ᐅ Topping-Out Ceremony and House Completion: Who to Invite, Who Not to, Traditions?
Created on: 11 Oct 2013 09:29
A
Anirbas
Hello,
Although our topping-out ceremony is still some time away, I wanted to ask in advance.
How was it for you? Who did you invite (tradespeople, family, friends, neighbors)?
How much did the topping-out ceremony cost you, and how many people attended?
For those who celebrated it in winter, did you use patio heaters (costs)?
Who usually provides the topping-out wreath/tree?
We are still considering whether to invite only tradespeople and neighbors. But from what we hear, family and friends also expect an invitation...
Thank you very much for your opinions and experiences.
Although our topping-out ceremony is still some time away, I wanted to ask in advance.
How was it for you? Who did you invite (tradespeople, family, friends, neighbors)?
How much did the topping-out ceremony cost you, and how many people attended?
For those who celebrated it in winter, did you use patio heaters (costs)?
Who usually provides the topping-out wreath/tree?
We are still considering whether to invite only tradespeople and neighbors. But from what we hear, family and friends also expect an invitation...
Thank you very much for your opinions and experiences.
So, no topping-out ceremony is out of the question! It clearly brings bad luck—especially in house construction! No way, the topping-out ceremony is a must. The neighbors want to take a look, after all, they have to put up with the noise. And it’s a chance to get to know each other. The tradespeople also like to have a bit of fun. If we cancel the celebrations, all that's left is work. That would be a shame.
We had our topping-out ceremony last Thursday. Due to the schedule, the roof was already covered by then. The planned start was at 6 p.m., the craftsmen left at 10 p.m., and we only got home at 1:30 a.m. We had planned for up to 40 people, but many showed up unannounced or didn’t respond to the invitations.
We decided against traditional meatloaf because the craftsmen get that every day (for example, also provided by us). Instead, we ordered a stuffed pork roast from the local butcher, which cost about €350 for 40 people, including drinks.
The tree was a small, discarded spruce from the nearest nursery, decorated with ribbons and tissues.
It was a nice event. One thing to keep in mind: depending on the season, it’s essential to have proper lighting. We specifically bought extra floodlights to guide the guests through the house. I think heating lamps are overrated since it’s still a shell construction.
We decided against traditional meatloaf because the craftsmen get that every day (for example, also provided by us). Instead, we ordered a stuffed pork roast from the local butcher, which cost about €350 for 40 people, including drinks.
The tree was a small, discarded spruce from the nearest nursery, decorated with ribbons and tissues.
It was a nice event. One thing to keep in mind: depending on the season, it’s essential to have proper lighting. We specifically bought extra floodlights to guide the guests through the house. I think heating lamps are overrated since it’s still a shell construction.
We didn’t have a topping-out ceremony... (And I hope that won’t bring us bad luck)
We had planned to have one, but the shell builder said that almost none of his team (the masons) would be able to come. The roof structure was erected within two days, and two days after that, the roof was on and our house was weather-tight. Since we already know the neighbors, we decided to skip it. We gave the masons a small gift and a tip instead.
We had planned to have one, but the shell builder said that almost none of his team (the masons) would be able to come. The roof structure was erected within two days, and two days after that, the roof was on and our house was weather-tight. Since we already know the neighbors, we decided to skip it. We gave the masons a small gift and a tip instead.
rockalilly14 Oct 2015 09:56We also didn’t have a topping-out ceremony. The tradespeople weren’t bothered by it at all. They came from far away and were happy to be able to go home. Our construction manager also told us that the trend is moving away from the traditional topping-out ceremony towards a sealing ceremony or a housewarming party. We will do the latter.
We don’t regret it, especially since it poured down heavily during the topping-out week.
We don’t regret it, especially since it poured down heavily during the topping-out week.
We held a topping-out ceremony with the entire construction team, friends, and neighbors (about 50 people). The food included roast suckling pig (about one-third was left over), dumplings, sauerkraut, salads, and the usual drinks!
As the topping-out wreath, we used a small tree from our property, which had to be removed anyway because of the terrace, and decorated it a bit.
It was definitely a good decision and a very sociable evening!
Of course, the housewarming party is still a must.
As the topping-out wreath, we used a small tree from our property, which had to be removed anyway because of the terrace, and decorated it a bit.
It was definitely a good decision and a very sociable evening!
Of course, the housewarming party is still a must.
As mentioned earlier, we held a topping-out ceremony. Our site manager also asked several times if we really wanted to have a topping-out ceremony. From this, I gather that this tradition is becoming less common. This is partly understandable – unless it falls on a weekend, you have to take a day off work, which you might need better elsewhere.
However, I tend to be more traditional in these matters. For me, it was never a question whether we would have a topping-out ceremony. I also see it as a way to thank the craftsmen (though of course, there are other ways to do this). Likewise, it was never a question for me (since it doesn’t hurt) to attach the topping-out tree or tree stump as a good luck charm for the house on the framework. The only thing we skipped was the time capsule under the house (well, to be precise, we simply didn’t think about it).
However, I tend to be more traditional in these matters. For me, it was never a question whether we would have a topping-out ceremony. I also see it as a way to thank the craftsmen (though of course, there are other ways to do this). Likewise, it was never a question for me (since it doesn’t hurt) to attach the topping-out tree or tree stump as a good luck charm for the house on the framework. The only thing we skipped was the time capsule under the house (well, to be precise, we simply didn’t think about it).
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