By Town Engineering & Construction Company (TECCO)
Reviewed by TECCO’s civil engineering & project management team
Service Areas: Lahore & Islamabad (including DHA, Bahria Town, Bahria Orchard, Lake City, and nearby housing societies)
Building a home in Pakistan is one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions you’ll ever make. In cities like Lahore and Islamabad, the process is not only about construction, it’s also about approvals, society rules, structural safety, material quality, and timeline control. Most homeowners don’t lose money because they “didn’t know construction.” They lose money because they hired the wrong team, one that works without planning, documentation, and accountability.
This guide explains what “the right team” actually means, how the construction process should run, and how to avoid the most common mistakes homeowners face in societies like DHA, Bahria Town, Bahria Orchard, and Lake City. It’s written for people who want their project done professionally, without hidden costs, avoidable delays, or quality compromises.
Why Choosing the Right Team Matters More Than You Think
Home construction isn’t a single job; it’s a chain of decisions. If one link is weak (design, structure, supervision, waterproofing, or finishing), the entire project suffers. A strong team protects you in three critical ways:
- Compliance: Making sure your design and construction follow society rules and approval requirements.
- Quality Control: Ensuring the use of correct materials and workmanship at every stage.
- Project Management: Keeping timelines realistic and budgets under control.
In high-standard societies, even small mistakes can lead to rework and delays. A trusted team reduces these risks by planning properly and supervising daily.
What “The Right Construction Team” Actually Includes
Many homeowners assume a “builder” can do everything. In reality, a successful home build requires multiple specialists working together.
1) Architect / Planner
An architect turns your lifestyle needs into a practical plan, including rooms, circulation, ventilation, privacy, and future expansion. They also ensure the layout fits the society’s byelaws and setbacks.
2) Structural Engineer
A structural engineer designs your foundation and structure to safely handle loads. This is especially important if you’re building multiple storeys, a basement, or large spans.
3) Project Manager / Site Engineer
This person controls the timeline, coordinates labor, manages procurement, and supervises execution daily. Without site supervision, quality issues appear silently—and become expensive later.
4) MEP Team (Plumbing + Electrical)
Plumbing and electrical work should be coordinated with the structure and finishing. Poor routing causes common long-term issues like seepage, weak pressure, leakage, and short circuits.
At TECCO, we focus on a structured workflow where design, engineering, and execution align—so your home is built as a coordinated system, not a series of disconnected tasks.
Lahore & Islamabad: Approvals and Society Rules You Must Respect
In Lahore and Islamabad, construction is heavily influenced by society requirements. Each society may have rules around:
- Covered area limits
- Setbacks (front/back/side spaces)
- Elevation controls
- Basement restrictions
- Approval steps and inspections
That’s why a “one-size-fits-all” approach fails. A professional team confirms these requirements before finalizing design, so you don’t face redesign, penalties, or delays later.
Local Areas We Commonly See Homeowners Building In
Lahore:
- DHA Lahore
- Bahria Town Lahore
- Bahria Orchard
- Lake City
Islamabad / Rawalpindi Region:
- DHA Islamabad
- Bahria Town Islamabad
- Gulberg Greens
- Park View City
TECCO’s Practical Construction Process (Design to Completion)
A reliable construction company should follow a process you can track. Here’s the structured approach we recommend:
Step 1: Requirement Mapping (Lifestyle → Design Brief)
Before drawing starts, a professional team documents:
- Family size and daily routine
- Parking needs and service areas
- Preferred ventilation and sunlight direction
- Budget range and finishing expectations
- Timeline goals and move-in plan
This step prevents “beautiful but impractical” designs.
Step 2: Layout Options and Design Approval
Instead of forcing one layout, a good team shares 2–3 options early. This reduces later changes that increase cost.
Step 3: Structural + MEP Coordination
Before construction starts:
- The structural grid is finalized.
- Plumbing routing is planned.
- Electrical load planning is done.
- Waterproofing risk areas are identified (bathrooms, roof, and basement)
Coordination is the difference between a clean build and constant rework.
