Gray Construction Rates — 5 Marla House (DHA Lahore)

Note: This post gives a clear, itemized estimate for gray (shell) construction of a 5 marla house in DHA Lahore. Gray construction here means foundation, RCC/slab, columns, brickwork, plaster (rough), basic external works, septic/underground tank, and basic sanitary & drainage provisions — finishes, joinery, tiles, paint, electrical fixtures and full MEP are excluded.

Assumptions (please read)

• Plot / built-up area assumptions: a typical DHA 5 marla plot (25′ × 45′) = 1,125 sq.ft. A common double-storey built-up area is approx 2,250 sq.ft (1125 × 2). Use the row that matches your design.
• Rates shown are ranges: actual price depends on chosen material grades (A / B / C), structural requirements, soil and foundation conditions, contractor overhead and final BOQ.
• All amounts in PKR.

Current market grey-structure rate (per sq.ft)

Based on recent market surveys and local builders in Lahore, the common grey-structure rate range (materials + labour for the grey package) is approximately:

• Lower / Economy range: ≈ Rs. 2,300 per sq.ft.
• Mid / Good quality: ≈ Rs. 2,800–3,100 per sq.ft.
• Premium / A-grade structural work: up to Rs. 3,400 per sq.ft (or higher for heavy reinforcement / special foundations / high concrete grades).

These per-sqft ranges are consistent with local calculators and market reports for Lahore/DHA. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Quick estimates (apply to your built-up area)

How these totals were calculated: Total = Rate (Rs/sq.ft) × Built-up area (sq.ft). Use the rate that matches your material & workmanship level.

Typical BOQ items included in “Gray Structure”

• Excavation, foundation (strip/isolated/piled depending on soil), PCC bed, vertical/horizontal reinforcement
• RCC columns, beams, slabs (reinforced concrete), formwork
• Brick/block work (external & internal load-bearing/non-load-bearing)
• Cement-sand plaster (rough) for walls and soffits
• Underground water tank + septic/Sewerage provisions
• Basic external site works (approach, leveling, sub-base)
• Basic drainage and sewer provisions (lines laid to stack)
• Provision for electrical conduit runs and sanitary stacks (but not fittings/fixtures)
• Quality control, curing, and standard site supervision for structural work

Typical exclusions (what you still need after gray)

• Tiles, flooring, internal plaster finishes, painting
• Doors, windows, aluminum/glass works
• Kitchen cabinets, wardrobes
• Electrical wiring termination, switches, fixtures, ACs
• Sanitary ware, showers, basins, faucets
• External landscaping, boundary walls (unless quoted)

Practical example (mid-quality scenario)

If you plan a double-storey house (≈2,250 sq.ft built-up) and choose a mid-quality grey rate of Rs. 2,800 / sq.ft then:

• Grey structure estimate ≈ 2,250 × 2,800 = Rs. 6,300,000.
• Allow an additional contingency of 5–10% for price fluctuations / design changes (≈ Rs. 315k–630k).
• Final grey budget target ≈ Rs. 6.6M – 6.93M (rounded).

Market guides and local contractors show similar mid-range totals for quality grey packages in DHA Lahore. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Tips to control grey-construction cost

1. Obtain a detailed BOQ (Bill of Quantities) from at least 2–3 reputable contractors and compare item-by-item.
2. Fix material brands/specs in the contract (cement grade, steel brand & grade, brick type) to avoid substitutions.
3. Plan structural requirements carefully — over-design adds cost, under-design risks safety; involve a qualified structural engineer.
4. Negotiate a clear payment schedule tied to milestones (excavation, foundation, plinth, first-floor slab, roof slab).
5. Keep a 5–10% contingency for market-driven material price changes.

Next steps — how to get an exact quotation

1) Share your architectural drawings (floor plans, elevations, structural drawings).
2) Ask for a line-by-line BOQ with quantities and unit rates.
3) Request references and recent project photos from any contractor before awarding the job.

Want a precise, site-specific quotation? We can prepare a professional BOQ & fixed-price gray-structure quotation after reviewing your drawings and site. For local experience in DHA Lahore you may contact Ahmed Construction Company (ACCO) — they handle DHA projects and have local DHA experience. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Sources & further reading

• Local construction cost calculators and market reports (Zameen construction calculator). :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• DHA/Lahore market guides and price ranges. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Developer & construction estimates (Avenir developments grey-structure guide). :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Contractor market posts for 2025 grey structure ranges. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• ACCO example summary of 5 Marla cost (company page). :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Disclaimer: The numbers above are market-based estimates gathered from local Lahore sources and contractor guides. Prices for cement, steel, and labour fluctuate; for an accurate, binding fixed-price quotation you must request a site-specific BOQ and visit the site for soil/foundation checks.

Published: December 9, 2025 — Rates & references checked against Lahore market guides (links above).