Building in Lahore? Glorious Builders - Free cost estimate, 25 years experience
Get Free EstimateGrey structure, turnkey, and finishing costs for DHA Phase 1–9, Bahria Town, Bahria Orchard, Lake City, and Etihad Town. 5 Marla to 1 Kanal budgets. Step-by-step guide for overseas Pakistanis building from UK, UAE, and USA.
Building a house in Lahore in 2026 is one of the most significant financial decisions a family makes. Whether you are a local homeowner in DHA Phase 6 or an overseas Pakistani in Birmingham planning your first home in Bahria Town Sector C, the questions are the same: How much will it cost? What is included? How do I avoid being overcharged? And how do I find a construction company I can actually trust?
This guide answers all of those questions with verified 2026 rates from Glorious Builders - a company that has been building homes in Lahore since 2000 and has delivered 500+ projects across every major society in the city. These are not estimated figures from a calculator - they are the actual rates we quote clients today.
Construction costs in Lahore are expressed per covered square foot - the total floor area of all floors of the building. A double-storey 10 Marla home in DHA with a covered area of 3,000 sqft will be priced at the per-sqft rate multiplied by 3,000 - not by the plot size of 2,250 sqft. This distinction matters significantly for budgeting.
| Construction Type | Economy | Standard A-Grade | Premium | What's Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grey Structure Only | Rs 2,560/sqft | Rs 2,700/sqft | Rs 2,875/sqft | Foundation, columns, beams, brickwork, slabs, rough plumbing & electrical conduit |
| Turnkey - Economy | Rs 5,200/sqft | Rs 5,800/sqft | - | Grey structure + local tiles, basic kitchen, standard bathrooms, local doors, paint |
| Turnkey - Mid-Range | - | Rs 6,200/sqft | Rs 6,800/sqft | Grey + imported tiles, modular kitchen, quality bathrooms (RAK/Grohe), solid wood doors |
| Turnkey - Premium | - | - | Rs 7,500–10,000/sqft | Grey + imported marble, custom kitchen, luxury fittings, false ceiling, smart systems |
| Commercial Grey Structure | Rs 3,600/sqft | Rs 4,000/sqft | Rs 4,500/sqft | Higher load specifications, larger column sizes, commercial-grade RCC |
The per-sqft rate applies to covered area - every floor of the building. A G+1 10 Marla house has approximately 3,000–3,400 sqft of covered area depending on the society bylaws. Boundary walls, gate, driveway, water storage tank, and boring are typically quoted separately. Always ask your contractor to confirm what is included in the per-sqft rate before comparing quotes.
Construction costs in Lahore are not uniform across all societies. DHA Lahore commands a premium over Bahria Town due to higher labour costs, stricter quality inspection requirements, and higher material transport costs in certain phases. Lake City and Etihad Town sit between DHA and Bahria Town in cost terms. Here is the precise breakdown:
| Society | Grey Structure | Economy Turnkey | Premium Turnkey | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DHA Phase 1–5 | Rs 2,750–2,875/sqft | Rs 5,800–6,500/sqft | Rs 7,500–10,000/sqft | Older phases - renovation also common. Highest labour cost. |
| DHA Phase 6 | Rs 2,700–2,875/sqft | Rs 5,800–6,500/sqft | Rs 7,500–10,000/sqft | GB Office Here Most active construction zone in DHA |
| DHA Phase 7 & 8 | Rs 2,700–2,875/sqft | Rs 5,600–6,200/sqft | Rs 7,000–9,500/sqft | Newer phases - slightly lower finishing cost due to accessibility |
| DHA Phase 9 Prism | Rs 2,650–2,800/sqft | Rs 5,400–6,000/sqft | Rs 6,800–9,000/sqft | Fastest Growing Newest phase - highest plot appreciation |
| Bahria Town Sec A–C | Rs 2,600–2,800/sqft | Rs 5,200–5,800/sqft | Rs 6,500–8,500/sqft | GB Office Sec C 8–12% less than DHA equivalent |
| Bahria Town Sec D–F | Rs 2,560–2,750/sqft | Rs 5,200–5,800/sqft | Rs 6,500–8,000/sqft | Active construction - BTAP approvals standard |
| Bahria Orchard Ph 1–4 | Rs 2,560–2,700/sqft | Rs 5,000–5,500/sqft | Rs 6,200–7,500/sqft | Most affordable Bahria zone - strong rental demand |
| Lake City Lahore | Rs 2,650–2,800/sqft | Rs 5,400–6,000/sqft | Rs 6,800–8,500/sqft | M-2 Motorway Excellent access, high investment ROI |
| Etihad Town Lahore | Rs 2,600–2,750/sqft | Rs 5,200–5,800/sqft | Rs 6,500–8,000/sqft | Growing zone - good value for mid-range investors |
| LDA / Gulberg / Model Town | Rs 2,600–2,800/sqft | Rs 5,200–6,200/sqft | Rs 6,500–9,000/sqft | Older areas - renovation often preferred over new build |
Share your society, plot size, and construction type - we respond with a detailed estimate within 24 hours.
