HOW TO BUILD A SAFE HOME
Learn The Building Basics YOU NEED TO KNOW with The Online Course For Mold-Aware Homeowners AND Building Pros!
FREE BONUS
3 PART VIDEO COURSE
“Before You Buy or Rent: Building Defects & Signs Of Mold”
($197 Value) Instant Access when you enroll!
IF YOU ARE :
A HOMEOWNER who is
Building, Renovating, Remediating after water damage or mold...
A BUILDING PRO who is
Mold-aware and continuing your education to repair or produce safe buildings...
JUST WANTING TO BE WELL-INFORMED
To talk to your builder, spot defects when choosing a home, and prevent mold...
Then “Building A Safe Home” is for you!
What Is The “Building A Safe Home” Course?
Building A Safe Home is a 6 UNIT ONLINE COURSE that you can complete at your own pace to learn the basics of building a mold-safe home and become a more informed homeowner or building professional.
What You Get From This Course
CONFIDENCE
Have a better understanding of the building process to talk with your building team and make decisions.
AWARENESS
Gain fundamental knowledge to understand risks and make choices to prevent mold and moisture problems.
SUPPORT
Interact with other homeowners and building pros who value quality and safe building practices.
WHO is this course for?
Can you take it if you don’t have building related education?
This course was created to cover the basics that EVERYONE building their own home should know.
This includes both Homeowners AND Building Professionals who want to avoid costly issues with mold and water damage in their building projects.
You do not need any building-related education to take this course.
How The Course Works
Content is organized in
6 DETAILED COURSE UNITS
Each Unit contains several VIDEO LESSONS lead by architect; Cheryl Ciecko
Each Unit includes several video lessons with Cheryl presenting the information in a way that is accessible to both homeowners and building pros.
Supporting RESOURCE DOCUMENTS are included for further study
Access resources PDFs in every Unit to continue your own study and research. View, Download, and Print for reference during your project.
Live Class Discussion
Q&A WITH CHERYL
Students can submit course questions in advance or during the discussion
Approximately every 6-8 Weeks, Cheryl hosts an exclusive course student Livestream to answer questions you have related to the content in the course.
Take part in the discussion or watch the replay if you can't make it
If you can't make it, submit questions in advance and listen to the answers anytime in the recording.
Join A Supportive
PRIVATE STUDENT GROUP
Get support from Cheryl, her team, and the community
Ask questions, share and interact with other students who are building or continuing their education to create safe homes for the long-term.
Interact with students and access more shared resources
Meet Your Instructor
CHERYL CIECKO | Architect
FALA, LEED AP
Cheryl creates her courses from vast experience and technical knowledge on complex building topics, previously only available through conferences and programs for professionals.
With a track record of excellence, Cheryl has presented to thousands of building professionals, architects, engineers, university professors and code officials with outstanding reviews.
She is a licensed architect with over 30 years of knowledge, research, and professional experience. Her past responsibilities include 5 years as Midwest Regional Director and Senior Technical Director for the wood industry in North America.
WHY CREATE THIS COURSE?
There is a LOT of misinformation out there, in a world where there is no regulation for mold professionals.
Knowledge of building design and construction is essential for finding solutions to complicated building problems, such as water damage and poor air quality.
I’m sharing my experience by providing courses and masterclasses for pros and homeowners who want to further their knowledge on safe air quality and mold avoidance.
My 10 year old daughter was the first to experience migraine headaches and coughing fits. The symptoms were unexplainable until we discovered Aspergillus mold in our duct work.
My husband later became very ill from an environmental exposure to mold under the cover of an outdoor ice rink. I began experiencing symptoms as well before finding even more mold caused by a plumbing leak in our home.
When we discovered the mold and the impact it was having on our whole family, I began doing a ton of research, educating myself even more on the topics of mold, air quality, moisture management, and building defects that could lead to mold.
We are all doing well, but it was a long and costly road to recovery from our mold experience. One I would like to help you avoid.
Frequently Asked Questions
QUESTION
When Does The Course Take Place? Do I need to attend classes?
A: You can start taking the course anytime! The content is entirely ONLINE, so you don’t have to worry about making it to classes or running out of time to finish the course.
Virtual Live Q&A discussions with Cheryl take place every 6-8 weeks, but you can submit questions in advance and watch the replays if you can’t attend.
QUESTION
How long will it take to complete? I don’t have much time to study.
A: It takes approximately 1 hour to get through all the Video Lessons of a Unit.
We recommend taking the time to listen to at least 1 Lesson per day to get through everything in 6 Weeks. (About 15 minutes per day).
Many students listen to a few lessons per day to make their way through the course in a shorter time period, but you can do this on your own time, at the pace that works for you.
QUESTION
Where are the lessons and how do I watch them? Do I need an internet connection?
A: All your course video lessons and PDF study materials are hosted inside our secure education content platform.
You log in with your email and password from any device with an internet connection. This includes desktops, laptops, tablets, or even your mobile phone.
