Cost of Building a 10 Marla House in Pakistan – From Grey Structure to Finishing

The most common question families ask when planning a 10 Marla house is simple: “How much will it cost?” Yet the answer is anything but simple. Costs are influenced by design choices, construction methods, material quality, and even the city in which the house is built.

Across Pakistan’s major cities, the cost of building a 10 Marla house in Pakistan depends not only on materials and labor, but on smart design and project management. As architects, we don’t see cost as just a budget figure – we see it as a reflection of priorities. Some families spend generously on facades and woodwork, while others focus on structural integrity and leave finishes for later. Expats, in particular, are concerned with balancing cost control and long-distance trust.

This article explores the real factors that shape the cost of building a 10 Marla house in Pakistan, from the skeleton of the grey structure to the finishes that give the home its personality.

For an overview of layouts, materials, and design approach, read our full guide on 10 Marla House Design in Pakistan – An Architect’s Guide?

Grey Structure Cost in 10 Marla House Construction

The grey structure forms the foundation of every house – the unseen strength behind the walls. It includes the foundation, walls, roof slab, and plaster essentially, the skeleton without finishes. Typically, it accounts for 50–55% of the total construction cost.

Key components of grey structure include:

• Excavation and foundation work.
• Bricks, concrete, and steel reinforcement.
• Roofing and slabs.
• Basic plaster and cement works.

Architect’s Note: Always prioritize quality during this stage. A compromised foundation or weak concrete mix cannot be corrected later – no matter how beautiful the finishes are.

Case Study 1 – Cost-Conscious Grey Structure in Park View City, Islamabad

A client wanted durability within a tight budget. We sourced locally available bricks of consistent size and used a slightly leaner concrete mix without compromising safety. By carefully balancing materials, the house remained structurally strong and still saved nearly 10% on grey structure costs.

Once the skeleton stands, the next layer finishing determines both character and cost.

10 Marla House Finishing Costs in Pakistan

Once the skeleton stands, finishing work defines the home’s identity how it looks, feels, and performs. This stage includes flooring, tiles, woodwork, paint, ceiling, fixtures, and electrical fittings. Finishing can account for 45–50% of total cost, but variations are huge depending on materials and choices.

For example:

• A mid-range tile may cost Rs. 3,000 per square meter, while premium imported tiles can cost five times as much.
• Woodwork can be done in local Kail wood or upgraded to imported ash or walnut.
• Paint, ceiling designs, and lighting selections can swing costs by lakhs of rupees.

Case Study 2 – Contemporary Elevation with Premium Finishes in Top City, Rawalpindi

One family insisted on premium stone detailing. The façade used imported terracotta tiles, stone slabs, and metal detailing, while interiors featured walnut wood doors and Italian marble flooring.

The finishing cost alone exceeded the grey structure — but the result was a home of grandeur and craftsmanship.

City-Wise Construction Costs – Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi

Construction costs vary across Pakistan due to labor rates, material prices, and climatic conditions.

• Lahore → Competitive labor but rising material costs due to high demand.
• Islamabad/Rawalpindi → Higher labor costs, but access to high-quality finishing materials.
• Karachi → Transport costs increase material prices, and humidity demands specialized finishes like moisture-resistant paints and tiles.

Architect’s Note: We once built two similar houses – one in Lahore and one in Islamabad. The Islamabad project was around 8% costlier, not due to design, but because of higher labor charges and finishing standards in the capital.

How Architectural Design Affects 10 Marla House Cost

Architecture itself influences cost more than most realize. A compact, efficient floor plan reduces structure size and material needs, while sprawling layouts increase cost.

Case Study 3 – Modern Elevation of 10 Marla House in Peshawar

A young family wanted a modern design within a modest budget. We created a minimalist 10 Marla elevation using textured cement plaster and selective imported tiles. By keeping ornamentation low, the finishing cost stayed 15% below average without compromising elegance.

Managing 10 Marla House Construction Costs for Overseas Pakistanis

For overseas Pakistanis building homes in Pakistan, cost transparency is often the biggest concern. Many worry about overspending or unapproved upgrades while they’re abroad.

At Primarc Studio, we address this through project management-based construction, ensuring clients stay informed every step of the way.

Our Process for Expat Clients

• Clear breakdown of costs: Grey Structure vs Finishing
• Detailed material catalogs with price ranges for informed choices
• Regular progress updates with site photos, videos, and original invoices

This transparency ensures clients remain fully in control of their investment, wherever they are in the world.

Case Study 4 – Remote Build for a Dubai-Based Expat

A Dubai-based client wanted a mid-range, practical house. Through online meetings, we finalized every detail — from tile brands to paint colors. Weekly digital updates kept budgets on track.

At handover, the client remarked:

“For the first time, I felt I truly controlled my house budget from abroad.”

Practical Tips for Families Planning Costs

• Set priorities early. Decide whether durability, aesthetics, or budget control matters most.
• Don’t compromise on grey structure. Saving here risks long-term safety.
• Plan for phased finishes. It’s better to build a solid structure and upgrade finishes later than to overspend upfront.
• Expect variations. Market fluctuations in cement and steel can affect budgets significantly.
• Work with trusted architects. Professional oversight saves money by preventing design errors and rework.

Planning your own home budget? Start with our Residential Design Questionnaire – it helps you estimate priorities before you start spending.

Conclusion

The cost of building a 10 Marla house in Pakistan isn’t a single number, it’s a spectrum shaped by structure, finishes, location, and lifestyle. Some families build modestly and upgrade over time. Expats invest heavily from day one. Others find balance through smart design and transparent cost management.

At Primarc Studio, our role is not just to design, it’s to guide families on where to spend and where to save. Because in the end, a house isn’t remembered by how much money was spent but by how well it was built.

Architect’s Note:

A strong foundation, a thoughtful map, and finishes chosen with care — these are the true investments. Money is always spent, but value is created only when design and cost align.