Grey Structure DHA Pakistan 2026
The structural foundation of a safe home. Here are the engineering parameters, 2026 material standards, and the 13-stage process behind a grey structure in DHA Pakistan.
Building a grey structure in DHA Pakistan is a detailed engineering job that depends on careful volumetric calculations, the right materials, and correct municipal map approvals. This guide removes the guesswork from your 2026 investment.
The long-term value of your property depends heavily on how the primary shell is built, because the structure has to carry seismic forces, ground moisture, and foundation loads for decades. At Construction Company DHA, we keep structural work clearly separate from finishing work so that your budget goes into concrete and steel strength first, before any cosmetic finishes.
Our baseline for a grey structure in DHA Pakistan starts at the 5 Marla (25x45 ft) plot size; we do not take on smaller plots because they leave too little room for machinery and safe working. From 5 Marla up through 1 Kanal and 2 Kanal projects, the work relies on correct C25 concrete curing, Grade 60 steel, and a clear 13-stage schedule. Here is how the structural stage works in 2026.
What is Grey Structure?
In Pakistani real estate, the grey structure of a building is the bare framework, from the foundation trench up to the final roof slab only. This stage completes the skeleton and seals it against rain and wind, but it includes none of the finishing work.
For long structural life, the materials matter. We use Grade 60 deformed steel (laid as reinforcement networks for tensile strength) and C25 strength concrete (mixed with Margalla crush and DG or Maple Leaf cement). The grey structure stage covers all Awwal (Class-A) masonry, structural lintels, concealed plumbing pipework in the walls, electrical conduits, and the protective sand-cement plaster.
Grey structure vs turnkey 2026 (what is not included)
It is easy to confuse the two stages. The grey structure stops once the roof slab is poured, the walls receive rough plaster, and the boundary walls are built. The next stage, turnkey finishing, covers the full move-in-ready handover. The following items are not included in a 2026 grey structure project:
- Flooring & Tiles: No imported Italian porcelain, marble cutting, or ceramic floor sealing. The floor remains a level concrete screed base.
- Aesthetic Paints: No ICI or Master interior emulsions, external weather-shields, or false ceilings (Rockwool/Gypsum).
- Woodwork & Joinery: Ash/Diar doors, custom mahogany wardrobes, kitchen cabinetry, and wood-paneled walls are entirely omitted.
- Fixtures & Fittings: No sanitary commodes, thermostatic Grohe mixers, glass shower cabins, or aluminum window glazing.
- Visible Electricals: Wires are pulled into conduits, but no switchboards, smart-grids, chandeliers, or HVAC split systems are mounted.
- Landscaping: Garden levelling, driveway tuff-tiles, specialized planters, and exterior gates are left for the Turnkey stage.
Grey Structure Rates 2026
Budgeting a grey structure in DHA Pakistan depends on location. Because supply chains, ground conditions, and labour costs vary between cities, we index our 2026 rates by city. To estimate the total, multiply the per-sqft rate by the permitted covered area.
| DHA Territory | 2026 Rate Brackets (PKR/sqft) | Geographical Cost Factor |
|---|---|---|
| DHA Islamabad-Rawalpindi | 2,500 - 3,700 | The highest base costs. Building on the rocky northern terrain often needs rock excavation and reinforced retaining walls for slope and seismic safety. |
| DHA Karachi | 2,400 - 3,500 | Higher because of coastal salinity. Rebar is often epoxy-coated and waterproofing admixtures are added to C25 concrete pours to resist moisture. |
| DHA Lahore | 2,200 - 3,200 | The most competitive market. Flat terrain and many contractors keep prices stable, while material standards keep the lower end firm. |
| DHA Multan | 1,900 - 2,900 | The lowest rates. Flat, soft agricultural soil makes excavation quick and inexpensive, which brings structural costs down. |
5 Marla Benchmark
1,400–1,700 sqft covered area, G+1, no basement. 2026 estimate in DHA Lahore.
PKR 31–54 lakh10 Marla Estate
Massive F10 bounds driving ~4,200 SqFt volume across G+2 setups. Rate relies heavily upon city terrain.
