Adding a storey (nayi manzil) is a common way to get more space or a rentable upper portion without buying a new plot. The biggest question is not cost; it is whether your existing house can safely carry the extra weight.
What's included
| Item | What it involves | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Structural assessment | Engineer checks foundations, columns, slab and steel | Must come first |
| Revised drawings | Architectural and structural plans for the new floor | Needed for approval |
| Roof preparation | Removing old waterproofing, exposing column starter bars | Careful work to avoid damage |
| Column extension | Joining new steel to existing columns | As per structural design |
| Strengthening | Jacketing columns or adding beams if needed | Only if engineer requires |
| New structure | Columns, beams, roof slab, brickwork, plaster | Like normal grey structure |
| Stairs | Extending the staircase | Separate entrance for rentals |
| Services | Water tank shift, electrical, plumbing, gas | May need new meters |
When you need it
- Family is growing or you want a rental upper portion
- Your plot's rules allow another storey
- The original house was designed for future floors, or an engineer confirms it can be strengthened
Rules and approvals in Lahore
- Storey and height limits. For LDA areas, the regulations list maximum storeys by plot size: 3 storeys and 38 ft for plots under 10 marla, and 4 storeys and 45 ft for 10 marla and above (LDA regulations, reg. 2.2.3).
- Structural drawings. Structure stability drawings or calculations are required above 38 ft (reg. 2.2.3, note b).
- Revised plan. Get a revised building plan approved by LDA, DHA or your society before work starts. Building beyond the sanctioned plan can affect your completion certificate (reg. 10.9.3).
- Utilities. A separate portion may need its own electricity and gas meter from LESCO and SNGPL.
Step-by-step process
- Structural assessment. Engineer reviews original drawings if available, and inspects columns and foundations.
- Design. Architect and engineer prepare the new floor and any strengthening.
- Approval. Submit revised plans and wait for approval.
- Protect the house below. Plan for dust, water and noise; move belongings away from the roof.
- Open the roof carefully and expose column bars.
- Strengthen existing columns if required.
- Build the new floor: columns, beams, slab, walls and plaster, with steel checked before each pour.
- Waterproof the new roof.
- Connect services and shift the water tank.
What affects the cost
New-floor work is often quoted per sq ft of new covered area, plus separate items for strengthening and roof preparation. Factors:
- Covered area of the new floor
- Whether strengthening is needed
- Demolition of existing roof features (old mumty, water tank, waterproofing)
- Staircase extension
- Material and labour cost (Houseplot construction rate data shows Lahore grey structure rates from about Rs2,200 to Rs4,000 per sq ft in 2026; extension work can differ because of the extra care needed)
- Whether you live in the house during work
Questions to ask
- Will you work from a structural engineer's design, or only your experience?
- How will you protect the existing house from leaks during work?
- How will you join new columns to existing ones?
- Have you added floors to houses of similar age?
- Who handles water tank shifting and services?
Red flags
- "Your house can take two more floors" without any inspection
- Breaking into existing columns without a design
- Starting before revised approval
- No plan for rain protection when the roof is open
FAQs
Can I add a floor to any house? Only if the structure can carry it and your plot's rules allow another storey. An engineer's assessment comes first.
Do I need a new map approval for an extra floor? Yes, get a revised plan approved by your authority before work.
Can I live in the house during construction? Many people do, but expect dust, noise and some leak risk. Agree protection measures with the contractor.
Should the new floor have separate meters? If it is a separate portion, apply to LESCO and SNGPL for separate connections.
This page is general information; confirm with the relevant authority or a qualified professional before you act.
Sources
- Lahore Development Authority, Building and Zoning Regulations (amendment document): https://lda.gop.pk/website/images/LDA_BR.pdf
- Houseplot construction rate data (October 2026)