Upon enrollment, you get instant access as well as a welcome email with all the details.
QUESTION
How long do I have access to the course for? Is there a deadline?
A: After purchase, you have Lifetime Access to the course lessons and materials. You don’t have to worry about running out of time to access the course.
If we ever change the platform or hosting we’re using for the course, you will receive new login details via email.
You also have 24/7 access to the existing private student group where you can find even more shared resources from your instructor; Cheryl Ciecko.
THE STUDENT TIMELINE
ENROLL and Login to access all material
Access the full course PLUS bonuses to complete at your own pace.
JOIN the Private Student Group
Upon enrollment, you receive a Welcome Email with a private link to join.
TAKE PART in ongoing Q&A Discussions
Every 6-8 weeks. Submit questions, join Live with Cheryl, or catch the replay.
THE CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
What do the lessons cover?
UNIT 1: The Building Site
- LESSON 1.1 Course Intro
- LESSON 1.2 Climate
- LESSON 1.3 Site Selection
- LESSON 1.4 Permits & Planning
- LESSON 1.5 Surveys
- LESSON 1.6 Site Grading
UNIT 2: Building Design
- LESSON 2.1 Building Design Basics
- LESSON 2.2 Design Vocabulary
- LESSON 2.3 Design Phases
- LESSON 2.4 Design Styles
- LESSON 2.5 Floor Planning
- LESSON 2.6 Walls & Roofs
- LESSON 2.7 HVAC, Electric, Plumbing
UNIT 3: Foundations
- LESSON 3.1 Foundations Overview
- LESSON 3.2 Slabs
- LESSON 3.3 Crawl Spaces
- LESSON 3.4 Basements
- LESSON 3.5 Foundation Drainage
- LESSON 3.6 Waterproofing
- LESSON 3.7 Foundation Choices
UNIT 4: The Roof
- LESSON 4.1 Roof Overview
- LESSON 4.2 Roof Slope
- LESSON 4.3 Roof Water Control
- LESSON 4.4 Venting & Insulation
- LESSON 4.5 Roof Details
- LESSON 4.6 Gutters
UNIT 5: Walls & Openings
- LESSON 5.1 Walls & Openings
- LESSON 5.2 Materials
- LESSON 5.3 Drying & Drainage
- LESSON 5.4 Rainscreens
UNIT 6: Contracts
- LESSON 6.1 WHAT are Construction Contract
- LESSON 6.2 WHY Do Contracts Matter
- LESSON 6.3 WHERE To Obtain Contracts
- PDF Sample Contract
PLUS ADDITIONAL BONUSES
GET INSTANT ACCESS WHEN YOU ENROLL
BEFORE YOU BUY OR RENT
Building Defects & Signs Of Mold 3 PART CLASS
In this 3 PART VIDEO SERIES, Cheryl demonstrates how she reviews property listings before buying or renting. Learn to spot signs of mold, water damage, and building defects you need to watch out for.
3 PART VIDEO Series
Over 90 Minutes Of Video lead by Cheryl Ciecko
$197
FREE with enrollment
MOISTURE MATTERS
Building Fundamentals Masterclass
In this 1 HOUR MASTERCLASS, Cheryl reviews the most important factor in preventing mold and water damage; Moisture Management. Learn how problems start, how moisture behaves in buildings, and how homes are affected.
VIDEO MASTERCLASS + Recorded Q&A Period
1 HOUR of Video lead by Cheryl Ciecko
$47
FREE with enrollment
1 Year Free DWI Membership
Dwell Well Institute Community + Lesson Vault
As a student of Building A Safe Home; you get 1 FREE YEAR in the Dwell Well Institute Membership, including access to the Content Vault with over 60 Videos, plus the community group where Cheryl and the team are active!
Join a community of mold-aware homeowners and pros, discuss your projects, post photos, and take part in the online discussion with Cheryl.
Accessible on desktop or mobile device with the Mighty Networks App!
Vault Of Over 60 Videos On Most-Requested Topics
Access The Interactive Private Community Group
$564
1 YEAR FREE with enrolment
What Are The Students Saying About It?
“I am so grateful to Cheryl for providing this course. We want our next house to be built using good principles of moisture management and now I feel better equipped to evaluate potential builders and their practices. I have a much better idea of what questions to ask and what to look for in a builder.”
– D.T.D (Student)
“Lots of information from a unique vantage point that is not offered anywhere else.”
– KWH
“This course was very informative and made me think about a lot of the structural concerns in building a mold-free house.”
– Dianna
“It was such an eye-opening experience…just from the street, to see somebody’s home and see there could be potential for moisture issues…”
Listen to Ray's review of the course
A Message From Cheryl
LET’S REVIEW
Included With Your Enrollment
THE FULL 6 UNIT COURSE
Each Unit Includes 1 HOUR or More of Video + PDF Resources
(OVER $2000 Value)
PRIVATE SUPPORT GROUP
Interact with Cheryl, her team, and other course students
(EXCLUSIVE & Priceless!)