8.6M - 12.7M PKR (1.27Cr)1 Kanal Operations
Severe 55% coverage cap yielding ~6,000+ SqFt blocks. Executive territory demanding huge steel deployment.
13.8M - 21.3M PKR (2.13Cr)DHA Rules 2026
Compliance is essential. Even a well-built grey structure can be ordered demolished by DHA control boards if coverage limits and legal dimensions are breached. Our estimates are built around these 2026 rules.
Coverage limits and maximum height
Covered area is capped by plot size. 5 Marla and 7 Marla plots allow up to 65% ground coverage with a Ground + 1 Floor (G+1) height limit. 8 Marla and 10 Marla plots allow Ground + 2 Floors (G+2), but coverage tightens to 60%. A 1 Kanal plot is limited to 55% coverage over G+2, and a 2 Kanal plot to 50%, leaving more open green space.
Mandatory setbacks
A grey structure cannot be built right up to the plot boundary. Fire safety, ventilation, and a uniform streetscape require clear setback spaces. For 5 to 7 Marla plots, keep F5, S3, R3 (Front 5 ft, Side 3 ft, Rear 3 ft). For 8 and 10 Marla plots, the front setback grows to F10, S3, R3. A 1 Kanal plot requires F15, S5, R5, and a 2 Kanal plot requires F20, S7, R7.
Basements
If your budget allows, basements are permitted on all plot sizes. The rules set clear limits: you may build a single storey basement only, with a 9-10 ft interior height clearance. Adding a basement typically increases the budget by 30-50% because of the extra excavation and waterproofing involved.
Pool rules and approvals
Swimming pools are not permitted on smaller plots. They are allowed only on 1 Kanal plots and larger. Excavation cannot begin until the map is approved. We handle the 20-day map approval process with the relevant DHA desk so your drawings clear without unnecessary delay. See our DHA map approval service for the full process.
Step by step: the 13 stages
A grey structure in DHA Pakistan follows a clear sequence. A 1 Kanal shell takes around 7-9 months, while a 5 Marla framework can reach roof slab in 3-4 months. Both move through the same 13 stages below.
1
Site mobilisation and survey
Before excavation, surveyors mark the site coordinates. A temporary site office is set up, a 3-phase electrical connection is arranged, a water boring pump is installed, and secure fencing is put around the perimeter.
2
Municipal map approval (20-day target)
Concrete work cannot start without approval. Our team finalises the 2D CAD drawings to meet F10/F15 setback rules and submits them to the DHA board, aiming to secure approval within about 20 days.
3
Earth excavation
Track excavators dig the site. For standard G+1 homes, DPC trenches are dug. If a basement is included, far more soil is removed to reach the required 9-10 ft interior clearance.
4
Anti-termite treatment
An often overlooked stage. The excavated floor and trench walls are treated with concentrated anti-termite chemicals, forming a long-lasting barrier that protects future woodwork from subterranean termites.
5
Lean concrete (PCC) levelling
A grey structure should not rest on uneven soil. A 1:4:8 base layer of Plain Cement Concrete (PCC) is poured flat across the layout, giving the load-bearing footings a level surface to sit on.
6
RCC footings and columns
The Grade 60 reinforcement goes in. Deformed Amreli or Mughal steel bars are tied together, then C25 DG or Maple Leaf concrete is poured around the steel to form the footings that carry the load of the upper floors.
7
Damp proof course (DPC)
At street level, a horizontal concrete beam called the DPC is cast. Black bitumen layers and polythene moisture sheets are added to stop ground moisture from rising up into the brickwork.
8
Awwal Class-A brick superstructure
The walls go up. We use first-class Awwal baked red bricks, free of white efflorescence. Using river-sand mortar, the perimeter walls and internal partitions are built to true vertical alignment.
9
First floor C25 concrete slab
At the top of the ground floor, a shuttering deck is built. A Grade 60 steel mesh is tied and a continuous C25 concrete slab is poured. It then needs 14-21 days of water curing to reach full load capacity.
10
Upper level masonry
The same Awwal brickwork is repeated to complete the allowed G+1 or G+2 height for the plot size. Window lintels and door headers are cast into position.
