Turnkey construction means one contract and one accountable team takes your project from empty plot to move-in ready — design, approvals support, grey structure, finishes, and handover. You "turn the key" and walk into a finished home. Here is exactly what a turnkey package includes in Lahore, how the process works stage by stage, what drives the cost, and the questions that protect you.
What's Included in a Turnkey Package
- Architectural design and working drawings (architecture & interior design)
- Structural design and soil-test-based foundations (structural consultancy)
- Complete grey structure — excavation to roof shell
- Electrical, plumbing, and gas rough-ins and finals
- Finishes: flooring, tiling, paint, woodwork, kitchens, bathrooms
- Final fittings, deep cleaning, and handover walkthrough
Scope varies by builder — which is why the inclusion list must be written into the BOQ, not promised verbally.
The Turnkey Process, Step by Step
- 1. Consultation & feasibility — requirements, budget band, plot survey and soil test.
- 2. Design & approvals — architectural and structural drawings, society/LDA submission support.
- 3. BOQ & contract — itemized quantities, named material brands, milestone payment schedule.
- 4. Grey structure — engineer-supervised construction from foundations to roof.
- 5. Finishing — MEP finals, flooring, woodwork, paint, kitchens and baths, with client selections at defined decision points.
- 6. Inspection & handover — snag list, rectification, and key handover with warranties.
Turnkey vs Grey Structure vs Self-Managed
| Turnkey | Grey structure only | Self-managed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your time required | Selections only | You manage all finishing | Full-time involvement |
| Accountability | One team, one contract | Split at shell handover | Spread across 15+ trades |
| Cost certainty | Highest (full BOQ) | High for shell only | Lowest — surprises accumulate |
| Best for | Overseas Pakistanis, professionals | Owners who want finishing control | Experienced self-builders |
Turnkey is especially popular with overseas Pakistanis building in Lahore: progress updates replace site visits, and there is exactly one throat to choke if anything slips.
What Drives Turnkey Cost per Square Foot
- Finish level — the same structure can vary enormously between standard and premium finishes; finishes, not concrete, are the biggest cost lever.
- Design complexity — basements, double-height spaces and large spans cost more per foot.
- Material brands — imported vs local tiles, sanitary and fittings move the total significantly.
- Covered area and storeys — economies of scale are real but limited.
Rates for steel, cement and labour move monthly in Pakistan, so treat any fixed per-sq-ft figure you read online as a conversation starter. A real budget is an itemized BOQ at current rates — which we prepare free during consultation.
Questions to Ask Any Turnkey Builder in Lahore
- Is the BOQ itemized with named brands for every finish category?
- Which selections do I make, and by which project week?
- How are material rate changes handled mid-project?
- Who is my single point of contact, and how often will I get photo/video progress updates?
- What exactly does the handover warranty cover, and for how long?
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a turnkey house take in Lahore?
A typical 10 marla turnkey home takes 8–14 months from design sign-off to handover, depending on design complexity, finish selections and weather.
Is turnkey more expensive than managing construction myself?
The contract price is higher than a bare labour-rate sum, but self-managed projects routinely overrun through procurement mistakes, rework and delays. For most owners with jobs — or living overseas — turnkey ends up comparable or cheaper, with far less risk.
Can I customise materials in a turnkey package?
Yes. A professional turnkey BOQ defines brand tiers, and you make selections (tiles, fittings, colours, woodwork) at scheduled decision points, with transparent rate adjustments either way.
Do you take turnkey projects outside Lahore?
Yes — Planet Builders & Interiors has delivered projects in 30+ cities across Punjab. Tell us about your plot.
Compare scopes properly before you decide: our guide to choosing a construction company in Lahore gives you the full checklist — or explore our turnkey service and book a free consultation.