Hello everyone,
Our topping-out ceremony is coming up in about two weeks. Given the current COVID-19 situation, it’s clear that we will celebrate only with the construction workers, our new neighbors, and our parents. However, it doesn’t feel right not to show some appreciation to the shell builders, who have done an excellent job. Maybe a nicely packaged “worker’s lunch bag” handed to the site supervisor for distribution? Should we inform the neighbors that the celebration will be postponed, or is it better not to mention it at all? What are your thoughts on this? How would you hold a potential topping-out ceremony in these times?
Thanks to all!
Best regards,
T. Liederbach
Our topping-out ceremony is coming up in about two weeks. Given the current COVID-19 situation, it’s clear that we will celebrate only with the construction workers, our new neighbors, and our parents. However, it doesn’t feel right not to show some appreciation to the shell builders, who have done an excellent job. Maybe a nicely packaged “worker’s lunch bag” handed to the site supervisor for distribution? Should we inform the neighbors that the celebration will be postponed, or is it better not to mention it at all? What are your thoughts on this? How would you hold a potential topping-out ceremony in these times?
Thanks to all!
Best regards,
T. Liederbach
netuser schrieb:
Nevertheless, we took the opportunity at very short notice to casually invite relatives, friends, and neighbors to visit the construction site on the mentioned day from 5 p.m.... The topping-out ceremony is the best chance to get to know the new neighborhood and fellow builders in a relaxed and informal setting.
Back in 2013, it was already made clear that the topping-out ceremony takes place during the workers’ personal time and that none of them really want to stay when they could already be at home with their families.
The wreath was provided by our general contractor (included in the scope of work). From Thursday at 4 p.m., guests were welcome, including the “newcomers” who found a flyer from us at their shell construction. The exchange, including discussions about the home builders and the topics covered here, is invaluable.
Regarding COVID, I think it can now be taken less seriously or scaled down a bit. Everyone knows by now that masks, distancing, and good ventilation are best. At the shell stage, guests also spread out well and usually only drop by for an hour or two for one or two beers, a shot, and a bowl of soup.
Hangman schrieb:
Long story short: do something nice and personal for the workers at 2:00 PM, even if it’s just a tray of cake and coffee, maybe with small gifts. Afterwards, you could leave the house open as an opportunity for neighbors and friends to stop by. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, but I find it rather sad to skip it altogether.We will definitely thank the workers so far with a gift, but we won’t organize a traditional topping-out ceremony. So far, apart from the earthworker, to whom I have already given a gift, only two general contractor workers have been around, and the carpenter will join next week.
For friends and (selected neighbors) I will arrange something at short notice once the site is less cluttered, so that the house can be viewed and then a nice little gathering can be organized. At the moment, there isn’t even room for a table on the property…
Last year (August), we also held a small topping-out ceremony with neighbors and the carpenters/roofers. There were about 25 people. I had checked with the local authorities beforehand to see if there might be any issues with such a gathering during the COVID-19 pandemic. They said no, since the event took place outdoors. I think everyone involved was happy to see something different again and to have a little celebration. 🙂
M
motorradsilke21 Sep 2021 17:47We had our topping-out ceremony in June. We celebrated in the new house, as there is always enough space there. It was at 2:30 PM. A few of the construction workers came (but only a few), as well as friends who were already available at that time. Family and neighbors joined later, by then some of the first guests had already left. It was a very nice day, and I don’t want to miss it. For me, it was simply part of the process.
At least here in the true north, Schleswig-Holstein, COVID no longer causes much disruption. Since we have mostly lifted the indoor mask requirement and are located close to Denmark, everyone—men, women, and children—is highly vaccinated.
A topping-out ceremony is a special event. I remember it fondly. April 2017, quite cold, the construction workers had done everything in the days before to make the house reasonably weatherproof, using a portable heater, warm food, plenty to drink, music, jokes. The construction company was there with about ten people, including the site manager. Friends and new neighbors joined in, creating a cozy atmosphere, and in the end, everyone embraced, full of double grain schnapps…
A topping-out ceremony is a special event. I remember it fondly. April 2017, quite cold, the construction workers had done everything in the days before to make the house reasonably weatherproof, using a portable heater, warm food, plenty to drink, music, jokes. The construction company was there with about ten people, including the site manager. Friends and new neighbors joined in, creating a cozy atmosphere, and in the end, everyone embraced, full of double grain schnapps…
I spoke with our master mason yesterday, and he mentioned that neither he nor his colleague would be upset if we decided not to do it, since both of them still have a 1.5-hour (1.5-hour) commute home.
When I asked him for suggestions on how we could make it easier for them if we insist on going ahead (which we do 😀), he gave me some ideas.
We will now carry out the whole thing on the next possible day with a reasonably good weather forecast, without the craftsmen present.
Corona isn’t really a deciding factor for us either, since we are holding the event outdoors.
When I asked him for suggestions on how we could make it easier for them if we insist on going ahead (which we do 😀), he gave me some ideas.
We will now carry out the whole thing on the next possible day with a reasonably good weather forecast, without the craftsmen present.
Corona isn’t really a deciding factor for us either, since we are holding the event outdoors.
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