The table below shows total project budgets for the most common plot sizes in Lahore. These figures include grey structure, finishing, electrical, plumbing, kitchen, bathrooms, doors, windows, and boundary wall. They exclude plot cost, architectural and structural drawing fees (Rs 80,000–2,50,000 depending on plot size), and society approval fees.
The most common source of confusion - and disputes - in Pakistani construction is what is included in a per-sqft rate. Here is an exact breakdown of what Glorious Builders includes in each type:
| Item | Grey Structure | Economy Turnkey | Premium Turnkey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation & excavation | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| Columns, beams & slabs | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| Brickwork & blockwork | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| External plaster | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| Rough plumbing conduit | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| Electrical conduit | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| Internal plaster & skim | Not included | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| Flooring (tiles/marble) | Not included | Local tiles included | Imported marble/tiles |
| Electrical wiring & fittings | Not included | Pakistan Cables, basic fittings | Pakistan Cables, designer fittings |
| Plumbing fixtures | Not included | Local sanitary ware | RAK / Grohe / Roca |
| Kitchen cabinets | Not included | Local MDF modular | Custom, imported hardware |
| Doors & frames | Not included | Local flush doors | Solid wood, imported hardware |
| False ceiling | Not included | Not included | Gypsum board throughout |
| Paint | Not included | Berger or Dulux standard | Dulux Weathershield / premium |
| Boundary wall & gate | Quoted separately | Quoted separately | Can be included on request |
The quality difference between a well-specified and a poorly-specified house becomes visible 10–15 years after construction. These are the material specifications Glorious Builders uses as standard on all projects:
| Material | GB Standard Specification | What to Avoid | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel (Sarya) | Grade-60 (60,000 PSI yield strength) - Amreli Steel or Mughal Steel | Grade-40 or unmarked steel | Grade-60 provides 50% more tensile strength than Grade-40 for the same weight |
| Cement | DG Khan, Lucky, or Fauji - 53-grade OPC | Unknown brands or sub-standard bags | Branded cement has consistent quality control - critical for concrete strength |
| Bricks (Eent) | Awwal (1st quality) kiln-fired bricks - 3,000+ PSI | Hand-moulded or low-fired bricks | Low-quality bricks absorb water causing wall damp within 5–10 years |
| Sand | Ravi sand (river sand) for masonry; Margalla crush for concrete | Sea sand or contaminated sand | Salt in sea sand corrodes steel reinforcement within 15 years |
| Electrical wire | Pakistan Cables - copper core, fire-resistant sheathing | Unmarked aluminium wire | Aluminium wire is a fire hazard and corrodes at connections - major cause of house fires |
| Plumbing pipes | CPVC supply pipes; UPVC drain lines | GI pipes for supply | GI pipes corrode within 15–20 years causing water discolouration and pressure loss |
| Waterproofing | SikaFlex or Fosroc on roof slab; membrane in bathrooms | Bitumen only | Proper waterproofing prevents the damp that ruins 90% of older Lahore homes |
Every Glorious Builders contract specifies materials by brand and grade. We do not substitute materials without written client approval. Our 15-year structural guarantee is backed by these specifications - and our 5-year warranty covers any material or workmanship defect that appears post-handover.
Construction timelines in Lahore depend on plot size, number of floors, and whether structural modifications are involved. The timeline below is for a standard double-storey (G+1) residential home in DHA or Bahria Town:
| Phase | 5 Marla | 10 Marla | 1 Kanal | What Happens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design & Drawings | 3–4 weeks | 4–5 weeks | 5–7 weeks | Architectural design, structural drawings, 3D renders |
| Authority Approval | DHA: 20 days BTAP: 2–4 weeks LDA: 30–45 days | Same | Same | Drawing submission + approval + map cutting |
| Foundation | 3–4 weeks | 4–5 weeks | 5–6 weeks | Excavation, PCC, footing, plinth beam |
| Ground Floor Structure | 5–6 weeks | 6–7 weeks | 7–9 weeks | Columns, brickwork, lintel beam, roof slab |
| Upper Floor Structure | 5–6 weeks | 6–7 weeks | 7–9 weeks | Same as ground floor + roof inspection |
| Grey Structure Complete | 3–4 months | 4–5 months | 5–6 months | Including curing time after each pour |
| Finishing (if turnkey) | 4–5 months | 5–7 months | 6–8 months | Plaster, flooring, electrical, plumbing, kitchen, paint |
| Total Turnkey | 7–9 months | 9–12 months | 11–14 months | From first consultation to signed handover |
Each concrete pour - foundation, slab, columns - requires a minimum curing period before the next structural element begins. Rushing curing to save time is the most common cause of structural weakness in Lahore construction. Glorious Builders enforces a minimum 7-day water curing on all pours with photographic documentation. This is non-negotiable and is one reason our 15-year structural guarantee is credible.
