ᐅ Topping Out Ceremony: Gifts for the Construction Workers?

Created on: 28 Jun 2016 15:08
A
andimann
Hi everyone,

our shell builder has been busy, and the topping-out ceremony is the day after tomorrow!

We have everything prepared so far, all good. During the planning phase, I also did some online research and occasionally came across the mention of:

Gifts (envelopes with money) for the tradespeople?

At first glance, I find that a bit excessive and had never heard of it before. Have you ever done something like handing out money envelopes? Don’t get me wrong, but when I complete a successful project at work, I only receive my salary and maybe a thank-you on a lucky day.

Of course, the guys are invited, and there’s meat and beer ready!

Rituals and customs vary a lot by region; we are building near Nuremberg, in Franconia.

Best regards
U
Username_wahl
9 Jul 2016 22:58
Drinks, of course, I forgot to mention that. Small bottles are best.
J
Jecca
9 Jul 2016 23:27
Drinks would still be expected as a given.. I was just uncertain about the food.
Y
ypg
10 Jul 2016 01:08
Jecca schrieb:
Drinks would still be expected.. I was just unsure about food.

Cake is also always welcome with the tradespeople.
Neige10 Jul 2016 08:08
Having worked on construction sites myself for many years, I truly appreciated it when the clients provided drinks and occasionally brought snacks. Tips are nice, but even better was when the client showed up with homemade cake and a pot of coffee.
It simply motivates you as a tradesperson to see that the clients value the work being done on site.
Back then, we also preferred being provided with refreshments during the work rather than for topping-out ceremonies, as spending the evening with family was always a priority.
P
Payday
10 Jul 2016 09:25
Neighbors carried things for the craftsmen every day but still didn’t receive the smallest favors in return. Some even took time off work or went out of their way during lunch breaks.

We hardly ever saw the craftsmen and only treated them 2-3 times. And honestly, only because it was almost unavoidable toward the end of the construction period when we were working alongside them. When we ate sandwiches with cold drinks on Saturday afternoons, we invited the tiler (self-employed) to join us. Ice cream during the height of summer was also appreciated, as were cold drinks.

Alcohol is definitely not appropriate anymore; those times are over. In winter, hot coffee is well received.
A
alter0029
11 Jul 2016 20:25
Is it actually necessary to hold a topping-out ceremony?