Frequently Asked Questions: House Construction, Costs & Approvals in Pakistan
Have questions about building a home or commercial building in Pakistan? Here are answers to the most common inquiries regarding grey structure vs turnkey construction costs, FDA and LDA building approvals, construction timelines, material testing protocols, and milestone payment contracts for projects in Faisalabad and Lahore.
1. House Construction Costs & Budgets
What is the current per-square-foot cost of construction in Pakistan in 2026?
As of 2026, standard grey structure construction averages Rs. 2,600 to Rs. 3,100 per sq ft in Faisalabad and Rs. 2,700 to Rs. 3,250 per sq ft in Lahore. Complete A-Category turnkey finishing (including tiles, woodwork, sanitary, paint, lighting) ranges from Rs. 4,800 to Rs. 6,200 per sq ft, while luxury executive finishes range from Rs. 6,500 to Rs. 8,000+ per sq ft.
What is the difference between Grey Structure and Turnkey Construction?
Grey Structure encompasses all civil works: excavation, foundation, brick masonry walls, reinforced concrete (RCC) columns, beams, roof slab casting, underground water storage tanks, and internal electrical and plumbing piping embedded in walls. Turnkey Construction includes the complete grey structure PLUS all interior and exterior finishing: floor and wall tiling, bathroom vanity and sanitary ware installation, modular kitchen cabinetry, bedroom wardrobes, room doors, windows, paint, and false ceilings. You receive the house completely move-in ready.
How much does it cost to build a 5 Marla and 10 Marla house in 2026?
For a 5 Marla double-storey house (approx. 2,000 sq ft covered area), the grey structure costs approximately Rs. 5.3M – Rs. 6.2M, and turnkey finishing totals Rs. 9.5M – Rs. 11.8M. For a 10 Marla house (approx. 3,400 sq ft covered area), grey structure costs Rs. 9.2M – Rs. 10.8M, and turnkey finishing totals Rs. 17.5M – Rs. 21.5M.
2. Building Approvals, Bylaws & Society Regulations
Who handles municipal and housing society approvals?
PK Civil Works handles the complete end-to-end building approval process. In Faisalabad, we submit to the Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA) or local municipal council. In Lahore, we submit directly to the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), DHA Town Planning branch, or Bahria Town Design Office. All submissions include certified structural drawings vetted by our registered Professional Engineer (PE).
What are Compulsory Open Spaces (COS) and why are they mandatory?
Compulsory Open Spaces (setbacks) are open margins mandated by building control authorities around your house. They provide emergency fire access, natural light, and ventilation. Violating setback regulations can lead to substantial fines or refusal of utility connections (electricity, gas, water).
3. Materials, Quality Control & Engineering Standards
Which brand of steel and cement do you use in your builds?
We use only prime, ASTM-A615 compliant Grade-60 deformed steel rebars from top mills (Mughal Steel, Amreli Steels, or Model Steel). For concrete and masonry, we use certified Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC 53-Grade) from Maple Leaf, Bestway, or Fauji Cement. We never use unbranded or rerolled steel bars.
How do you prevent termite damage and dampness (seep)?
Every project includes a comprehensive 10-year anti-termite chemical soil injection prior to floor compaction. For moisture and seepage prevention, we apply dual-layer damp-proof course (DPC) bitumen membranes, polythene sheets beneath the sub-base, and crystalline waterproofing additives in all roof concrete mixes.
4. Project Timelines & Milestone Payment Protection
How long does it take from excavation to key handover?
A standard 5 or 10 Marla home takes approximately 7 to 9 months for full turnkey completion. Grey structure alone takes 3.5 to 4.5 months. A 1 Kanal executive mansion typically takes 10 to 12 months due to custom architectural finishes and detailed interior joinery.
How does the Milestone Payment Schedule protect the client?
You never pay large upfront sums. The total contract value is divided into 8 to 10 milestone installments (e.g. 10% on Foundation Completion, 10% on Ground Floor Slab, 10% on First Floor Slab, 10% on Plaster, etc.). You only release the next payment after inspecting and approving the completed milestone with our lead project engineer.
Have More Questions About Your Build?
Our civil engineering and architectural consultants in Faisalabad and Lahore are available for direct consultations.
Ask an Engineer Directly