Hello everyone,
Today, the house delivery arrived, or rather, the delivery of the wood (timber frame construction with CLT exterior walls).
I had been thinking all along that we would host a celebration as a thank-you for all the helpers, whether professional or private.
Then today, a neighbor mentioned something about a topping-out ceremony, and I thought that’s the kind of celebration where you invite everyone at the end.
But when I Googled “topping-out ceremony,” it sounded different… like the celebration usually happens while the roof frame is being installed, during working hours and so on.
The house will probably be finished the day after tomorrow, but I haven’t planned any time off or organized anything. Plus, it gets dark quite early.
I also don’t want to come across as stingy.
Do people still hold such traditional topping-out ceremonies, with a wreath or tree, and the symbolic hammering in of the last nail?
What would you do in my situation, and how is it typically done?
I feel a bit awkward because the word “topping-out ceremony” had a somewhat different meaning for me until now.
Best regards,
titoz
Today, the house delivery arrived, or rather, the delivery of the wood (timber frame construction with CLT exterior walls).
I had been thinking all along that we would host a celebration as a thank-you for all the helpers, whether professional or private.
Then today, a neighbor mentioned something about a topping-out ceremony, and I thought that’s the kind of celebration where you invite everyone at the end.
But when I Googled “topping-out ceremony,” it sounded different… like the celebration usually happens while the roof frame is being installed, during working hours and so on.
The house will probably be finished the day after tomorrow, but I haven’t planned any time off or organized anything. Plus, it gets dark quite early.
I also don’t want to come across as stingy.
Do people still hold such traditional topping-out ceremonies, with a wreath or tree, and the symbolic hammering in of the last nail?
What would you do in my situation, and how is it typically done?
I feel a bit awkward because the word “topping-out ceremony” had a somewhat different meaning for me until now.
Best regards,
titoz
Celebrate your event the way you like.
You can surely make the builders of your house happy with a pea stew and a case of beer or sparkling water (or tea or coffee). A small envelope with some cash is also usually appreciated as a gesture of thanks, especially before Christmas.
If you prefer not to give cash, pack a few small gift bags with nice items inside (wine, cookies, thank-you chocolates).
For friends and future neighbors, you can hold a gathering shortly before or after the move: casual and straightforward, rather down-to-earth, with drinks served from a keg or case.
And yes: the topping-out ceremony is usually celebrated according to the orientation of the roof structure or the house itself. There is also a bit of superstition involved – I would suggest asking the construction company if they have ordered a topping-out wreath. We were asked at the contract signing whether we wanted to hold a topping-out ceremony.
Best regards
You can surely make the builders of your house happy with a pea stew and a case of beer or sparkling water (or tea or coffee). A small envelope with some cash is also usually appreciated as a gesture of thanks, especially before Christmas.
If you prefer not to give cash, pack a few small gift bags with nice items inside (wine, cookies, thank-you chocolates).
For friends and future neighbors, you can hold a gathering shortly before or after the move: casual and straightforward, rather down-to-earth, with drinks served from a keg or case.
And yes: the topping-out ceremony is usually celebrated according to the orientation of the roof structure or the house itself. There is also a bit of superstition involved – I would suggest asking the construction company if they have ordered a topping-out wreath. We were asked at the contract signing whether we wanted to hold a topping-out ceremony.
Best regards
I can only speak from my parents’ topping-out ceremony experience: a pot with sausages, bread rolls, and a case of cola. It was deliberately scheduled on a Saturday so the core group of helpers could also attend.
We considered skipping the topping-out ceremony altogether. Let’s see when they would start. If it’s in the middle of the week, we can forget about it.
Personally, I wouldn’t give money. That’s just my own attitude towards it.
We considered skipping the topping-out ceremony altogether. Let’s see when they would start. If it’s in the middle of the week, we can forget about it.
Personally, I wouldn’t give money. That’s just my own attitude towards it.
Evolith schrieb:
It was deliberately scheduled on a Saturday so that the core group of helpers could also be present.This only works for some construction crews. We also had a topping-out ceremony for our prefabricated house and invited neighbors and friends. Since our crew was staying overnight anyway, they were quite happy to get some refreshments in the evening. If they are from the local area, participation might be much lower, or the workers might leave quite early.You can also give a tip after the work is finished; it doesn’t necessarily have to be at the topping-out ceremony. But honestly: It’s probably too late to organize something now.
titoz schrieb:
Hey, thanks for your reply.
Food, beer, coffee – everything's covered. What do you mean by "few bills"?
There are 4 carpenters and a crane operator. I have absolutely no idea what’s usual to tip in this situation.A tenner for each? That sounds quite low...
I would give each a $10 bill (or equivalent) in a filled Christmas stocking.
You’re on board with this idea, right?
Regards