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
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
S
Sebastian7929 Jun 2016 08:48I would also skip spending extra money—building is already expensive enough. Just invite the workers for some food and drinks, and that’s enough.
Craftsmen, especially local ones, are usually not on site for long anyway—it’s not as special to them as it is to us as builders.
In my experience, it helps to treat them a bit beforehand (snacks, drinks); this usually results in better work. If I give a tip, it’s often quite early before the work is finished. The workers then usually stay longer than necessary and put in more effort.
Craftsmen, especially local ones, are usually not on site for long anyway—it’s not as special to them as it is to us as builders.
In my experience, it helps to treat them a bit beforehand (snacks, drinks); this usually results in better work. If I give a tip, it’s often quite early before the work is finished. The workers then usually stay longer than necessary and put in more effort.
After our topping-out ceremony, I learned that it is customary to give 20 to 30 euros as a token of appreciation for the framing carpenter’s speech. After all, the carpenters stay longer than they actually work, so it’s considered their free time. Otherwise, you usually have no connection with them. In our case, they did not stay for a meal either; it wouldn’t have been possible to treat them since they were only here for one day and left on time. As mentioned, they did not receive anything from us.
U
Username_wahl9 Jul 2016 22:17We always had sweets on the construction site. There was no topping-out ceremony, but it was winter anyway.
S
Sebastian799 Jul 2016 22:50The most important thing nowadays is drinks – preferably isotonic drinks, water, and apple spritzer in 0.5-liter (17-ounce) bottles.
We placed a refrigerator there that was always well stocked. It was inexpensive, and people were very grateful.
From talking to many tradespeople, I know that this is rarely done anymore.
We placed a refrigerator there that was always well stocked. It was inexpensive, and people were very grateful.
From talking to many tradespeople, I know that this is rarely done anymore.
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