Grey Structure Cost Guide Pakistan 2026

Grey structure is the most critical and cost-intensive phase of any construction project. Understanding what it includes — and what drives its cost — is essential before committing to any contractor or budget.

What Grey Structure Includes

Grey structure covers all structural work: excavation and foundation, columns and beams, floor slabs, brickwork and block masonry, roof slab, staircase structure, and basic plumbing and electrical conduit installation. It does not include plaster, tiles, paint, fixtures, or any finishing work.

Current Cost Range

In Pakistan's major cities, grey structure currently costs Rs 2,800–4,200 per sq ft depending on city, soil conditions, structural design, and material specifications. Karachi and Islamabad tend to be higher than Lahore due to soil and labour cost differences.

Key Cost Drivers

Foundation depth and type (strip, raft, pile) is the single biggest variable. Structural design complexity, steel grade, concrete mix design, floor count, and site accessibility all significantly affect final cost.

Getting an Accurate Estimate

The only reliable way to estimate grey structure cost is through a detailed BOQ — a Bill of Quantities that itemises every material, quantity, and rate. Build Axis prepares BOQs based on structural drawings and current market rates, giving clients a defensible cost baseline before execution.