Our Blogs

You’ve found the perfect block of land and an ideal house design, but there’s still an important decision to be made. One that has a huge impact on the street appeal and resale value of your new home – choosing the right façade. Read More

Bedroom 1, Master Bedroom, Master Suite, Main Bedroom – whatever you’d like to call it. When designing your master bedroom, you want to make certain you create a comfortable private sanctuary where you can escape at the end of a hectic day, unwind and get a good night’s sleep. Read More

When looking to buy a home, many deliberate whether they should purchase an existing home or buy a section and build from scratch. Read More

Multi-generational living is becoming the new buzzword which defines numerous households today. For many extended families it makes perfect sense to live under the same roof for both financial and relationship reasons. Read More

The term ‘smart’ used to define one’s intelligence or how well they were dressed. However, in recent years we have seen a massive crossover from smart people to smart things. If you were around in the early 60s to 80s when the futuristic TV cartoon series screened “The Jetsons” you may be feeling a sense of déjà vu as we see ‘smart’ homes evolve from the realms of science-fiction to reality Read More

When it comes to home saleability, as with kitchens, bathrooms are referred to as investment spaces and when designed and built correctly, these rooms stand out and are more likely to create an emotional response to potential buyers. Read More

Good lighting is an essential element in the design of your new home. It impacts on functionality and can make a huge difference to the overall ambience and style of your home, providing a sense of warmth and comfort for you and your family. Read More

Designing and building master built quality homes is our passion, with liveability and stylish functionality being our main design focus. As the kitchen is primarily the heart of the home and the social hub… Read More

Are you about to embark on the exciting journey of building a new home? Whether you have built before or you are building for the first time, it can seem a daunting process for some; particularly when it comes to all the decisions… Read More

With the summers getting hotter we are noticing more clients are incorporating a pool into their Build Wishlist. As Kiwis are big on the outdoors and entertaining, the inclusion of a swimming pool certainly takes the outdoor oasis to the next level.
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At the start of a brand-new year, it’s often a time to reflect on last year – the good and the not so good too. However, it’s also a time to focus on the coming year and set some goals that you want to achieve. Dare I say, loose a few pounds and get more active. We all do it and it typically works out harder than we’d like. But, if you want it hard enough you will make it happen. You just need to dig a little deeper. Read More

Friday night and the movie is just about to start, so with the popcorn in hand, you walk into the Media room to watch the film with the family, or perhaps: Read More

Our Kiwi lifestyle is indicative of our love of nature and the outdoors. This is also reflected in today’s contemporary home designs featuring expansive outdoor alfresco areas, which are perfect for entertaining family and friends year-round. Read More

How often do we hear the term, getting back to nature? More than ever, this concept is being applied to the innovative design and architecture of contemporary homes today. Read More

The humble garage has certainly evolved over the years, from being a place to park the car with dad’s workbench crammed in at the back, covered with jars full of nails and screws, tools hanging on makeshift hooks and garden implements crammed up against the wall. Read More

As flooring is a key design element in creating atmosphere and style for your new home, choosing the right floor coverings can be a challenge. The first step involves deciding what look and feel you want throughout, plus it’s important to consider the function of each room and your budget. Read More

So, which is your preferred heating source? Radiant or Convective heat? And which is best for your new home? Let us explain.

When it comes to Home Heating, there are two broad types of Heating.

1. Radiant:
The sun is the best example and it’s free. Read More

One of the challenges with a modern home is that they’re so well sealed they can’t breathe. Result? Damp walls, wet windows and mould

As we breathe, we’re expelling moisture. Cooking, showers and baths produce even more moisture, so you end up with a very damp, unhealthy home if it’s not sufficiently ventilated. So, how do you make that horrible window condensation go away? How do you make mould build up in bathrooms go away? What can you do in a home to turn it into a healthy home? Read More

The key to creating a warm energy efficient healthy home starts with your plans; using passive design principles to make the most of the sun’s free natural warmth.
The aspect (orientation and position) of your home in relation to the sun, is a critical factor as to how well your home will absorb heat in the winter. The ideal building site for a warm, energy efficient home gets plenty of sun, has a northly aspect and is sheltered from prevailing winds. Read More

Here are lots of finishing touches you can add to enhance the décor and personality of your beautiful new home. As mentioned in our earlier blog titled Making your home a reflection of yourself, the creative inclusion of layers and texture to spaces brings warmth and character to your home, including the addition of soft furnishings, art and accessories to brighten each room. Read More

A great design creates a story of who you are. Your home should be a reflection of you and your family, both aesthetically and practically. Don’t be afraid to put splashes of your personality in key areas of your home. Read More

Mother’s Day has come and gone, but it is still a reminder to celebrate our mothers and personally thank them for their love and the positive influence they have had on our lives, and families to come. Read More

When I hear the word “storage”, the first thing that comes to mind is: BORING …. Next! I much prefer to focus on the wow factor elements like the kitchen, ensuite and the most amazing outdoor area I have planned – who’s with me?
Reality is, every home needs a decent amount of storage. Read More

Building a new home is an unfamiliar process for new home-owners, as well as experienced home owners. At Hallmark Homes, we understand, and acknowledge the fears, concerns and worries of every client, by being accessible to you, online, 24/7, in order to ensure a smooth and enjoyable process to building your dream home. Read More

Are you looking for unique features to your home?
Look no further than Hallmark Homes to deliver for you.
You don’t have to have the “same old same old” look of every other home in your suburb.
Take a look at these stunning kitchen and home photo’s. The classic look of earlier generations with all todays latest technology and building techniques. Read More

Building a new home is a journey that needs to take into account:

1, Choosing a design that maximises your section and its aspect.
2, Your budget, i.e. what you can afford.
3, Design features you really NEED – i.e. 4 Bedroom/Ensuite/Level entry shower?
4, Design features that would be NICE if budget allows. Read More

Would you take the lowest price for your new home? How do you know your builder isn’t using cheaper sub standard materials?? How do you know the sub trades are qualified? Read More

We get asked every day “so what sort of foundations are we going to need for our new home?” Post the quakes in Canterbury that question is one of the most complex and therefore inherently cost variable issues with building. Read More

After three years of regularly contributing to KiwiSaver (of at least the minimum allowable percentage of your total income) you may be entitled to the HomeStart grant. Read More

When choosing a builder, many people are tempted to compare the square metre rate. Let us give you 2 reasons why this is a BIG mistake… Read More

Our brand new showhome “The Nevis” is open for business. After years of planning, you’ll be able to view another exceptional home built by Hallmark Homes encompassing innovative design, technology rich features with top quality attention to detail. Read More