Let’s be honest, building a house in Lahore in 2025 is no walk in the park. Prices are unpredictable, contractors are everywhere (some reliable, some… not so much), and making the right choices at the right time can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded.
But if you’re at that stage where you’re ready to start building whether it’s your dream home or an investment property, there’s one thing you absolutely cannot afford to get wrong: the grey structure.
This blog will break down everything you need to know, from costs and timelines to how to find the right people for the job in Lahore. No jargon. No fluff. Just real talk.
Why Is Everyone Building in Lahore Right Now?
The city is growing fast.
In just the first half of 2025, Lahore has seen thousands of new residential approvals. DHA is expanding. LDA City is in full swing. Bahria Town, Etihad, Lake City they’re all buzzing with construction.
There’s a reason why the cement and steel markets are thriving again. After a few tough years, Pakistan’s construction industry is back on its feet, and Lahore is leading the charge.
First Things First — What Is a Grey Structure?
Think of the grey structure as the bare bones of your house. No tiles, no paint, no fancy wardrobes or chandeliers just the solid skeleton.
It includes:
- Foundation and footings
- Beams, columns, and roof slab
- Brickwork (internal + external)
- Stairs and parapet
- Electrical conduits (the piping only)
- Sewerage and plumbing pipes
- Underground and overhead water tanks
- Boundary walls (optional, but recommended)
In short: it’s the most important phase. If this part isn’t done right, no amount of Italian tiles or luxury fittings can save your home down the road.
What’s It Going to Cost Me in 2025?
Alright, let’s talk numbers.
In 2025, grey structure construction in Lahore (for a decent, solid job) will cost you somewhere between:
- PKR 3,500 to PKR 4,200 per square foot
Here’s a basic idea for different house sizes:
| House Size | Estimated Total Cost |
|---|---|
| 5 Marla | PKR 4.3 – 5.2 million |
| 10 Marla | PKR 8.2 – 9.6 million |
| 1 Kanal | PKR 14.8 – 17.1 million |
Of course, these are ballpark figures. Prices change based on:
- Your location (central Lahore vs outskirts)
- The materials you choose
- Whether you’re hiring a full-service contractor or managing materials yourself
- The weather (yes, rainy weeks do cause delays)
What Are You Actually Paying For?
Let’s break it down a bit further. Here’s where most of your money goes during the grey structure phase:
- Cement (Bestway, DG Khan, etc.): ~PKR 1,200/bag
- Bricks (A+ Quality): ~PKR 15,000 per 1,000 bricks
- Steel (60 Grade): ~PKR 260 – 270/kg
- Sand & Crush: Based on type/location (Ravi sand is cheaper, Margalla crush is stronger)
Add in labour, plumbing pipes, electrical piping, waterproofing, and shuttering — and you’ve got your complete grey skeleton.
Who Should You Trust With This?
This is the tricky part and probably the most important one.
In Lahore, you’ll find a hundred contractors claiming to be experts. Some actually are. Others… well, let’s just say they talk a big game and vanish once the payments start rolling.
So here’s how to spot the good ones:
Look for Experience in Your Area
Every location in Lahore is different. The soil in Bahria is different from DHA, which is different from LDA City. A good contractor knows how to build based on location-specific factors.
Ask for a BOQ
That’s a Bill of Quantities a document that breaks down every cost. If a contractor isn’t willing to share one, that’s a red flag.
Visit Their Previous Projects
A picture might be worth a thousand words, but a site visit is worth millions. Talk to the homeowner. Ask what went well and what didn’t.
Get Everything in Writing
Timelines, payment schedule, material specifications don’t rely on verbal promises. Protect yourself.
What to Expect During Construction
Here’s what a solid, reliable grey structure team will handle for you:
- Site Clearing & Excavation
- Foundation & Footing Work
- PCC & RCC Structure (Columns, Beams, Slabs)
- Brick Masonry
- Stairs, Tanks, and Parapet Walls
- Plumbing & Electrical Conduits
- Roof Insulation or Waterproofing (if needed)
Typically, for a 5 Marla house, this process can take around 45–60 days, assuming good weather and smooth planning.
Common Mistakes People Make (Don’t Be That Person)
- Going for the cheapest contractor. (It’ll cost you double later.)
- Skipping site supervision. (Even if you’re busy, visit twice a week or hire a project manager.)
- Not asking for receipts or delivery slips from material suppliers.
- Thinking you can ‘figure it out as you go’. (Spoiler: you can’t.)
Why It’s Smart to Separate Grey Structure from Finishing
A lot of homeowners in Lahore are now choosing to split their construction into two clear phases:
- Grey Structure – Done by a structural contractor or company
- Finishing – Managed separately or done in stages as budget allows
This approach gives you more cost control, flexibility, and better customisation later on.
Final Thoughts: Build it Right from the Ground Up
Building your home (or investment property) is one of the biggest decisions of your life. And it all starts with getting the basics right, your grey structure.
If the foundation is weak, your home will never be strong, no matter how nice the curtains are.
So take your time, do your homework, ask questions, and partner with hire ZA Builders who builds smart, and delivers what they promise.
