What is the difference between grey structure and turnkey?

Grey structure includes foundation, RCC, brickwork, plaster, basic MEP. Turnkey includes everything from grey structure plus all finishings — move-in ready home. Turnkey is roughly 2x grey cost.

Construction Cost Calculator Pakistan 2026

Verified by Baqir Ali — Director of Operations PEC-Registered | Sunshine Contractors | Rates updated June 2026

Construction Rates Pakistan 2026 — Quick Reference

Grey Structure Rates (Per Sq Ft)

Quality	Lahore	Islamabad	Rawalpindi
Economy	Rs 2,800	Rs 2,900	Rs 2,750
Standard	Rs 3,000	Rs 3,200	Rs 3,000
Premium	Rs 3,400	Rs 3,600	Rs 3,400
Luxury	Rs 3,800	Rs 4,000	Rs 3,800

Turnkey Rates (Per Sq Ft)

Quality	Lahore	Islamabad	Rawalpindi
Economy	Rs 5,500	Rs 5,800	Rs 5,400
Standard	Rs 6,500	Rs 6,800	Rs 6,400
Premium	Rs 8,000	Rs 8,500	Rs 7,900
Luxury	Rs 10,000+	Rs 11,000+	Rs 10,000+

Quality Tier Comparison

Economy

Rs 2,800/sqft

Local cement brands
Standard tiles
Basic finishes
Minimum wood work

Standard

Rs 3,000/sqft

Lucky/Maple Leaf cement
A-grade bricks
Mid-range finishes
Standard fixtures

Premium

Rs 3,400/sqft

Best cement (Bestway)
Premium tiles
Quality fixtures
Imported elements

Luxury

Rs 3,800/sqft

Premium throughout
Imported finishes
Top-tier fixtures
Custom craftsmanship

Plot Size to Covered Area Reference

Plot Size	Plot Area (sqft)	Single Story (75% cov)	Double Story
3 Marla	675	~500 sqft	~1,000 sqft
5 Marla	1,125	~840 sqft	~1,680 sqft
7 Marla	1,575	~1,180 sqft	~2,360 sqft
10 Marla	2,250	~1,690 sqft	~3,380 sqft
1 Kanal	4,500	~3,380 sqft	~6,750 sqft
2 Kanal	9,000	~6,750 sqft	~13,500 sqft

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is this construction cost calculator?

The calculator provides ±10% accuracy for standard residential construction. Actual costs depend on design complexity, site conditions, material choices, and timing. For exact BOQ-level pricing, request a free site visit from Sunshine Contractors.

Does this include land cost or external works?

No. Calculator covers only construction (foundation to handover). Excluded: land cost, boundary wall, lawn/landscaping, gate, utility connections (gas/electric/water), map approval fees, soil testing. Budget 10-20% extra for these.

What's the difference between grey structure and turnkey?

Grey structure includes foundation, RCC, brickwork, plaster, basic plumbing/electrical rough-in. NO finishing (tiles, paint, doors). Turnkey includes everything — move-in ready home with all finishings. Turnkey is roughly 2x grey structure cost. Read full comparison.

Why is Islamabad more expensive than Lahore?

Islamabad rates run ~10-15% higher due to: stricter CDA bylaws (more documentation), higher material transport costs (no local kilns nearby), higher labour rates (capital city premium), and quality expectations of premium clients. Multan and Faisalabad are 5-10% cheaper than Lahore.

How long does construction take?

Approximate timelines (Standard quality, double-story):

5 Marla: 4-6 months (grey), 8-12 months (turnkey)
10 Marla: 5-7 months (grey), 10-14 months (turnkey)
1 Kanal: 7-10 months (grey), 14-20 months (turnkey)

What payment schedule should I expect?

Standard Pakistani payment schedule: 20% advance, 25% at plinth, 25% at lintel, 20% at roof, 10% on handover. Custom schedules possible. Always require written contract with milestone payments — avoid lump-sum upfront.

Can I save money on construction?

Smart cost-saving (without compromising quality): plan design carefully (avoid mid-construction changes), buy materials in bulk, use standard finishes (custom = expensive), hire experienced contractor (cheap = expensive long-term), get multiple supplier quotes, build during dry season (Sept-March in Punjab).

Why hire Sunshine Contractors?

Sunshine Contractors brings 8+ years of experience, PEC-registered engineers, government client trust (Department of Archaeology Punjab, Pakistan Red Crescent Society, Punjab Seed Corporation), transparent pricing, and on-time delivery. Learn more about us.