  
  

• Aluminum or iron window frames (no glass or panels yet)
  
  

🧱 Estimated Cost:
PKR 200,000 – 500,000

7. Staircase, Parapet, and Roof Finishing

• RCC stairs
  
  

• Parapet walls (safety on the roof)
  
  

• Roof insulation or waterproofing (optional)
  
  

🧱 Estimated Cost:
PKR 100,000 – 250,000 depending on area

Key Factors That Affect Grey Structure Cost

Several variables influence the final cost of your grey structure:

✅ Plot Size & Design

Larger houses or complex architectural designs cost more due to greater material and labor requirements.

✅ Material Quality

Higher-grade cement, steel, bricks, and pipes will increase the cost but also improve durability and structural safety.

✅ Labor Costs

Labor rates vary between cities and regions. Rates in Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi are generally higher than in smaller cit