Step 4: BOQ (Bill of Quantities) + Timeline + Procurement Plan
A BOQ-based approach helps keep pricing transparent. It defines:
- Material specifications
- Quantity estimates
- Milestone-based timeline
- Procurement schedule
Step 5: Execution With Quality Checkpoints
Quality is not checked at the end; it’s protected throughout. Examples of checkpoints:
- Excavation depth verification
- Steel checks before concrete
- Shuttering and level checks
- Curing plan and supervision
- Waterproofing testing before tiling
Step 6: Finishing (Where Most Projects Go Wrong)
Finishing looks simple, but it’s where quality drops if supervision is weak. Common issues include:
- Wrong tile slopes in bathrooms/kitchens
- Seepage due to poor waterproofing
- Cracks from rushed plaster or improper curing
- Misaligned doors, frames, and cabinets
A professional team controls finishing with the same seriousness as the structure.
Grey Structure vs Turnkey: What Should You Choose?
Pros: Lower immediate cost, flexibility in finishing later.
Cons: Finishing becomes a separate project; coordination issues increase; hidden rework costs often rise.
Pros: One team, one responsibility, one timeline; easier quality control.
Cons: Needs clear specifications to prevent cheap substitutions.
Best practical advice:
- If you live abroad or are busy, turnkey reduces risk.
- If you can supervise daily and have trusted vendors, grey structure can work, but only with strong planning.
What Drives Construction Cost in Pakistan (Real Factors)
Most homeowners ask: “How much will a 5 marla / 10 marla / 1 kanal house cost?”
The honest answer is that your design and specs determine the final cost.
Key cost drivers:
- Soil condition and foundation depth
- Number of storeys and basement requirement
- Covered area and elevation complexity
- Market rates of cement, steel, and finishing materials
- Finishing level (standard vs premium vs luxury)
A responsible company should provide tiered options and help you invest where it matters most, especially in structure and waterproofing.
A Homeowner’s Checklist: How to Choose the Right Builder
Use this checklist before signing with any construction company:
Approval and Compliance
- Do they understand your society’s construction rules?
- Will they support drawings, submissions, and process guidance?
Engineering and Safety
- Is a structural engineer involved?
- Do they inspect steel and structure before concrete?
Quality and Materials
- Are material brands/specs clearly written?
- Do they commit to quality checkpoints?
Project Management
- Who will supervise the site daily?
- Will you get weekly progress updates and milestone reporting?
Contract Transparency
- Is the scope clearly defined?
- How do variations (changes) affect cost and timeline?
If a contractor avoids documentation or rushes you into paying advances without clarity, that’s a serious red flag.
Common Red Flags That Cost Homeowners Lakhs
Avoid builders who say:
- “Approvals later, first start work.”
- “Steel/cement ratio is fine, don’t worry.”
- “Curing isn’t necessary.”
- “Just give advance, we’ll manage.” (without BOQ or drawings)
Also, beware of “too cheap” quotes. They often hide:
- low-grade materials
- Reduced cement/steel quantities
- Weak waterproofing
- Poor finishing workmanship
- No proper supervision
Cheap construction is rarely cheap in the long run.
Why Homeowners Trust TECCO (Town Engineering & Construction Company)
At Town Engineering & Construction Company (TECCO), we don’t sell shortcuts. We focus on dependable outcomes through:
- Engineering-led planning
- BOQ-based transparency
- Dedicated site supervision
- Quality checkpoints across the structure and finishing
- Practical coordination between design, structure, and MEP
Our goal is simple: deliver a home you can live in confidently, without constant repairs, seepage issues, or structural worries.
Start Your Dream Home the Right Way (Next Step)
If you’re planning a home in Lahore or Islamabad, especially in societies like DHA, Bahria Town, Bahria Orchard, Lake City, Gulberg Greens, or Park View City, start with a planning session, not random labor hiring.
What to Prepare Before Your Consultation
- Plot size (5 marla / 10 marla / 1 kanal) and society name
- Your desired covered area and floors
- Inspiration images (elevation + interior style)
- Budget range and finish level
- Timeline goal (move-in target)
TECCO can guide you from planning to completion, with a clear process, clear scope, and structured supervision.
