Privacy Policy
Effective Date: April 2026
thecostin.com/ (“we,” “us,” “our”) respects your privacy. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding that information.
Information We Collect
Automatically collected: When you visit our site, our web server and analytics tools collect standard log data: your IP address, browser type, device type, pages visited, time spent, and referring URL. This data is collected through cookies and similar technologies.
Voluntarily provided: If you email us (for corrections, project cost reports, or general inquiries), we collect the information you include in your message: your email address, name (if provided), and the content of your communication.
We do not collect: We do not collect financial information, Social Security numbers, payment details, or any sensitive personal information through this website.
How We Use Your Information
- To operate, maintain, and improve our website and cost guides
- To understand how visitors use our site (aggregate analytics)
- To respond to your emails and inquiries
- To incorporate anonymized project cost data into our guides (only if you voluntarily submit it)
- To display relevant advertising through our advertising partners
Cookies and Tracking
We use cookies for website functionality and analytics. Third-party advertising partners may also place cookies to serve relevant ads. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Disabling cookies may affect your experience on our site but will not prevent you from accessing our cost guides.
Analytics: We use Google Analytics to understand traffic patterns. Google Analytics collects anonymized data about your visit. You can opt out using the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-on.
Advertising: Our advertising partners may use cookies to serve ads based on your browsing history across websites. You can opt out of personalized advertising through the Digital Advertising Alliance opt-out page.
Third-Party Links
Our cost guides may contain links to external websites, including contractor platforms, product retailers, and reference sources. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any external site you visit through our links.
Data Sharing
We do not sell your personal information. We may share anonymized, aggregate data (such as “40% of visitors view our plumbing repair guide”) with advertising partners. We may disclose personal information if required by law or to protect our legal rights.
Data Retention
Server logs are retained for 90 days. Email correspondence is retained for 24 months. Anonymized analytics data is retained indefinitely. You may request deletion of your personal data at any time by emailing contact@thecostin.com.
Your Rights
California residents (CCPA): You have the right to know what personal information we collect, request deletion of your data, and opt out of the sale of personal information (we don’t sell personal data). To exercise these rights, email contact@thecostin.com.
EU/EEA residents (GDPR): You have the right to access, correct, delete, or port your personal data, and to withdraw consent for data processing. To exercise these rights, email contact@thecostin.com.
All visitors: You may request a copy of any personal data we hold about you or request its deletion by emailing contact@thecostin.com. We respond to all requests within 30 days.
Children’s Privacy
Our website is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected data from a child, please contact us for immediate removal.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy periodically. Changes are posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact
Questions about this privacy policy: contact@thecostin.com