jakorte's blog

Mid-day Friday, we expected to see Miss R. coming down the drive again any second, and we were anxious to see her.

But we were more anxious to finish so much more before her arrival: more tiling, wipe down the floors, walls and doors, remove the evidence of workers, clean everything as best we could, and conquer a new task for a GITC team: staging.

Even though there wouldn’t be time for the grout to set so we could install the bathroom sink, just to double-check the tile cuts, the sink was hauled out of its box. NSDR handles an incredible amount of donated building supplies. Our sink had arrived boxed, with hardware and templates and everything you need for installation. It was at this late point, deep in the afternoon, when we discovered a problem. The template provided from the box was oval – but the sink inside the box, still sitting securely under its wrapping, was round. The vanity top and the tile had already been cut for an oval sink.

There were some issues with some incorrectly installed or completely not installed electrical outlets, and the gas stove that was delivered wasn’t going to help any. An electric stove was needed – there was no gas service to this residence. There was also no refrigerator, although the air conditioning was installed and working which was enthusiastically embraced as a little victory.

As with all homes, new and renovated, there are certain codes and requirements that must be fulfilled before a house can be released for occupancy. Our little house did not meet some of them. Knowing that our homeowner would not be moving in for at least another few weeks now made it even more important to us that we at least create the illusion that despite our last minute set-backs, she would be closer to being able to come home.

Even though I’d heard the term “staging” on one of those house-wise shows where people are trying to sell their home, I wasn’t sure exactly what the point was or what sort of things were required. Our site manager made it easier to understand by explaining:

“Staging is typically done on houses that are going on the market to be sold. Items, purchased or existing, are placed strategically to give the sense that a house has a homey feel. This makes the home attractive to potential buyers. This was also the goal when staging Miss R’s home. Some GITC and donation purchased items such as towels and towel bars, laundry detergent and fabric softener helped make the house feel like a home. We placed Miss R’s existing furniture around the house with the purchased items to help her feel comfortable when she saw her renovated home for the first time.”

Looking back on all the things that were influenced with our personal touches - bathroom mirror, towel rings and towels, kitchen towels, a door mat, furniture arrangement, welcoming flowers, hanging bird feeders, even securing the new mailbox – I have a clear picture of who chose which items. It is a joy and blessing to know that every person on our team was intimately and personally involved in setting the stage for a new beginning to Miss R’s already amazing GOD-staged life.