FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Take the Guesswork Out of Building

You’ve Got Questions. We’ve Got Answers.

Building a home is one of life’s biggest decisions and it’s natural to have plenty of questions along the way. From costs and timelines to design choices and build locations, we’ve gathered our most frequently asked questions to help you feel clear and confident about what’s next.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What makes Hallmark Homes different from other builders in Christchurch?

As a family-owned business with over 30 years of experience, Hallmark Homes takes a personal, family-oriented approach — when you build with us, you become part of the Hallmark family, not just another project. We pride ourselves on award-winning quality, flexible design options, and open, transparent communication throughout your journey. We’re also happy to work with you if you’d like to supply your own materials, helping you create a home that’s truly yours.

Do I need to have my own section before contacting Hallmark Homes?

No, you don’t need to have your own section before getting in touch with us. If you already have land, that’s great — we can start planning your new home right away. However, if you’re still searching for the perfect section, we’re more than happy to help. We have a range of house and land packages ready to build, and we also work closely with Christchurch developers to help you secure a site that suits your home design and lifestyle.

Can you design Architectural homes?

Yes, we certainly can. At Hallmark Homes, we have an experienced in-house architectural designer who specialises in designing architectural homes. Whether you’re after a unique, custom design or something bold and contemporary, we can bring your vision to life with a home that reflects your style and makes the most of your section.

Is there a charge for your Design and Build services?

We offer a free concept design, which includes a rough estimate and proposal to help you get started. To provide a fixed price, additional steps may be required — such as site investigations or detailed drawings — depending on your chosen plan. These extra steps could involve some additional costs, but we’ll always discuss them with you upfront so there are no surprises.

Do you have ready to move in homes?

We occasionally have our showhomes available for sale. Aside from that, we don’t typically have ready-built homes, as most of our builds are custom-designed for our clients.

How much does it cost to build a custom home in Christchurch?

The cost of building a custom home can vary depending on your design, specifications, and site conditions. At Hallmark Homes, we offer three house plan series to suit a wide range of budgets and lifestyles. Our Headstart range typically starts from around $370,000, with pricing increasing depending on the level of customisation you’re after. Whether you're looking for a simple, stylish design or something fully bespoke, we’ll work closely with you to create a home that reflects your vision and fits your budget.

How long does it take to build a new home in Canterbury?

The timeframe for building a new home can vary depending on the size, design, and level of specification. On average, most builds take between 5 to 10 months from the start of construction. Smaller or more straightforward homes may be completed sooner, while larger or more detailed homes may take a bit longer. We’ll provide you with a realistic timeline based on your specific plans and keep you updated throughout the entire process.

Can I supply my own materials for my new home if its cheaper?

Yes, we’re happy to work with you if you prefer to supply your own materials. If you have trusted suppliers or access to more cost-effective options, we’ll do our best to incorporate them into your build. At Hallmark Homes, we aim to be flexible and collaborative to help you get the best value without compromising on quality.

Do you build in Rolleston, Lincoln, and surrounding areas?

Yes, we do. Hallmark Homes builds right across Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region — from Ashburton to Amberley and everywhere in between, including Rolleston, Lincoln, West Melton, and more. If you're unsure whether we cover your area, just ask — chances are, we do!

Do you build in Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Woodend and surrounding areas?

Yes, we do. Hallmark Homes builds throughout Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region. We can build in the northern areas of Canterbury, including Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Woodend, Amberley, and the surrounding towns. If you're planning to build in this part of the region, we'd be happy to help bring your new home to life.

What’s the difference between a house and land package and a custom home build?

A house and land package is a section we've already chosen, paired with a home design we think works well for the site — more like a starting concept to show what could be built there. It’s a streamlined, convenient option and a great choice if you're after a hassle-free path to a brand-new home. And while the plan is pre-set, it can still be customised to suit your needs. A custom home build gives you full flexibility. You can design your home from scratch or adapt one of our standard plans to suit your lifestyle, preferences, and section. It’s a more personalised journey that may take a little longer, but the result is a home that’s truly yours.