LIVE Q&A DISCUSSIONS
Submit questions and join class discussions with Cheryl
(Each a $297 Value)
PLUS THESE ADDITIONAL
BONUSES
BUILDING QUESTIONS VAULT
Access over 15 Hours of Q&A class recordings
Each of those live course Q&A calls with Cheryl are recorded and uploaded to the course platform for you to listen to anytime! These sessions are filled with fantastic questions from students and detailed answers from Cheryl.
(OVER $500 Value)
OVER $200 IN BONUSES
Full Masterclass + 3 Part Video Series for FREE
To help students gain a better understanding of the topics, Cheryl has included the 1 Hour Masterclass “Moisture Matters” and “Before You Buy Or Rent” 3 Part Video Series, with instant access upon enrollment.
(OVER $200 Value)
Over $5000.00 In Value
Enroll And Get Full Access Now For Only
$1297
More Questions
While we make sure we get to all course questions submitted to Cheryl for the Q&A Sessions, detailed questions on your specific situation would require an individual consultation. This is for everyone’s safety and allows Cheryl to take the steps of due diligence to provide the information you need. NOTE: Building A Safe Home Students can book consulting appointments with discounted “Existing Client” rates.
Due to the digital nature of the course materials, there are no refunds or exchanges on this program.
Yes! First off, you can still submit questions for the Q&A in advance of the event (students receive an invitation to submit questions in the week prior). Cheryl will answer all questions submitted in time for that Q&A session and take additional questions from any students who attend live.
If you can’t watch Live and hear her answer to your questions, the video replay will be uploaded to the course content area within 48 hours after the event.
Start learning from a building professional with decades of experience dealing with complex building issues and a track record of excellence.
INSTEAD OF…
HOPING you’re choosing the right building materials, or worrying if your hired team is mold-aware…
Gain the knowledge to ask the right questions and understand basic mold-aware building steps.
INSTEAD OF…
SEARCHING for the answers all over the internet while trying to avoid misinformation and misplaced advice…
Learn with a respected industry leader who has dealt extensively with complex building issues.
INSTEAD OF…
WAITING for the rest of the industry to get caught up on the rise of mold and moisture issues in new homes…
Continue to update your own education to become mold aware and set a new standard.
Become part of our ever-growing student community, with a supportive education team and expert Instructor!
“We feel much better educated to start the building process. We are at the point where we could collaborate with an architect, negotiate with contractors, and effectively work with a team to build a safe house. “
– B.B (Student)
“We are building a home for my child who is mold sensitive and I learned so much that I have used with our builder. “
– AMY (Student)
Our next Class Q&A Discussion is coming up soon!
JOIN US INSIDE THE COURSE TODAY!
Finally, understand the process of planning a safe home with due diligence to avoid mold and moisture issues for the long term!
All Rights Reserved © 2021 CHERYL CIECKO INC.
DISCLAIMER
We are not a medical organisation and we do not and cannot give or purport to give you any medical advice or assistance in whatever form. Nothing in the video, associated Websites, or anything associated with it should be taken or understood as medical advice or assistance nor should it be interpreted in substitution for any medical advice or assistance or used or referred to instead of seeking appropriate medical advice or assistance from qualified practitioners for your particular circumstances and needs. You are solely responsible for evaluating and assessing your own health and well-being and whether, in all the circumstances, you should access and use the Website and/or participate in the System and/or its products and services. We encourage you to seek appropriate medical advice or assistance before embarking on any use of the Website, program, plan, and/or its products or services.
You agree that neither we, nor any of our affiliates, service providers, and/or suppliers, warrant or make any representation about the contents, products, services nor offers referred to in the Website, Plan, or program, and specifically do not make any representation about the risks, results, reasonableness, or accuracy or otherwise of such contents, products, services or offers and your use of the Website, program, plan or any products and services, is at your sole risk.
Cheryl Ciecko/Cheryl Ciecko Inc./ Cheryl Ciecko Goethals Architect, Inc. information articles webinars, and other resources or references are intended for professionals. The author and the publisher of shared information have used their best efforts to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. The author and publisher make no warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, with regard to the information contained in this article, document, or resource link.
The information presented in this article must be used with care by professionals who understand the implications of what they are doing. If professional advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional shall be sought. The author and publisher shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from, the use of the information contained within shared documents and links.
Cheryl Ciecko Inc is committed to facilitating the accessibility and usability of its Websites, avoidingmold.com, cherylciecko.com, dwellwellinstitute.com (the “Website”), and all related sites for persons with sensory disabilities. To accomplish this, Cheryl Ciecko Inc will be implementing over time the relevant portions of the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 Level AA (“WCAG 2.0 AA”) as its web accessibility standard, which will allow the Website to be more accessible to persons with sensory disabilities. Until such time as all our electronic media upgrades are complete, if you have difficulty accessing any part of the website or related pages to attain information, process program registration, purchase products, or for any other purpose please contact support directly and we will be able to assist you. EMAIL: care(at)avoidingmold.com
