ᐅ Topping Out Ceremony: Gifts for the Construction Workers?

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

Hello Andreas,

This is the first time I’m hearing that envelopes are being distributed....

I only know about food and drinks!!

Dead animal and cold beer would be the classic. Usually, you would also invite the helpful neighbors for that (for example, by providing a temporary power connection on site, a parking space for the crane).

However, I have also heard that many tradespeople nowadays prefer an envelope with cash and that this has become common practice.

P.S. Unfortunately, your picture cannot be viewed.

We didn’t do that either. The envelopes are probably intended for other purposes, not simply as a gift.

It is actually just a small tip instead of a traditional topping-out ceremony.

Hi,
thanks for the replies. There’s no picture attached—the text just got messed up while typing. Pictures will follow ASAP in the house pictures thread, I’ve been busy the last few days with work, house construction, family, and watching football.

Then the guys just have to make do with dead meat and beer!

Best regards,

Andreas