Recent Articles

Image for Rural Georgia’s Bridges of Hope leads addicts to a new life

Rural Georgia’s Bridges of Hope leads addicts to a new life

Author: Team CMC
Men and women break the cycle of addiction with a program focused on developing foundational life skills and giving back to the community Patrick Anderson understands...
Image for Ministry emphasizes education in program to help end homelessness

Ministry emphasizes education in program to help end homelessness

Author: Team CMC
Nspire Outreach aims to change the lives of those homeless by offering tools for long-term success and the opportunity to feel safe and...
Image for What is a Home Inspection?

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...
Image for Dublin volunteers to create a resource closet for children

Dublin volunteers to create a resource closet for children

Author: Team CMC
Kid's Cup, with a mission of loving neighbors and offering hope, helps children with stability and security. When a church friend asked...
Image for Decks Top List of Most Overlooked Home Maintenance Item

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...
Image for Spring Fever Brings Birds, Butterflies and...Bats?

Spring Fever Brings Birds, Butterflies and...Bats?

Author: Mandy Garnto
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...
Image for 30 Years of Home Inspection Experience Now Part of Cingo Family

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...
Image for How to measure household water pressure

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...
Image for What to expect from a roof inspection

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....
Image for Founder’s personal experience drives program to help those caught in domestic abuse

Founder’s personal experience drives program to help those caught in domestic abuse

Author: Team CMC
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....
Image for Chimneys and Wildlife

Chimneys and Wildlife

Author: Mandy Garnto
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...
Image for Moisture in a Crawl Space

Moisture in a Crawl Space

Author: Mandy Garnto
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...
Image for Charleston programs give children the power to dream

Charleston programs give children the power to dream

Author: Team CMC
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,...
Image for Cingo Prevent+ Plan Visit Frequency

Cingo Prevent+ Plan Visit Frequency

Author: Mandy Garnto
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...
Image for Program to support animals is tribute to a wife’s love of pets

Program to support animals is tribute to a wife’s love of pets

Author: Team CMC
'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...
Image for Potentially Dire Consequences of Skipping A Home Inspection

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...
Image for Dublin non-profit provides safe space for traumatized children

Dublin non-profit provides safe space for traumatized children

Author: Team CMC
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...
Image for Understanding a Home Inspection Report

Understanding a Home Inspection Report

Author: Joy Stanton-Hirst
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...
Image for Volunteers work to reduce student hunger

Volunteers work to reduce student hunger

Author: Team CMC
Effingham Backpack Buddies provides weekend lunches, snacks to hundreds of local children. Students are back in school, and that means Effingham Backpack Buddies...
Image for Home safety concerns: electrical wiring

Home safety concerns: electrical wiring

Author: Mandy Garnto
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...
Image for Protect Your Home From its Biggest Threat

Protect Your Home From its Biggest Threat

Author: Joy Stanton-Hirst
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...
Image for South Georgian finds niche to serve his community

South Georgian finds niche to serve his community

Author: Team CMC
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...
Image for When Summer Storms Stir the Fire Ants

When Summer Storms Stir the Fire Ants

Author: Mandy Garnto
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,...
Image for Businessman's promise continues to help middle Georgia

Businessman's promise continues to help middle Georgia

Author: Team CMC
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...
Image for Hurdles that slow down closing

Hurdles that slow down closing

Author: Mandy Garnto
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...
Image for A year later, pop-up market evolves to feed thousands

A year later, pop-up market evolves to feed thousands

Author: Team CMC
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...
Image for Fleas, ticks, and health risks

Fleas, ticks, and health risks

Author: Bill Ballard
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...
Image for Teen's senior project brings defensive driving course to Augusta

Teen's senior project brings defensive driving course to Augusta

Author: Team CMC
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,...
Image for Staying Ahead of the Swarm

Staying Ahead of the Swarm

Author: Mandy Garnto
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...
Image for Church program connects bikes to job transportation

Church program connects bikes to job transportation

Author: Team CMC
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....
Image for For the Love of Home

For the Love of Home

Author: Mandy Garnto
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...
Image for Program leads women to sobriety and financial independence

Program leads women to sobriety and financial independence

Author: Team CMC
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,...
Image for Baby, it's cold outside...for the mice.

Baby, it's cold outside...for the mice.

Author: Mandy Garnto
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...
Image for Warner Robins nurse advocates medical care to homeless, uninsured

Warner Robins nurse advocates medical care to homeless, uninsured

Author: Team CMC
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...
Image for Buying

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...
Image for Marietta ministry helps women, children find stability

Marietta ministry helps women, children find stability

Author: Team CMC
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...
Image for Radon - what is it and who should test for it?

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...
Image for Innovative project helps teens with needed supplies

Innovative project helps teens with needed supplies

Author: Team CMC
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...
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Honoring All Who Served

Author: Mandy Garnto
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...
Image for Insect-Proof Your Home

Insect-Proof Your Home

Author: Joy Stanton-Hirst
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...
Image for Alpharetta Teens Create Nonprofit that Helps Women Globally

Alpharetta Teens Create Nonprofit that Helps Women Globally

Author: Team CMC
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...
Image for Airborne Mold Testing

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...
Image for Protect Your Castle

Protect Your Castle

Author: Joy Stanton-Hirst
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...
Image for ‘Porch Portraits’ Give Neighbors an Opportunity to Help

‘Porch Portraits’ Give Neighbors an Opportunity to Help

Author: Team CMC
Wedding photographer memorializes pandemic while supporting domestic violence shelter.When the COVID-19 lockdown began in March, Ashley Marks, a wedding and portrait...
Image for An Important Message from Cingo

An Important Message from Cingo

Author: Mandy Garnto
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...
Image for Terri Starley creates masks to keep folks safe during pandemic

Terri Starley creates masks to keep folks safe during pandemic

Author: Team CMC
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...
Image for 3 Tools for Homeowners to Stay Ahead

3 Tools for Homeowners to Stay Ahead

Author: Joy Stanton-Hirst
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...
Image for Good Deeds of Coffee County Rallies the Community to Help

Good Deeds of Coffee County Rallies the Community to Help

Author: Team CMC
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...
Image for Prepare Your Backyard for Summertime Activities

Prepare Your Backyard for Summertime Activities

Author: Joy Stanton-Hirst
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...
Image for River of Life Dublin brings community together to keep homes safe and secure

River of Life Dublin brings community together to keep homes safe and secure

Author: Team CMC
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....
Image for Red Flags for Homeowners

Red Flags for Homeowners

Author: Joy Stanton-Hirst
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...