Recent Articles
What is a Home Inspection?
Originally published November 2020
Purchasing a home can be a complex and stressful process,
but professional agents and other key players can help smooth the path and...
Dublin volunteers to create a resource closet for children
Kid's Cup, with a mission of loving neighbors and offering hope,
helps children with stability and security.
When a church friend asked...
Decks Top List of Most Overlooked Home Maintenance Item
Article originally written in September 2021.
Someone recently asked me for my thoughts on the top maintenance items most often overlooked by homeowners. Rather than repeat...
Spring Fever Brings Birds, Butterflies and...Bats?
It's common knowledge that springtime usually means new
babies are being born throughout the animal kingdom. Little chicks, foals, baby
cows—those are all cute and...
30 Years of Home Inspection Experience Now Part of Cingo Family
Interview conducted in February 2022In 2019, two of Atlanta's largest multi-inspector firms, the Cornerstone Group and Building Knowledge LLC, merged under the umbrella of...
How to measure household water pressure
Everyone talks about wanting high water pressure, but the truth is… you really don't.Household water pressure above 80 psi can damage some plumbing lines and void warranties...
What to expect from a roof inspection
For most of my inspection career I drove a small hatchback. It was sporty and versatile, got great gas mileage, and all my tools (including two ladders) fit neatly in the back....
Founder’s personal experience drives program to help those caught in domestic abuse
Finally Set Free uses education, mentoring and more to help survivors heal.Tracy Brack saw the horrible impact of domestic violence through the experience of a close friend....
Chimneys and Wildlife
Up on the housetop reindeer pause
Out jumps good ol' Santa Claus
Down through the chimney with lots of toys
All for the little ones' Christmas joysNow that the holidays are...
Moisture in a Crawl Space
The key to dealing with moisture issues in a crawl space is finding the source of the problem. Typically, this falls to one or a combination of three things:
An active...
Charleston programs give children the power to dream
Opened in 2009, Kids on Point serves children from elementary through post-secondary school through after-school and year-round programs.There's a senior at Clemson University,...
Cingo Prevent+ Plan Visit Frequency
While it's hard to battle mother nature on her home turf, Cingo can help with some of the pests outside your home.The Cingo Prevent+ plan is designed to fortify your home...
Program to support animals is tribute to a wife’s love of pets
'Elizabeth's Hope' aims to provide care for neglected animals, especially those whose owners have diedInspired by his late wife's life-long love of neglected animals, Rodney...
Potentially Dire Consequences of Skipping A Home Inspection
I was recently hired to conduct an inspection at a home that was purchased without an inspection or an appraisal. My clients had finally caved to their agent's urging. Upon...
Dublin non-profit provides safe space for traumatized children
Over the past 20 years, Stepping Stone has helped thousands of children tell their story and navigate the court process.
In 2012, Brooke Woods' life took an unexpected...
Understanding a Home Inspection Report
We understand that the homebuying process can
be overwhelming and the tasks feel never-ending. Home inspections can often be
more troublesome than helpful, especially when...
Volunteers work to reduce student hunger
Effingham Backpack Buddies provides weekend lunches, snacks to hundreds of local children.
Students are back in school, and that means Effingham Backpack Buddies...
Home safety concerns: electrical wiring
There are many reasons why potential buyers need to have a home inspection, but at the top of that list should be safety concerns. A thorough home inspection can identify...
Protect Your Home From its Biggest Threat
Originally published on April 4, 2020. This article has been updated with more relevant content.
The biggest threat to your home may surprise you. Whether you're...
South Georgian finds niche to serve his community
The Gateway Center's services include counseling, sexual assault examinations and victim advocacy.
Malcolm King started out as an English major, but it didn't take him...
When Summer Storms Stir the Fire Ants
When the summer rains come, so do the fire ants. Overnight the little red clay mounds suddenly appear, popping up throughout pastures and alongside highways. Unfortunately,...
Businessman's promise continues to help middle Georgia
Perry Volunteer Outreach helps beyond an immediate crisis, working with other local organizations to provide more than money to pay a past due bill.
In 2000, middle...
Hurdles that slow down closing
There's not much worse than receiving the news that your clients' closing date has to be postponed. However, the most common hurdles on the way to closing can be cleared...
A year later, pop-up market evolves to feed thousands
Solidarity Sandy Springs holds weekly market days to feed families in need.
About a year ago, Jennifer Barnes woke up "with panic in my gut," stressed about the impact...
Fleas, ticks, and health risks
This article was originally published on July 27, 2018. Updated as of May 12, 2021.