11
Final roof slab and waterproofing
This is the end of the grey skeleton. The final 6-inch RCC C25 slab is poured. Mud-phuska insulation and hot-bitumen waterproofing rolls are then laid across the roof to keep out monsoon rain.
12
Concealed MEP layout
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing routes are cut into the finished walls. Fire-resistant PVC fan boxes, switchboard conduits, and UPVC/PPRC drainage pipes running to the municipal sewer are set into the wall channels.
13
Protective cement plastering
The final stage of the grey structure. Interior rooms and the exterior shell receive a coat of rough cement-sand plaster, protecting the brickwork from weathering. The turnkey stage begins after this.
Choosing a qualified contractor
A large grey structure is a significant investment, and it needs more than a general builder. It needs proper lifting equipment, reliable access to verified DG cement and steel, and a clear understanding of DHA approvals.
Working with Construction Company DHA keeps your 2026 build on track. We do not use substandard C20 concrete; we rely on C25 strength concrete and genuine Amreli or Mughal Grade 60 steel.
We keep our 5 Marla minimum so our teams can stay focused and finish projects within accurate 4 to 9-month timelines. You can read more about our turnkey finishing service if you want a complete, move-in-ready home.
Support for overseas Pakistanis
A large share of our clients live abroad. Managing a grey structure in DHA Pakistan from the United States, the UK, or the UAE needs clear, regular updates that work across time zones.
Our overseas desk sends weekly photo and video updates and approval status reports by email. You can reach us any time at info@constructioncompanydha.pk, so you stay fully informed without travelling to Pakistan.
We also keep our 2026 PKR estimates clear against USD, GBP, and AED so you can plan your budget with confidence through all 13 stages.
Grey Structure FAQ 2026
Can you build a grey structure in DHA Pakistan at 3 Marla?
No. We start at the 5 Marla (25x45 ft) plot size. Smaller plots do not give our machinery and site teams enough room to work efficiently, so we do not take them on.
Are basements included in the standard grey structure estimate?
No. A single-storey basement at 9-10 ft clearance needs significant earth removal and waterproofing, so it is quoted separately and typically adds 30-50% over the baseline PKR/sqft rate.
Does the final exterior paint fall inside the 13-stage grey structure?
No. The grey structure ends once the rough cement plaster on the exterior and interior is complete. Weather-shields and interior paints are part of the later turnkey finishing stage.
What steel grade do you use in the foundations?
We use Grade 60 deformed steel bars from established mills such as Amreli and Mughal. We do not use Grade 40 or scrap steel, so the structure meets the intended yield strength.
How quickly can the 20-day map approval be completed?
We begin as soon as onboarding is finalised. Once the drawings are mapped against the relevant bylaws (such as F10/F15 setbacks and G+2 height rules), we submit them and aim to secure approval within roughly 20 days.
How is a 1 Kanal swimming pool handled in the structure cost?
Pools are not permitted below 1 Kanal plots. On 1 Kanal estates that allow a pool, the water load and reinforced concrete work are calculated separately from the baseline rate.
Why is the 2026 Multan rate lower than Lahore?
Multan has flat agricultural soil that is far easier to excavate, which lowers groundwork costs. This is why the Multan basis sits around PKR 1,900-2,900/sqft compared with the higher Lahore range.
Can my 10 Marla plot use 80% ground coverage?
No. A 10 Marla plot is capped at 60% ground coverage under the G+2 height limit. Exceeding 60% would breach DHA bylaws.
How long does a 5 Marla grey structure take?
Timeline scales with size. A non-basement 5 Marla grey structure typically reaches the final roof slab in 3 to 4 months, assuming material deliveries run on schedule.
How do overseas clients send documents for a quote?
Email your plot documents to us and we reply with a written 2026 PKR estimate. You can reach our overseas desk at info@constructioncompanydha.pk and we respond within 24 hours.
Start your 2026 grey structure today
Get a clear, written estimate for your grey structure in DHA Pakistan, whether it is a 5 Marla home or a 2 Kanal house. Email us your plot details and we will reply with a costed quote.
Email us at info@constructioncompanydha.pkWe reply with a written quote within 24 hours.