"Grey structure" and "finishing" represent two fundamentally different phases of building a house. They involve distinct skilled trades, distinct risk profiles, and different financial exposure. Understanding how they interconnect is essential to avoiding costly site delays.
Phase 1: Grey Structure (The Structural Core)
Grey structure encompasses all civil engineering and structural framing that ensures the building's structural integrity, earthquake resistance, and moisture protection. Once plastered and painted, these components are hidden forever.
- Site Excavation, Termite Proofing & Compaction (Weeks 1–3)
- Lean Concrete & Engineered Raft / Strip Footing Foundation (Weeks 3–6)
- Ground & First Floor RCC Columns, Beams, and Slab Pouring (Weeks 7–14)
- Brick Masonry Walls, Door Chokhats & Window Lintels (Weeks 15–18)
- Electrical Conduit Piping & Concealed Plumbing Rough-Ins (Weeks 19–21)
- Interior & Exterior Cement Plastering + Rooftop Screeding & Bitumen Waterproofing (Weeks 22–24)
Phase 2: Finishing (Aesthetics, Comfort & Automation)
Finishing transforms the bare concrete shell into a comfortable, secure, move-in-ready home. While grey structure costs are driven strictly by engineering volumes, finishing costs vary widely based on individual material selections.
- Floor & Wall Tile Laying (Living areas, bathrooms, kitchen backsplash)
- False Ceiling Framing (Gypsum board ceiling with cove lighting troughs)
- Woodwork & Carpentry (Solid & semi-solid doors, built-in wardrobes, kitchen cabinets)
- Paint & Exterior Texturing (Wall putty, primer, weather-shield, rockwall texturing)
- Sanitary & Electrical Fixture Installation (Faucets, vanity mirrors, switches, chandeliers)
- Smart Home Automation (CCTV, smart locks, intercom, motorized gate integration)
The Danger of Splitting Contractors
Contracting one team for grey structure and another for finishing is a primary cause of construction nightmares. When pipes leak inside walls, tiles crack due to uneven subfloors, or door frames fail to align, contractors blame each other. At Rekodik, we handle both phases under one single accountable contract from foundation to final key handover.