HOPP Suisse -The RICHTFEST
The topping-out ceremony is celebrated after the roof truss has been knocked down and marks a milestone in the construction of a house. Whether topping-out wreath or topping-out tree - the custom must be celebrated.
START PLANNING EARLY
Depending on how big the party is going to be, it is advisable to start planning about two weeks in advance. Make sure you allow enough time so that small mishaps don't throw you off course. Start with the basics, such as organising seating or a party tent. This is followed by the detailed work, such as putting together the food and the decorations. Create a checklist in advance with a time schedule so that the planning is organised and you don't forget anything. As the client, you usually already have a thousand other things on your mind, so a little reminder is definitely useful.
SET DATE
At least one week before the roof truss is completed, it is time to set a suitable date for the topping-out ceremony. As the builder-owner, it is best to arrange this in consultation with the architect and the foreman, as the celebration takes place during working hours. Of course, the construction of the house is suspended during the ceremony, but this must be taken into account in the schedule. It is also helpful to discuss the menu with the supervising craftsmen - they usually have more experience with topping-out ceremonies than the builder and can provide valuable tips.
DO NOT SAVE ON CATERING
Even if the home ownership project is a financial feat for private builders, the topping-out ceremony doesn't make up for it. Sufficient food and an ample supply of drinks are just as much a part of an unforgettable celebration as good humour and nice guests. In addition to food and drink, particularly attentive builders also keep tobacco products on hand. Nevertheless, such a celebration does not mean that the host has to go to great expense for his guests. If you plan cleverly, you can save a lot of money. The expenses for the topping-out ceremony are regarded as ancillary building costs and can be utilised by building owners for tax purposes. It is therefore worth keeping all receipts. Only buy drinks in bottles and cans, and plan to buy food in packs wherever possible. This makes it easier to store unopened leftovers and utilise them later. When it comes to food, hearty home cooking is particularly suitable. The rustic cuisine corresponds to the customs on the construction site and the other guests are sure to find something tasty. What's more, the food is easy to prepare and inexpensive, which benefits you as the client. For example, offer barbecued meat, stews, potato salads, snack platters and the like. You are sure to impress the physically hard-working craftsmen more with this than with haute cuisine dishes. The choice of drinks does not require any extravagant expenditure either: Buy plenty of beer and wine, definitely something high-proof for toasting and non-alcoholic drinks to balance things out. There are usually no hire costs, as the topping-out ceremony takes place on the construction site. Only in cold or wet weather are rooms an option that needs to be calculated. Club pubs offer favourable solutions here.
CONCENTRATION ON THE ESSENTIALS
The same applies to the entire party planning as for the food: Keep it simple! As a topping-out ceremony is not a formal occasion, glamorous accessories are unnecessary. Concentrate on the purpose of the event and base the planning on your guests - and the most important ones are clearly the tradesmen. They like things to be traditional and uncomplicated. So skip the fancy trivialities right away. Beer tent sets or benches as seating, food, drinks, plates and cutlery, the components of the topping-out wreath or topping-out tree and all other components required for the traditional customs are important.
THE MORE GUESTS, THE BETTER
In terms of guests, the topping-out ceremony is not usually limited to the tradesmen, from the master craftsman to the apprentice (yes, really all workers are included). The guest list also includes everyone else involved in the building project, such as the architect, structural engineer or site manager. You should also invite your family, friends and future neighbours. This creates a good atmosphere and establishes a good relationship with the neighbours right from the start. The topping-out ceremony is also the ideal opportunity to show friends and acquaintances the construction site and the future home. The invitation is informal and verbal. Send out the invitations early enough so that both the tradesmen and external participants can prepare in good time. Also bear this in mind when organising the gifts for the topping-out ceremony: Always have enough so that everyone is satisfied.
IMPORTANT: PARTICIPATE YOURSELF
It may sound banal, but there are always builders who don't attend the topping-out ceremony in person. Be it due to a lack of time or simply because they don't feel like it. Organising the event is commendable, but it is not enough. Your guests are waiting for you. Be part of the event and celebrate together with the construction workers - at least for a while. This will show your respect for the craftsmen who are building your house. After all, it is your building that is at the centre of the topping-out ceremony! And don't forget the gifts for the topping-out ceremony: the give-and-take is nicer when the builders are there in person.
CORDON OFF DANGEROUS AREAS
As soon as the work has been put down, preferably before the first guests arrive, you should minimise the potential hazards on the construction site. This includes cordoning off pits, unfinished stairs or similar tripping hazards. It is difficult to keep an eye on all guests during the party. Children in particular like to explore unfamiliar terrain and can quickly injure themselves on the construction site. Co-ordinate with the foreman and ask the workmen to secure the site, for example with barrier tape. You will have a much more relaxed party if you know the construction site is safe. You should also instruct your guests to move around the site carefully. It is best not to let them explore the site on their own, but offer guided tours.
RESPECT RITUALS AND CUSTOMS
In its centuries-old tradition, numerous customs have been established for the topping-out ceremony that are still used today. For example, the topping-out wreath is attached to the roof truss or the topping-out tree is erected. The carpenters often involve the builder in the event by having him hammer a nail into the beams. The carpenters' blessing of the roof or house is a very important custom. It is intended to protect against damage and give the builders a happy life in their new home. The topping-out ceremony is therefore not only a celebration of thanks, but also the "christening" of the house. While one of the carpenters gives his speech, he toasts the builders with wine, champagne or schnapps and then throws the empty glass from the roof. If it breaks, it means good luck. This is also a traditional custom. The performance of the rituals forms the supporting programme at the topping-out ceremony and should be respected by the builders and guests. As the procedure has been discussed in advance with the foreman or master carpenter, you as the builder can relax and enjoy these beautiful traditions
GIFT IDEAS
And now the most important thing: The gifts for the topping-out ceremony. The topping-out ceremony is a give and take. On the one hand, the builders reward the workmen with small gifts. This could be a bottle of schnapps for everyone or some other gift. Gifts of money to the craftsmen are particularly welcome. On the other hand, the builders receive small gifts from their guests. They usually enrich the household or serve the further construction of the house. Bread and salt are also given to the builders as good luck charms.
RESPOND TO THE CRAFTSMEN
As the builder, don't isolate yourself from the workers, but approach them in a friendly manner. The topping-out ceremony should be fun for all guests, and that includes having a nice chat with each other. Toast together to the successful construction of the house and always pour plenty of toast. After all their hard work, the craftsmen deserve to be recognised by the builders. They will thank you in equal measure with tangible achievements. With these practical tips, it's easy to organise the first topping-out ceremony. The important thing is not to get stressed. Keep a cool head and take it easy. Builders and craftsmen are down-to-earth people who won't hold it against you if small mishaps happen. If you have any questions, ask the architect, the foreman or the master carpenter. They can certainly give you one or two tips for organising the topping-out ceremony. Enjoy the topping-out ceremony. It is an important celebration for your house, for you, your guests and, of course, for the carpenters and craftsmen. And how often do you get the opportunity to organise a topping-out ceremony as a builder?
