Grey Structure Cost of a 5 Marla House in DHA Lahore (2026-27)

The grey structure is the skeleton of your house: foundations, columns, beams, slabs, walls and the hidden pipes and conduits. On a 5 marla house in DHA Lahore it is also the part that is hardest to fix later, so it pays to understand exactly what you are buying. This guide explains the 5 marla grey structure cost in DHA Lahore for 2026-27: what grey structure includes, how the budget divides between materials and labour, typical quantities, the factors that push the cost up or down, and how Ahmed Construction Company (ACCO) prices grey structure work through an itemised BOQ.

What Grey Structure Includes

“Grey structure” is a standard term in Pakistan, but contractors do not always mean the same thing by it. Before comparing quotes, check that each includes the same scope. A complete grey structure package normally covers:

• Excavation, foundation, plain cement concrete (PCC) and damp-proof course
• Reinforced concrete columns, beams, slabs and staircase
• Brick masonry for external and internal walls
• Roof slab and mumty
• Concealed electrical conduits and plumbing and drainage pipes
• Underground water tank, septic or sewer connections as required
• Termite proofing, curing and engineer supervision

Not normally included: plaster finishes, flooring, doors and windows, woodwork, kitchens, sanitary ware, wiring, fixtures and paint. These fall under finishing. Some contractors include plaster in grey structure and some do not, so ask. Our grey structure construction service sets out ACCO’s standard scope.

Where the Grey Structure Budget Goes

On a typical double-storey 5 marla house in DHA, the grey structure budget divides roughly as shown below. These shares come from ACCO’s own BOQs and are a guide to where the money goes, not a fixed formula.

Quantities vary with the structural design, soil conditions, floor heights and the layout of walls. A properly engineered design often uses steel more efficiently than a rule-of-thumb design, so do not judge a quote only by the tonnage. For more on grades and quantities, see our DHA building material cost guide.

Single Storey, Double Storey or Basement?

Factors That Affect 5 Marla Grey Structure Cost in DHA

Steel and Cement Prices

Steel and cement together usually make up close to half of the grey structure budget. Their prices change with international markets, energy costs and the exchange rate. A BOQ should say whether rates are fixed for the contract period or adjust with the market.

Structural Design

Column sizes, slab thickness, beam depths and foundation type all affect quantities. Cantilevers, large open spaces and double-height areas need more steel and concrete. A good structural engineer balances safety and economy.

Soil and Ground Level

Most of DHA Lahore has workable alluvial soil, but filled plots, low-lying sites and plots near existing deep foundations may need extra work. A soil test before design removes guesswork.

Floor Heights and Wall Layout

Higher ceilings and more internal walls increase brickwork and plaster. Simple, regular layouts are cheaper to build than complex ones.

Quality of Supervision

Poor supervision wastes materials through over-ordering, theft, breakage and rework. Engineer-led supervision protects the budget as much as it protects quality.

Construction Stages

Quality Checks That Matter

• Steel: Grade 60 from a reputable mill, with bar sizes and spacing checked against drawings before every pour
• Concrete: correct mix, cube tests for important elements, and vibration to avoid honeycombing
• Curing: slabs and columns kept wet for the full curing period, especially in summer
• Brickwork: well-soaked bricks, proper bonding and mortar joints
• Levels: plinth level set correctly for drainage and future road levels
• Services: conduits and pipes placed before slabs are cast, not chased in later

Getting More From a Small Plot

A 5 marla plot leaves little room for waste, so the grey structure should be planned with the finished house in mind. A few decisions at this stage save money and space later.

Plan the Services Early

Decide the position of air-conditioning units, solar inverters and batteries, water heaters and the kitchen before slabs are cast. Sleeves and conduits laid in the structure cost very little; cutting through finished slabs and walls later is expensive and can weaken the structure.

Stairs and Mumty

On a narrow plot the staircase takes a significant share of the floor area. A well-planned stair with a compact mumty frees space for rooms and makes a future roof room or upper portion easier to add.

Roof Insulation and Waterproofing

Top-floor rooms on small houses heat up quickly. Allowing for roof insulation and a proper waterproofing system as part of the grey structure stage improves comfort and protects the slab for decades.

Natural Light and Ventilation

Narrow plots with neighbours on both sides can be dark. A small light well or a stair positioned under a skylight brings daylight into the middle of the house, and it must be planned in the structural layout from the start.

How to Compare Grey Structure Quotes

When you collect quotes, put them side by side on the same basis. Check that each uses the same drawings and covered area, names the same steel and cement brands, and includes the same scope for plaster, waterproofing, tanks and termite proofing. Ask who supervises the work and how often an engineer will be on site. A slightly higher quote that includes these items and proper supervision often costs less in the end than a low lump-sum rate.

How ACCO Prices Grey Structure

ACCO does not quote a single per-square-foot figure without drawings. Each grey structure project is priced through an itemised BOQ that lists quantities, material grades, brands and rates for every item, along with payment stages and a schedule. This lets you see exactly what you are paying for and compare quotes on a like-for-like basis. For how overall rates in DHA are worked out, see our DHA construction cost per square foot guide.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Comparing quotes with different scopes, for example with and without plaster
• Choosing the lowest rate without checking steel and cement brands
• Skipping the soil test and structural design to save a small fee
• Not planning conduits for future air conditioning and solar
• Building a single storey without designing for a future upper floor
• Paying large advances before work or materials reach the site

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The 5 marla grey structure cost in DHA Lahore is driven mainly by steel, cement, labour and bricks, and by the structural design that decides how much of each is needed. A clear scope, an engineered design and an itemised BOQ are the best way to control it. To get a priced BOQ for your plot, see ACCO’s house construction in Lahore page or call 0322-8000190.