Do I need to hire my own architect when building with Hallmark Homes?

No, you don’t need to hire your own architect. We have an experienced in-house architectural designer who can create your dream home. However, if you already have an architect, we’re happy to work with their plans and bring your vision to life.

Are you a qualified Master Builder?

Yes, Hallmark Homes is a proud member of the Registered Master Builders Association. This means we meet strict quality and experience standards, and our clients benefit from the peace of mind that comes with the Master Build 10-Year Guarantee. You're in trusted hands when you build with us.

What does the Master Build Guarantee mean?

The Master Build 10-Year Guarantee provides added peace of mind and protection when building your home. It covers key aspects such as loss of deposit, non-completion, defects in workmanship or materials, and structural issues for up to 10 years. As a Registered Master Builder, Hallmark Homes can offer this guarantee—giving you confidence that your investment is protected, and your home is built to the highest standard.

Can I customise one of your existing home plans?

Absolutely! You can customise any of our existing home plans to suit your lifestyle, preferences, and the specifics of your section. Whether it’s adjusting room layouts, adding special features, or changing finishes, we’ll work with you to make sure the design feels just right for you.

What technology do you offer to help visualise our home before it’s built?

At Hallmark Homes, we use detailed 3D renders and walkthroughs customised with your chosen colours to help you visualise your new home before building begins. Additionally, we utilise HomeAR technology, which allows you to experience an augmented reality view of your dream home, placing a virtual model right on your site or in your existing space. These tools give you a realistic and immersive way to explore your design, make confident decisions, and ensure your new home is exactly what you envisioned before construction starts.

Do you build outside Christchurch and Canterbury?

At Hallmark Homes, we primarily focus on building within Christchurch and the Canterbury region to ensure we maintain the highest quality and personalised service. However, depending on the project, we may consider builds outside these areas—please get in touch to discuss your location and requirements, and we’ll let you know how we can help.

Can you help with site selection or subdivision builds?

Yes, we can absolutely assist with site selection. We work closely with Christchurch developers to find a section that perfectly suits your lifestyle. Subdivision builds are our specialty, so we can definitely build your home within a subdivision.

How do you help clients stick to their budget during a build?

At Hallmark Homes, we manage cost blowouts by gaining a clear and detailed understanding of your brief—from specifications to design preferences. We offer cost-effective suggestions to help align your wishlist with your budget, without compromising on quality. Our pricing is transparent and detailed from the outset, so you know exactly what to expect. We also recommend setting aside a contingency allowance, just in case any unexpected costs arise during the build.

Who will manage my build, and how involved can I be in the process?

Your build will be managed by a dedicated project manager from Hallmark Homes, who will be your main point of contact throughout the process. They’ll coordinate everything from site preparation to final handover, ensuring your build runs smoothly and stays on schedule. You're welcome to be as involved as you'd like—we keep you informed at every stage, and you’re encouraged to ask questions and attend site visits so you feel confident and connected throughout the journey.

When is the best time to start a new home build in Canterbury?

You can begin a new home build in Canterbury at any time of year, but many people aim to start building in spring or summer when the weather is generally more favourable. That said, with proper planning and preparation, building through autumn and winter is also entirely manageable. At Hallmark Homes, we build year-round and are experienced in navigating seasonal conditions. The key is to allow enough time for design, consents, and site preparation—so the best time to start is as soon as you're ready to begin the process.

What is the first step with building a new home?

The first step in building a new home is to have a clear idea of where you’d like to live—explore subdivisions and sections to understand the location that suits your lifestyle. Next, speak with a mortgage broker or bank to determine your budget. Once you have a budget, visiting showhome villages is a great way to see what your money can achieve and gain inspiration. From there, create a list of your must-have requirements and non-negotiables, then review and compare different home plans. After you’ve refined your ideas and know what you want, you can start looking at builders to bring your vision to life.