What Work Is Included in Grey Structure Construction? A Simple Checklist

You are about to build a house in Lahore. Your thekedar says, “The grey structure price is this much.” But what work is inside that price?

This is a very common question. Many house owners in Bahria Town, Bahria Orchard, DHA, Wapda Town, Johar Town and Lake City find out the answer too late, when the work has already started.

This guide gives you a simple grey structure work list for Pakistan. You can read it, save it, or take a screenshot and show it to your contractor.

What Is Grey Structure? (Short Answer)

Grey structure is the first big phase of building a house. It is the strong body of the house: foundation, pillars, walls and roof.

It is called “grey” because the cement and concrete are bare. There is no paint, tile or wood yet.

Want to learn more? Read our full guide: What Is Grey Structure Construction?

Grey Structure Checklist: 20 Works You Should Get

Here is the full grey structure scope of work in the order it usually happens. Screenshot this and keep it on your phone.

Before the Building Starts

1. Site clearing: The plot is cleaned so work can start. Rubbish, plants and old material are removed.
2. Layout marking: The house plan from your naqsha (map) is marked on the ground with lines and pegs.
3. Excavation (khudai): Trenches are dug where the foundation will go.

Foundation and Base

4. Soil compaction: The ground at the bottom of the trench is pressed down so it is firm.
5. PCC (plain cement concrete): A thin layer of plain concrete is poured as a clean, flat base.
6. Foundation (footings): Steel bars (sariya) and concrete are placed to carry the weight of the whole house.
7. Plinth beam and filling: A concrete beam is built at ground level. The space inside is filled and pressed.
8. Damp-proof course (DPC): A waterproof layer stops water from rising up the walls. This helps prevent seepage later.

Main Structure

9. Columns: Strong pillars of steel and concrete that carry the building.
10. Brick walls: Outer and inner walls are built with bricks or blocks as per the drawing.
11. Lintels: Small concrete beams are placed above doors and windows to hold the wall weight.
12. Shuttering: A wooden or metal frame is built to hold the wet concrete for the roof.
13. Steel fixing (sariya): Steel bars are tied in a grid inside the roof slab.
14. Roof casting (lenter): Concrete is poured to make the floor or roof slab.
15. Curing: The concrete is kept wet for many days so it becomes strong. Do not skip this, especially in Lahore’s summer heat.
16. Staircase: The stairs are built in concrete along with the slab.
17. Upper floors and parapet walls: The same steps are repeated for each floor. A short wall is built around the roof edge for safety.

Pipes and Plaster

18. Rough electrical work: Empty pipes (conduits) and boxes are fixed in walls and slabs. Wires and switches come later.
19. Rough plumbing work: Water supply, drain and sewer pipes are laid. Water and septic tanks are built if they are part of the agreement.
20. Plaster: Walls get a rough cement coat. Some contractors include this and some do not, so ask.

Is Your Plot Small or Big? The List Stays the Same

The 20 works above are for any size, from a small house to a big one. What changes is the amount of work and cost.

Note: These numbers use the common size of 1 marla = 272.25 sq ft. Some societies use a different marla size. Check your plot file or ask your society office.

A bigger plot may also need a basement, a bigger foundation or a servant quarter. Add these to your written list if you need them.

What Is Usually NOT in Grey Structure

Do not expect these in a grey structure price. They come in the finishing stage:

• Tiles and marble
• Paint and polish
• Doors, windows and wood work
• Kitchen cabinets and wardrobes
• Switches, lights, fans and bathroom fittings
• False ceilings
• Gate and final boundary wall finishing

Not sure about something? Ask. A written “included / not included” list saves arguments later.

Ask Your Contractor: 5 Questions Before You Sign

Before you agree to any grey structure price, ask these five questions and get the answers on paper:

1. What exactly is included in your grey structure rate? Ask for the full list, like the 20 points above.
2. Is plaster included, and is it inside, outside or both?
3. Which brand and grade of cement, sariya and bricks will you use?
4. Who is the supervisor on site, and how often will you share updates and photos with me?
5. How and when do I pay? Payments should match finished work, not only dates.

Grey Structure Rules in Bahria Town, DHA and Other Societies

Every society can have its own rules. Bahria Town, Bahria Orchard, DHA, Wapda Town, Johar Town and Lake City may have rules about things like:

• Map approval
• Boundary wall
• House height
• Start and finish time for construction

We do not list exact rules here because they can change. Always ask your society office for the latest rules before work starts.

Common Mistakes Homeowners Make

• Not asking for a written list. The thekedar says “everything is included,” but nothing is on paper.
• Not checking curing. The roof looks fine at first, but it can get weak or crack later.
• Paying too much in advance. Pay by stages, after work is done.
• Changing the design in the middle. This causes delay and extra cost.
• Not planning electrical and plumbing points early. Fixing walls later is costly.

Grey Structure Cost: Why We Do Not Give One Price Here

Rates of cement, steel and labour change often. The cost also depends on size, floors, basement, soil and design.

For an exact price, ask for a written quote based on your own naqsha. Read more: Grey Structure Cost in Lahore

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in grey structure?
Foundation, columns, brick walls, roof slab, staircase, rough electrical and plumbing pipes, and usually plaster. Always confirm in writing.

What is not included in grey structure?
Tiles, paint, doors, windows, wood work, fittings and false ceilings.

Is plaster part of grey structure?
It depends on the contractor. Ask before you sign.

Does grey structure include electrical and plumbing?
Only the rough work, which means empty pipes and conduits inside walls and slabs. Wires, switches, taps and fixtures come later.

Is boundary wall included in grey structure?
Not always. Ask if it is included in the price or charged separately.

How do I check that all work was done?

Get a Free Grey Structure Work List for Your House

Send us your naqsha and plot size. Our team will explain what your grey structure includes in easy words and give you a clear written list before you decide.

Message us on WhatsApp or call: +92 332 4194939
Email: umair@tecco.pk