Building your own house in Pakistan is a major life decision, and in 2026, construction costs are higher than ever. If you are planning to build a 3 marla or 5 marla house, understanding the grey structure cost is extremely important. Without proper cost estimation, many homeowners run out of budget before completing construction.
This article explains how expensive it will be to build your own home in 2026, compares 3 marla vs 5 marla grey structure cost in Pakistan, provides a complete budget plan, explains latest material and labour rates, and shares practical saving methods to build a strong grey structure on a low budget.
What Is Grey Structure and Why Cost Estimation Matters
Grey structure refers to the basic construction phase of a house, including foundation, walls, columns, beams, roof slabs, staircases, underground and overhead tanks, and basic plumbing and electrical piping. It does not include finishing items like tiles, paint, doors, windows, or woodwork.
The grey structure usually consumes 40% to 60% of the total house construction cost, which is why having an accurate estimate before starting construction is crucial. A proper budget helps you control expenses, manage material purchasing, and avoid delays.
Construction Cost Trends in Pakistan 2026
Construction costs in Pakistan continue to rise due to inflation, fuel prices, higher steel rates, and increased labour wages. In 2026, the grey structure cost per square foot is expected to range between: PKR 2,800 to PKR 3,300 per square foot, depending on location, material quality, and contractor rates.
This rate applies to both 3 marla and 5 marla houses, but the total cost differs due to covered area size.
3 Marla Grey Structure Cost 2026 Pakistan
A standard 3 marla house usually has a covered area of approximately 650 to 700 square feet per floor. For cost estimation, an average covered area of 675 square feet is used.
Estimated Grey Structure Cost for 3 Marla House
- Covered Area: ~675 sq. ft
- Grey Structure Rate: PKR 2,800 – 3,200 per sq. ft
Total Estimated Cost
- PKR 1.9 million to PKR 2.2 million
This cost includes material, labour, and basic construction overheads. A double-storey house may slightly increase the total cost due to additional slab and structural work.
5 Marla Grey Structure Cost 2026 Pakistan
A 5 marla house generally has a covered area between 1,100 to 1,250 square feet. For calculation purposes, we consider 1,125 square feet.
Estimated Grey Structure Cost for 5 Marla House
- Covered Area: ~1,125 sq. ft
- Grey Structure Rate: PKR 2,800 – 3,300 per sq. ft
Total Estimated Cost
- PKR 3.2 million to PKR 3.7 million
The higher cost compared to a 3 marla house is due to increased material quantities, larger foundation size, and more labour involvement.
Latest Material Rates in Pakistan 2026 (Grey Structure)
Material prices play the biggest role in construction cost estimation. Below are the expected average material rates for 2026 used in grey structure construction.
Cement Rate
- PKR 1,250 – 1,450 per 50 kg bag
Used in foundation, RCC slabs, columns, beams, and plaster.
Steel / Sariya Rate
- PKR 260,000 – 290,000 per ton
Steel is the most expensive grey structure component and directly impacts slab and column strength.
Bricks Rate
- PKR 14 – 18 per brick
Brick quality and kiln location affect pricing.
Sand Rate
- PKR 40 – 60 per cubic foot
Used in concrete and masonry work.
Crush / Gravel Rate
- PKR 140 – 170 per cubic foot
Essential for RCC work and foundation strength.
Labour Cost Per Square Foot in 2026
Labour rates have increased significantly due to rising living costs and demand for skilled workers.
Average Labour Cost
- PKR 500 – 700 per square foot
This includes masons, helpers, steel fixers, shuttering carpenters, and general construction labour. Rates vary by city and contractor experience.
Complete Grey Structure Budget Plan 2026
3 Marla Grey Structure Budget
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost |
| Material Cost | PKR 1.0M – 1.2M |
| Labour Charges | PKR 300K – 400K |
| Miscellaneous & Overheads | PKR 100K – 150K |
| Total Estimated Budget | PKR 1.9M – 2.2M |
5 Marla Grey Structure Budget
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Material Cost | PKR 1.8M – 2.1M |
| Labour Charges | PKR 600K – 800K |
| Miscellaneous & Overheads | PKR 200K – 300K |
| Total Estimated Budget | PKR 3.2M – 3.7M |
How to Build a Quality Grey Structure on a Low Budget
Building on a budget does not mean compromising quality. Follow these smart saving methods:
1. Accurate Planning Before Construction
Prepare a complete drawing, structural design, and material quantity list before starting work.
2. Buy Materials in Bulk
Purchasing cement, steel, and bricks in bulk directly from suppliers can save significant money.
3. Monitor Material Usage
Keep daily checks on cement bags, steel cutting, and brick usage to reduce wastage.
4. Hire an Experienced Supervisor
A skilled supervisor prevents mistakes that often cause expensive rework.
5. Avoid Design Changes During Construction
Frequent changes increase labour and material costs and delay the project.
Conclusion
In 2026, building your own house in Pakistan requires careful budgeting and accurate grey structure cost estimation. Whether you choose a 3 marla or 5 marla house, understanding material rates, labour costs, and total budget helps you avoid financial stress during construction.
A 3 marla house remains a more affordable option, while a 5 marla house offers more space but requires a higher investment. With proper planning, market awareness, and smart cost-saving strategies, you can build a strong, durable grey structure without exceeding your budget.
Want to know more? Check out Punjab Identifies Sites to Launch 37,000 World Bank-Funded Houses
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