You have a plot in DHA or Bahria Town. You are in Birmingham or Dubai. You want to build - but you cannot be present. This is the situation of thousands of overseas Pakistanis, and it is precisely why Glorious Builders established a UK office in London in 2015. Here is exactly how we manage overseas projects from start to finish.
Overseas clients often underestimate total project cost because the per-sqft construction rate is only part of the budget. Here is a complete cost breakdown for a 10 Marla mid-range turnkey home in DHA Phase 6 built by an overseas Pakistani:
| Cost Item | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Construction (mid-range turnkey) | Rs 1.3–1.5 Crore | 3,200 sqft @ Rs 6,200/sqft approx |
| Architectural drawings | Rs 1,20,000–2,00,000 | PCATP-licensed architect fees |
| Structural drawings | Rs 80,000–1,50,000 | PEC-registered engineer fees |
| DHA approval fees | Rs 50,000–1,50,000 | Varies by phase and plot size |
| Soil testing | Rs 20,000–40,000 | Required by DHA before foundation |
| Water boring | Rs 30,000–80,000 | If required - site dependent |
| Boundary wall & gate | Rs 8–20 Lac | Depending on design and material |
| Driveway & landscaping | Rs 3–8 Lac | Basic to premium finish |
| LESCO connection | Rs 1–3 Lac | 3-phase connection fees |
| Contingency (10%) | Rs 13–15 Lac | Always budget 10% for unexpected |
| Total Estimated Budget | Rs 1.65–2.0 Crore | 10 Marla mid-range, DHA Phase 6 |
Lahore has hundreds of construction contractors. The difference between them is not visible in the proposal stage - it becomes visible six months after possession. Here are the seven questions every overseas and local client should ask before signing a contract:
25 years experience. 134 reviews at 4.8★. Fixed price. 5-year warranty. UK office for British Pakistanis.
Grey structure in Lahore costs Rs 2,560 to Rs 2,875 per sqft in March 2026. Economy grade (local materials, standard specifications) costs Rs 2,560. Standard A-grade (branded cement, Grade-60 rebar) costs Rs 2,700. Premium grade (highest-spec materials, thicker columns) costs Rs 2,875. These are Glorious Builders' current contract rates including all materials and labour.
Yes - DHA Lahore is typically 8 to 12 percent more expensive than Bahria Town for the same construction specification. DHA Phase 6 grey structure costs Rs 2,700–2,875/sqft versus Bahria Town Sector C at Rs 2,600–2,800/sqft. The premium is due to higher labour costs in DHA, stricter quality inspection requirements, and higher material transport costs in some DHA phases. However, DHA's property appreciation has historically outpaced Bahria Town, making it a stronger investment for some clients.
Grey structure for a 10 Marla G+1 home takes 4 to 5 months after DHA or BTAP approval. Full turnkey construction takes 9 to 12 months total from first consultation to handover. The approval process takes 20 working days for DHA, 2 to 4 weeks for BTAP (Bahria Town), and 30 to 45 days for LDA. Design and drawings take 4 to 5 additional weeks. A realistic total timeline from first call to moving in is 12 to 15 months for a 10 Marla turnkey home.
Yes. Glorious Builders has managed dozens of complete construction projects for overseas Pakistanis without a single site visit from the client. The process involves video call consultation, 3D design approval by WhatsApp, a digital fixed-price contract, DHA or BTAP approval handled entirely by our team, milestone-based payments with photo and video proof before each payment, and a weekly WhatsApp video from site every Friday. British Pakistani clients contact our London office at +44 7879 771153. Payments are accepted via bank transfer, Roshan Digital Account, or Western Union.
Grey structure in Bahria Orchard costs Rs 2,560 to Rs 2,700 per sqft in 2026 - the most affordable major Bahria zone in Lahore. Economy turnkey costs Rs 5,000 to Rs 5,500 per sqft. A 5 Marla turnkey home in Bahria Orchard costs approximately Rs 50 to Rs 68 Lac. A 10 Marla turnkey costs Rs 95 Lac to Rs 1.15 Crore. Bahria Orchard is popular for investment properties due to strong rental demand and good capital appreciation.
The 5-year construction warranty covers all workmanship and materials - including plasterwork, flooring, tiling, woodwork, electrical installations, plumbing, and finishing. Any defect attributable to Glorious Builders' work or materials is remedied at no cost. In addition, a separate 15-year structural guarantee covers columns, beams, slabs, and foundation. Both warranties are documented in the project contract and commence from the date of signed handover. No major Lahore competitor offers comparable documented coverage.