Endless sunny days and warm weather make summertime a favorite season to play outside...
Teen's senior project brings defensive driving course to Augusta
The death of three teens in a single-vehicle accident highlighted the need for local resources.
Three years ago, Braden Lewis followed in his older brother's path,...
Staying Ahead of the Swarm
Now that temperatures are creeping up, termite swarms are on the rise. Each year, swarms occur when a colony has reached its maximum capacity and needs to create satellite...
Church program connects bikes to job transportation
Marietta ministry provides refurbished bicycles to people who need reliable, safe transportation.
Growing up in Chicago, bikes were an everyday part of Doug Wils life....
For the Love of Home
Home should be an anchor, a port in a storm, a refuge, a happy place in which to dwell, a place where we can love. ~ M.J. Ashton
For most of us, the word "home" is...
Program leads women to sobriety and financial independence
Grace House of Brunswick provides women with a safe place to recover from addiction, regain stability.Four years ago, at age 28, Caroline Kittle was fighting her own demons,...
Baby, it's cold outside...for the mice.
When the temperature drops, we like to snuggle up inside our homes, all warm and cozy. The same goes for little critters, specifically mice. During the colder months, it's not...
Warner Robins nurse advocates medical care to homeless, uninsured
Original title: Warner Robins nurse practitioner calls on volunteers to provide medical care to homeless, uninsured
The work of Hands of Grace, founded in 2017, has become...
Buying "As Is"
Short Due Diligence? Buying "As Is"? Don't be tempted to skip the home inspection.The Due diligence period refers to the time after the signing of a contract that a home buyer...
Marietta ministry helps women, children find stability
As 2020 comes to an end, Cingo is honored to share the story of The Table on Delk, this month's Circle & Shield award recipient. The Table on Delk offers food and...
Radon - what is it and who should test for it?
Radon - what
is it and who should test for it?Radon is a
by-product of the breakdown of granite bedrock. It is a radioactive gas, a
known carcinogen, and an element that can...
Innovative project helps teens with needed supplies
Augusta-area foundation provides discrete assistance to those in needIt's hard to feel safe and secure when you're worried about being ridiculed for something out of your...
Honoring All Who Served
On this Veterans Day, we share our heartfelt appreciation not only to our active and former military members, but to their families who bear the burden as well. Thank you...
Insect-Proof Your Home
Seeing a pest in your home is enough to make anyone uneasy, especially when it can indicate you have bigger problems on your hands. Aside from being a nuisance, insects can...
Alpharetta Teens Create Nonprofit that Helps Women Globally
Three high school seniors in metropolitan Atlanta are creating change globally through their foundation that addresses healthcare needs of young womenWhen you ask a high school...
Airborne Mold Testing
Airborne Mold Testing: Who should test and why.
As an inspector, I often get asked by my clients if they should test for mold. Since this is a discussion I frequently...
Protect Your Castle
Your home is your castle, protecting you and your family. It is one of the most important purchases you will ever make, but maintaining the protection of your home without the...
‘Porch Portraits’ Give Neighbors an Opportunity to Help
Wedding photographer memorializes pandemic while supporting domestic violence shelter.When the COVID-19 lockdown began in March, Ashley Marks, a wedding and portrait...
An Important Message from Cingo
How many times have you answered your phone just to hear a recording from "John calling about your extended car warranty?" We receive those calls, too, in our Care Center. In...
Terri Starley creates masks to keep folks safe during pandemic
Updated on August 25th, 2021. Original title: Dublin friends create masks to keep folks far and near safe during pandemic
Terrie Starley, a grandmother of four, keeps...
3 Tools for Homeowners to Stay Ahead
Your family and home deserve the utmost protection, but it can be a daunting task for those missing the proper tools. It takes a lot to juggle all the homeowner...
Good Deeds of Coffee County Rallies the Community to Help
Local lawyer leads volunteers to provide everything from mattresses to food for those in need.What started as one law office filling a big need for local children has evolved...
Prepare Your Backyard for Summertime Activities
Your backyard becomes a summertime outdoor activity hotspot, but it also becomes the prime location to potential threats. Your home, interior and exterior, is your domain. You...
River of Life Dublin brings community together to keep homes safe and secure
Updated on August 25th, 2021. Original title: River of Life Dublin brings teens and adults together to keep homes safe and secure
If you're looking, you'll find the need....
Red Flags for Homeowners
Issues in your home are always best when caught early. The best way to spot the red flags of a potential problem is to rely on your senses and be alert. Always be equipped by...