Grey Structure Cost Breakdown in Pakistan – Updated Rates 2025

Pakistan’s construction sector is navigating a year of steady growth with a projected real estate expansion of over 5% annually through 2028. With a housing deficit exceeding 10 million units, builders and homeowners in Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi are focusing on the grey structure—the foundational skeleton of any home—as the most critical phase.

At Afaq Ahmad Constructions, we’ve completed hundreds of grey structure projects for 5 Marla (PKR 7–12 million) to 1 Kanal (PKR 26–50 million) homes, and this 2025 update provides a detailed grey structure cost breakdown, including updated rates for materials, labor, and total estimates. Whether you’re planning a 10 Marla build in DHA Lahore or a 5 Marla home in Johar Town, this guide ensures accurate budgeting amid rising costs.

What is a Grey Structure?

The grey structure represents the raw, unfinished framework of your home, including the foundation, walls, columns, beams, slab, and basic roofing—before any plastering, painting, or fixtures. It typically accounts for 50–60% of your total construction budget and takes 16–20 weeks, per our timeline blog. In 2025, grey structure costs have risen 5–7% from 2024 due to inflation, supply chain issues, and increased labor demand, averaging PKR 2,800–3,300 per sq ft in Lahore. For a 10 Marla home (2,250 sq ft covered area), this means PKR 6.3–7.425 million—up from PKR 5.625–6.75 million last year.

The Pakistan Building Code (PBC) 2021 and Green Building Code 2023 mandate seismic resistance and sustainability, influencing material choices. With cement at PKR 1,330–1,440 per 50 kg bag, steel at PKR 236–269 per kg, and bricks at PKR 11–18 each, grey structure pricing is volatile. Let’s break it down.

Updated Grey Structure Cost Breakdown (2025)

Grey structure costs include foundation, masonry, RCC work, and basic waterproofing. Based on our Lahore projects and market data, here’s the 2025 breakdown for a standard 10 Marla double-story home (3,400 sq ft covered area).

1. Foundation Costs (10–15% of Grey Structure)

• Excavation & Earthwork: PKR 50,000–100,000 (manual or machine, depending on soil).
• Concrete (PCC/RCC): PKR 250–350 per cubic ft; requires 500–700 cubic ft (PKR 125,000–245,000).
• Steel Reinforcement: 2–2.5 tons at PKR 236–269/kg (PKR 472,000–672,500).
• Damp Proof Course (DPC) & Waterproofing: PKR 25,000–45,000.
• Total: PKR 672,000–1,062,500 (PKR 198–312/sq ft).
• Tip: Use raft foundation for soft soil (adds PKR 200,000–400,000 but prevents settling).

2. Masonry & Wall Work (20–25% of Grey Structure)

• Bricks: 88,000–97,000 A-Class bricks at PKR 11–18 each (PKR 968,000–1,746,000). Fly ash alternative saves 10–15% (PKR 871,200–1,571,400).
• Mortar & Cement: 1,200 bags at PKR 1,330–1,440/bag (PKR 1,596,000–1,728,000).
• Labor: PKR 1,500,000–2,500,000 (mason at PKR 1,500–2,500/day for 40–60 days).
• Total: PKR 4,064,200–5,974,000 (PKR 1,195–1,757/sq ft).
• Tip: Opt for AAC blocks (PKR 800,000–1.5 million total) to save 20–30% on labor and time.

3. RCC Slab & Roofing (25–30% of Grey Structure)

• Concrete: 400–500 cubic ft at PKR 250–350/cubic ft (PKR 100,000–175,000).
• Steel: 1.5–2 tons at PKR 236–269/kg (PKR 354,000–538,000).
• Formwork & Shuttering: PKR 300,000–500,000 (reusable plywood).
• Waterproofing: PKR 100,000–200,000 (bitumen membrane).
• Labor: PKR 800,000–1,200,000 (carpenter at PKR 1,800–3,000/day for 30–40 days).
• Total: PKR 1,654,000–2,613,000 (PKR 487–768/sq ft).
• Tip: Use precast slabs (PKR 400–600/sq ft) to cut 10–15% time and cost.

