Building a house in Islamabad or anywhere in Pakistan is an exciting journey,  but for most homeowners, one question always comes up: “How long will it take?”

The construction timeline of a house depends on factors such as plot size, design complexity, weather conditions, availability of materials, and the efficiency of your contractor. On average, building a 5 Marla to 1 Kanal house in Islamabad can take anywhere between 5 to 18 months.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step construction process in Pakistan, from laying the foundation to finishing touches, so you know what to expect at each stage.

Phase 1: Pre-Construction (Planning & Approvals) – 1 to 2 Months

Before you begin digging, you need to:

• Finalize architectural and structural drawings.

   

• Get approvals from CDA, RDA, or relevant housing society (like DHA, Bahria Town, or Gulberg).

   

• Arrange financing and budget estimates.

   

💡 Tip: In Islamabad, CDA approvals can take longer, so it’s smart to begin paperwork early.

Phase 2: Foundation & Structure – 1 to 2 Months

This stage is all about strength and stability. It includes:

• Excavation of the plot.

   

• Laying the foundation (including waterproofing where necessary).

   

• Erection of columns, beams, and roof slabs.

   

• Basic brickwork and blockwork.

   

⏱️ In Islamabad, a 5 Marla house foundation and grey structure usually takes 1–2 months, while a 1 Kanal house may take up to 1–2 months due to larger covered areas.

Phase 3: Grey Structure Completion – 1 to 3 Months

This phase makes the house recognizable:

• Wall construction and plastering.

   

• Roofing and slab casting.

   

• Installation of plumbing lines, electrical conduits, and sewerage systems.

   

• Boundary wall and initial flooring.

   

💡 In areas like Banigala, D-12 or E-11 with rocky soil, excavation and foundation may take longer, slightly delaying this stage.

Phase 4: Finishing Works – 4 to 8 Months

This is where the design vision comes alive. Finishing includes:

• Flooring (tiles, marble, or wooden).

   

• Doors, windows, and aluminum/wooden frames.

   

• Kitchen and bathroom fittings.

   

• False ceilings, lighting, and paintwork.

   

• Cabinetry and wardrobes.

   

🔑 The finishing stage is the most time-consuming and cost-intensive. Homeowners often extend this timeline by changing material choices or upgrading to imported fittings.

Phase 5: Final Touches & Handover – 1 Month

• Deep cleaning and polishing.

   

• External works (driveway, landscaping, gates).

   

• Safety inspections and utility connections (electricity, SNGPL gas, water supply).

   

• Final handover to the owner.

   

Average Construction Timeline in Islamabad (2025)

Factors That Can Delay Construction in Pakistan

1. Weather Conditions – Heavy rains or extreme cold in Islamabad can delay concrete curing and finishing.

    

2. Approval Delays – CDA, DHA, or society NOCs often take longer than expected.

    

3. Material Price Fluctuations – Cement, steel, and tile prices can rise suddenly, causing budget and scheduling issues.

    

4. Labor Strikes or Shortages – Skilled labor availability in Islamabad can affect timelines.

    

5. Owner-Driven Changes – Mid-project design changes add time and cost.

    

Final Word

In Islamabad, building a house in 2025 takes careful planning, budgeting, and professional supervision. While a 5 Marla home can be completed in around a year, larger houses may take up to 18 months.

At Constructo, we ensure your project moves smoothly from foundation to finishing, with clear timelines, transparent budgeting, and high-quality execution.

📞 Contact Constructo today to get a realistic timeline and cost estimate for your house in Islamabad.