Grey Structure House – Everything You Need to Know About Construction in Pakistan

What is a Grey Structure House?

A grey structure house refers to the basic skeleton of a building before finishing elements like paint, tiles, woodwork, and electrical fixtures are added. It includes the essential components such as foundation, walls, roof, columns, beams, plaster, and basic plumbing and electrical wiring.

In the context of construction in Pakistan, building a grey structure is considered the first major milestone, as it ensures the house is structurally complete and ready for finishing work.

Components of a Grey Structure in Pakistan

1. Foundation Work

The foundation is the most critical component, designed to bear the load of the entire house. The process includes:

• Excavation
• PCC (Plain Cement Concrete)
• Footing and raft work
• Steel fixing
• Concrete pouring

High-quality materials and soil testing are essential for durability and earthquake resistance.

2. Structural Framework

This includes:

• Columns
• Beams
• Slabs

Proper steel ratio, shuttering techniques, and curing are crucial to avoid future structural weaknesses.

3. Walls Construction

Burnt clay bricks are commonly used in Pakistan. Alternatives like blocks or fly ash bricks may be used depending on design and budget. Wall thickness and proper mortar application affect both thermal insulation and strength.

4. Roofing System

Roofs in a grey structure are built using:

• Reinforced concrete slabs (RCC)
• Steel bars as reinforcement
• Proper curing techniques

Flat roofs are typical in Pakistan, with slopes added for rainwater drainage.

5. Plaster Work

All interior and exterior walls are coated with cement-sand plaster. This helps smoothen the surface and provides a solid base for paint or tiles during finishing.

6. Sewerage and Plumbing Lines

This involves laying pipes for wastewater, drainage systems, and water supply lines within the walls and floors before plastering.

7. Electrical Wiring

The conduits for electrical wires are embedded within walls. It’s essential to use high-quality wires and proper insulation to avoid future risks.

Grey Structure vs. Finished House

Feature	Grey Structure	Finished House
Walls	Only brick & plaster	Painted or tiled
Floors	Cement base only	Tiled/Marbled
Woodwork	None	Doors, windows installed
Plumbing	Piping done only	Fixtures installed
Electrical	Wiring only	Switches, lights, fans added

Materials Used in Grey Structure Construction

• Bricks: First-class burnt bricks
• Cement: OPC or SRC, depending on soil condition
• Sand: Chenab or Ravi sand
• Crush: Margalla or Sargodha crush
• Steel: Grade 60 deformed bars
• Concrete: Ready-mix or on-site mixing
• Waterproofing: Membranes for the roof and foundation

Grey Structure House Cost in Pakistan (2025 Estimate)

Prices vary by region, labor quality, and material selection, but here is a general estimate:

Item	Approximate Cost per Sq. Ft. (PKR)
Excavation & Foundation	250 – 400
Structure (Columns, Beams, Roof)	600 – 750
Brickwork	200 – 300
Plastering	150 – 250
Plumbing + Electrical Conduits	150 – 250
Total Grey Structure Cost	1200 – 1700 per Sq. Ft.

So, for a 5 Marla House (1,125 Sq. Ft.), expect to spend around PKR 1.35 – 1.9 million for a solid grey structure.

Labour and Contractor Role in Grey Structure

A construction contractor plays a vital role in:

• Managing daily labor
• Procuring materials
• Supervising technical accuracy
• Maintaining timeline and cost-efficiency

Hiring a reputable construction company ensures proper handling of all stages with accountability.

Grey Structure Construction Timeline

Stage	Duration
Excavation & Foundation	10–15 days
Structure (Columns, Beams, Roofs)	45–60 days
Brickwork	30–45 days
Plastering, Plumbing & Electrical	30–40 days
Total	3 to 4 months (for 5 Marla house)

Larger homes like 10 Marla or 1 Kanal may take 5–8 months for complete grey structure work.

Advantages of Building in Grey Structure Stage

• Cost Control: It allows the owner to complete the house in phases, starting with essential construction.
• Customization: Later stages like finishing can be tailored to personal tastes and budget.
• Inspection Friendly: Easier to assess the quality of construction and wiring/plumbing layout.

Tips for Grey Structure Success in Pakistan

1. Choose high-quality cement and steel for structural reliability.
2. Always get soil testing done before laying the foundation.
3. Monitor material ratios for concrete and mortar mixes.
4. Appoint an engineer or architect to oversee technical supervision.
5. Install termite-proofing before and after foundation work.
6. Ensure proper curing of concrete and plaster for durability.

Popular Cities for Grey Structure Projects in Pakistan

• Lahore – DHA, Bahria Town, Johar Town
• Islamabad – G-13, G-14, B-17, DHA
• Karachi – Scheme 33, Bahria Town Karachi
• Faisalabad & Multan – Emerging housing schemes and private lands

Why Choose Professional Help for Grey Structure Construction

We recommend hiring a reputable construction company with expertise in grey structure projects. This ensures:

• Use of premium materials
• Professional labor supervision
• On-time delivery
• Compliance with building by-laws

Whether it’s a 5 Marla modern design or a 1 Kanal classic villa, professionals make sure every inch is built with a long-term vision.

Conclusion

A Grey Structure House is the backbone of your future home. From soil testing to slab curing, every step matters. Understanding its detailed process not only gives you control over construction quality but also helps you manage budgets wisely. With the right team and materials, your dream home starts strong, right from the grey structure.