4. Miscellaneous & Contingencies (5–10% of Grey Structure)

• Site Supervision: PKR 30,000–50,000/month for 4 months (PKR 120,000–200,000).
• Utilities & Temporary Setup: PKR 50,000–100,000 (electricity, water).
• Contingency: 5–10% buffer (PKR 315,000–475,000).
• Total: PKR 485,000–775,000 (PKR 143–228/sq ft).

Grand Total Grey Structure Cost (10 Marla Home)

• Low-End (Standard Materials): PKR 6.875–8.4245 million (PKR 2,023–2,479/sq ft).
• Mid-Range (Premium Local): PKR 7.5–9.5 million (PKR 2,206–2,794/sq ft).
• High-End (Imported): PKR 8.5–11 million (PKR 2,500–3,235/sq ft).
• Regional Variations: Lahore (PKR 2,800–3,300/sq ft), Karachi (PKR 2,700–3,200/sq ft), Islamabad (PKR 2,900–3,400/sq ft).

Factors Influencing Grey Structure Costs in 2025

1. Material Quality and Sourcing

• Cement: PKR 1,330–1,440/bag (1,200 bags for 10 Marla: PKR 1.6–1.73 million).
• Steel: PKR 236–269/kg (2.5 tons: PKR 590,000–672,500).
• Bricks: PKR 11–18 each (97,000 bricks: PKR 1.067–1.746 million).
• Sand: PKR 44/cubic ft (500 cubic ft: PKR 22,000).
• Tip: Bulk buys save 5–10% (PKR 100,000–300,000).

2. Labor Rates

• Mason: PKR 1,500–2,500/day.
• Carpenter/Steel Fixer: PKR 1,800–3,000/day.
• Total Labor: PKR 1.5–2.5 million for 16–20 weeks (PKR 441–735/sq ft).
• Tip: Hire local teams to save 5–10% on travel.

3. Location and Design

• Urban Premium: Lahore/DHA adds 10–15% (PKR 280–495/sq ft).
• Design Complexity: Basements or sloped roofs add PKR 200,000–500,000.
• Tip: Use standard designs to cut 5–7%.

4. Inflation and Supply Chain

• Rise: 5–7% in 2025 due to energy costs and exports (34.56% cement rise).
• Tip: Lock prices early with contracts.

2025 Market Context

• Demand: High in Lahore Smart City and DHA for premium grey structures.
• Trends: Sustainable alternatives like AAC blocks save 20–30%, per our bricks blog.
• Costs: Inflation and labor shortages add 5–7%; contingency is key.
• Solution: Afaq Ahmad Constructions offers fixed-rate packages.

Visualizing Your Grey Structure Budget

Imagine a 5 Marla home in Johar Town with a solid foundation (our villa image), a 10 Marla house in Bahria Town with RCC slabs (our bungalow image), and a 1 Kanal estate in DHA Lahore with reinforced walls (our roofing image). Afaq Ahmad Constructions ensures your grey phase is flawless.

The Role of Afaq Ahmad Constructions

At Afaq Ahmad Constructions, we specialize in grey structure:

• Fixed-Rate Packages: PKR 2,800–3,300/sq ft with no surprises.
• Quality Materials: Sourced directly for savings.
• Expert Supervision: On-site engineers for zero defects.

Visit https://afaqahmadconstructions.com/ to get your 2025 grey structure quote today!

Conclusion

The grey structure cost breakdown in Pakistan for 2025 totals PKR 6.875–11 million for a 10 Marla home (PKR 2,023–3,235/sq ft), with foundation at PKR 198–312/sq ft, masonry at PKR 1,195–1,757/sq ft, RCC slab at PKR 487–768/sq ft, and miscellaneous at PKR 143–228/sq ft. Updated rates reflect 5–7% inflation in cement (PKR 1,330–1,440/bag), steel (PKR 236–269/kg), and bricks (PKR 11–18 each). With strategic sourcing and planning from Afaq Ahmad Constructions, you can save PKR 500,000–1 million. Contact us now to build strong!