Complete Guide to Grey Structure Construction in Pakistan – 2025 Update
The construction industry of Pakistan has been whirling over the last couple of years. Going through economic turbulence and getting to its feet after COVID-19, the industry is only picking up pace in 2025. With government-assisted incentives, foreign investments, and a rising number of middle classes dreaming to own a house, construction is back in business, and in boom.
The Construction Industry Position
Pakistan Bureau of statistics has recently reported that construction has grown by 12.5 percent in Q1 of 2025 over last year. The sale of cement has soared, new residential and commercial construction is emerging in the country and within city centres such as Lahore, Karachi or Islamabad, and there is an existing interest in planned communities and intelligent housing. A single word, which continuously appears on all the construction-related talks? Grey structure.
As long as you intend to purchase a dream house or work in property development, you need to comprehend the grey structure. Let us analyze it.
What is the grey structure construction?
Grey structure in simple terms means the skeleton state of a building. It has all the basic structural elements but no finishing such as paint, tiles, fittings and so on. That is the skeleton – solid, raw, up to be clad.
Grey Structure Includes:
- Excavation & earthwork
- Foundation and footings
- RCC (reinforced concrete) columns, beams, and slab
- Brick masonry walls
- Roof slab and parapet
- Concrete stairs
- Boundary walls
- Plaster (interior/exterior – optional)
- Sewerage & plumbing piping
- Electrical conduits (piping only, not wiring)
- Water tanks (underground and overhead)
- Termite treatment
Grey Structure Cost in 2025 (Estimated)
As of mid-2025, the average cost of grey structure construction in Pakistan ranges from PKR 3,300 to PKR 4,200 per sq. ft., depending on location, labour availability, and materials. Here’s a rough breakdown for a 5 Marla house (approx. 1250 sq. ft. covered area):
| Item | Estimated Cost (PKR) |
| Excavation & Foundation | 400,000 |
| Structure (RCC, Bricks, Slab) | 1,200,000 |
| Plumbing+ Electrical Conduits | 250,000 |
| Roof Insulation & Parapet | 150,000 |
| Water Tanks & Misc. | 100,000 |
| Total Estimate | 2.1M – 2.3M |
Note: There are wide differences in pricing in a city such as Lahore vs. Gilgit or Quetta due to material and transport.
The Process of Grey Structure Construction ( Step-by-Step )
1. Excavation and Preparation of the site
level the ground, stake out the plan, and excavate under the foundation plan.
2. Foundation & Footings
For the long-term durability, employ high-grade steel and concrete (which tends to be 1:2:4 mix). Do not miss out on soil testing in case it is a large scale one.
3. Structure Work
These consist of columns, beams, slabs and the leading support structure of your building. The adoption of 60-grade steel and PSI 3000+ concrete should become standard in 2025.
4. Brickwork & Partitioning
The popular choice of material in Pakistan is still bricks. Adequate curing and alignment is essential to have long-term strength.
5. Roofing
Install slab layers, waterproofing sheets (an emerging trend in 2025) and heat-proofing in case you are constructing in hotter areas such as Multan or Bahawalpur.
6. Plumbing & Electrical Pipes
Plumbing to be done with the PPRC or UPVC pipes. Put in walls electrical conduits, then plaster.
7. Parapet Wall, Tanks, Staircase
Install parapets, both underground and overhead water tanks, and complete stairs slab.
Expert Tips for First-Time Builders
1. Hire a Verified Contractor
Always ask for previous project portfolios, especially in cities like Islamabad where standards are tighter due to CDA compliance.
2. Never Compromise on Cement & Steel
Use branded materials (e.g., DG Cement, Bestway, Mughal Steel) even if it costs a bit more. Cheap materials = expensive future repairs.
3. Involve a Structural Engineer
Even if it’s just for a consultation, it’s worth it. Many people skip this step and pay the price in cracks or foundational issues later.
Legal and GB (Gilgit-Baltistan) Specific Advice – 2025
In Gilgit-Baltistan, there are new regulations in 2025 for seismic safety. Make sure your design includes earthquake-resistant features, as the region is seismically active.
Additionally, most areas now require:
- Municipal Approval for building plans
- Environmental clearance for larger plots
- Adherence to zoning laws and NOCs
Construction in GB also comes with the challenge of material transport. Always calculate transportation costs in your budget, especially for cement, steel, and sand.
Final Thoughts: Why Grey Structure is the Heart of Your Dream Home
The grey structure might look dull and dusty, but it’s the most critical stage of your construction journey. Every mistake here echoes into your future — whether it’s leakage, cracks, or instability.
With Pakistan’s construction industry on an upward climb, now is a smart time to build. Labour is available, materials are stabilising post-inflation, and both cities and towns are expanding.
So if you’re planning to start in 2025 with ZA Builders, do it smart, do it informed, and remember: a solid grey structure is where the future of your home begins.