Quick answer: With good management, a 5 marla double-storey house in Pakistan usually takes 8 to 12 months to build, a 10 marla house 12 to 16 months, and a 1 kanal house 15 to 20 months, from the start of construction to handover. Add 1 to 3 months before construction for design and approvals. Grey structure is typically 40 percent of the time; finishing takes the rest.
Timeline by House Size
| House | Design and approval | Grey structure | Finishing | Total construction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 marla double storey | 1 - 2 months | 4 - 5 months | 4 - 7 months | 8 - 12 months |
| 10 marla double storey | 1 - 3 months | 5 - 6 months | 6 - 10 months | 12 - 16 months |
| 1 kanal double storey | 2 - 3 months | 6 - 8 months | 9 - 12 months | 15 - 20 months |
A basement typically adds 2 to 3 months. Luxury finishes, imported materials and late design decisions can add more.
Stage-by-Stage Timeline (10 Marla Example)
Stage 1: Design and approvals (1 - 3 months)
Architectural design, 3D elevation, structural drawings and map approval. See our LDA map approval guide and submission checklist.
Stage 2: Excavation and foundations (3 - 4 weeks)
Site clearing, layout, excavation, termite treatment, PCC and foundation masonry or footings.
Stage 3: Plinth and DPC (1 - 2 weeks)
Plinth beams, filling, compaction and damp-proof course.
Stage 4: Ground floor structure (4 - 6 weeks)
Walls, columns, lintels, shuttering, steel fixing and roof slab casting, followed by curing.
Stage 5: First floor structure (4 - 6 weeks)
Repeat of the ground floor cycle, including the staircase.
Stage 6: Mumty, parapets, plaster and concealed services (4 - 6 weeks)
Roof structures, conduits, pipes, sewerage lines, tanks and internal and external plaster. See our grey structure checklist.
Stage 7: Finishing (6 - 10 months)
Waterproofing, flooring, tiles, ceilings, doors, windows, kitchen, wardrobes, paint, fittings and elevation.
Stage 8: Testing, snagging and handover (2 - 4 weeks)
Testing plumbing and electrical systems, fixing defects and completing the paperwork, including the completion certificate application.
Why Curing Time Cannot Be Rushed
Concrete gains strength gradually. Slab props must stay in place for the period specified by the engineer, often 7 to 14 days or more depending on span, and concrete must be cured properly. Rushing these steps causes cracks and weak structures. See our curing guide.
Top 8 Causes of Construction Delays
- Late design decisions and changes after work has started
- Payment delays that stop material purchases
- Material shortages or price spikes
- Approval delays due to incomplete files
- Monsoon rain stopping excavation, concrete and plaster
- Labour shortages around Eid and harvest seasons
- Poor coordination between trades during finishing
- Rework due to quality problems
How to Keep Your Project on Schedule
- Finalize drawings, including electrical and plumbing layouts, before construction starts.
- Choose finishes such as tiles, sanitary ware and kitchen design during grey structure.
- Link payments to milestones and keep funds ready.
- Plan concrete and excavation around the monsoon.
- Hold weekly progress meetings with your builder.
- Use a turnkey contract so one team coordinates all trades.
Learn about turnkey construction in Lahore and the contract clauses that protect your timeline.
Planet Builders plans every project with a written schedule and stage milestones. Explore our turnkey solutions and grey structure services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to build a 10 marla house in Pakistan?
Typically 12 to 16 months from the start of construction to handover, plus 1 to 3 months for design and approvals.
How long does grey structure take?
About 4 to 5 months for 5 marla, 5 to 6 months for 10 marla and 6 to 8 months for 1 kanal double-storey houses.
What is the best time of year to start construction in Lahore?
Starting in autumn or late winter lets you complete excavation and early structure before the monsoon. With proper precautions, construction can continue year-round.
Can I speed up construction?
Early decisions, ready funds and good coordination save the most time. Shortening curing or prop removal times is unsafe.
Want a realistic schedule for your project? Contact Planet Builders & Interiors.