The Hallmark Homes Build Process: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Home in Christchurch!

The Hallmark Homes Build Process: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Home in Christchurch!

Building a new home is one of life’s most exciting milestones. It’s also a big commitment, and if you’ve never done it before, the process can feel a little overwhelming. From finance and design decisions to council consents and construction timelines, there’s a lot to take in.

That’s where Hallmark Homes comes in. With over 30 years of experience building bespoke homes across Canterbury, our process is designed to make your journey smooth, transparent, and—most importantly—enjoyable. We believe building your dream home should feel inspiring, not stressful.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the eight key stages of building a home with Hallmark Homes, so you know exactly what to expect, from the very first chat through to unlocking the door on handover day (and beyond).

Step 1: Initial Consultation – Where Your Journey Begins

Every great build starts with a conversation. Whether you’ve contacted us through our website, called us directly, found us on social media, or popped into one of our showhomes, the first step is always the same: a FREE consultation with one of our experienced sales consultants.

This isn’t a pushy sales chat—it’s about listening. We want to understand:

• Are you looking for a house & land package or do you already own a section?
• Is this your first home, an investment property, or your forever family home?
• Do you want one of our architectural plans customised, or do you want to design something truly bespoke from scratch?

No matter your answer, this consultation lays the foundation for a partnership built on clear communication and trust.

💡 Tip: Bring along your ideas, Pinterest boards, or even hand sketches—every detail helps us understand your vision.

Step 2: Concept Plans – Turning Ideas into Designs

This is where your dream starts to take shape. Together with our draftsman or in-house architectural designer, we’ll translate your lifestyle and wishlist into a concept plan that maximises your site, budget, and future aspirations.

• Love entertaining? We’ll design a kitchen and dining area that flows seamlessly outdoors.
• Need space for the kids? We’ll think ahead about bedrooms, storage, and rumpus rooms.
• Want a private sanctuary? We’ll explore master suites with walk-in wardrobes and ensuites.

Sometimes this stage takes a couple of meetings, but that’s a good thing—we’re here to make sure the plan truly feels right for you.

👉 For inspiration, browse some of our most popular designs like the Wanaka 318, Motueka, Twizel, or The Remarkables.

Step 3: Specifications – The Fun (and Functional) Details

Once we’ve got a concept plan, it’s time to talk about the details that make a house a home. This is the exciting part where you’ll choose:

• Exterior claddings (brick, schist, cedar, plaster, or a mix for texture)
• Roofing and joinery styles
• Interior finishes, flooring, lighting, and tapware

To make it easy, we use Co-Construct, a simple online platform that becomes your project hub. Here, you can view your specifications, track progress, approve decisions, and stay in control from anywhere.

✨ This stage is about personalisation. Whether you want sleek and modern, warm and traditional, or bold and architectural, we’ll help you create a home that reflects your personality.

Step 4: Quote + Contract – Full Transparency

Once concept plans and specifications are confirmed, we’ll provide a clear and detailed quote. This isn’t just a rough estimate—it’s a carefully prepared outline of the investment required for your project.

At this point, you’ll know exactly what’s included, so there are no surprises down the track. Our goal is complete transparency—because trust is as important as timber in the build process.

Step 5: Working Plans & Consent – The Fine Detail

This is where your concept plan becomes a technical reality. A four-page design quickly grows into 20–30 detailed working drawings.

Before lodging for consent, we’ll sit down with you and go through these in detail so you fully understand every aspect of your new home. Then, once you’re happy, we’ll submit the plans to council on your behalf.

At this stage, you’ll also:

• Meet the Hallmark team in a pre-commence meeting.
• Work with our Interior Designer to finalise your colour scheme.
• Meet with our kitchen designer to refine the heart of your home, if needed.
• Make a series of exciting decisions about finishes and fixtures.

💡 FAQ: How long does consent take?
This depends on council workloads but usually takes 4–6 weeks. Don’t worry—we’ll keep you updated.

Step 6: Construction – From Plans to Reality

This is the part you’ve been waiting for: your home starts to rise from the ground! From the slab to the roofline, you’ll see progress unfold quickly.

We’ll:

• Keep you updated via Co-Construct and regular site meetings.
• Seek your approval on any requested changes before moving forward.
• Ensure quality craftsmanship at every stage of the build.

You’ll need to:

• Observe health & safety requirements when visiting site.
• Ensure any client-supplied items (like feature lights or appliances) arrive on time.
• Arrange progress payments as per schedule.

Seeing your home take shape is one of the most exciting parts of the process—and we make sure you feel included in the journey every step of the way.

Step 7: Handover – The Keys are yours!

Before you know it, it’s move-in time!

Here’s what happens:

• A week before handover, we’ll walk you through the home to note any small details needing attention.
• We’ll arrange your Code of Compliance certificate with the local council.
• You’ll receive a comprehensive warranty and guarantee folder.
• And then—the best part—we’ll personally hand you the keys to your brand-new Hallmark home.

Your role is simple:

• Arrange your home insurance.
• Make your final payment.
• Get ready to step into your dream home with a big smile.

Step 8: Ongoing Support – Because it Doesn’t End at Handover

Unlike some builders, our commitment doesn’t end once you’ve moved in. With Hallmark Homes, you’ll enjoy:

• A 10-year Master Build Guarantee for complete peace of mind.
• A 12-month maintenance period where we’ll address any settling issues.

We’ll check in to ensure everything’s running smoothly, because at Hallmark, happy clients are our greatest success stories.

Why Build with Hallmark Homes?

Building a home is about more than just bricks and mortar—it’s about trust, relationships, and creating a lifestyle that reflects you. At Hallmark, we pride ourselves on:

• Experience: Over 30 years building dream homes.
• Personalisation: Bespoke architectural designs tailored to your life.
• Transparency: Full use of Co-Construct for clarity and communication.
• Support: From first sketch to final handover and beyond.

💡 Many of our clients say they chose Hallmark because they never felt like just another number. We treat every build as if it were our own home, and our clients become part of the Hallmark family.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Whether you’re dreaming of your first home, planning a family upgrade, or designing your ultimate forever home, Hallmark Homes can make it happen.

👉 Book your free consultation today, or come and see us at one of our showhomes to start your journey. Check out our Build Journey on the website to learn more about how we bring your dream home to life.